Blog

In my last post, I wrote about jealousy in the creative world and how easy it is to compare ourselves to someone else's success. But it's also important to remember that we rarely know the story behind the accolade, the sale, or the opportunity we wish had been ours. Sometimes, what looks like overnight success has been years in the making. Last week, I attended Noah Kahan's (unfortunately, no relation!) sold-out concert at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. With more than 40,000 fans in attendance, the lines for everything were long—the bathrooms, the concession stands, and especially the official merchandise booths. One item caught [...]

  I recently read Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, a collection of essays from author Cheryl Strayed's anonymous advice column, Dear Sugar, which originally ran on The Rumpus. Through radical empathy and deeply personal stories, Strayed offers thoughtful guidance for navigating life's messiest moments. One letter, in particular, made my little artist radar light up. The writer who submitted the question was, well...a writer. But I think the heart of the question applies to anyone pursuing a creative life—painters, photographers, musicians, writers, and just about anyone who has ever poured their heart into making something. Here's the gist: Dear Sugar... How [...]

Two years ago, I wrote about the prevalence of art scams. Unfortunately, rather than disappearing, these scams have become more sophisticated. It is disheartening to see scammers exploiting innocent artists who only wish to share their art with the world. Presenting one’s creation takes immense courage and confidence, and when someone shows interest in purchasing their work, it brings immense joy. With this in mind, my goal is to educate and empower artists to identify scams and take appropriate action. Here are five common types of art scams to watch out for: 1. The “Too Good to Be True” Buyer An individual approaches you [...]

A few months ago, my non-artist friend Gail asked, "Where does one go to buy art locally? I only know Wentworth Gallery in the mall."  I sighed, took a deep breath, and said, "Oh! There are so many places—you just need someone to show you where to look." Not that I’m an art snob—art is deeply personal, and what speaks to you is what matters most. But as a local artist, I can’t help but be skeptical of large commercial galleries that churn out mass-produced work. At first, I was surprised by Gail’s question, but then I realized this isn’t a personal shortcoming—it’s a [...]

It is uncomfortable and awkward when people make assumptions based on your artwork and appearance. I have been asked this question tons of times over the years, especially by people who have seen my work but had not previously met me in person, and I still don't know the best way to answer it.   "Wow, you paint a lot of sweets.  You are not what I expected. How do you stay slender?" Umm, AWKWARD!   Of course, when I am asked this question, I typically get flustered and don't answer the way I would like to, as I believe they are trying to pay me a [...]

  December is a great time to pause (between holiday parties) and think about things we accomplished this year, activities we enjoyed, friendships we formed, and what we want to take with us into the New Year.  I thought I would share my top 10 highlights of 2023 (in no special order) in an effort to help you think about your own. TOP TEN of 20231.  My artwork was exhibited at the Affordable Art Fair NYC (Spring & Fall)2.  Enjoyed planning and executing group shows, such as Chroma Connections3.  Painted the Macaron Whimsy Series and the Cocktail Series4.  Guest on two podcasts (Art & Cocktails, Art Coaching Club)5.  Interviewed by two [...]

Collecting art is a complicated dance.  It is a dance with your personal esthetic, your home decor, the other people in your house, and your wallet.  For years we had freshly painted walls, art prints from our first apartments, and an expensive growing family, which translated to no original art purchases.  I would walk into others home and always jealously look at their cool artwork and yearned to add unique art to my home; however, it was not the right time for us.Eventually our kids got a bit older and our first original art purchase came from the Strathmore Draw for [...]

It’s almost impossible to be a professional artist.   You are so talented and so hardworking and it kills me that it is not enough.  Like we always have to be extraordinary.   You have to be talented and prolific, but also modest and humble.   You have to have something to say with your artwork, but make sure it fits within societal norms.   You have to show your work, but not over promote your art or yourself, because that is crass.   You have to have lots of followers on social, but you have to make it look easy and quick to gain all those likes.   You need to sell [...]

It is that in-between time of the summer.  Summer activities are winding down, time moves very slowly, and it seems like all of the DMV heads out of town.   But, if you are in town, it is the perfect time to explore the great DMV outdoors (especially with the respite from the heat) with less of a crowd.  Here are some of my favorite places that not only have I enjoyed, but have inspired me to create ART! Botanical Gardens: The region has some spectacular places to find amazing botanical gardens that only bloom for a short period of time. Perfect fornature lovers, photographers, plein [...]

Everyone is itching to get out of town and take the trips that have been postponed throughout the pandemic!  One of the most popular destinations I have heard people visiting is PARIS!  And I do not blame them!  It is one of my favorite cities in the whole world and I am very fortunate to have visited it numerous times.  Each time I visit I find a new place to explore and/or new food to eat.  Over spring break this year my husband and I traveled with our children (ages 14 and 11) to Paris and it was thrilling to share this [...]

It is so interesting how perspective changes from month to month and during different times of the year.  In December a person looks at the next year as their future, idealized self, in total denial that you will be the same person.   I was reviewing the art goals I had set for myself in December 2022 and WOW!  Not only were the unrealistic, but they were unauthentic. Clearly I have learned a thing or two over the past couple months, or have been listening to way too many self-help podcasts (Hidden Brain, The Happiness Lab, and We Can Do Hard Things are [...]

Yes it is that time of year again when the search for the perfect gift is on!  I have already scrolled through too many lists that include impersonal slippers and vanilla scented candles scented.  Looking for a gift that is unique, thoughtful, and appreciated by your art lover? Check out my list below.   1.  Subscription to "The THERE IS NEVER TOO MUCH ART Society" This daily art newsletter delivered to your inbox from Danielle Krysa, aka The Jealous Curator, is a little blast of joy my morning.  Danielle features living artists from around the globe, from all mediums.  Her quirky and cute sense [...]

Almost every art lover can name one: the exhibition that brought him or her to their knees and tears to their eyes.   They will remember the location, works of art, and circumstances that surrounded their visit. It will have crept into their soul and they would have left slightly transformed. Regardless of the medium, the message, or the venue, the exhibition will stay with them forever. In summer of 2002, after 2 years of practicing soul-sucking transfer pricing, I was luckily laid off from the obliterated Arthur Anderson. From there I embarked on a European journey with a friend and a rental car. [...]

This June I was able to check something off my bucket list and visited the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA.  What does this have to do with my art?  Apparently everything. I spent four blissful days practicing yoga, hiking, apreciating the natural beauty of the Berkshires, reading, and focusing on only myself! My version of perfection. I attended Kripalu's rest and relaxation retreat, where I chose my own adventure based on the classes and experiences they offered on that particular week.  One evening I attended chose to attend a "mindful art class."  I had not idea what I expected, [...]

Some girls idolized Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Toni Morrison, or Marie Curie, but for me it was Georgia O'Keeffe.   I began painting the same year Georgia O'Keeffe died at age 99, in 1986.  My art teacher from elementary school through high school, Marjorie, introduced me to O'Keeffe: her life and her artwork.  Through O'Keeffe I learned about inspiration, color, New Mexico, and that women can be famous and important artists too.   Over the years, I have read numerous books about O'Keeffe's life, studied her paintings, and made a bee-line to her work in every museum I have visited.  Experiencing Georgia O'Keeffe's adopted home, Santa [...]

  As of June 1, 2022, I accepted the role as President of the Montgomery Art Association!   I am so excited to be further involved with this fantastic organization.  Any artists in the DC area that are looking to join a fabulous group that fosters learning, creates show opportunities, and provides tons of artistic events from museum field trips to plein air outings and more, please talk to me and check out the MAA website!  See my welcome letter to our 300+ members below: A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT Hello MAA Artists! It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your president this [...]

We can not deny it - social media has been a positive and powerful tool for artists.  With just a photo upload, social media allows us to share our artwork with the world. Social media creates connections with artists all over the globe, helps one to easily research subject matter, shares artist opportunities, and facilitates learning from master living artists.  With so much positive, what could be the negative?  I will sum it up in one word: COMPARISON.   Last week I was scrolling through Instagram and came across many "look what I accomplished in 2021" posts.  For artists these are pretty standard, like [...]

I can't believe a month has elapsed since my daughter's Bat Mitzvah.  Every day my husband and I comment how lucky we were at the timing of her event, as now Omicron has everyone on high alert and a party like this would not be smart. Honestly,  Hanna's Bat Mitzvah was one of the proudest days of my life. Hanna was able to stand up in front of our family and friends and showcase her poise, hard work, and talent.  She sincerely nailed it!  Then we got to PARTY!   So much of my creative energy shifted these past several months, leading up to [...]

Life gets busy and the first thing to go is my precious studio time.   Why? I could choose to cut back on my computer time, shorten my workouts (which let's be honest, happens too), or not run that extra errand, but I don't.  I make the conscious choice to not spend time in the studio.   This happens time and time again.  You know what happens from here?  Days turn to weeks and no painting process has been made nor have I spent time in my creative space.  Then I get grumpy.  I don't even realize it at first.  Initially it manifests itself [...]

Welcome to year 5781. Monday evening began the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.   I love that the Jewish new year starts in the fall.  The fall really is a time of new beginnings - kids go back to school and start a new school year, jobs typically pick up steam , cooler weather makes you less sluggish, and we start making plans for the rest of the year.  It is a great time to make plans and start anew.  Say goodbye to past indiscretions, start new hobbies and nurture new relationships.  In the case of the pandemic world [...]