During the month of March, I was preparing for the spring season. For me, this usually means that I’m coming off of a slow period after Christmas and holiday sales. I have to work hard to make sure my planning is set for spring and summer classes, shows, events, and promotions. I’m always excited to restock my printed items (and a few exclusive original pieces) with local shops like Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts (Tom Ridge Environmental Center Gift Shop), Gallery 104, and the Presque Isle Lighthouse. I had shows and art markets in my schedule for this summer. Obviously everything changed for the Pandemic.
First, I want to say how grateful I am for my community for sticking together and making best efforts to keep each other safe by following CDC guidelines and implementing common sense hygiene practices. I already work from home (in my home studio) but I know that not everyone is used to sharing professional space, and it is challenging to feel trapped or stuck in your home.
I hope everyone is well, and I hope you are taking time for yourselves. Please allow me to offer some unsolicited advice:
It's really important to set guidelines for when you are working vs. when you are not working in the same space. Set boundaries. Get your work done, but don’t feel you need to be accessible 24/7. Communicate with your work team and your family, and make sure that you are setting up time and space for everyone to have off hours. Boundaries are important. It’s not selfish to need time to recharge or reflect on things in solitude. Everyone needs some time to themselves. Conversely, if you are alone in your home, take some actions to connect with the world. (*Try one of my virtual art classes! You can connect with others taking the class, from the safety and comfort of your home!) Take care of yourself. Try your best to find some balance in your current situation. Everyone is struggling with some kind of anxiety or stressor right now. Please be patient with others—but more importantly, be patient with yourself.
Okay, now that I’ve made a food-blog-esque intro into what I want to say, let’s get into the series of Miniature Watercolors.
Basically, my spring and summer plans were cancelled. My usual vendors could not place orders, and purchasing art was not a priority for many families who were (and perhaps still are) struggling to find money for groceries, rent, and medical supplies. My business was obviously struggling, but I had also received many words of support and a lot of interest in my work. I know that art is important to mental health. Obviously it is important for my own practice to create, but I also think it is important for people to see and connect to things that can bring them joy.
I decided to release a series of bluebirds, at a heavily reduced price, so that people who had been looking to support local businesses (while brightening their own day) could purchase a special piece of art. After their success, I continued the series with other birds, florals, foxes, bunnies, and even chickens! I still have a few minis left, and I might list them here….or include them as gifts with large purchases. For those of you who purchased a mini (or any other art) I want to thank you for your patronage and support. It has really helped keep me (and my business) going.
As for the future…I have no idea where to go from here, but I have been taking it one day at a time. I am now offering virtual Art With Brian Painting classes via zoom, and have plans to do another facebook live tutorial. Let me know what you’d like to see from me in the future!
Take care.