Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Successful Open Studio



 



Here is my space as it looked for the Open Studio this past Sunday. It was a fantastic event; busy right from 11:00 onward and only slowing down around 4:30. I met some great people and felt so much more comfortable this year. I remember feeling quite shy last year and tired before the day even began. This year, however, I had a good sleep the night before and felt more comfortable in my own skin as an artist, so approaching people was much easier. I had so much fun! I made some new contacts, I have a couple of opportunities to mull over and I sold 12 paintings! Plus the obnoxious man who told me my colours were too bright and that it must have to do with estrogen didn't even phase me!


I have been thinking a lot about the beautiful gift I received in the mail two weeks ago (read about it here) and how it affected me. To really honour that gesture I wanted to pay it forward. Well, an idea of how I could do that came up on Sunday at the Open Studio when friends dropped in to see me and my work. Their little 9 year old girl is a budding artist and she fell in love with one of my 6 x 6 paintings. We talked about it, I told her why I named it what I did and we chatted about art. She is the most precious thing and if she became say, my daughter-in-law in about 18 years I'd be AOK with it! Anyway, on Monday morning I wrapped up the painting with a "from your secret admirer" note and delivered it to their mailbox! She has her own little art show coming up this Saturday as a finale to an art class she is taking. Her parents plan to give her the gift after that. I hope it makes her day!

16 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

Your studio looks great! congratulations on the sales! And, what a kind gesture to pay it forward!

Nicki said...

Hi Pam,

How nice to hear from you. The studio does clean up nicely, but my work table and easel are back out and it's time to get back to business!

It seems only right to pass on the kindness I received.

Nicki

Kim Rempel said...

Nicki, that is awesome!! What a sweet thing. She will always have that beautiful memory.
Your studio looks fantastic and so do you! I'm glad it was so successful. Wow - 12 paintings is SUCCESS!
And I can't believe that curmudgeon said that to you : O Well, actually, sadly, I can. There are a lot of idiots out there! And "estrogen"? Give me a break! Anyway - so happy that it went so well!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

Congratulations. What a difference a year can make. So glad you had fun and you look amazing. Your work has always been great.

Wish I could have been there, and I'm delighted that it went so well.

XO Barbara

Nicki said...

Hi Kim,

Yes, I hope she feels special and encouraged by the gift. She is such a sweetie.

Oh, that man was somethin'! Really, I get that not everyone is going to like my work... and I am good with that... it's the derogatory comment toward women that peeved me. It wasn't said as a joke and he said it a few times. What was the point? I feel bad for his wife.

Thanks for your great comment!

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,

Yes, it's true. This year I definitely felt more comfortable in my skin as an artist. It makes me excited for the growth that the next year may bring.

Thank you for your sweet words. I think we both wish we could have been at each others' events this month. I would have loved to walk through the door at your opening reception.

XO Nicki

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

colors too bright - that's hilarious! ; ) The prairies ARE bright and colorful! gee...
Sorry I wasn't there. But I had a thought - a challenge. You and I do up the same scene in our own mediums and swap! Hey??? I thought that was pretty cool.

I'm so happy for you!! I love that you have your own style.
~Monika : ))))

Nicki said...

Hi Monika,

Colour is a source of joy for me... it's how I see the world. If I were to paint a different way it wouldn't be me. It's taken me a long time to figure that out and I'm ready to own it. It's cool if someone prefers a calmer palette, but no need for rude cracks. I wonder what you would have done if you were there?! :o)

I like your idea... maybe we should do coffee and bring some favorite photos. Figure this thing out!

-Don said...

I guess I'm just full of estrogen. Maybe I'm in better touch with my feminine side than I ever realized. Bright colors RULE!

Congrats on such a successful day. 12 sales! Sweet!!! Your studio looked wonderful - and I'll bet it still does, even with the work surfaces back out. I'd love to hang out there for a few hours.

-Don

suzanneberry said...

this is an amazing post nicki! i'm so glad i got to see it! not only does your studio set up make me drool, your work looks lovely as do you and you sold 12 paintings!! wonderful! congratulations on a very successful night on every level!!! and what a nice thing to do for your future daughter-in-law!!

and really? really? colors too bright due to estrogen??? really? rude much dude?

Anonymous said...

congratulations on the show Nicki, it looks fantastic and good to hear you sold too:)

Nicki said...

Hi Don,

I love that you are on board with bright colours... and if you are in touch with your feminine side all the better, especially for your wife and daughter.

It was a great day and I love my space when it is in work mode. If you should ever find your way north of the border you are welcome to come hang with me at the studio! It's a standing offer!

Nicki

Nicki said...

Suzanne, I'm glad you found this post too. I had such an enjoyable time at the Open Studio... I even remembered to bring sensible footwear to change into this year.

He he... I enjoy your comment re: the estrogen guy. He had a few more comments besides that but I didn't want to dwell too much on the negative in my post.

Hope you are busy creating more gorgeous paintings.

Nicki

Nicki said...

Thank you Rahina. The only thing that could have added to the day is if my blog friends could have attended.

:) N.

Ecbatana said...

Wow! Especially like your water reflection paintings!

Nicki said...

Hi Ecbatana,

Thanks! I LOVE painting the water reflections, so I am always pleased when people respond to them.

Nicki