I WANT THE OLD, UNIMPROVED FORMULA BACK!

It is irritating when the "new improved" version of a product is far from an improvement.  But this one is a full fledged disaster.  

For decades I have sworn by Winsor & Newton's Brush Cleaner & Restorer.  It could bring hopeless brushes full of dried paint back to good condition.  I bought it in 32 oz. increments because it was my go-to for all brushes.  Using the cleaner in connection with a brush groomer was incredible.  You could see multiple layers of color dossolve one after another until the brush was again squeaky clean. It worked on oils,

acrylics, inks--would remove just about anything dried into a brush.

The last bottle I bought did not perform like that.  In fact, it did not perform at all.  I also noticed that it did not smell the same.  I contacted the company and was informed that when they had difficulty getting one of their ingredients, they went with a "more eco-friendly" formula.

I am all for "eco-friendly"--when it is viable.  But If I ruin brushes, I believe I am contributing more environmental harm by buying newly manufactured ones than I would by cleaning the ones I have!  Also, good paintbrushes are a major investment.  Nobody can afford to simply toss them in the trash and buy another.

At any rate, I am looking into other products to allow me to view paintbrushes as tools rather than consumables. I am open to suggestions--anybody know of a product that could fill the bill?

It's Fall, Y'all...and that means busy season!

 I look forward to fall every year.  Of course, part of that is relief--summers in Louisiana are brutal.  The heat plus the humidity will sap the strength right out of you in a matter of minutes.  I gave up on outdoor vendor events in the summer years ago.

But as people's thoughts turn from watermelons to pumpkins, the decorating bug sets in.  Fall through Christmas is the biggest time for selling decorations. 

And as an artist, painted decor items are my bread and butter. Sales make up for the other nine months of the year.  And an extra benefit--holiday traditions remain mostly the same from year to year.  You can still sell holiday decorative items painted last year or even the year before; they do not go out of style like many other items do.

I know, I know, someone out there is saying "painted decorations are not real art".  Fine.  I fail to see how putting my designs on a stretched canvas would change them.  I believe they are "real" art (and I price them accordingly!).  They are, however, art that sells much easier than canvas paintings.  Since this artist has to pay the electric company every month, I am going to create saleable items.  I will still paint on canvas. 

But I will also paint on small ornaments, shopping bags or as my husband says "anything that doesn't run away".  And I will cart it all to craft fairs, art fairs, and any other place where artists can sell their wares--because I love

showing my work almost as much as I love creating it.  I love meeting other creatives and getting inspired to try new things out in the studio!  

Is it art, or is it decorative?

 I have heard so many people saying the piece they were looking at was nice, but wasn't "real" art.  I have had that aimed at much of my work over the years.  The fact of the matter is that I began my artistic journey as a "decorative painter".  

I took a couple of brief recreational programs in my early 20's  through the local park system during the height of the bicentennial era's tole painting craze. I painted a few of that era's trademark daisies with strawberries, trying to exactly copy the pattern the teacher gave us.  None of them were particularly good, but I learned a little.  

I dabbled a bit over the years, usually under my mother's watchful eye.  She was a highly skilled decorative painter and active in the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters ( which later became the Society of Decorative Painters).  She bemoaned my tendency to ignore the pattern and instructions, and literally rolled her eyes at my original items.  She sometimes did original items of her own (better than mine by far) but repeatedly refused to be referred to as an artist.  Real artists, she believed, were generally drunken degenerates, at high risk of sending packages containing their ears, and were inevitably suicidal.

Years later, when I became permanently disabled, I saw what should have been a disaster as a new beginning.  I could finally stay home and focus in my painting!  I joined the local chapter of the SDP, and rapidly began to acquire new skills. 

Color theory, brushstrokes, value, contrast...these and other things were my new tools and I worked to develop skill with them.  I studied technique using patterns and designs of others, but always took the next step and incorporated them into original designs.  

I hoarded "big" 16"x20" canvases, saving them for when I was skilled enough to not "waste" them.  When I finally got to that point, I really went to town! 

It was a short step from mini canvas panels to "just gimme a wall". 

At what point does the student become an artist?  I do not know.  I know that when I started painting purely from memories and imagination, I knew I was there.  I was able to share a vision of places that no longer exist, to capture moments out on the lake that for a brief moment were pure magic, to make statements even when I did not speak a word.  And the more I created, the stronger the urge to create became.

I look at anyone creating original work as a "real artist"--skill and experience levels of course vary--and I like some better than others. 

But I will never disparage a piece as not being "real art" just because it is small, or on a Christmas ornament, or painted on a strange surface or functional object.  Art itself began when primitive humans decorated their clay pots and cave walls, and it was the act of creation, as much as the finished results, that gave it added significance.

Artistic outlets take MANY forms

 I am primarily a visual artist.  That gives me a LOT of wiggle room!  Paints, colored pencils, pastels, collage, sculpture...every medium offers new challenges and rewards.

But my maternal grandmother was one of the greatest artists I ever knew.  As far as I know, she never drew, never held a paintbrush, never had any kind of art instruction.  But she created beauty in a dreary, drab world!

"Her Only Vanity"--a painting  of my grandmother's flower garden.  

She was one of a large family, married as a young teen, immediately began raising a large family of her own.  In rural Louisiana during the depression, the world was a dismal place.  Simply surviving took nearly every ounce of energy a person had.  But she made time to tend the most beautiful flower garden to be found for miles.  People would stop in the road and ask to take a picture.  She always had beautiful flowers in bloom, and in back always had fruits and vegetables growing in abundance.  And she crocheted, and sewed beautiful quilts from scrap fabric.  She did not simply survive--she created.  And she passed that creative drive on to many descendants, including me.

I cannot always put in time in my studio.  But instead if mowing a lawn in Louisiana's unbearable summer heat, I have turned the entire lawn into mulched beds.  I scavenged bricks for free to create winding paths through what was once flat grass that required a haircut at least once a week.

  I mixed perennials and annuals, planted flowers, veggies, and herbs, threw in a couple of scavenged trellises and statues...now my yard requires much less maintenance.  And we get a good deal of food out of it!  That garden us a constantly growing, changing art project in itself. And it is a creative outlet for me year round as well!

I think my grandmother sees it and smiles down in me when passers-by stop to look.  I share produce with my neighbors.  I have even given spare plants to complete strangers who stopped by to comment.  I am sharing my gift in multiple ways, and she always did the same.  My world is not affluent.  I will never be featured in a magazine.  But I am creating something unique. And am teaching MY granddaughter in it. 

Because the need to create is very strong in our family; we all begin to feel stagnant without some outlet for it in our lives.

Wearing So Many Hats: The Intersection of Art and Activism in Progressive Politics

In the world of art, wearing many hats is more than a metaphor; it’s a reality that artists navigate daily. For those of us who are deeply entrenched in political activism, the challenge becomes even more pronounced. As I balance my identity as an artist with my passion for progressive politics and leftist activism, I find myself grappling with how to express my beliefs through my work while still trying to survive in an economy that feels increasingly hostile to artists like me.

The Art of Activism: Finding My Voice

Artivism—the powerful blend of art and activism—has become a crucial outlet for me. It is through my art that I channel my frustrations, hopes, and dreams for a better world. Each stroke of the brush or click of the camera serves as a form of protest against injustice, inequality, and oppression. However, this commitment comes with its own set of challenges. While I aim to inspire others to engage in political activism through my work, I often face backlash from potential buyers who may not share my views.

Living in a deep-red state can feel isolating at times. The community around me may not understand the urgency with which I create politically charged pieces.  And some are extremely angered by my artwork.  Yet, I believe it is essential to make strong statements in political art, even if it means alienating some audiences. My work reflects not only my personal convictions but also a collective struggle for social justice that transcends geographical boundaries.

Creating Amidst Chaos

Finding time to create while actively participating in activism can be daunting. Between attending protests, writing letters to representatives, and engaging in grassroots organizing, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to devote to my artistic practice. Yet, I’ve learned that integrating these two aspects of my life can be incredibly rewarding.

I often draw inspiration from the events happening around me—whether it’s a rally for climate justice or community discussions on racial equity. These experiences fuel my creativity and deepen the messages embedded within my artwork. In this way, activism spills into my art naturally; they are not separate entities but rather intertwined threads that shape who I am as an artist and activist.

Navigating Economic Challenges

The current economic climate poses significant hurdles for artists striving to make their voices heard while sustaining their livelihoods. With many potential buyers facing financial constraints, selling art has become increasingly difficult. This reality forces artists like me to consider how our political messages resonate within an audience that may be grappling with its own economic struggles.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to creating art that speaks truthfully about our times. While some may shy away from politically charged topics out of fear of alienating buyers, I believe staying true to one’s convictions is paramount. It’s important for us as artists to engage with our communities honestly and authentically—even if it means sacrificing short-term sales for long-term impact.

Inspiring Change Through Artistic Expression

Ultimately, the goal of merging art with activism is not only about self-expression; it's about inspiring others to take action. When people encounter art that challenges their perspectives or provokes thought about societal issues, it has the power to ignite change. By boldly addressing political themes in our work, we invite conversations that can lead individuals down their own paths toward activism.

And quite frankly, I want to leave a record that shows exactly where I stood during these incredibly frightening times.  If my record involves a work of art, that's even better!

As artists living in politically charged environments, we have an opportunity—and perhaps a responsibility—to use our platforms for social good. We can reach hearts and minds through our creativity while urging others to join us in advocating for progressive values.

My activism has become so much a part of my art that I have an Etsy shop purely for protest items.  I want to share my work and want other people to be able to share our message.  You can find it at Feminist Fashions--A Woman's Place is In Your Face

Embrace Your Inner Activist Artist

Wearing many hats as both an artist and activist is no easy feat.  But it is one filled with purpose and passion. Each piece created becomes part of a larger narrative—a tapestry woven from shared struggles and aspirations for justice. If you’re an artist grappling with similar challenges or feeling isolated in your beliefs, remember: your voice matters.

Join me in this journey! Share your thoughts on how you incorporate activism into your creative process or explore ways we can support one another as we navigate this complex landscape together. Let’s inspire each other to keep pushing forward!  And most importantly, stand up and fight, and NEVER GIVE UP!

 

Art's political side

Art has been a political tool for centuries.  Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt saw many examples (usually political leaders "tooting their own horn").  Medieval artworks frequently were used to reinforce the authority and dogma of the Roman Catholic Church.  Renaissance greats often used political symbolism in their art--sometimes subtly, sometimes not--and were hired by the rich and powerful to create art with specific meanings.

In more modern times, who can forget the heart-wrenching impact of Picasso's "Guernica" in response to Nazi bombings?  Or Goya's "Third of May"?

In our current political climate the arts are under attack.  Funding for the arts has been all but eliminated.  The Kennedy Center, once a shining example of the arts in America, has been taken over and subjected to draconian censorship.  But the world of artists refuses to be silenced.  Politically charged messages are often turned into memes, tshirts, and other items (how much of that qualifies as "art" is open to debate, but in the 21st century technological media they can be shared at lightning speed with huge audiences).  And political art is being created.  Songwriters are turning their attention to our dire circumstances. One I really enjoy is Jesse Welles , who has a lively and entertaining YouTube channel of his own.  And I have been creating political pieces

fairly often.  My latest, "The Spoke Into The Wheel" is a rather large 4ftx4ft canvas, combining collage with pallette knife painting.  The collage elements are cut out of prints of The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and The Bill of Rights, and is full of political and historical symbols and references.  I may have trouble finding a place to exhibit it (I am located in a very red area) but I am sharing it online.  And I have prints available for sale on Feminist Fashions, which is my outlet for my resistance creations.

If you are an artist, there has never been a better time to take a political stance in your work. Your voice is needed in this crisis.  Whether you put hours into creating a huge physical work, or just play with the computer to create something digital to share, or something in between--get active!  Artivism is activism!  And courage is contagious.  The time to share yours is NOW.

If you have a new creation, or a favorite one, encouraging resistance, feel free to post it in the comments!  And don't forget to participate in protests and rallies near you--now is not the time to be silent!!

Whatever happened to turkeys?

Halloween sales have gone by, Christmas sales are in full swing--hey wait a minute!  What became of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving was a BIIIIG deal when I was growing up.  There was a ton of cooking and cleaning, homemade cornbread dressing to fix, the good tablecloth had to be ironed, all the silver serving dishes had to be polished!  I remember the huge deal made over the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV (which was black and white), and watching it went hand in hand with the smell of all the delicious food cooking. We had a relish tray of pickles, spiced apple rings and olives to nibble on while we watched and waited.  And there had to be at least 3 different kinds of pie for dessert!  We might even be playing host to relatives for the day--a plus, since grandmothers always let you have seconds of pie!

The fall and harvest themed stuff has been marked down since Halloween.  I have sold some Thanksgiving decorations at my booths--
mostly to people who comment on how seldom they see stuff for Thanksgiving at craft fairs. 

Soooo, I will clear all the Christmas sale stuff off the table, polish the silver serving dishes, tart up the stovetop cornbread stuffing with some sauteed green onions and celery, and try not to make anyone sick with the turkey.  Thank heavens for a turkey roaster that accepts frozen turkeys, since I will probably remember too late to take it out of the freezer. Now I get to be the grandmother that allows seconds on dessert.  And then, back to last-minute Christmas ornaments for upcoming sales.  

 Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Painting, y'all!

I''m MELTING, MELTING! But painting anyway...

Well, it is time to be selling Halloween and Fall items while painting Christmas items (and I am doing some for Kwanzaa and Hannukah as well).  But it is hot enough to roast a turkey just by leaving it in a closed car.  Maybe even  just wrapped in foil in the driveway!  Difficult to get all holiday cheery when you are melting from the heat.

But starving artists must persevere...

I am super stoked about having one of my paintings in the 54th Annual River Road Show--a national juried exhibition put on by the Art Guild of Louisiana.  The reception is a four hour drive from here.  That means renting a car since my a/c is balky.  I have no wish to arrive at the State Archives Gallery having a heatstroke.  The road trip through the state will be nice, though, giving me a chance to snap a lot of scenic photos to paint from later.

And I just finished doing some lettering in an entry foyer.  The word Lasata is a Native American word meaning "place of peace".  The clients are moving into their new home and making it into  a unique and lovely residence, and I was so happy to be a part of it!

Hope everyone is staying out of the heat and looking forward to cooler times.  Hey, post pictures or comments--tell me what YOU are painting!  Or drop me an email -- betsylevels@gmail.com --if you have something you want painted.  I paint canvases of course, but will paint on anything that doesn't run away!

Holiday frenzy sets in

 Here we go!  Back-to-school sales abound, it is 104 degrees in the shade, and our thoughts turn to...snowmen????

I love holidays.  I love to paint decor for every holiday that comes along.  But in this heat, it is hard to get excited about Christmas.  Plus, this time of year, art and craft shows are ramping up.  I, of course, am up to my eyeballs in painted pumpkins, witches, and ghosts, even though it is only August.  There is not going to be a lot of "spare time" to paint for the next few months. 

And I am kicking myself for not having kept that New Year's resolution to paint a box of Christmas ornaments a week.  I just can't get into the groove for snowy items when we are under heat advisories daily (this is, after all, Louisiana). 

It looks like I will have to just knuckle down, set the thermostat lower, and dig in to that pile of ornaments though, in between rounds of loading and unloading a river of orange, purple, and black every weekend! 

Here is a shot of my space at the Mall St. Vincent market--a new opportunity the mall is starting for artists and artisans and other vendors.  

I had a lot of items, but it was a two-day event so I figured it was worth a little extra setup time.

I am quite pleased with the wood display risers I got for free.  They give me some visual interest and allow me room to arrange items better.  Heavy to transport but they stabilize the two tables as well.  

See y'all at the vendor fairs!

Looking back--that awful first booth

 My first time out at a maker's fair was a complete disaster.  I made just about every mistake it was possible to make.  Some of them were monumental. I had a borrowed  tent.  I had no idea how to put the canopy on it.  After my husband and I wrangled with it an hour we decided I could live without shade.  And of course there was no chance of rain predicted.

It rained buckets for 45 minutes.  We stood there trying to hold the unattached canopy over most of my stuff.  Then the sun came out and we were standing there in soaking wet clothes.  

I had priced my items haphazardly and had to prop them against each other and my makeshift tables because I had no walls or hanging spaces.  The prices were written with magic marker on masking tape.  In the midst of 45 other professional looking booths I looked like I was at the tail end of a garage sale. 

But I sold one small painting. That meant I made a profit of $15 for the day.  My husband closed his eyes and shook his head silently.  He could tell --I was planning to do it again.

That was back in 2016.  I have since done a lot of investigating online and at other shows to get ideas for what to do. I experienced a LOT of what NOT to do (especially at that first time).

So now, I have a straight-leg, easy setup white tent with

sidewalls, tent weights, two folding tables, fitted table covers that cover the mess under the tables, and most useful of all, an assortment of gridwall panels that I can configure to maximize my space in just about any circumstance.  Believe me, not all 10'x10' spaces are alike.  And some organizers don't measure very well.  Some shows will only have space for a table.  You have to just be ready to adapt, no matter what.

And you have to take your neighbors into consideration.  Most of them will be good people.  But every now and then you will run across one who creates a need for a barrier.  They may spill over into your space. Or have a very distracting booth space themself.  Or ambush your customers and move with them into their own space. (this one is especially irritating, and it is NOT acceptable to whack them over the head with a heavy object, no matter how appealing that sounds--sticking a piece of gridwall full of paintings in the way works just as well and has fewer consequences)

Having a booth is always more fun when sales are good.  But that isn't the only thing you are doing there.  You are presenting yourself and your art, and may make contacts with

future customers who see your work and come find you.  I always have a supply of my business cards, which contain my social media handles as well as my name and contact information.  Don't be afraid to hand them out, that's why you have them!  I also keep an email sign up (with the pen tied to the clipboard or else it leaves) so I can send out my little newsletters,  I don't send them if I don't have something to say, so most people don't mind getting them.  

There are a ton of free craft fair checklists available online to start out with, but you can keep track of what works for you and what doesn't and add or subtract items from the list as you gain experience. 

You do well to use one as a starting point to cover the "must take" items and check them off each go-round.  Learn from each new experience, be it good or bad.  And enjoy getting out there!  Your space is YOUR show, and you WILL connect with the right market if you just keep trying new things and evolving.

Share some of YOUR booth photos--good or bad--along with comments on this post!

WHO'S THE BEST BONDING PRIMER OF THEM ALL?

I have gotten in the habit of bringing home all different kinds of items to paint.  I don't just shop all the sales at stores.  I make lots of trips to thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. And I bring the car to a screeching halt to check out promising piles of discards on the curb. I have snagged canvases, frames, lumber, and furniture.  LOTS of furniture.  Upcycling is fun to do, and can turn someone's trash into someone else's treasure while making me a little money. (art for art's sake is nice, but the electric company still expects cash)

Painting on any surface that already has a finish in it can be very tricky though.  While your painting may look nice, if it won't stick to the surface you wind up with a finished piece that cannot handle any kind of use.  Who wants a chair or a table that loses its paint with every casual touch?

I paint mostly in acrylic, so I need a reliable way to cover a previous finish. I have sanded a couple. But sanding a large piece before painting is horribly time consuming.  I want to find a quick and easy alternative.  Sure hope there is one!

I tried using housepaint once.  BIG mistake!  It did not bond to the wood, so the primer plus all my painting peeled off in large, floppy strips.

I ran across a good product from Dixie Belle paint that is called "slick stick". 

This primer coat was developed specifically to allow decorative artists to paint over glossy finished surfaces and adhere the paint.  I was impressed with the results.  Unfortunately it is a little in the pricey side, so I have had to save it for really special projects.

One tip for using Slick Stick by Dixie Belle paint: always cover the mouth of the jar with plastic wrap before you screw the lid back on.  When they say it adheres well, they are not kidding.  It will adhere to both the lid AND the jar, making getting the jar open next time a real workout.

I tried using DecoArt's paint adhesion medium, with some good results.

 It is easy to mix with your basecoat paint.  But it comes in little bottles.  To tackle a large piece of furniture you would have to have a LOT of those little bottles.

One good thing about using Dixie Belle and DecoArt products:  you are dealing with good, reputable companies that specialize in decorative painting products.  One thing you DON'T want is an unpleasant surprise. (No, I don't get any kickbacks from these companies--I just like their products for this.)

I asked the manager of a local paint company if he had a primer that would work.  He advised me to read the label carefully, and always look for the words "bonding primer" in the title and description of the product.  I have tried several out--with mixed results.  Some have left a lot of brush marks or sponge marks no matter what tool I used, others have not had good adhesion to the surface. I was often not sure what type of finish I was covering up, (oil based? water based?) so I don't know if that impacted results or not.  

I also tried spraying pieces with a matte varnish, but sometimes this just caused bubbling or crackling of the original finish.  Wound up making more work for myself.

So I am opening the floor for discussion here.  Have any readers found a good solution?  Please share it in the comments.  I would love to find a dependable, affordable, step one for upcycles!!

Here are 3 of my successful upcycles of curbside browsing.  I am currently taking on a huge one--a dining table with matching chairs.

👀Into the future--NFTs?

I love to learn new things. Self-education, to me, is thrilling, especially with the web now offering us infinity at our fingertips. Unfortunately,  much  of what is out there is less than informative. A lot of people dispense pure garbage, frequently with a sales pitch involved. Trying to get unbiased and  clear information about jumping into the world of NFTs as an artist is often frustrating. 

 Article after article I find affiliate links, which tend to be biased, to say the least. Plus, many of them are "get rich quick" plans. We all know how those usually turn out.

 But as an artist, I want to get my work out there and selling. I have found some ways to digitally enhance my paintings and I think the end results are good. I want to get them out there in the electronic art world in front of buyers.

 Deciding whether to create art in acrylics or oils is a choice.   Deciding how to mint and sell art as NFTs is a nightmare..   Opensea, Nifty Gateway, Rarible, literally hundreds more options, all tied to the world of cryptocurrency which to me  is a sci-fi encounter in itself! I don't want to sink my meager income into something that will not work. Plus, before I finish reading a tutorial, the information it is becomes obsolete.  

So I want to hear from y'all--have you launched NFT art, and how? Is it selling? What minting options and platforms actually perform?   Please share your stories here in the comments!.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!!!

Whether you are hitting a creative wall, or charged up with ambition, or just wanting to try something out, take a risk!  Get out of your comfort zone completely and dive into something new!  You may find that it totally re-energizes all your artistic outlets.

There are worlds of instructions online on how to get started in just about anything, and plenty of them are FREE FREE FREE! (Which is great because it leaves you more money for art supplies😜)

I got interested in creating abstracts with pouring techniques mainly to end a creativity dry spell.  I didn't really think it was going to be my cup of tea. 

I got a cheap set of little bitty bottles of paint (from the clearance aisle, of course).  I snagged a few used canvases dirt cheap and gessoed over them and got started.

Before long I was experimenting with mixing my own paint, using different additives,

heat and air...and the experiments quickly began to produce results I liked. 

Apparently other people have liked them too, as several have already sold.

Have you had a positive experience trying something outside your artistic comfort zone?  Please share it in the comments!

painting tip

I won't bore you with a wordy post today.  Quick painter's tip:  those glass plates from the bottom of the microwave make GREAT re-usable pallets!  Easy to clean and can be found free or cheap all the time!

Do YOU have a painter's tip?  Share it here!

It was a dark and stormy day....

 Booked into a three day long arts and crafts fair,  I was keeping an eye on the forecast.  Friday was fine with slight chance of storms predicted for Saturday.  By 10 Saturday morning, chance of storms had gone up to 30 percent.  By noon, the forecast had completely changed and severe storms were expected by 6pm.  Fortunately, since I had been worried about the weather, I had taken my spare tent instead of my good one.  I managed to get all my art into my plastic storage boxes and under my table.  Then I tarped the table just to be safe.  As I was pulling out of the lot the storm was really upon us, and I noticed a couple of tents were already blown away.  Mine had gridwall walls attached to the frame plus a set of weights, so it was heavy enough to remain in place at least. I got a text off about the loose tents to the event organizer.

On the drive home, the wind lifted my trailer up in the air twice.  Pulling a trailer that is flying in the air like a kite's tail is an experience I would not care to repeat.  

The organizer called me at home to let me know my tent was in place but was completely collapsed.  Sunday morning I checked the forecast...again 30 percent chance of storms, so instead of setting back up I just loaded our.  My stuff had all stayed dry under the tarp, so no real harm done.  The few pieces I had left uncovered were yard art and could handle getting wet. The spare tent was one I had gotten for free.  Only the gridwall had kept it in place...almost all the upper pieces were mangled.  Into the dumpster it went.  Most other vendors suffered damages and some had already left.  We all figured it was a strong wind shear that just swept across the grounds, or maybe a small tornado.  25,000 locals lost power and a number of neighborhoods flooded, so I figure I got off pretty easy this time.

Now to start getting ready for the event coming up Wednesday...oh yeah, slight chance of storms that day.  Good grief!

All I Want For Christmas

I am running very late. I don't have any Christmas trees up yet. I really need to start decorating for Christmas.

 To do this, I will first have to remove literally hundreds of painted snowflakes, Santas, snowmen, Christmas gnomes, angels and more. I have been selling painted decor at holiday markets galore. And having to paint new stock in between events. My displays have included mtiple lighted Christmas trees, garland, yard art, ornaments--I paint a lot of everything. A lot of items sold. 

  But the rest of the stuff is all over my house.

I could take the easy way out, I suppose, and just decorate with my display stuff. But I want a change of scenery, folks. I want my treasured heirloom ornament collection that dates back to my very first Christmas. 

 Which takes several trees to hold. 

And I am just about jollied out. I want to prop up my feet and read my latest painting magazines. 

 Unfortunately, I seem to be the only one in the household who knows how to run a dishwasher, washing machine, or broom. 

 Plus it is time to start getting stuff ready to sell for Mardi Gras.

 So Santa, I will pass on the jewelry, the furs, the designer bags, etc. If you could bring me a maid...early!

Merry Christmas, y'all!

betsylevels.com

Apprentice yourself to BOOKS

 🎨Some folks (rather snooty in tone) call decorative painting a craft or just a hobby, not "real" art.

Hogwash.

The roots of all art are primitive people decorating functional objects and even cave walls.  They often seem to have believed they were adding significance and even supernatural power by the act of embellishment.  For thousands upon thousands of years, secrets of method and technique were jealously guarded.  Even into the Renaissance, apprentice painters followed the patterns, techniques, and instructions of their master painters, learning skills they could later use in their own original works.

Decorative painting teaches a myriad of skills and techniques that can be used later in original works. And when it is original, folks, that is art.

I'm glad we don't have to be apprenticed out to temperamental masters to learn to paint today!  We can find a lot of good instruction free online.  And of course, to work more at your own pace, there are books.  I have (to my household's dismay) one of the most expansive collections of decorative painting books in the country.  It takes up four tall file cabinets and a half dozen tall bookshelves.  Some of these titles are out of print and date back to the heyday of tole painting in the early 70's.  

And I don't even use patterns anymore...I sit down and freehand everything!!  But those books have given me incalculable instruction and inspiration. ( And I have let my family know that the entire collection is to go to my artistically inclined granddaughter upon my death and not sold for a quarter each at a huge garage sale.)

I recommend you check out secondhand sources for some of these older books on decorative painting.  And one of the newest entries into the used book market is Dead Tree Dreams, out of Nacogdoches, Texas.  They are a small locally owned business, and we all need to support more of those.  Although they have only been live for a few days, I am quite impressed by a bookstore run by actual readers, not just hawkers of goods. Their inventory is already changing  and updated frequently, so check back often to see what's newest.  

Check them out!

Dead Tree Dreams...Good Books, Good Company

UPDATE:  Dead Tree Dreams will be opening a brick and mortar location in early 2023 at 115 North St in Nacigdoches, TX.

Map

And as always, feel free to check my art out at 

betsylevels.com
My site for my fine art canvases and merchandise

Flamboyant Flamingoes
Gift items all featuring my flamingo art

Betsy's Angelic Gifts
Gift items with my angel art

Feminist Fashions

New, with a few items for the woman who will not be remembered for keeping her mouth shut