I am very excited. I have an important blog post for you, and I hope you take time to read it (you will be rewarded with photos and a surprise at the end).
I have found with artist’s blogs there can be two types of blogging, and I feel myself constantly swinging from one method to the other, torn on how to present myself as a creative person. The first is what I call the Hibernation Artist: This creator produces fabulous, jaw-dropping work…. once every year or so. They bunker down, have many secret projects that they cannot share – sometimes due to publishing or working for a client. In the meantime, a reader checks for blog updates only to (maybe) find a photo of something super boring like a cup of coffee. Or a cat (yes, I realize I’ve been guilty of this).
It is understandable from the artist’s point of view to take one’s time and produce gorgeous (and expensive!) artwork. You cannot rush Art, and the resulting works prove this point. LOTR Nerds: Did you know Hobbiton was allowed a whole year to just grow its grass before the movie was even filmed? I always remind myself of this when I’m working on a long painting. Here’s a reward picture for reading intensively thus far:
That being said, many of my favorite artists are in this category, and it frustrates me as a blog reader. I am a loyal follower (perhaps even a considering buyer), but I stop checking up on a ghost-town blog eventually. Isn’t it a shame if a one-of-a-kind and beautiful piece of artwork doesn’t get to be seen or enjoyed?
Still with me? Here’s a photo of my watercolor jar. I keep this little tortoise on the lip to remind me to take things slow and not feel rushed. It is a helpful reminder…
The second type of Artist Blogger is what I like to call the Social Butterfly Artist: This creator is the opposite of the above; more talk than substance – having contests, many new posts, gaining readership, tweet, tweet, tweeting, etc., but where’s the meaty work?
As an artist it is easy to get caught up in the blogging side of things, and completely forget why I started a blog in the first place. As a reader of these kinds of blogs I can feel strung along, waiting for that stronger material that brought me to the blog in the first place. ”I wanna see more of that art that I know you’re capable of!!”
It is a strange balance to keep up… Do I paint for my readers, or paint for myself? What is my goal for this website? I admit to being both kinds of bloggers, but I think I’ve found a way to meet in the middle…
I am opening a new store front called Light and Color. It is a store for YOU. New $3.00 prints will be up in the shop every Wednesday morning. The pieces are fun and breezy, a total joy for me to do, and a great balance to counter my longer and more demanding projects. I have wanted to have affordable artwork for a while, and I hope this can say a huge thank you to my readership and blogger friends for being so encouraging and supportive.
This Wednesday, I’ve updated the shop with these four springtime birds:
Hop to the Shop to check it out! I love blogging way too much to bunker down and hibernate, but I love painting too much to not do it well.
I hope this balance sits well with you. ♥
I think there might be a few other artist ‘types’ out there.
I agree. This post just addresses two types I bounce between. :)
I love the new shop Blaze!! I totally know what you’re saying too :) I love blogs that are updated regularly but it’s a total balancing act. Good luck balancing!! I’ll keep checking in :)
Thanks Ashley! It’s a constant fine tuning. :)
I agree it’s hard to balance. ;) The birds are super cute!
Lovely as always Blaze! And I LOVE this idea, always happy to see more of your work. I like the blogging bits too though, it’s nice to get to know the person behind the art.
Thanks Paperandthepea! I think you guys do a great job at balancing! :)
Great point Barbara! It’s fun to share who I am through posts. :) I’m looking forward to showing more of what I’ve been working on!
I’m new to the blogging thing, so I haven’t really found the balance that I am comfortable with yet. Ideally, I would like to have new content everyday, but I may not have a new piece of art everyday. When that happens, I’m clueless as to what to post because I do not know if anyone wants to read my words or just look at my art. I know that I prefer when an art blog is fresh everyday. If new content is not present frequently, I have the tendency to give up and forget about it. I really hope I can attract people with both a stream of good consistant art and interesting words/thoughts.
The pastels are really nice, it would be great if you were to do more.
Great comment. The longer I blog, the more I learn about my readers, and I wish you the best with yours! I have really enjoyed your updated pieces the past couple days, and think that is a great place to start!
I’m looking forward to posting more pastels next Wednesday. :)
the birds are so beautiful.
I like more frequent posts from artists because it reminds me of my latency, and my potential. I am currently in the “one work a year” category, not because I spend that much time working on it, but because I spend so much time NOT doing art.
Thank you! I agree, bloggers who write lots of posts keep me motivated and inspired. :)
What a great idea! And although I’m not an artist I can totally relate to the issue of quality posts vs quantity. :)
I love those cute little birds.
Thanks Suzanne! I think it’s interesting we had similar blog posts! I’m glad to know other bloggers need to redefine their blog’s “vibe” every once in a while too. :)
This is a brilliant idea! I love those sweet little birds! I just love visiting your blog!
Thanks Amy!
Just purchased my own little bird! YAY!!
Is that oil pastel? I love them! They are great for blending and rich colors. Your drawings are great!
It is! Thank you. I love how fast I can work with them, and it’s fun to be able to blend the color right on the piece!
Very well stated :) you’re doing a great job! Love these birds, and the little birdie who created them!
Firstly, congratulations on the new shop!
It is hard to find a balance, not just in artwork but writing too. My various print writing is time consuming and it’s not exactly something I can easily share on my blog. So I create new material for my blog. But over time, you develop a relationship with your blog that has it’s own rhythm. Although to be honest, the social butterflies types do get on my nerves sometimes – I wonder if they comment on my posts because what I’ve written has resonated with them, or if they just want attention. I don’t like popularity contests. That’s probably one of the things about blogging that annoys me the most.
Your work is beautiful, what lovely little birdies.
Well done on opening your shop – such an exciting venture! As someone who works with artists I found your post very interesting reading. It’s definitely about trying to find the right balance – half hibernation, half-fluttering :)
Audge – Your comment made me smile! I hope you are having a blast enjoying Chick-fil-a sandwiches! ;)
Hila – I am excited to fall into that natural rhythm, and am glad to hear other bloggers have had to answer this balance question. I agree that it feels better to get comments on the content vs. for popularity. Thanks for your comment!
Danica – I’m excited about it, thanks for checking it out! Love that half-hibernation, half-fluttering statement… what’s an animal that does both? :)
I love your wee turtle on your wash jar.
Thanks Michelle! He’s an encouragement. ;)
I have problem with the balance or decision is my blog portfolio or ‘blog’. When I see people have 20 posts per month I cannot believe that. I am usually block-er or flow-er type so I am always on the edge when it comes to creativeness. But lately I’ve decided I’ll become more commercial type :)
well you made me think.
congratulations on your shop. Spring birds are wonderful. Can’t wait to see more from you :)
I definitely relate. I swing both ways, but I’ve found being more commercial/involving more blog readers ends up helping me produce better work! :) Thanks for your comment.
This is indeed exciting news! And I will surely keep an eye on (and bookmark!!!) the shop. I really like your train of thoughts… and the rewards of pictures. :)
Thank you for your kind words and bookmark! :) I’m excited to share more works as the weeks continue!
When I read your blog fairies float up to my face coloring the sky with rainbows the stars explode showering my hair with glitter dust and diamonds the atmosphere is candy flavored and everything sounds better- this is what happens when i look at each post thankyou and keep it up Girl x Mercury Moonshine Dutchess
you are amazing, Blaze. <3 i agree exactly about what you said about an artist being torn between art and blogging! sometimes i feel guilty for not posting more photographs. sometimes i feel that my readers might get bored just seeing photos of little things from my everyday life. but then i remind myself that i will photograph and blog whatever i want! of course, the insecurity is still there sometimes. i think opening a new shop is wonderful! :) your paintings are always lovely lovely lovely xxxx