Pareto's Principle

I'm deciding on an image to use for a class on drawing animals in coloured pencil. I'm toying with using Tripod as the model and am just working out the final lesson plans now. I have a lot of it in place in various forms from other classes. I just need to pull it all together in 4 blocks to make up the sessions. Sometimes the curriculum development becomes trying and I'd rather just draw!

Years ago in a business management class at college we were taught about Pareto's Principle The Pareto principle (also known as the 80-20 rule and the law of the vital few) states that in many things, 80% of the consequences come from 20% of the causes.

Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist is credited with it. He observed that 80 percent of the land in Italy (and every country he subsequently studied) was owned by 20 percent of the population.

Over the years, he and many others observed this rule in action in different spheres. Some examples:

1. Relationship: Twenty percent of the people you know (friends, colleagues, family) provide you with 80 percent of nurturing support and satisfaction.


2. Business: Twenty percent of customers will account for 80 percent of profit.


3. Productivity: Twenty percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your success.


4. Gardening: Eighty percent of garden peas are produced by 20 percent of the peapods.

The value of the Pareto Principle is that it reminds you to focus on the 20 percent that matters. Of the things you do during your day, only 20 percent really matter. Those 20 percent produce 80 percent of your results. Identify and focus on those things. When the fire drills of the day begin to sap your time, remind yourself of the 20 percent you need to focus on. If something in the schedule has to slip, if something isn't going to get done, make sure it's not part of that 20 percent.

I've discovered in building the art side of my life that it seems to involve everything except art itself. There is marketing and promoting, planning, scheduling, developing curriculum, teaching, critiquing, framing, travelling, schmoozing, art shows and all the other things that take place for a piece of art to seem to appear out of the ether. I spend about 20% of my time devoted to the art of drawing or painting. I fit it in whenever I can as I know that my art production is the key that drives all the rest.

Pareto's Principle, the 80/20 Rule, should serve as a daily reminder to focus 80 percent of your time and energy on the 20 percent of you work that is really important. Don't just "work smart", work smart on the right things.

The Yoga of Nine Emotions

The yoga master trying a new position...

I have never really tried yoga. Not seriously. But after delving into this aspect of it, it piques my curiosity and makes me want to explore more.

I have been asked if I can draw the 9 Rasas in the form of female masks. I didn't have any knowledge about this concept so did a little research and found the following information from Rasas Info :

The nine Rasas are the essential aspects or energies that define a set of emotions and moods that thus belong to the same "family" or Rasa. While the nine Rasas themselves are clearly defined energies affecting body and mind, the resulting emotions (Bhavas) manifest in many varieties and their understanding is affected by personal and cultural backgrounds. Knowing the nine Rasas help to understand why a certain mood comes and stays even though it's original cause may be long gone and how to use that knowledge in achieving more emotional control.

The Tantric tradition recognizes nine principal Rasas that relate to quite clearly defined moods or emotions (click the individual Rasas for more details) :

Sanskrit Term	Principal Meaning	Further Meanings & related emotions
Shringara	Love	Beauty, devotion
Hasya	Joy	Humor, sarcasm
Adbhuta	Wonder	Curiosity, mystery
Shanta	Peace	Calmness, relaxation
Raudra	Anger	Irritation, stress
Veera	Courage	Pride, confidence
Karuna	Sadness	Compassion, pity
Bhayanaka	Fear	Anxiety, worry
Vibhatsa	Disgust	Depression, self-pity

Its quite an interesting theory and I wonder if it does work. Perhaps with concentration techniques which are part of yoga you can bring and expel your Rasa at will. The masks themselves would be fun to do, using appropriate colours and details of expression. So often portraits are done avoiding expression, they tend to be serious mostly, neutral canvases. To depict a series of emotions and bring them to life would be an interesting exercise.

Exposure

Study for 'Hotdog'
coloured pencil on Canson paper
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I started this drawing while I was waiting for students to turn up for a class. I've had the reference for awhile and can't really remember where it came from but it was always amusing. I'll try to find time to continue working on it in spare moments and see what comes of it.

I have a couple of other irons in the fire right now too. Tonight I'm choosing three drawings to submit to the City of St. John's Art Procurement program. The deadline is November 14th for submission so I want them packed up and ready to go, as I will be out of the province all of next week. I return from my trip on the 16th and the next day have a 3 hour demonstration to do with 2 classes the following day. Let's hope jet lag doesn't take its toll.

This year I'm hoping to enter a piece in the Provincial Arts and Letters Competition. The deadline for that is February 15, 2008, so I have time to finish off the representational self portrait I've been working on. Its a large piece and I haven't done as much as I'd hope to have done by now. I was a little lost in terms of ideas for the right side of the image, but more ideas are coming to me now and I will make some inroads on it when I return from Saskatchewan.

These will be my first juried attempts for a long time, so I'm taking my time deciding on the pieces. Choosing art is very much down to the jury's likes and dislikes, as well as budget. As in art shows, you never know who is there or what they're looking for. Its very much a lottery. I'll take my chances with the rest of the world.

Lions

This is my second line drawing of a lion. I did the first yesterday morning at 5:30am (time changes screw me up). I taught a class last night and a person needed more paper, so I told them to take it out of my book. Of course too late it was noticed that it was the lion I had drawn and their drawing was on the reverse. I just tell myself that the practice is good for me and besides, I didn't have the heart to not let the person take their drawing efforts home with them.

I've been reflecting on control or lack of it and how it forms around some individuals and not others. There are various forms of control but all are designed to control your environment so that it remains the same and you never go outside your 'safe' zone. Some people control work, some control their immediate living zone, others control people to ensure that they remain in control of any variables in life.

I was listening to a song tonight on the way home by Great Big Sea, a popular Newfoundland music group and the words made me think more about control and how the controller wants life to change but to also remain the same. Consequence Free. Perhaps there's a bit of control in all of us.

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) is taking action to respond to the community of craft artists affected by the Southern California Wildfires. They say:

We are reaching out to artists, arts organizations, galleries, businesses and others in the affected areas to offer assistance and to locate information about the arts community. While it is still too early to know the extent of damage, we do know that the situation is severe as news reports indicate. We also know that this area of California has a significant population of craft artists. We have already heard from a jeweler who lost both her home and studio and CERF Trustee and clay artist, Lana Wilson, had to be evacuated from her Del Mar home.

Please help us spread the word that CERF is available to offer assistance to craft artists in Southern California. Please also be aware that your support of our work during these times is essential so that we can deliver aid quickly and effectively.

Blizzard revisited

Mother Goose
graphite 9 x 12 Bristol smooth
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I came across this drawing while looking for paper in my seemingly bottomless art cupboard and throught it was about time I finished it off and put it to rest.

This drawing was based on the adventures of an orphan gosling - Blizzard - who I become mother to a couple of years ago. This was his sleeping position and I could go around and do what I had to do and this kept him quiet - at least for a short time. I'm still toying with an idea for a background for this, but haven't decided on anything yet. It may be some generic shadowy background unless something else appeals. The inside of the barn might be an option. Or in the case of Blizzard - the sofa!

The red book

No, nothing to do with Canadian car valuations, this red book is a moleskin notebook that I carry in my purse, married to a red pen reserved for sketching while I travel.

These sketches were done on a recent trip to Halifax. Air Canada's lovely scheduling and unavailability of some friends in Halifax meant a long wait at the airport, so I read a little, worked a little and sketched a lot. I'm becoming adept at surreptitiously studying people while drawing. No one accosted me at either the airport or on the plane for drawing them. It occasionally happens, but I've yet to find someone who has been anything but flattered and interested that I would draw them.

Cat update

I've added a bit more fur to the cat face I started in a demo a couple of weeks ago, but things are slow going lately. I'll catch up!

I was asked how I felt about teaching art, as it involves both sides of the brain trying to compete with each other. The right side of the brain is doing a drawing demonstration while the left side is explaining what I'm doing. Well, its a struggle and there are moments when one side or the other take over exclusively, then reverse roles. It becomes a little confusing, but I think I'm getting the hang of it and as long as the gaps aren't too long, no one notices.

I've been playing with a beta version of some software for another online course that I will teach later this year. I'm hoping that course will be delayed a little to allow me time to get up and running with the other courses. I've just submitted my courses for December and now have to create marketing pieces for them as well as the November classes. I have my website in the back of my head and must make some calls this week to find out hosting costs locally. Its not a necessity but is expected by a lot of people to be the calling card and gallery to show my work.

Now back to the drawing board, literally as I need some demos for classes this weekend.

Steps forward and back

Cyclamen seed head

copyright Jeanette Jobson

There is no short-cut to art, one has to work hard, be open and flexible in your mind, keep the child alive inside you, and through a whole lifetime be ready to learn new things and – of course – be mentally prepared for a hard punch on your nose – especially when you think you are doing well. (Bente Borsum)

I have been absent for a few days due to work commitments and travel and more work commitments. Workloads seem to bog me down lately and I haven't had a lot of time to start any new drawings. That is the frustrating part of pushing work, art and life forward at speed. I may need to pull back a little and regroup.

I have one drawing class behind me and it went well, better than anticipated. I got some time management realizations - there is only so much to fit into a two hour period and people like to talk! Also, being accessible, people are prone to stand and watch and listen in which is a little distracting to those creating drawings.

I have received my order from Blick's of 72 Coloursoft pencils and I'm looking forward to trying them out. I also brought in some plate finish Bristol 500 and 400 as I can't find them in Canada. With the higher Canadian dollar (nearly $1.05 today) it makes it a little less painful on the bank balance to order from the USA than it used to.

My daughter sent me a clip of my grand daughter in her Halloween costume tonight - a vampire caterpillar. And to think I had to settle for a crepe paper cowboy outfit when I was a kid! Times change.

Slowing down

There seems to be a silence creeping over blogs lately. The regulars who post constantly are slowing down the flow of words into a trickle. Have the wheels of autumn taken over after a leisurely summer and created a flurry of activity?

I know that my ability to post as regularly as I have has diminished somewhat due to pressure to accomplish a lot more in other areas. I'm sure that is the case for many other artists who I visit also.

I still try to maintain a minimum of three or more posts a week and it leaves me analysing why I do this writing. I started it as an exercise to force me into creating and to be accountable to myself as well. Sometimes it becomes.....not a chore.....but more difficult to find the words and the put experiences into a form that others will find interesting.

I am looking at other blogs and thinking about what it is that attracts me to those writings. There are several things including, familiarity with topics, learning new techniques, inspiration and the general satisfying feeling of having peeked into someone else's life for a brief moment.

I will continue to write and look into the virtual world that has been created by me, for me and around me and continue to enjoy its trials and benefits. Between more substantial drawings, I am playing with sketches for projects for a kids class for Halloween. Black paper always works well to create magic.

Fall shows

I took part in the Art Association's Fall Exhibit on Sunday. There were 38 exhibitors and I had four pieces in the show. I had chosen graphite for all the pieces and in retrospect wish I had put in some more colour as most of the other entries were paintings in one form or another. But you can never anticipate attendance at shows or what will appeal to anyone. Thirteen percent of the pieces sold overall, but none of mine. I don't mind not selling, as I like the chance to put my work into the public eye and get some exposure.

I wasn't organized enough for that show. I had the pieces ready, but I was volunteering to do some shifts to cover the show, the first starting at 8am. Too early to be organized and I had forgotten my business cards, so couldn't put them in place. And it was pouring rain and miserable out, but the trees in fall colours still shined through.

And there will be two more next times this year. There is another show in early December of small works in downtown St. John's and a fundraiser for the Health Care Foundation on November 8 & 9 and 25 & 26 which I will participate in. More details on those later.

Drawing demo

I did a drawing demonstration on Saturday to try to draw interest into some of the drawing classes that I will be starting in November. It was a unique experience with some good and bad aspects and I always learn something new everytime I deal with the public.

Its distracting trying to draw in the middle of a busy store and I could only work in small sections of time between questions, some art related, some general questions. It seems that if you're in the middle of a store and are doing anything, people presume that you work there and know where everything is! Well I did know a lot of the layout of the store, but if I could have gained commission from directing people to Customer Service, then I would have made a lot of money on Saturday.

I did have a number of interesting conversations with individuals and heard a lot of stories from people who said they can't draw, but would always like to. I encouraged them to join the classes, not simply because it would do me good, but also because I love being the enabler for others to understand the process and technique of drawing. I like to take away the mystique and let people realize that they can achieve this if they really want to do so.

This is the cat I chose for the demo and the first image all that I managed to complete in two hours. The interruption factor, new setting and ambient noise were distracting and I found it difficult to lose myself into the image as I usually do. I worked on the image later at home and a little more tonight. I'll add more updates as they come.

Time is becoming more and more limited. I was asked to name a meeting date today and said November 6th 7am or 6pm and after that I've got no spare time til November 20th. It scares me a little, this momentum that my art life has suddenly taken. Yes, I've pushed it there, now I have to peddle fast to keep up.

Tagged again

Sue Smith of Ancient Artist has tagged me to reveal seven little known facts about myself and then tag seven others. I was tagged some time ago by Wendy Prior and dished up some facts, but even then the tag process was in full swing and it was harder to find bloggers who hadn't already been tagged. So this time it may be even harder. But I did say that I would play along and share some more things about myself that people may or may not want to know.

So let's see....

1. I love wearing CROCS. I had an ankle injury a year or so ago and they were the only shoes that were comfortable and that I could get on. So now I'm addicted.

2. My favourite metal for jewellery is silver and my favourite pieces of jewellery are rings.

3. I drink decaf coffee 95% of the time and have never missed the switch from the 'real thing'. My heart doesn't miss it either.

4. I had the right half of my thyroid gland removed in 1999 due to a goitre. I function beautifully on the remaining half without the need for medication.

5. I'm an avid Coronation Street fan and need to wear my glasses to see it properly. I've virtually abandoned contact lenses in favour of glasses which I take on and off continuously, depending on what task I'm involved in.

6. Left to my own devices, I'd happily exist on cheese and crackers and abandon cooking forever, even if I do watch the cooking shows on Saturdays.

7. I hate promoting myself and dealing with finances, but it is a large part of my art life. I want a manager.

I really don't know if I have enough on my list to tag at this point as so many have already done so. However, if anyone is interested in revealing their secrets, let me know and I'll link you to this post.

Meanwhile here are some that I have tagged:

Gina Cuff Gina and I met through an art association and my blog. She does wonderful work and makes beautiful jewellery.

Tracy Hall Tracy's work in watercolour is just amazing. Her ability to depict animals is a delight.

Robin Sinclair's blog is one I frequently visit. Her life, drawings and paintings in Italy are lovely.

On the edge

Wash Day
Graphite
copyright Jeanette Jobson

This is the third image that I am submitting in the show on Sunday. The difference is that I have added a touch of colour to the ginger fur on his head and some blues and purples into the shadows. I don't seem to have an image of it for some reason. I'll have to take a photo tomorrow in its frame.

I'm standing at the edge of an abyss, throwing little pieces of myself off the edge, hoping that some of them will make a soft landing or that I will at least hear an echo back as they land instead of silence.

That is what it feels like at times when I take on new ventures. I've pushed myself into new experiences to be able to grow my art and make it take on a life of its own. There are nagging doubts that creep into the excitement. 'Who do you think you are?' 'What on earth are you doing at your age?' Sometimes is it very frightening to stand on the edge and see what is in front of me. Sometimes it is awe inspiring to see the potential. The journey to get there is difficult. Taking that big breath and going to see a gallery or to set up drawing classes all have the potential of rejection. Artists tend to take that rejection personally as our skills are bound up in our souls.

For those who believe that they can sit in their corner of the world and make art then expect to be discovered, it won't happen. Marketing, hard work, contacts, networking, putting your reputation, your work and your ego on the line is what it takes. It takes late nights, early mornings, sacrifice and a lot of drawing and experimentation to find the right mix to even begin to make an entry into the art world.

Note to self

Sometimes when I sit down to write my blog post my mind goes blank. So I'm starting little notes to myself that I jot down when a thought strikes me or I come across an image or blog that pushes me off into another realm of possibilities and inspiration. My scribbles include: television test pattern, tesselations, absinthe....see how my mind wanders? There is no logic to it, just thoughts.

I've had little drawing time over the last couple of weeks with people around and I've been trying to fit it all in in snippets here and there. I start a sketch one day, then elaborate on it another. This sketch of mangosteens is one that I'm hoping to turn into an oil painting, provided I can find a block of time to do so, but that's unlikely until next week. I've even gotten as far as to transfer the sketch to a stretched 11 x 14 canvas - I'm making progress!

Meanwhile here are two of the drawings that I will be submitting to the Art Association show on Sunday. I'll show the other two in another later post. I'm ahead of the game on this too, as they are all framed and waiting to go. I just have to wrap them in bubblewrap to transport them there on the day.

Nest Egg
6 x 8 - Graphite
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Moored
9 x 12 graphite
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Bring the bunny back to life

Its a cute little game to amuse you. Yes, I can be silly too. Especially with little time to spare and little drawing to show for it.

You have a minute to bring the bunny back to life. Don't despair if you screw it up. You can try again. Go on, you know you can't resist...

Time

Just in case you wondered where I've gotten, I am here, just up to my eyes in work and with my daughter and grand daughter staying there's not much time for anything, but jiggling and feeding the baby.

Then it was 'Chicken Day'. The broilers (eating) chickens were sent off to the processor then the day after returned and their buyers shortly after, so it was pretty hectic. My sister drove across the island to pick up her year's supply of chicken and turkey so she did the 'chicken run' back across to the western side of the province this morning.

On top of that, I was supposed to take today and tomorrow off. However, my cover obtained another job so couldn't come in so that put those plans on hold. I wanted to spend a little more time with my daughter and the baby before they leave on Thursday, but it may be limited, depending on how much work I can accomplish during the next day or two.

So where does drawing come into all this? It doesn't really. And I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I NEED to draw something. I started a sketch for an oil painting at work at lunch, then got interrupted so that did get too far. I have, however, chosen and prepared my pieces for the exhibition on Sunday so that's out of the way. I also do a drawing demonstration on Saturday in preparation for my first kids class on the 28th, so I need to prepare some promotion pieces for that.

Yawwwwwwwwnnnnn, I need an extra day or two added on to my week I think.

I was going to provide you with a little drawing but it seems Blogger has other ideas at the moment so you'll have to just use your imaginations and fill in this space.

Decisions

Lioness study
4 x 4 coloured pencil on mylar
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Over the last few days I've been trying to make a decision about which pieces I will put in an upcoming show on October 21st. I can put in four pieces, and feel that I should, as I want to get as much exposure as I can for my work and subject matter. But deciding just which ones is always the challenge. I have narrowed down my decision to a firm one for two of my pieces and am considering my options for the other two.

Creativity seems the easy part, decision making the more difficult.

Light

Lightbulb
9 x 12 graphite
Copyright Jeanette Jobson

"It's the night that makes the dawning.
It's the depths that make the heights.
It's the roots that make the branches.
It's the darkness that gives birth to Light."
-- Joel Heathcote (The Architect of Light")

Its difficult to fit in drawing when there is a young child around, in fact, its near impossible. It makes me wonder how I did it when my children were tiny. I did draw then but usually only when they had gone to bed for the night or in snatched moments during naps when I wasn't too tired myself to get on with it.

I guess I know now why people have children when they are young. The energy levels are so much higher. I was up at 3:15 last night feeding the baby. It wasn't a long process before she got back to sleep, but disruptive enough to disturb my sleep pattern and make me now wish for my own bed at 10pm

The Alma Drawings

Some mangosteens were purchased the other day, more because of their shape and colour as potential drawings than to eat. I've never seen them before or tasted them but according to my research they are THE taste sensation in tropical fruit. These are past their best buy date I think and remind me of carved wooden spheres, quite fascinating. One was prised open and that in itself is a challenge as the rind is very thick and hard. The inside was segmented like a tangerine and quite perfect, but a little over ripe. Then again, I haven't had the experience of eating it before to judge by.

Apparently they were banned from entering the USA for a long time due to the potential of harbouring the Asian fruit fly which was feared would damage crops on this side of the Atlantic. That ban has now been lifted and they are once more permitted into the country. The latest price for these little fruits? $45 - $60 per pound in New York. The price for 9 of these fruits in Newfoundland? (albeit well past perfection) .49 cents on the bargain rack in the fruit and veg section. Regularly $8.99 a pound. Perhaps New Yorkers would like to stock up if they're here...

Weighed down with a turkey dinner and between the baby squealing and my mother chattering, I watched a fascinating documentary on television tonight called 'The Alma Drawings'. This woman claimed that 'The Hand' directed her complex, unique pen and ink drawings and colourful, complex images. Whether outside intervention or psychotic wanderings, the end result was stunning. You can find some of her drawings here.

Alma Kate Rumball (1902�1980) was born in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada in 1902. Alma's career began as a school teacher, but that career lasted only four years. Although she had no formal art education, artistic talent ran through both sides of Alma's family; in fact her maternal grandfather, William Morgan, was one of five runners-up in the design of what became the Eiffel Tower. When she became ill as a young woman, she was sent to a tuberculosis sanatorium for four months. She was deeply affected by the experience. She lived in Toronto for a while but after her vision during the 1950's she returned to Huntville. She became reclusive and unsociable and withdrew from life.

Alma's automatic painting began in 1955, after she experienced a "vision" of Jesus, accompanied by a panther. During this event she felt commanded by Jesus to draw and write in order to help "heal humanity". From that time, her hand began to move spontaneously across pages, in swirls and detailed formations, totally unlike anything she had consciously created before. She filled up every available space on paper provided for her by her family, claiming no ownership for the work. She took no credit for the process, saying, "I'm as excited to see what 'the hand' will do as anyone else is".

There was no trance state involved, she simply allowed the creations to come through her. She never claimed to understand the process, she simply marveled at the wonder of her gift. She devoted her lifetime to these drawings and writings. Her work is reminiscent of the theme of Carl Jung's Collective Unconscious as it is viewed.

How's your list coming on?

Rosehips
October 2007
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Early in January this year, I set myself 10 goals to reach and thought it would be interesting to check and see just where I was in terms of reaching them. In the past year, lots has happened in terms of art for me and I think I have made progress. But the proof is in the pudding, so lets go through the list and see.

1. Offer more drawing classes for different levels
I'm just starting to do this now. I will teach a class online in the near future. This month I start with a kids' class in drawing and in November I start in earnest teaching 2 adult and 1 childrens class a week. I am also booked to teach a workshop late this year or early next year for the Art Association.

2. Start a art club locally
I've joined the Art Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and sit on the Board as Treasurer. I have also joined the Realist Artist Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. As its always said, you have more leverage within than outside, so I have ideas for these art associations to expand and grow to offer modules under their umbrella.
3. Complete a series of drawings or paintings.
I haven't done this yet, but there are many ideas for series that come to me. I seem to get bogged down with practicalities and distractions. I need to commit to a series and just do it!

4. Enter at least 4 art exhibitions
I entered a exhibition in April The piece sold and I received Best of Show for it. A piece has been entered in the Woman in Newfoundland Art show which opens today and runs til October 26th in Corner Brook. I will enter 4 pieces in a show on October 21 and finally another exhibit for a Christmas show on December 2nd. So I guess I will meet my target there. These are all local shows and I would like to try my hand at some national or international shows and be accepted into a juried exhibition.

5. Develop a web site
The concept is in my head, but not on paper. I believe this is a must for the near future and I'll be working on achieving this before the end of the year. I'm not sure about the rate of sales through websites. Some are more successful than others, but I believe that a web presences is crucial. For now, my blog will have to do as my electronic presence.

6. Market and sell my prints
Well, they're still sitting in the cupboard. I have sold some, but I haven't put an active process into place to market them. I see this tied into the website in some ways, but I know there are other more effective ways of marketing them.

7. Rediscover oil painting and do at least one small oil painting a month (I'll never make it into the Painting A Day category)
I have pulled out my oil paints and produced three or four small pieces. I will continue to push myself with that medium.

8. Go to a different art exhibition each month
I haven't done this. Time has been a limiting factor for me. Or maybe that's just an excuse. I hope to go to The Rooms this weekend and see the current Albrecht Dürer exhibition. I really have no excuse for not going to exhibitions, I simply need to make time. They always are a source of inspiration, no mater what the theme.

9. Attend a class in a new medium
I have tried to sign up for several classes, but scheduling conflicts with work or other commitments always come up. I have looked unsuccessfully for life classes and just haven't found any. Its a challenge in a small city to find the services that you need. The Art Association does hold a variety of workshop during the year and I may be able to fulfil my needs through some of them.

10. Develop my market for animal portraiture locally
I have produced marketing brochures and flyers for animal portraiture and distributed them to animal grooming parlours, local stores and some pet stores. Reception for having brochures or flyers in stores has been limited as has been my time for distributing brochures. Working and trying to create and market art is a real challenge. I still need to push this through other sources.

I have just gotten some marketing pieces from the printer promoting animal and people portraiture. I have glossy postcards and magnetic business cards as well as regular business cards. I'll choose wisely where the more expensive marketing pieces go and track results that I get with them.

I've achieved 50% of my goals 9 months into the year with some movement in other areas, but not completion. I don't consider this bad, bearing in mind that I have a full time job as well as producing art. But there is room for improvement. I've learned from writing this down that I procrastinate and I must learn to make time to do what I want and need to do. I need to focus on my priorities and ensure they are taken care of.

So where are you in your list? Do you have a list? If not, why not? Its never too soon to set goals for yourself. Don't wait until January, do it now! A goal for a day, a week or a month can be enough to start your creative juices flowing and push you in the right direction.

Flowers and babies

Cerinthe Kiwi Blue

coloured pencil 9 x 12
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I've finished the cerinthe flower piece and am fairly pleased with it. I really have a block up when it comes to drawing flowers, but I'm trying to push past it. I'll have to try a few other mediums and see if I can get a feel for it. Whatever roads I venture down, I always seem to come back to my comfort zone - portraits of animals and people.

This is a terrible photo, but I was pressed for time and was using artificial light. I will try again in natural light. It looks completely different in real life. Its one of the bears of electronic imaging, the colours and clarity just never are the same unless its professionally done.


24 hours into their visit, I've been left in sole charge of my eight month old grand daughter and she's been very kind to me. Not crying, drinking her bottle then going off to sleep for the night with barely five minutes of squeaking.

So good you get her twice. Yes, grandmothers are allowed to be obnoxious and bombard people with grandchildren photos.

Now I need to get down to the serious stuff. I have a promotion board to complete, flyers for the kids class in October and supply lists for the courses I will teach in November. And a little work for the Art Association. All for tomorrow. No pressure, noooooo, not a bit.

Teaching drawing

I am probably quite certifiable to take on more tasks but I have.

I'll be teaching some drawing classes for adults and children at Michael's starting in November - well one in October - that will take up my Monday nights and most of my Sundays. This is in addition to an online course that I will be teaching for Brenda Hoddinott at Drawspace, when her new website is up and running.

The additional work seems a little daunting at the moment, but once the lesson plans are in place it should be fairly straight forward - touch wood. The kids' classes I haven't done much of before, but 8 - 12 year olds should be focused enough to let them explore some techniques and have fun. They may turn out to be more fun than the adults.

I look forward to some more teaching and the exposure that I wouldn't normally get from passing traffic. It may take me a few lessons to get into my stride, but I'll get there.

Tomorrow my daughter and grand daughter arrive from Calgary for a couple of weeks. Its amazing the amount of 'things' you need to have to accomodate a baby. A crib, a highchair, a bouncer thingy, stroller, diapers, milk, food, etc etc. A small body sure has a lot of needs doesn't it? But I think everything is in place and hopefully she'll settle down and I'll get to know her all over again, as I haven't seen her since she was a month or so old. So I may be absent for a day or two til I get the routine down pat. I will take a few days off next week and the week after, but meetings are so often scheduled into the future for me, a full week at once is always a challenge.

The photo is of some wheat/barley/oats that was grown this summer. So what you say? Well it is Newfoundland and we have a very short season. This was grown from grains taken from some animal feed and planted in the field. I was quite surprised to see that it formed heads at all. The prairie people should be able to identify it more accurately than I can.

Cerinthe

Cerinthe grew this summer in the greenhouse. It was a newcomer to me and I hadn't seen the plant previously but the flowers were enchanting, such lovely shades of blues and purples. I took some photos of it and today thought I'd tackle my arch enemy - drawing flowers. I have to say that I rather enjoyed it so far.

Its coloured pencil, 9 x 12 Canson paper. I've kept it soft and somewhat grainy so far. Just getting the richness of the purple-blues is the challenge.

The flower is cerinthe major pupurescens - Kiwi Blue for those who may want to try their hand at growing it. Its an annual and easy to grow. Its also known as the Blue Shrimp Plant.

Reality

Reality Yoked

9 x 12 Derwent Drawing Pencils
copyright Jeanette Jobson

This is not a pretty picture. Its not meant to be. It is reality - or what was reality many years ago, seen through historical reinactments. This is however a real person.

I finished this drawing/sketch today and posted it and am interested in some comments that were made about it that show how people's perception of the world is slewed.

People want attractiveness around them. They fear becoming old and they fear seeing a side of life that they may see a part of themselves in. I think a lot of this perception is in North America and how the press bombards the public with messages of how life will be better only if you have the right lifestyle, have money, are youthful, are a certain height or weight, dye your hair, wear the right clothes, etc., etc.

The thing is, that people buy into this crap like its a religion. Then when confronted with reality, they either turn away or refuse to believe it, preferring the sanitized version of life. I personally like reality, even the harshness of it at times. I refuse to fall into the trap of advertisers and corporations trying to sell their products and brainwash me into believing that it will change my life and make me happy.

There are people out there who have no money, no jobs, no houses. There are people out there with wrinkles and grey hair. People are overweight, have illnesses, dental problems, money problems and no education.

There are no easy solutions to any of the problems and these problems have been around since time began in one form or another. But don't pretend they don't exist and don't pretend that you're any better than others in the world or that anyone else believes you're younger than you are. You can wear the lambskin and live in the house, but you'll still be mutton.

How rare is your personality?

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISFP)

Your personality type is caring, peaceful, artistic, and calm. Only about 7% of all people have your personality, including 8% of all women and 6% of all men You are Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Yoked

I've always had a love of historical things, and spent many hours exploring old houses, castles, cemeteries and historic ruins.

In the WDE of WetCanvas there was an image of a woman wearing a yoke from a historical reinactment and the image appealed to me. I have visited similar projects where the characters come to life and play the part of life in that era, making it seem more real. I haven't ever tried a yoke, but imagine that it likely is a pretty good way of distributing weight evenly to be carried.

Here is the sketch for the drawing that will be done with Derwent Drawing pencils. Or an attempt.

Summer ducklings

These are a mix of ducklings that were hatched over the last couple of months. They are all sold and here waiting in the meadow pen for their new owners.

Because they live in the barn and haven't been outside until now, they're skittish and when you approach them, they all move in a group as if they are connected. A wave of birds, rather the way some flocks of birds move in the sky. Its as if invisible cords connect them all.They moved together into the shade of the lean to awning and chattered among themselves as I photographed them. I didn't stay too long as I didn't want to stress them too much. Each day they become less timid and, if they were staying on the farm, they'd be out with the other ducks wandering wherever they felt like and not minding human presence at all.

Art shows

Junior - completed
Graphite 9 x 12 on Bristol Smooth
Copyright Jeanette Jobson

Why is there always a flurry before a show? I must get complacent and figure I have lots of time, then suddenly realize that the deadline is looming and panic sets in.

With panic, mistakes happen and everything seems to go wrong as I rush. I had the piece framed then decided at the last moment that I wanted it in a larger frame. I have a few spare frames so I chose a larger one and one by one the framing pins broke. Then I got the drawing taped in and realized it was crooked. Start again.

More framing pins break.

Swearing starts in earnest.

I finally got the drawing and the frame to cooperate, cleaned the glass, carefully pushed in the remaining framing pins and sealed the back of the finished piece. I decided I'd better wire it just in case. I didn't know how it was being hung on the other end, so figured I'd be on the safe side and cover all eventualities. Of course the posts wouldn't go into the frame would they? Nooooooo. I searched all over the house looking for my dremel drill, but its in the barn. Across the wet yard. In the pitch dark. I went on to plan B.

This is where I knew that high school math would eventually serve me well. A compass point! I rummaged around in the jar behind the kettle and came up with one, applied pressure to the frame and sure enough, it worked beautifully. Its probably the only useful thing that ever came out of my high school math.

This piece is going to Corner Brook, which is an 8 hour drive from here, so next I needed to wrap the picture so it wouldn't have chipped corners or broken glass by the time it arrived. Did I remember to buy bubble wrap on the way home? Nooooooooooooooo. Its 10pm by now and the stores are very shut. Plan B comes into action - or as I call it, recycling. More cupboards opened and searched, more swearing. Finally I found some bubble wrap from another package that didn't have all the bubbles popped (its such a satisfying stress reliever, popping those little bubbles isn't it?). So after liberal application of bubble wrap, wrapping paper and tape, the piece sits, awaiting delivery tomorrow and then on its way. Its not a pretty package, but it will get there.

Now I'm exhausted. And that was just ONE piece. The next show on October 21 is four pieces.

I'm going to buy bubble wrap tomorrow. And a bottle of whiskey.

Got tuna?

Got Tuna?
Graphite & coloured pencil 7 x 9
Copyright Jeanette Jobson

It is only by drawing often, drawing everything, drawing incessantly, that one fine day you discover to your surprise that you have rendered something in its true character.

(Camille Pissarro)

Tripod's favourite food is tuna. People tuna at that. Or dry catfood which he had to learn to eat as he'd never eaten it before judging by how he tried to gulp down mouthfuls of it without crunching it up first.

His gets his fix of tuna twice a day and is VERY vocal about it if you're not prompt enough serving it up. Tuna, with additional 'fresh' morsels that he catches and proudly leaves for me in the grass by the front step. Mice, shrews, rabbit, muskrat and something with a long furry tail - that was all that was left. Disability obviously doesn't cause many problems for this guy.

What's in a name?

I've decided from the names offered as possible titles for the portrait...... and .......

it will be named Watching Her Leave which was offered by Cyril from The Teaching Life. Not an artist in the traditional sense, but creative in many other ways, especially in teaching.

The piece is now framed and will be entered in an exhibition hosted by the Realist Artists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, of which I am a member. This show is for female artists only.

"Women in Newfoundland Art"

The theme of this show celebrates women and the works of these women that have been inspired by their emotional, social and physical interaction with the environment of this place they call home.

Running October 6 to 26, 2007 at the Arts and Culture Centre, Corner Brook.

I sifted through a number of titles suggested in my blog or via email. They ranged from sentimental to profound. And I am so thankful that there are people out there who were kind enough to take time to offer their thoughts.

Naming an art piece is complex. It reflects the creator, the piece and the viewer. A title of an art piece can make or break it. It is part of the piece and entices the viewer to look deeper and create their own story within the lines and colours.

So thank you Cyril, a print of Moored will be sent to you during this week. Enjoy!

If anyone would like to purchase a print of Moored, please contact me at jjobson at nl dot rogers dot com. They are available for $45 plus shipping. The print size is 9 x 12 with a 2 inch border.

Viewpoints on Commissions

A Different Viewpoint
coloured pencil 4 x 6
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I don't think I've seen a cat with bi-coloured eyes in real life, but its seems to be a fairly common occurance, especially white cats. This image was a nice little exercise in CP to do off and on during the day.

Commission horrors come in many forms. Here are some of mine:

1. Creased, ragged indistinct photos taken against the light so the figure is almost in shadow.
2. Middle aged women who think they are 21 and want their portrait to look that way.
3. Tweakers. Those people who want changes. Over and over and over and over.
4. Last minuters. They want a large portrait. In oil. In two days. Yeah, right.
5. Bargain hunters. They too want a portrait of Mom, Dad, Fido - only the best. But they haggle over price like they're in a market in Marrakesh. Stick with your pricing.
6. No shows. Those charming people who never pick up their paintings. ALWAYS get a 50% deposit.
7. Relatives. Because they are related to you, they believe you should work for free or for flattery. No. Well ok, perhaps a sketch, but no detailed work without payment.

There are lots of problems associated with commissions and also lots of pleasure too. There is a sigh of relief when a piece is handed over to the customer and there are smiles all round with no changes requested and no argument over payment.

Best buy date for art pieces

Crabapples

Drawing is a bit like shopping.

When you don't have the money and don't really need anything, items in stores leap out at you saying buy me. When you do have money and have a need for something to wear, there is not a single thing in the whole city.

With drawing I can start out with a simple sketch of an eye for example and the rest of the drawing just falls off the pencil onto the paper. But present me with a deadline or ask me to create a specific 'something' and it will take me several tries before I can get a decent result.

I want to start a new drawing. No, I need to start a new drawing. I need new pieces for upcoming exhibitions. I have pieces in my portfolio and floating around on my drafting table. These are old pieces to me but new to others. I always date my pieces - just the year alongside my signature and then wonder 'Will the viewing public think this is 'stale'?' if its a year old or two years old. Is there a 'best buy' date for drawings and paintings? Do people want very current pieces, done within the year. Or do they buy older pieces or do they even care or notice?

What do you do? Is your exhibition art all brand spanking new or is some still dusting off from two or three or more years ago? Do older pieces smack of 'loser' and mean that you can't sell your art? The buying public are a fickle bunch sometimes and every edge to keep their attention is vital.

How old are pieces that you show?

Naming an art piece

Watching Her Leave

Graphite 9 x 12 on Bristol Smooth
Copyright Jeanette Jobson

I've completed this self portrait from all those years ago and learned to hate plaid pants. Especially plaid pants in an ill defined photograph. I tweaked the drawing when I got home today, sprayed and framed it. It will likely be a piece for an upcoming exhibition, but I still have to spend more time reviewing my portfolio and see what other pieces are suitable.

Naming a piece is something that can come easily with some pieces and totally impossible with others. Its like getting a puppy and within hours or days its name surfaces without searching, usually based on some behaviour. But art doesn't have behaviour. It does evoke emotion and memory which is what usually inspires the name for the piece. Or if there is a specific activity occurring within the piece it can inspire a name.

In this piece I'm stuck for a name., so I'm hoping for some suggestions from blog readers. The setting is Christmas 1955 likely a new doll - some sort of elf by the looks of it. I really am at a loss for a title for this and need to come up with something so it can go into an exhibition. So let's call this a brainstorming exercise and I'll throw in a print of either Weeds I or Moored for the name that is chosen!

Update

Self Portrait
Graphite 9 x 12 Bristol Smooth
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I've worked on this piece in tiny fragments of time. Early morning before work and when I get home from work, I try to fit in some drawing time, then of course weekends where I do my main block of work. I'm deepening values in the drawing to bring it forward a little.

The image isn't great, as I had a late meeting so I wasn't able to take a decent photo in the available light when I got home.

I've been adding more links to other blogs and resources as I remember them and find some new ones too. So if I am missing your link, please let me know and I'll be happy to add it again. More than anything right now I need to sleep. Its been a long busy day and I was up late last night dealing with my little indiscretion of losing all my links.

New look

I've played around with updating my blog's template to add a heading image and I've done so. This is a view of Flatrock bay in one of its tranquil moments. It may not be the final image, more the experiment.

Unfortunately, in doing so, I seem to have lost all my links to other blogs and everything else I had on the page. Sigh. Why is it technology never quite seems to work for me? But never fear my friends, I will find you all and reinstate you, safe and sound and perhaps even find some new people as well!

So tell me what you think of the new look? Is a photo appropriate or should I go with a drawing instead? I'm half scared to tinker more in case I lose anything else!

Sundays

There are bonuses to waking very early in the morning. It means that I have time to squeeze in some drawing before the day hits and takes away my time. I work more developing the line drawing from yesterday and its coming along. Aside from that time this morning, my Sunday was shot in doing other things.


I have a new digital camera - a Canon PowerShot A560. Not an expensive camera ,but its increase in megapixels over the current camera makes a big difference in clarity for images. I also bought a couple of frames as I will need them in the coming weeks.

Before that I did some repairs in the rain to my mother's porch window. In its age, the glass was literally nearly falling out so I had to locate good old fashioned putty and points and reinstall that. The rest of the windows in the porch need refitting and I'll do that over the next couple of weeks. All the windows need replacing as they are very old and the frames themselves are rotting. I guess in a few years not many people will remember how to install glass in a window as everything is vinyl or aluminum and factory sealed.