No Travel Today

"Blueberries Revisited" - SOLD
8" x 8"
(watercolor on aquabord)

I thought I was going to be traveling to Concord today to pick up my painting from the Concord Art Association's Members Juried Show, but I was informed last week that "Blueberries Revisited" sold! A big thank you to my new collectors and to the Concord Art Association for including this little painting in their show.  

Wishing you all a good week . . . I am off to paint!

Winners and Losers

"Blueberries Revisited"
8" x 8" - (watercolor on aquabord)
on exhibit Jan. 11 - Feb 10, 2018 -- Concord Art Association - Massachusetts

I am happy to share that "Blueberries Revisted" has been juried into the Concord Art Association's 2018 MJ1 Show. 

For those of you who are new to painting and thinking about selling your art, joining local art groups is a good way to meet other artists and try out entering juried exhibits. The art world can be intimidating but I've had such lovely experiences with the groups I've joined, that I would encourage anyone starting out, to give it a go. You will learn a lot. 

One of the things you will learn is that getting juried into a show is not guaranteed. BUT don't get discouraged when a work is rejected. (Wow . . . that sounds harsh, doesn't it? Rejected. It will happen but don't sweat it.) 

"The Attorney's Door"
18" x 24"
(watercolor on aquabord)
$1850 - payment plans available

So now I'm going to share with you the "LOSER" from my post title. "The Attorney's Door" was rejected from the Concord MJ1 Show. To me, the notification was just part of another work day . . . I didn't take it to heart. Artwork can be dismissed for all kinds of reasons, it certainly doesn't mean it's a "bad" piece. So try not to take it personally. (Incidentally this painting was juried into a very selective national show last year and received very high praise.)

The most important thing is that you are doing what you enjoy doing and if you so desire to exhibit in a juried show . . . keep trying. Aside from the $ and travel that you expend when you enter, you shouldn't feel like you've lost anything . . . especially confidence. It's a hit and miss thing and rejection happens to every artist putting herself out there.  

Happy creating!  Have a good start to your week.

To see more of my work or to make a purchase, visit www.karakbigda.com

What A January!!

"Oh Boy . . . Christmas is Coming!"
8" x 10"
watercolor on aquabord

I'm happy to report that January is officially over and hopeful that it has taken all the germs with it!  Good grief!  For those of you who follow this blog, you may have noticed my absence last week.  Well right after I finished this commission and taught a 5-hour workshop at the Concord Art Association I came down with the stomach bug.  Nothing like chasing a headcold with good virus.  Oy!  Every few years it seems I get knocked for a loop and I guess this is just one of those years. 

Anyway . . . I'm finally back in business so here's the finished product of the Christmas dogs.  They really do put a smile on your face, don't they?  :)  And I'm happy to report the painting was very well-received by the doggies' owners -- it was a birthday gift from my friend to his wife and she was very surprised.  So now I've got lots of catching up to do in the studio if I want to get back on track with some of my 2013 goals . . . ahhhh life really is an adventure, eh?  Stay healthy out there -- it's a jungle of germs!  Ciao for now.

Two New Workshops!

Happy Monday to you all!  

I just wanted to share with you, two workshops that I'll be conducting at the end of January. The first one is at the Concord Art Association in Concord, MA (explanation below). In case you are in the area, are an artist, read blogs, but just haven't yet taken the plunge yourself into blogging or creating an online presence and would like to, please come and join us in learning how to set up a blog. I will be sharing all I know with regards to re-sizing images, and the free, online sources for doing so, simple design principles for web and print, setting up a free blog on blogger, and other inexpensive or free, thought-provoking ways for baby-stepping your way into creating a brand and online presence.

The second workshop is a 5-week class at my studio for people who would like to learn how to paint with watercolors. This class will walk you through my process for painting. You can click on the "workshops" link on the navigation bar above for more information.

1.

While the internet presents artists with many opportunities for selling art, connecting with other artists, and providing inspiration, it can also be a very intimidating process. In this workshop we will eliminate your apprehension by presenting practical ways for artists to connect with potential customers and other artists through blogging, online art-groups and Facebook. Bring your laptop with a few digital images of your art and learn simple rules to create a well-designed, easy-to-navigate blog and online gallery so that purchasing your art is only a click away! 

One Day Workshop

Saturday, January 26

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Concord Art Association -- 37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA  01742

$125 (members)   $175 (non-member)

To register please call 978-369-2578, email education@concordart.org or register online at www.concordart.org

2.

"Steam Heat"

6" x 6"

Five-week Workshop
Monday nights 7:00 - 8:30 pm
West Brookfield
January 28, Feb 4, 1, 18 & 25, 2013
$135 per student

More information regarding this workshop can be found by clicking on "workshops" on the navigation bar above.

To register, email me at kkoz517@charter.net

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.  Space is limited.

New Workshop, New Painting, New Prints and a Shameless Plug

Good grief!  How'd ya' like this post's title?  I would LOVE to share with you the painting I'm finishing but alas I can't.  It's a gift and I'm not sure if the recipient reads my posts. So to be on the safe side, I'm just going to have to wait until after Christmas. But believe me it's all I can do to contain myself . . . in fact I'm having a heck of a time keeping the secret. This is why I can never shop early: I get so excited I want to give out all my presents early.

Oh . . . and so I'm sure you're wondering why I have posted a picture of "Steam Heat." I've decided that this is going to be the subject of my next Watercolor Workshop. You can read about the specifics of this 5-week course under "workshops" located on the navigation bar above. Students can choose their own "wallpaper" and color -- so at least they will have some choice while we all tackle basically the same project.  I think it should be fun and am really looking forward to it.

At the end of January I'm also presenting a workshop at the Concord Art Association on online marketing and social media -- sharing all I know about blogging and Facebook, DPW, printed marketing materials, how to make a website, and anything else that could help artists sell their work. I'm still learning myself, as it's a very long and never-ending process, but I'm looking forward to passing along to other artists, whatever I can, including great resources I've found. I'm finding the journey into becoming a "self-employed" artist VERY challenging, but extremely exciting and rewarding. And I just love and appreciate all the online support from other artists and art-lovers (you all!) and want to share what a positive online experience I've had with others. You can read about my upcoming workshops and other shows under "news and events" on the navigation bar above.

Hmmm . . . what else . . . oh yeah, the "shameless plug" part.  I just want to remind you that I have calendars and notecards for sale -- they can make great teacher gifts and/or stocking stuffers. And I also have a few prints. So check out the nav bar above for links to these items. In fact below are four new small prints. They are $10 each (plus tax and shipping where applicable). I'll be putting them up with their specs and links for purchasing later today or tomorrow -- so keep checking back. You can always email me if you'd like to make an order.

"Fireside Chat"

"Best Friends"

"What Not To Wear"

"Nostalgia I -- First Day of School"

Sorry for the long post -- just lots to catch up on!  Thanks for visiting!

Exhibit

"Bittersweet Door"
12" x 9"
$375

I'm pleased to announce that my painting "Bittersweet Door" was juried into the Concord Art Association's Frances N. Roddy Open Competition. The exhibit will run from September 13th to October 14th.  As many of you know, when you enter a show you just never know what the outcome will be.  While I entered two pieces (the second entry is shown below) I felt that this one was definitely the stronger piece . . . but you still have no idea whether the jury will share your vision.  I'm grateful to be included at all.

So if you are in the area of Concord, MA or looking for a great historical day-trip with the kids, take a drive to Concord and while you're there check out the exhibit.  More information about the show can be found by visiting www.concordart.org and additional information on what to do in Concord can be found by clicking here.

"Redware Tea"
6" x 6"
(to see this painting and more click here)

Thank you for visiting my blog and have a great weekend!

Dark and Different

"Bowl with Apples"
6.25" x 7.5"

I'm still working on this one . . . trying to get the shadows and highlights right and make the cloth and bowl look more believable.  It helps me to take a photo of it and view it on the computer.  I see things I don't see in "real life."  Then I'm able to look at the original and know what more I need to do.  But since I took the photo, I thought I'd post it so you could see what I'm up to.  

This afternoon I'm delivering my "Bittersweet Door" to the New England Watercolor Society Show.  Oh . . . and before I forget . . . I'm giving a watercolor demonstration at the Concord Art Association on April 25th. So if you're in this area I hope you come by. You can click here for more information.  Ok . . . that's all . . . have a good day.

Quick Post

"Insight Into My Sole" (detail)

I was recently notified that "Insight Into My Sole" was juried into the Concord Art Association's Member Show.  The details regarding the show can be found here at their website.  Have a good weekend.

Happy New Year!

"Insight Into My Sole"
12" x 16"

"Egg On A Plate"
23" x 23"

So I'm finally posting again.  I hope you all had wonderful holidays. Best wishes for a very happy and healthy New Year to you as well.  I took quite the hiatus, eh?  But I'm motivated and inspired and ready to paint.  While I don't have anything new to show, I've been planning out some new paintings and have a couple that are just about finished.  I've also been working on a commission.  It's very different from my watercolors -- part of my "other life" -- a tavern sign in a more early American naive style.  It's been fun and a nice departure.  I also have another commission after that -- a home portrait in acrylics.  So I'll be busy.

In the meantime I just entered the two slightly older paintings (above) in the Concord Art Association members show.  We'll see how they do -- it's juried so there's a good chance they may not even make it in.  Gaaahhhh!  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  I would preferred to have entered something newer, but the good news is many have sold.  :)  So I must get busy painting away!

Have a great day . . . and I promise I'll be back soon with some new work.  Cheers!