How does an Artist Residency Work?

How does an artist resident work? Is something you might be asking yourself if you have never been to an artist residency before. Artist residencies work by giving you uninterrupted time as an artist to make your art. So how does an artist residency work and where can you apply? What are the benefits of participating in an artist residency? I will let you know and share my experiences of the artist residencies I have been to below! 

I have been to two artist residencies

A paper making artist residency at the Women’s Studio Workshop - click to read more

And an artist residency at Vermont Studio Center -click to read more.

How does an artist residency work?

Each experience was different and you can read more about the individual experiences by clicking the links above. Generally, an artist residency is for 1 week - 12 weeks long (sometimes longer). Artist residencies are in a new place which is great inspiration especially if the place, landscape or the environment inspires your work like it does mine. Usually, your accommodation is covered in the residency, sometimes it’s a private or shared room. Usually the bathroom is shared with others but sometimes it’s not. Sometimes your meals are included and other times you have access to a kitchen where you can make your own meals. You can apply to residencies in places like Akimbo and ResArtis. Some residencies are paid where you pay to attend and other times you can win grants or scholarships to help reduce the cost or to be able to attend for free! Usually there is a time and price commitment to think about before applying. Only apply if you have the time and the money to go.

What are the benefits of an artist residency?

• Private time to work no distractions

• A new location to inspire your work

• 24 access to a studio, tools and equipment

• Space to hang and present your work

• Other opportunities like presenting an artist talk or participating in an exhibition while you are there

• A chance to network and meet other artists and arts professionals

• Since usually you are paying to attend you are focused and produce a lot of work! 

Other types of artist residencies

Recently, with Covid-19 some residencies have moved online. Some have virtual meetings on Zoom to share your work and get feedback. Some residencies are transitioning to online exhibitions or galleries on their websites. There are different types of artist residencies including: writing, music, performative arts, drama, textiles, papermaking, painting and more! 

How to Find the Perfect Artist Residency for you

• Plan when you have time off to do it 

• Plan a budget on how much you would like to spend or ways to fundraise/apply for grants

• Make a list of places you would be interested in travelling to 

• Search for opportunities based on your criteria 

• Pick one that speaks to you and is best suited for the type of art you make 

Good luck with your applications. I am definitely interested in doing another artist residency soon! Check out some of the helpful links below! 

Related Articles

Read my interview about my residency here! 

Here is another great website to help you find the right artist residency for you! https://resartis.org/covid-19-updates/

Akimbo

How to get artist grants 

Vermont Studio Center Residency

Women’s Studio Workshop Residency

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How to use layers in a sketchbook

Learn how to use layers in a sketchbook by having the permission to make art in the sketchbook. Adding layers in a sketchbook is a great way to add texture and have fun testing and experimenting with new materials and techniques.  I have three ways for how to use layers in a sketchbook. Read more to discover how to use layers in a sketchbook. 

how to use layers in a sketchbook

Layer in Materials 

Start by pushing yourself to add layers of different media in your sketchbook. You can start with pencil then add pen, then marker, then water colour paint, then acrylic paint, then sharpie etc. Each layer you can challenge yourself to add a new medium.

Layer in Textures

Begin to play and experiment with your sketchbook through the layers. You can add collage elements to bring in different textures. Here are some great collage elements to try:

• Magazines

• Fabric

• Scrap paper 

• Paper with writing or text like book pages or handwritten letters

• Tissue paper 

• Ribbon

• Scrapbooking materials 

• Stickers 

• Buttons 

• Anything that interests or speaks to you

Adjust your mindset 

Sketchbooks can have multiple purposes. You can plan out artwork and do a rough sketch, you can create a full artwork or a finished piece. Or you can use your sketchbook to create layers and to test and experiment with new supplies or techniques. You can give yourself permission to let go and to just have fun and play since a sketchbook is usually cheaper than watercolour paper or canvas. 

Tips for using your sketchbook more

• Have it readily available in a place you see daily

• Give yourself time in your schedule to sketch, doodle (make it part of your morning or evening routine)

• Create a challenge where you are going to make a small artwork in your sketchbook either daily or weekly

Benefits of keeping a sketchbook

A sketchbook is a great place to test out new materials and techniques. It is a great tool to record ideas, inspiration and research. It can be used as a log to record what worked and what didn’t. Lastly, a sketchbook can be used as a test to create a mock up or mini work before committing to a larger or final piece. 

If you have enjoyed how to use layers in a sketchbook feel free to try any painting tutorials on YouTube or learn about some of my art resources on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Check out my drawing prompts for high school students. I have over 30 pages of drawing prompts, ideas, checklists and drawing practice pages that use the elements of design!

Click here to shop!

Related Articles

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Tips for Making an Art Portfolio

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My Art Goals Examples

Here are some tangible art goals examples to feel inspired when it comes to making your own art goals. You can change and adjust your art goals through out the year. You don’t need to wait for January 1st to make your art goals happen! Check out my art goals examples below! 

My Art Goals Examples 

Post consistently to social media (5x a week to instagram, 3-4x to facebook, every day to Pinterest, twice a month to my email list, blog post 3-4x a month, YouTube 2x a month), TikTok weekly 

Social media takes time. I recently started a tiktok - Jackie Partridge Art.  I would like to try paid ads this year 

Apply to art calls twice a month - I want to have more exhibitions this year!

I have been getting more exhibitions and artist grants since I have been consistently applying to art application calls. 

Spend time in nature for inspiration- I find this really helps with my art practice.

Once a month Gordie and I made it a habit of hiking, campinging or walking outside. I’ve taken lots of photos that I have shared on Instagram

Make consistent art sales- I would love my art to be my main source of income. I would like to match my current teaching income before the end of 2022. These are my current streams of revenue:

1. Art grants/awards and artist fees

2. Art workshops and coaching 

3. Selling art teaching resources on Teachers Pay Teachers

4. Selling my original art 

5. Selling my cyanotype prints on Society6

Set boundaries for teaching for more work life balance- no work on Friday nights and Saturdays, no emails past 5pm, no marking on the weekend. No working camps.

This past summer I worked the month of July at a day camp at my school. I was very intentional not to start working on school stuff until the end of August so that I could have a break from school. Make art during school breaks- I plan on not working at camps this year so that I have more time to focus on my art and business. 

Make art each month- I want to get back to making art each month. It is something that I put off like exercising. I want to be able to prioritize both. 

2022 Goals 

• Exercise 2x a week

• Match my teaching salary in my art income

• Purchase a Home 

• Have 5 exhibitions or publications 

• Grow my mailing list by 500 people 

• Grow my YouTube to 500 subscribers 

• Have 200 products in my TPT store

Related Articles

6 Tips for Hitting Your Art Goals

5 Tips to Stay Motivated as an Artist 

5 Tips to Sleep Better as an Artist

If you found these art goals examples helpful please leave a comment below. Be sure to follow me on social media by clicking one of the icons below! 

2021 in Review

Happy Holidays to all of you! Wishing you all the best during this holiday season. Here is to a happy and healthy 2022! Here is a look at 2021 in review for me and my art business. Here are the goals I made for 2021- you can read about how I maintain my goals here!

2021 in Review - my goals

Post consistently to social media (5x a week to instagram, 1-2x to facebook, every day to Pinterest, twice a month to my email list, blog post 3-4x a month, YouTube 2x a month)

I did well with these goals and was able to really grow my following. I was more intentional this year with planning what I wanted to post and doing it ahead of time and not last minute. I took the summer off from posting on YouTube to allow me to focus on other projects and relax after a stressful year of teaching during the pandemic. 

Apply to art calls twice a month - I want to have more exhibitions this year!

With Covid there are still less available exhibitions but I did participate in a few exhibitions including Landscape Transformed in Orillia, a paid opportunity with Create Waterloo to do my Patched installation in Regency Park during the month of July. I had a grant project from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund for a series of acrylic painting tutorials - link to playlist and link to blog. I also participated in the Mask Required exhibition at Gallery Stratford. I have a current exhibition for SHOW. 21 which is a juried group exhibition of emerging artists -with 10 other artworks present. My work Precariously Perched is on display until February! My solo Patched exhibition at the Kitchener Public Library has been tentatively rescheduled for next year. 

Spend time in nature for inspiration- I find this really helps with my art practice.

Once a month Gordie and I made it a habit of hiking, campinging or walking outside. I’ve taken lots of photos that I have shared on Instagram

Make consistent art sales- I would love my art to be my main source of income.

I have started to make more consistent sales with my art and in April I started a Teachers Pay Teachers Store and in October I started a print shop for my cyanotype art with Society6 . Having these extra sources to sell my art and art teaching resources has allowed me to have more consistent income and I am excited to watch it grow next year! 

Keep my website updated monthly- I like reviewing my website at the end of each month to make sure everything is current.

In August, I created my www.jackiepartridgeart.com website where it focuses more on acrylic painting, YouTube channel, my TPT store, art teaching articles and tips. My www.jackiepartridge.com website now focuses on my contemporary art, my paper art in my shop and blog posts related to my art news and contemporary art practice/what I am working on in the studio. I have liked keeping these areas separate but I have definitely doubled my workload! 

Set boundaries for teaching for more work life balance- no work on Friday nights and Saturdays, no emails past 7pm, no marking on the weekend.

This past summer I worked the month of July at a day camp at my school. I was very intentional not to start working on school stuff until the end of August so that I could have a break from school. I did well not responding to emails after 7pm and will continue to do that this year as it gives me more time to relax. 

Make art during school breaks- Teaching full time has made me really miss having time to make my art.

During school breaks I started working on cyanotypes and creating print designs - you can see them here! I also worked on my painting tutorials from a grant from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund- you can watch them- here.  I also installed Remnants outside and photographed it this year. I finished my Patched installation video. 

2021 in Review - 

Overall, 2021 was a great year for me. It was my first year teaching full time in the classroom. I had a lovely small class of 12 grade 4 students. We had a fun time going to the park, learning together and seeing them grow. This year with Covid was challenging! We were online twice. We wore masks and it was hard to not see each other smile. 

I made it a habit of going outside more. It was hard to see people less and not being able to hug people especially when I’m not really a hugger. 

I worked on starting to new streams in my art to continue to grow my business. I read a lot of books this year including: Everything is Figureoutable, You are a Badass at Making Money, 

My friends are having babies. My sister-in-law got married.

2022 Goals 

1. Exercise 2x a week

2. Purchase a Home 

3. Have 5 exhibitions or publications 

4. Grow my mailing list by 200 people 

5. Grow my YouTube to 500 subscribers 

6. Have 200 products in my TPT store

Thank you so much for following on this journey. I appreciate you being here and supporting me along the way.

Here are some FREE Ways to Support me (if you aren’t doing them already)

1. Join my mailing list ( I send lots of tips, free products and painting tutorials) -join the box below

2. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

3. Follow me on Pintrest 

4. Like my Facebook Page

5. Follow me on my instagram

6. Follow my TPT store if you are a teacher

7. Follow my Cyanotype Print Shop

Lastly, I would appreciate it if you like something I post to like, comment or share to help me to reach more people! 

How to Make Time for Art

How to make time for art is an ongoing question I ask myself. I’m sure other artists ask themselves how to make time for art and maybe you do too. I want to share my tips with you for how I have time to make art and how I find pockets of time in my busy schedule to get creative. Learn how to make time for art below!

How to Make Time for Art- tip #1 

Track Your Time:

In order to have more time to make your artwork it is important that you understand how you spend your time. You can do this by tracking your time. Create an Excel sheet or grab a pen and some paper and start making note of how much time you spend on typical tasks. Once you have totalled how you spend your time you will be able to assess if there is any room for improvements that could give you more time to make art. 

For example, check your screen time usage on your smartphone. It is amazing to see that we spend hours (2-3) even more scrolling on our phone. Ask yourself how you can reduce it. Maybe set a timer. Check your email only once or twice a day, have an intention before going on social media so you avoid mindless scrolling. 

Another time waster is mindless tasks like folding laundry, or doing the dishes. I try to listen to a podcast or audiobook during this time or I give someone a phone call. 

A big culprit is watching TV. Again, it’s important to have an intention and limit your TV time. What could you be doing instead? Working out, painting, reading, making art?

How to Make Time for Art- tip #2 

Make a Plan

Now that you have tracked your time and have a better understanding of how you are spending your time you can begin to make a plan. Your goal is to make more time for your art. So ask yourself what can you give up or shorten the time to give you more time to make art.

You could agree to have a night with no TV and this day of the week could be a painting day. You could reduce your screen time by an hour a day. You could leave work earlier instead of staying late all of the time. You could wake up an hour earlier than normal. 

See how much time you can give yourself to make art. Start small with 30min. to an hour and see if you can add more time to make art later on.

How to Make Time for Art- tip #3

Make a Habit 

If possible try to block off time in your online or paper planner to schedule yourself time to make art. When making art make sure to limit your distractions. Put your phone on airplane mode. Tell your loved ones this is your uninterrupted time and they should respect that if this is something you truly care about and value!

Bonus Tip:

Habits help to stick when they are goals. Make sure you are clear about why you want to make art and why it is important to you. Does it bring you joy? Is it stress relief? Once you have established why making art is important to you -you should continue to want to strive to make time for it. Realizing why art is important and giving myself art goals has helped me to stay motivated in making art. For me the process of making art calms me down and makes me feel more relaxed so I try to fit it into my schedule whenever possible. You can check out my article about tips for achieving your art related goals - here! 

There will be days or weeks that you don’t make art and that is okay. Give yourself some grace and know that you will make art again! You can read this post about tips for adding freshness to a stale art practice here! 

Need some accountability to make art for your portfolio application - try my art portfolio coaching so you can create an application that stands out and gets accepted without the stress and overwhelm!

Related Articles:

6 Tips for Hitting Your Art Goals

How to Add Freshness to a Stale Art Practice

How to Stay Motivated as an Artist 

Sleeping Tips for Artists

If you found these artist tips make sure to join my community in the box below! I send tips, exclusive painting tutorials and special bonuses to my members every two weeks! 

What to Buy Someone Who Likes Art

What to buy someone who likes art? This may be hard if you don’t like art yourself but as an artist and someone who loves art. I want to help you out! Below is a list of ideas for what to buy someone who likes art! Feel confident in buying the right gift for someone who likes art.

What to Buy Someone Who Likes Art - for the Walls

• Prints from society 6

• Wall art that’s original

• A gift certificate to get art framed at a local place - KW framing 

• Or a Michaels or Ikea gift card for frames

• A piece of art commissioned by their favourite artist

• Check out my shop for original -handmade art here!

• Daisy Handmade Cards that can later be framed

Rainbow Field 4

CA$110.00

Add to cart

What to Buy Someone Who Likes Art - for the artist or aspiring artist

• A great sketchbook

• A fancy paint brush

• Golden acrylic paint - a great company with luxurious paint and rich colours!

• Easel 

• A nice journal and pen from Indigo or Staples

What to Buy Someone Who Likes Art - for the reader

• How to Steal like an Artist By Austin Kleon

• A book on their favourite artist

• Patched - collection of poems and photos by -me

What to Buy Someone Who Likes Art - for the viewer 

• A camera or nice camera bag 

• Camera cleaning kit 

• Tripod 

• A book of art from their favourite artist 

• A calendar made by their favourite artist

Some of My Favourite Cyanotype Print Designs

These links are affiliate links meaning I get a small commission when you purchase through the links below! Thank you!

Mini Pine Branch Framed Print

Palm Leaf Fanny Pack

Palm Leaf Wall Clock

Daisy Duffle Bag

Palm Leaf Unisex V-Neck

Wheat Throw Pillow

Fern Mug

Palm Leaf Back Pack

Related Articles:

How to choose the Right Frame for Your Art

Best Framing and Displaying Tips for Your Art

Want to Have a Piece of Art Commissioned?

I hope you like these ideas of what to buy someone who loves art. Leave a comment below if you have other ideas of what to buy someone who loves art. For more ideas connect with me on social media by clicking on one of the icons below! Check out my shop for original -handmade art here!

How to Frame Cyanotypes

How to frame cyanotypes is something I get asked all the time. Framing art can be challenging but framing cyanotypes has its own set of challenges. Original cyanotypes made through the cyanotype process need to be framed differently than a cyanotype print which is a print or a copy of the original cyanotype artwork. Learn how to frame cyanotypes below!

How to Frame Cyanotypes

Original cyanotypes are created using UV light. If they are constantly exposed to direct, bright UV light (sunlight) they will fade over time and can fade faster than other artwork that faces direct sunlight. While it’s good to always preserve artwork in glass that is UV protected it is especially important to frame cyanotypes using UV protected glass.

When hanging your original cyanotype artwork it is recommended not to place the prints in direct sunlight for this reason. Cyanotypes can handle daylight but do not  hang them in a very sunny room or directly near a bright, large, and sunny window.

Check Out My Cyanotype Print Store for Framed and Unframed Prints

If Your Original Cyanotype Artwork Does Fade:

You can try placing the cyanotype in a dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer for example, for a few days. If a small amount of air is there they should return to their original blue colour.  

Cyanotypes are not recommended for rooms subject to high humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms either. The humidity can affect the paper and damage the print especially if the artwork is not properly framed. 

Black Eyed Susan Cyanotype 1

CA$50.00

Tips for How to Frame Cyanotypes

You should frame cyanotypes in the traditional way with a solid frame and matted so that the print doesn't touch the glass and there is a small amount of oxygen within the frame. This helps the blue colour from fading over time. Float mounting can also work as long as the print doesn't come into direct contact with the glass. 

Using UV resistant glass will help to prevent some fading over time but do remember not to hang your original cyanotype in a place that has direct bright sunlight or a place with high humidity. 

I hope you found these tips helpful for how to frame cyanotypes. If you purchase a cyanotype of mine I would love for you to send me a photo of it framed and hanging in your house. 

My Favourite Cyanotype Prints

These links are affiliate links meaning I get a small commission when you purchase from the link! Thank You!

Mini Framed Pine Branch Print

Palm Leaf Crew Neck Sweatshirt

Daisy Recessed Frame Print

Palm Leaf Wall Clock

Daisy Duffle Bag

Daisy Unisex V-Neck

Fern Mug

Daisy Carrying Zip Pouch

Wheat Throw Pillow

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 How to Make Cyanotypes

How to Style a Shelf - 3 Tips for Displaying Your Art 

Check out my Cyanotype Print Store

Follow me on social media - by clicking on one of the icons below!

Fern Cyanotype 4

CA$90.00

21 Books for Artists to Read

Here is a list of books for artists to read. These books for artists to read will help artists improve their art practice, artwork and art entrepreneur skills. Oftentimes, in art school you are taught how to make art but not the business side of things. You aren’t really taught how to market your art, price your art, create a mailing list, an Instagram page etc. These recommended books will help you expand your art business and take it to the next level! You will love these books for artists to read. These books are all books artists should read as they will help with your professional development as an artist!  

Money Mindset Books for Artists to Read

Think and Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill

You are a Badass at Making Money By Jen Sincero 

Real Artists Don’t Starve By Jeff Goins

Art Money & Success By Maria Trophy

Productivity Books for Artists to Read

Chillpreneur By Denise Duffield-Thomas

Everything is Figureoutable By Marie Forleo

12 Week Year By Brian P. Moran 

Free to Focus By Michael Hyatt

Business Books for Artists to Read

The Artist’s Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love By Jackie Battenfield

Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist By Lisa Congdon

Design as Art By Bruno Munari

Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow Your Creative Passion into a Full-time Gig By Ilana Griffo

How to Build Your Art Business with Limited Time or Energy By Corinna Thurston

Art-Write: The Writing Guide for Visual Artists By Vicki Krohn Amorose

How to Sell Your Art Online By Cory Huff

Don’t Panic: A Legal Guide ( In Plain English) For Small Businesses & Creative Professionals By Art Neill & Terri Karobonik

Steal like an Artist By Austin Kleon

Show Your Work By Austin Kleon

Keep Going By Austin Kleon

Find Your Artistic Voice By Lisa Congdon

The Business of Being an Artist by Daniel Grant

If you are thinking of applying to art school or an arts-based program -click here to download my FREE guide of 10 Tips to Create an Art Portfolio that Stands Out!

Related Articles:

Patched Ebook

Tips for Pricing Your Art

6 Tips for Hitting Your Goal as an Artist

As I come across new books to read I will add these to this blog post. Have you read any of these artist books? Let me know in the comments! Or if you have any book recommendations be sure to comment below or send me a DM on Instagram @jackiepartridge_ 

How to Get an Artist Grant

How to get an artist grant? Is a common question for artists because being an artist can be difficult and financially frustrating. There are lots of things to pay for as an artist like your studio space, art materials, ongoing learning, travel and residency fees, website fees, domain name and more! If you find yourself asking how to get an artist grant -then keep reading!

Getting an artist grant helps to relieve the financial pressure and money insecurities that come with being an artist, especially an emerging artist that is just starting out. By the end of this article you won’t be asking how to get an artist grant again!

How to Get an Artist Grant -the Steps

1. Research what grants you are eligible to apply for (make sure you check eligibility)

2. Record the deadlines for the grants

3. Start early at least two weeks but sooner is better than later! 

4. Read the application instructions 

5. Gather and prepare your materials for the artist grant

6. Fill out the application and double check

7. Proofread and have someone else read it too!

8. Submit and take some deep breaths! 

Make Sure You Research the Artist Grant

Where can you find an artist grant? Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council or even more locally. A lot of cities have their own grants or awards for art. In my city of Waterloo there are Region of Waterloo Arts Fund and City of Waterloo. 

You have to begin by researching and checking which artist grants you are eligible for. Then you can research deadlines so that you have enough time to apply for the artist grant. 

As a young emerging artist, I started with smaller grants with a low budget proposal that I could help build my CV and prove that I could complete projects and handle working with grant money. This is a new skill -it’s good to start small and to practice! 

How to Get an Artist Grant -Practice, Practice, Practice

It takes time to get an artist grant. You probably won’t get one right away and that’s okay! Keep applying and keep practicing. It can be difficult to write about your art or to explain why getting the grant would help you as an artist or your community. With time you do build your confidence and your writing improves!

Tips for How to Get an Artist Grant 

1. Read and complete everything 

2. Make sure your writing and proposal is clear and makes sense

3. Have professional photos of your art 

4. Ask for feedback if you don’t get the grant so you can improve 

5. Attend free grant writing seminars or workshops -most places offer this or there’s lots on YouTube

6. Interview people who have won grants and ask questions 

7. Call the place or email where you are applying at to and ask any questions (this doesn’t negatively impact you receiving a grant- only helps)

8. Again, give yourself plenty of time and make sure to submit early in case the website crashes!

What Happens When I Receive an Artist Grant?

When you receive an artist grant -which you will someday (don’t worry!) Make sure you keep track of your receipts, paper copies and digital copies (take a picture or scan) This way you don’t lose them. Complete the project you proposed on the deadline stated. If you can’t meet the project deadline or if the project is changing slightly -reach out to where you received the grant to speak to them. They are always very helpful and they want you to succeed! 

Related Articles

Patched Book

WAF Grant Update

Tips for Pricing Your Art

Quit Feeling Like a Starving Artist

6 Tips for Hitting Your Art Goals

Helpful Links

Waterloo Artist Fund (for people living in the Waterloo Region)

Ontario Arts Council -people living in Ontario -OAC 

Canada Council for the Arts for Canadian residents

CARFAC fees to help you with your budget

If you found this article helpful connect with me in the box below! I send tips, tutorials and discounts to my mailing list members!

What it’s Like to Be Vermont Studio Center Alumni

Being a Vermont Studio Center Alumni is a part of joining an online community. I attended the Vermont Studio Center art residency in Johnson, Vermont in November, 2017. I stayed at the artist residency for two weeks. I follow them on instagram and I am a part of a private Facebook group similar to the Women’s Studio Workshop residency -which you can read about here! Vermont Studio Center Alumni have been recognized for tons of achievements as the Vermont Studio Center is a top residency known globally.

Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont

Although I am grateful for the experience at Vermont Studio Center and to be a Vermont Studio Center Alumni I don’t think I would go back to this artist residency. As an artist, I like to travel to new places to see how place impacts my work. Vermont Studio Center is a more pricey artist residency as the fee does include your food. Since I am a paper maker the Vermont Studio Center is less appealing as they do not have a paper making studio.

For anyone who has not been or is needing a quiet space to work I would recommend this residency as I was very productive and got a lot done. Everyone is friendly and there are options to sing karaoke or enjoy a campfire while you are there too! 

While I was there, I worked on some projects for my thesis exhibition that happened in February, 2018 at Concordia University. I had a large studio with a window and a couple of tables. I worked on pieces that later became projects in my exhibition including:

• Patched

• Piled Up

• What is and What Was

• Precariously Perched

What I Worked on at Vermont Studio Center

Piled Up installation tested out at the Vermont Studio Center

While being at the Vermont Studio Center residency I worked on altering books for my project What is and What Was. I used the leftover cut-outs to make Piled Up. I tested out the installation for Piled Up on a shelf that was in my studio. I later built a shelf for my exhibition display in my thesis show at Concordia University. 

With my series Patched that is still an ongoing series I arranged photographs of Patched into patched quilt formations. After the residency, I sewed them on my sewing machine. I worked with plaster casts of leaves during my Vermont Studio Center residency. I took advantage of the beautiful scenery in Vermont (it is very easy to be inspired) and I took more photos for my series Patched. 

I enjoyed having a lot of wall space so that I could test out Precariously Perched. In this piece I balance twisted thin strands of maps on straight pins and nails. You can see more of Precariously Perched here! 

Accommodations at Vermont Studio Center

I stayed in a room by myself and had a shared bathroom. There was a few other people living in the house I was staying at. I had a separate key to my bedroom so I felt very secure while living there. At the residency all of your meals are provided in the dining hall. The food is really good and there are a lot of options. All of the food is made by the chef. Having your meals provided is nice during an artist residency because then you don’t lose time cooking, getting groceries or doing dishes and you can have more time devoted to making art. 

Again, I don’t think I would go back to this artist residency although I am grateful for the experience at Vermont Studio Center and to be a Vermont Studio Center Alumni. Experiencing new places to make art is important for me and having access to materials like a paper making studio is also extremely important.

Winter view out my studio window at the Vermont Studio Center

With that being said Vermont Studio Center is a great relaxing and quiet place to work. The beauty of Vermont is incredible and I had such a productive two weeks! 

Patched installation I worked at while at the Vermont Studio Center

Patched installation for my thesis exhibition at Concordia University inspired by being at the Vermont Studio Center

How to Become a Vermont Studio Center Alumni

Here is more information about how to apply to Vermont Studio Center so you can become a Vermont Studio Center Alumni - one day too! 

https://vermontstudiocenter.org 

https://vermontstudiocenter.org/residenciesinfo 

Precariously Perched installation tested out at the Vermont Studio Center

Related Articles 

Women’s Studio Workshop -artist residency

If you are mom you can check out this motherhood residency: http://www.artistresidencyinmotherhood.com/how-it-started 

Here is another great website to help you find the right artist residency for you! https://resartis.org/covid-19-updates/

Stay connected with me by following along on social media -click on one of the icons below!

Precariously Perched installation part of my thesis exhibition at Concordia University inspired by my work at Vermont Studio Center

All About the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY

In March 2018, I attended the Women's Studio Workshop Residency in NY. (The small town of Rosendale to be exact).  I stayed for 5 weeks at the Women’s Studio Workshop. I got to experience part of the winter and part of the spring at the Women’s Studio Workshop. The Women’s Studio Workshop in NY was founded in 1974. I was in the paper making studio at the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY.

Coming from a small town, I really enjoyed the small community of Rosendale. I felt very safe and welcomed while at the residency, in town or on the Rail Trail nearby.  Read more to figure out if attending the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY as your next artist residency is right for you!

About Women’s Studio Workshop in NY

Women’s Studio Workshop in NY was founded in 1974 by Ann Kalmbach, Tatana Kellner, Anita Wetzel, and Barbara Leoff Burge. Their goals were to develop a studio workspace for artists to create new work and collaborate. Programs were centered on the artistic process. The first studios were in a two-story single-family home. Etching was in the living room, paper making was in the attic, and screen printing was in the basement.

This passage is from their website - To read more- click here

The Rail Trail at the Women’s Studio Workshop

I was working in the paper making studio while I was there. I really enjoyed hiking in the area, especially on the Rail Trail. While on the Rail Trail I did numerous Patched installations using my handmade map paper. The Rail Trail is very close to the residency and is a great source of inspiration to artists there including myself! 

Patched is an ongoing installation since 2017 by artist Jackie Partridge that uses handmade map paper pulp on trees where the bark has naturally peeled away.

At the Women’s Studio Workshop residency when I was there I made a lot of paper working with maps and blue jeans. I took advantage of the hollander beater and worked on my piece Sediment. You can learn more about the project here! 

I got to try the vacuum table for the first time which was very exciting for my practice. I worked on creating large sheets of map paper on the vacuum table which I used in my Patched video. See the installation of this large sheet of handmade map paper below:

Highlights of the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY

I loved the Women’s Studio Workshop because the staff are very helpful and kind whether it is showing you how to use equipment or giving you a ride into to town to get groceries. I liked how every lunch we had a potluck so we could really get to know one another.

What I Love About Artist Residencies

I am always highly focused and productive while on an artist residency. It is nice to be in a new place and see how that relationship directly impacts my work. Since my work is directly related to the land and environment there is always new inspiration, ideas, and projects when I am in a new place. This is always exciting for me! Residencies give you time, space and materials to explore and practice with. New ideas always form when I am away from home!

What I Did at the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY

• I had an opportunity to present my art in an artist talk while I was there to people at the residency and locals in the Rosendale area

• I submitted a piece of art I made as part of their alumni collection

• I met other artists and learned new techniques like the vacuum table

• I explored the local scene and enjoyed the Rail Trail 

Patched installation made on the Rail Trail at the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY

Accommodations at the Women’s Studio Workshop

I stayed with another person and we shared a bathroom and kitchen but had separate bedrooms. Bedding was included. Kitchen utensils and equipment were included. The price for the residency is highly affordable and their are options for grants from the residency or to apply for funding externally. 

I would definitely go back to this artist residency again! 

How You Can Go to the Women’s Studio Workshop in NY

Check out their calendar on dates of when you can apply to their upcoming programs and classes! https://wsworkshop.org/opportunity-calendar/

I would highly recommend this residency to all the artists out there!

Related Articles

 Read about my artist profile on their webpage

Read my interview about my residency here!

Learn about the Patched Project Here!

Purchase my Patched Book -here!

Learn about the Women’s Studio Workshop Here!

Here is another great website to help you find the right artist residency for you! https://resartis.org/covid-19-updates/

Read about my artist residency at the Vermont Studio Center!

Connect with me on social media by clicking on one of the icons below!

What is Support in Art?

What is support in art? And how can you find a good support system? Why do you need a support system as an artist? I will let you know in this blog - don’t you worry! Learn from artist Jackie Partridge what is support in art is.

A strong support system can be one person or more than one. They are someone you trust and they radiate positivity. You can trust this person with your dreams and know that they will be supportive, a good listener, offer great advice, be encouraging and believe in you (often more than you believe in yourself).

As an artist it’s important to have support because making art can be draining. At times, you will feel like your art is not good enough, like everything has been done before and that you won’t make money off your art. 

Your support system can help you to stay focused on your goals and reassure you that your on the right path and that you shouldn’t give up! 

What is Support in Art and Why Does it Matter?

• Having someone who always believes in you can help you to feel confident and successful

• Having a support person can be someone you trust and can talk to on a tough day

• That support person can push you to be your best and reassure you when you doubt yourself

• A great support system encourages you and pushes you to keep going even when you feel like giving up

My Support in Art

“Make more art!” isn’t as simple as it sounds. Making art can be challenging to find the time to do it. For a couple of years since graduating my MFA, I struggled with finding time to make more art and often put off making art all together. I was “too busy” paying off my student loans, working multiple jobs and really didn’t have the time. I started feeling unhappy and my husband really noticed.

He encouraged me to start my YouTube channel. Which scared me. I was worried if people would comment nasty things. That no one would watch the videos, that no one would subscribe and that I would embarrass myself. I was worried what people would think and that they would make fun of me.

Most of all I worried that it would be a complete waste of time.

But he encouraged me to do it.

He often believes in me more than I believe in myself.

And then when I wanted to start my Teachers Pay Teachers store I was scared too. I was worried I wouldn’t make any sales and that I would spend all this time doing it and it would be a waste. He believed in me and encouraged me to keep going.

Not only does he encourage me to do things and to get my art seen but he helps me. He attends exhibition openings, helps me install and de-install my art, takes photos of my art, edits my photos, edits my videos, edits my writing… the list goes on and on.

He is 100% on board with any new and random idea I have. He is there encouraging me, giving me praise and assisting me in my goals.

He will help out around the house or make dinner to give me extra time to work on my art.  He knows that it’s important and that I will appreciate it.

It really helps having a support system like that in your life. 

So, How Can You Support an Artist?

• like, comment, save and share their work on social media

• follow them on social media - invite your friends and family to do the same

• join their mailing list/read their emails

• refer to your artist friends when someone is looking for art

• shop local and from small businesses like artists whenever possible

• ask an artist to do a commission

• purchase artwork from your favourite artist

• compliment an artist - let them know you love their work! Bonus points if you tell them why (this can help them develop new work)

• Send them inspiration, art exhibition calls or other art opportunities

• Listen without judgment
  
  

  Even doing a FREE action like commenting on their post can help an artist - because it allows the artist to reach more people!

If you would like to support me as an artist - you can click here to check out my shop or support me by clicking the social media links below!

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Send me a DM to let me know who your support system is. 

Trusting Your Gut Feeling

Trusting your gut feeling when it comes to making art can be difficult. I get that you don’t have time and there are other things on your to-do list. As an artist trusting your gut is an important step in the art making process. Without following your intuition you might not be making enough art or the best art. You have to trust your gut and listen to your art intuition. 

If your art intuition is telling you to try something to add a different colour, to try a new technique, to make something- you should follow that. Just like any other form of intuition like a red flag warning sign in a bad relationship your art intuition usually isn’t wrong. If the art you are making looks off or doesn’t feel right make sure you are trusting your gut feeling. 

For awhile and I mean awhile, I have struggled with finding time to paint and make art. When I was living in Montreal doing my MFA it was easy because I had multiple studio spaces and designated time to make art. I was only working part-time and my main job was being a great art student.

Fast forward a few years, I had a mountain of student loans and was working multiple jobs to pay off the debt quickly. I didn’t have time to make art and was feeling tired, frustrated and unhappy.

Now, my student loans are paid and although I am teaching full-time I have been making more art. 

THIS IS A RECENT CHANGE...

Trust your gut when you are playing with new materials like this clay!

I started to make art a priority and stopped saying, “I’ll make art when I have time.” Or, “When I have finished my to-do list.” 

I have realized that if you don’t make time for your priorities or what you value most that you won’t magically gain more time later.

There might not ever be a great time to do something.

I’ve made it my goal to make art everyday. Even if it’s something small or just for 10 minutes. I have been doing this for two weeks now and recording the days that I have made art and how I feel versus the days that I haven’t.

I have seen a HUGE difference in how I feel! I have more energy in my day because I have prioritized doing something that makes me happy and provides stress relief. 

I encourage you to do the same. Start making time for you and what you enjoy most! 

How Trusting Your Gut Feeling in Art Can Be Helpful

• You will make better art 

• You will be making art you are passionate about and not listening to other outside forces like society, family, or the art world pressure

• You will feel happier and more proud of your art

• You will want to make art more and naturally feel like you have more time to make it 

• You will feel in align that you are doing what is right

• You will feel more confident in your art and naturally in yourself

How to Trust Your Gut in Your Art

• Start making it a habit - part of a morning or evening ritual to make art 

• Schedule a time to make art daily/weekly

• Record in a journal how making art makes you feel and on days when you don’t make art how you feel 

• Try rewarding yourself to establish your art making goals

• Lay out your art supplies so they are visible and ready to be used

• Write art goals and give yourself deadlines for what you are making

• Set reminders/alarms on your phone for when to make art 

• Remove distractions that might prevent you from making art like leaving your phone in another room or putting it on airplane mode

Once you start making art consistently by blocking out time to make art you will be trusting your gut feeling while you are making art.

Part of my goals that I made in January were related to wanting to make more art.

Here are the goals I made in January-let’s review them and see how I did: 

I have written in italics how I have been doing on these goals in the last 6 months.

Post consistently to social media (5x a week to instagram, 1-2x to facebook, every day to Pinterest, twice a month to my email list, blog post 3-4x a month, YouTube 2x a month)

I have posted consistently to instagram usually about 4-5x a week, I have done 2-3 posts on Facebook per week, emailed my list 2x a month and YouTube. I have been blogging 4x a month. 

Apply to art calls twice a month - I want to have more exhibitions this year!

I have been applying to 2-4 exhibitions or art calls a month. I have gotten a couple of new art exhibitions and grants this year!

Spend time in nature for inspiration- I find this really helps with my art practice.

I try to walk every day and plan a hike on the weekend. Although this doesn’t always happen I feel a lot better when it does. 

Make consistent art sales- I would love my art to be my main source of income.

I started a Teachers Pay Teachers store a couple of months ago to help add consistent art income. I am continuing to grow my business.

Keep my website updated monthly- I like reviewing my website at the end of each month to make sure everything is current.

I usually update my website every couple of months and I know I can get better at this.

Set boundaries for teaching for more work life balance- no work on Friday nights and Saturdays, no emails past 7pm, no marking on the weekend.

I have done really well with this goal which has helped me to have more time to make art.

Make art during school breaks- Teaching full time has made me really miss having time to make my art.  

I have been doing this and recently started to make art everyday even if it is something small like a quick sketch or taking a photo.

Related Articles You Might Love:

You can read more about the 6 tips for achieving your goals here!

How to stay motivated as an artist

You might enjoy adding freshness to a stale art practice

Biggest secret for a struggling artist

Trusting your gut feeling will really make a difference with your art and in your life. I have found that when I make art more often I feel happier and when I am listening to my intuition and making the art I want to make I am also happier.

Connect with me on social media by clicking on one of the icons below:

Join my mailing list where you can receive more great tips!

Palette Knife Painting Tutorial

A  Palette Knife Painting Tutorial is the best way to learn palette knife painting quickly. You can watch my palette knife painting playlist on YouTube to see my palette knife painting tips! 

Check out these palette knife painting tutorials on my YouTube channel below: 

Palette Knife Painting Tips - In this short video I show you the difference between plastic and metal palette knives. I show you the basics of painting with palette knives and share my palette knife painting tips with you! 

 Palette Knife Painting Clouds- In this painting tutorial I show you how to paint a sky and clouds with a palette knife. This is an essential step to painting a successful landscape with a palette knife! 

Palette Knife Painting Farmhouse Pumpkin- Paint this cute farmhouse style pumpkin painting is perfect to hang in your home for fall! Learn how to paint a textured background with a palette knife! 

Abstract pumpkin painting by Jackie Partridge. Watch this palette knife painting tutorial!

Palette Knife Painting Winter Landscape (EASY)- Learn to paint snow with a palette knife and create wonderful texture - check out this easy landscape painting to try painting with both a brush and a palette knife! 

Palette Knife River Landscape Painting - Learn how to paint a sky, a river and some grass all with a palette knife!

Palette Knife Sunset Painting Easy- Learn to paint a sunset, clouds and water reflection by painting with a palette knife!

Here are some Palette Knife Painting Tips!

• Invest in different sizes and shapes of palette knives. I love my Liquitex painting knives and metal palette knives! 

• Experiment and practice first - try painting with a palette knife on a canvas board or thick paper to practice before starting on a canvas 

• Watch my palette knife painting tips video if you are completely new to palette knife painting - It’s a lot easier to learn by watching! 

• Try dabbing, scraping and dragging the palette knife on different edges to create different marks 

• Wash and dry your palette knife after use to keep it in great condition for years to come! 

Try this palette knife painting tutorial of an abstract sunset by Jackie Partridge -here!

I love palette knife painting because it creates such a fun abstract texture with the paint. I love the look of abstract painting and the freedom it gives me to paint in a more relaxed manner!

I am constantly updating my YouTube channel - be sure to subscribe to my channel to see when new videos come out - you can do that here! 

If you want to improve your acrylic painting - download my FREE guide where I show you the 10 common mistakes beginner painters make and how to avoid them! Click the button below!

Hope these tips are helpful! Happy Painting!

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Be sure to connect with me on social media by clicking one of the icons below!

10 Skills You Need to Become a Better Artist

10 skills you need to become a better artist - here they are -ready for you to put them into action! As an artist you are constantly balancing producing art and running a business. There are a lot of skills you need to be a successful artist. Here are my list of 10 skills to become a better artist below!

Skill #1 Confidence 

It is easy to think that everything has been done before, that you will never “make it” as an artist and that you are just wasting your time and money. You might even feel like you are not qualified enough or that you shouldn’t even apply to an exhibition because you probably won’t get in. It’s important to have confidence and faith in your artwork and in yourself as an artist. If you aren’t confident you will not want to put your art out there. You will not want to share it and you won’t receive art opportunities or money for your art.

Skill# 2 Time Management 

You need to be able to balance your time with making art and completing admin tasks like updating your website and social media, answering emails, updating photos, buying supplies, applying to artist calls and more. If you aren’t making art then you are not enjoying the reason why you wanted to become an artist in the first place. It is also hard to grow as an artist if you aren’t making any new work!

Skill #3 Patience 

I don’t think it’s possible to wake up one morning and all of a sudden you’re a famous artist and making money without having to do anything. It takes time and it takes work to happen!  Artists face a lot of rejections and disappointments in the art world. Just remember that your time will come! 

10 Skills You Need to Become a Better Artist - pin this image to save it for later!

Skill #4 Consistency 

In order to be good at anything it takes consistency. Consistent applications, social media posts, art making, etc. If you aren’t putting in the time and the consistent effort it will take longer to become a successful artist! 

Skill# 5 Ongoing Learning 

I am a teacher and I love learning. You can learn through YouTube (check out my painting channel), through books, courses and more. Brush up on learning new art techniques or business strategies to make your art business more successful! 

Skill# 6 Risk Taking 

You have to be able to fail and to learn from it. Try new materials, take a chance and step outside of your comfort zone. If you always do the same thing you can become stuck or bored and that’s not good either.

Skill #7 Writing and Communication

You have to be able to talk and write about your art. When you apply for grants or exhibitions often you need to write about your art clearly and concisely. When talking to people it could always lead into a networking opportunity further down the line. It’s important to know what to say when speaking about your art and share it proudly.

Skill #8 Money Mindset 

This relates to confidence but if you have issues with money it will be hard to make money as an artist. If you believe in the starving artist narrative then good luck trying to make consistent sales with your art! You need to start believing that you can make money with your art and that you can make as much as you want! 

Skill #9 Creativity 

You need creative ideas to be able to make something exciting and something that stands out. In the world of social media going viral can help your art. But if you are making art that looks like everyone else’s you won’t stand out. Be creative and do something different that is unique to you! 

Skill #10 Marketing and Business Strategy

In order to make sales you need to share what you are doing. You need to have a plan if you are launching a new piece of art or an art collection. You can’t just post about it once. It’s good to learn more about marketing and business if you are new to it! 

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I hope you found these skills to be helpful! Connect with me on social media for more great tips! 

10 Lessons I Learned in Art School

Here are 10 lessons I learned in art school. While you can be an artist without going to art school I learned so many valuable skills while studying my Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts.  I have also included some help in preparing your art portfolio for art school. Check out my tips for the 10 lessons I learned in art school below! 

Lesson #1 Time Management

In post-secondary education there are a lot of deadlines and the same is true for art school. At the end of the semester there are critiques where you are presenting the art you have been working on and there are also papers and presentations in other classes. It is a lot to balance especially if you are working other job(s) like tutoring or being a teaching assistant on top of that! Art school taught me how to define my priorities, schedule my time, make goals and break down tasks so that I could accomplish everything!

Lesson #2 Listening to Feedback

In art school there are a lot more critiques than in high school. In high school I don’t remember really having any critiques. Critiques are a great chance to present your artwork to your classmates and professors and listen to their feedback. I would take notes in my sketchbook for each critique. Often, I would hear ideas to try, books to read, artists to research or changes to consider. It’s a great opportunity to really refine your listening skills. It’s less about you talking and explaining the work and more about letting the work speak for itself and hearing how people respond to your art. 

10 Lessons I Learned in art school - click the image to pin this for later!

Lesson#3  Art Skills

Of course the main reason for attending art school was to focus on learning new art skills and enhancing existing art skills. While studying, I learned papermaking, printmaking, oil painting, figure drawing, still life drawing, ceramics, throwing pottery, screen printing, fabric dyeing, sewing, hand embroidery, crochet, Photoshop, taking quality photos of my artwork, and the list goes on and on. The more skills I was able to master the more diverse my art practice became and the more interesting my art was.  Naturally I learned how to get better at acrylic painting and other skills! (Check out my FREE guide for acrylic painting at the end of this post!)

Want to go to art school but unsure how to create an art portfolio that stand out and gets accepted? Click the button below to join the waitlist and be the first to hear about my course!

Lesson#4 Making Money as an Artist 

I went into art school thinking that the only way I could make money as an artist was through selling my art but I learned a lot of other routes artists take to make money like awards/grants, commissions in galleries, art licensing, teaching, art fairs and more! As an artist it is so important to have multiple streams of revenue to be able to count on having a consistent income. Read these tips on pricing your art!

Lesson #5 Networking and Relationships 

Art school is where I made a lot of close friendships with people who really understand what being an artist is. I met wonderful professors that have helped me to get jobs, art sales and grants. The art world like any world is about connections and who you know. Networking is incredibly valuable and it is a lot easier to get opportunities through having some connections.

Jackie Partridge

Lesson #6 Budgeting

Being a student taught me how to budget and save. I lived away from school and learned I needed to save for unexpected and expected costs like art supplies. I became frugal with my money and avoided going out or spending a lot on clothes and entertainment. I also learned about taxes and how to create a budget when applying for an art grant. 

Lesson #7 Presenting Your Artwork

I always thought an art gallery was the only place you could really showcase your art. I learned I could show it anywhere. I have shown my art online, in site-specific installations, outdoors, in rented buildings, on campus, in libraries and more! The possibilities are really endless which is always exciting! 

Lesson #8 Confidence 

Art school made me a lot more confident in my artwork. It allowed me to feel very proud of the art that I have created and it gave me confidence to apply for exhibitions, artist calls and grants. Hearing praise about my art boosted my confidence and helped to diminish my imposter’s syndrome that a lot of artists struggle with. 

Lesson #9 Decision Making Skills

Art is all about decisions. From the title of your work to the materials you use -it all comes down to hundreds of decisions. It’s important to not overthink, trust your gut and be able to not waste time making decisions. I began to see my art as fluid. I could always rework something or install a sculpture differently the next time to truly learn from the experience. 

Lesson #10 Taking Risks 

I took a lot of risks in art school. It’s important to try things, to listen to feedback and to experiment. Art is really a series of experiments and taking your Master of FIne Arts is a learning process where you are learning about yourself just as much as you are learning about what kind of art and subject matter you are interested in. 

Download my FREE guide for 10 Tips to Make an Art Portfolio for School Applications that Stands out!

You can purchase my art portfolio idea prompts

Click here to purchase!

If you need coaching to help you with your art portfolio- answer questions, decide what pieces to put in your portfolio, learn how to make one and have it stand out- check out my coaching.

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For help with your art portfolio -click here to read this helpful blog post! 

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Join the art portfolio course waitlist

If you are wanting to improve your acrylic painting - you can download this FREE 16 page guide by clicking the button below! I show you the 10 common mistakes beginner painters make and what you can do to avoid them!

I hope you found these 10 lessons of what I learned in art school helpful! 

All the best on your path to becoming an artist! 

Click one of the icons below to connect with me on social media!

5 Sleeping Tips for Artists

Here are my 5 sleeping tips for artists to help my fellow artist friends turn off the brain filled with a million ideas and finally catch some zzzzzzzzzs. Having a creative mind is often wonderful but it can be tiring. I find I often have my best ideas laying down in my bed before I am about to fall asleep. I have come up with a list of 5 sleeping tips for artists that have really helped me to fall sleep when I struggle. Read my 5 sleeping tips for artists below!

Don’t worry if you aren’t an artist I’m sure these sleeping tips will be helpful too! 

Tips for Helping Artists Sleep

Tip #1 Brain Dump

If you haven’t tried brain dumping you need to! It is life changing! Brain dumping is where you make a list and free-write whatever is on your mind. I often make a to-do list for the next day, write down any ideas or any goals I have. I keep a notebook, a pen and a sketchbook beside my bed. If I am thinking about something it’s better for me to just write it down and then that way I don’t forget it and I can fall asleep with ease!

Tip #2 Stretching

As an artist I often have a very sore neck and shoulders. It doesn’t help that I have awful posture on top of that. If I am feeling very sore I will stretch my back with a foam roller or do some yoga poses for my back like child’s pose. In addition, I see a massage therapist and chiropractor regularly. I also apply heat cream if i’m in a lot of pain!

Tip #3 Scents 

I sleep with dried lavender beside me and often use our diffuser to put something with lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus to help me fall asleep quickly. I have a sleep mask from Saje that is weighted and has dried lavender too - that always works for me! 

Tip #4 Meditate/Deep Breathing 

Times when I am particularly stressed I listen to recorded meditations on YouTube. It’s something I know I should do nightly and when I meditate I sleep better and faster. I also take a few deep breaths and really focus on my breath to help me unwind after a long day! 

Tip #5 Reading 

Reading like mediating and is something that really helps to calm me down. Again, it’s something I know I should do every night but realistically it doesn’t end up happening. I often read books on business, marketing, money mindset or professional development. I like reading these kinds of books because it makes me feel empowered about my art, making me feel positive and falling asleep happy is always the best feeling.

Other Helpful Posts

What to do if you are feeling uninspired

The biggest secret for the struggling artist

Why I became an artist

Quit feeling like a starving artist

I hope you have found these tips helpful! Be sure to connect with me on social media to learn more tips for artists just click one of the icons below! 

The Biggest Secret for a Struggling Artist

The biggest secret for a struggling artist is more common than your think! Being an artist is a difficult job. It's a journey and very much a marathon.

There are a lot of barriers to becoming a successful artist like; self doubt, your ego talking, imposter syndrome just to name a few. I’ll share the biggest secret for a struggling artist below! Read on!

Before you read on...I think some perspective is needed.

Images from Styled Stock Society

It is important to define what success looks like for you.  This is the BIGGEST secret for a struggling artist.

Do you want a new exhibition every week or one a month? Do you want an art sale every day or are you fine to have a couple a month or a year just as extra income?

Only you know what success means to you. Because it’s different for everyone! In order to stop feeling like a struggling artist you really need to define what success is going to look like for you! 

Here is my letter to the struggling artist  - you could even try writing a letter to yourself - it might be helpful.

Dear Struggling Artist,

I know things are hard right now. And you may be beating yourself up. Wondering when is it going to be your big break? When can you finally pursue your art full-time?

And your time will come.

You might be scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram and thinking wow, they have a TON of followers. They must have a TON of sales! They are so lucky! I wish I could have that… I wish it was easier for me..

And your time will come.

You might spend your days daydreaming or hoping that things might turn around. 

And your time will come.

But in this stage you are in now, just know that it is not permanent. It can and it will get better. If you give up now you’re abandoning your passion, your true calling, your talent and gifts for the world to see. I know this has been a big dream for you for a while now. Trust your gut and follow your own path. Don’t follow someone’s else’s path or their definition of success. What’s the point of that really?

I want you to become crystal clear about what you want...

I want for you to have the life of your dreams.

Deep down, only you really know what that looks like... So take a moment and write it ALL down. 

Start dreaming your biggest goals and wildest dreams (even the ones that scare you or the ones you are doubting will come true). Pursue them anyways and pursue them especially. 

What do you want more of in your life? What do you want less of?

Start Brainstorming now! Take out that old journal or sketchbook...seriously.

Sincerely,

Every Struggling Artist

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Let me know if this exercise was helpful for you - message me on social media so we can connect more. I would love to hear from you!

You Got This - it will get easier!

How to Get Better at Acrylic Painting

How to get better at acrylic painting is a question I get asked all the time! I want to help you and share some of my tips! Ever wondered how you to get better at acrylic painting? You want to improve but are unsure where to begin and what acrylic painting tips to follow?

Learn from artist Jackie Partridge for how you can improve your acrylic painting fast with these acrylic painting tips!

I am a certified teacher and artist with my Master of Fine Arts. I have noticed common mistakes that beginner acrylic painters to make and want to help you so that you can avoid them! I want to help you improve your acrylic painting and transition you from a beginner painter to a more confident painter!

How to Get Better at Acrylic Painting

Mistake #1 -They use the paint straight out of the tube

By mixing your colours and not using them straight from the tube not only can you show off your colour mixing skills but you can create stronger paintings that have more detail, more colour, more variety and are more interesting.

In a painting, it is good to avoid having large solid areas of a plain flat colour especially if you are wanting a more realistic style or to capture something like a landscape. Think about a small patch of grass -there is more than one shade of green. There is light green with green+white, bright green with green+yellow, dull green with green+red, dark green with green+black and even blue green with green+blue. Make sure you practice and experiment with your colour mixing. Read this blog post on colour mixing!

Mistake #2 -They don’t vary their brushstrokes or types of brushes

Just like practicing colour mixing it is important to practice different brushstrokes. In a painting you can use a different brushstroke in a different area. For example you might want a smooth brush stroke in a sky and a textured brushstroke in the grass or leaves. Check out my YouTube channel for tips!

Although you don’t need a ton of brushes it is good to have options. I recommend starting with 1-2 small detail round brushes for fine details, a 1-2 inch flat brush for the painting large areas like backgrounds and a medium round brush size #6 for painting medium sized areas like tree branches and shading. These are the main brushes I use in my painting and they are great brushes to start with. As you continue painting you can add extra brushes to your collection to experiment with.

Mistake #3 -They buy a ton of supplies they won’t end up using

You don’t actually need a lot of art supplies to get started painting with acrylics. Read this blog post for a list I recommend you to use to get started. By purchasing only what you need, you will be able to save money and not have extra supplies sitting around waiting to be used!

10 Tips to Help You Become a Better Painter - click the image to download now!

If you like these tips I have created a FREE 12 page guide for you to download - that includes a list of 10 common mistakes beginner painters make and how to avoid them! I share a lot of great acrylic painting tips with you in this guide!

You can also check out my YouTube channel - where you can see helpful step by step painting tutorials for beginner painters! Subscribe to my channel here!

Helpful Blog Posts

Read this blog post to help with landscape painting

Read this to help with still life painting!

Learn how to paint better clouds

Try painting coaching to improve your skills quickly!

click the image to download this free guide!

How to Stay Motivated as an Artist (5 Tips)

How to stay motivated as an artist is a question I get asked all the time! Here are my 5 tips for how you can stay motivated as an artist. This is what works best for me! It is normal to go through periods during your career as an artist where you feel unmotivated. Maybe you even feel unsuccessful and wonder when things will change. You might even feel overwhelmed and feel like you don’t know where to begin. That’s why I have put together a list of five tips to help you so that you don’t have to give up on your dreams as an artist!

Check out my 5 tips below!

How to Stay Motivated as an Artist

1. Don't compare your art to others

It is easy to compare yourself to other artists and question why did they get that exhibition and not me?

Why did they win the prize? Why did they receive the grant? Why did they get the residency? Why not me? Is my art not good enough? Did I not work hard enough?

Comparing yourself to other artists let alone other people in general can be a dangerous rabbit hole to enter. It’s important to work on your mindset and recognize that there is enough room for lots of people to be successful artists.

That's why I like to stay in my own lane:

I try not to compare myself to other artists to look at their CVs. If I happen to witness a friend or colleague from school win or mention something - I am genuinely happy for them- everyone has a unique art practice. We all make different things that are about different topics. And that's truly great!

Staying in my lane helps me focus on my own practice and not waste time thinking about other people’s practice or entering comparison fatigue.

2. Keep track of deadlines For Your Art Goals

I keep track of my artist deadlines by looking at art deadline websites like Akimbo. I check websites like this daily or every other day. If I see a deadline that I am excited about I will take a screenshot of it and write it down in my agenda later. If there are a lot of deadlines in a certain month I will write them in order of when they are due in a list format on a sheet of paper. This helps me see which ones are due first and focus on that but also look ahead to be able to focus on deadlines that I am most excited about.

3. Make Art goals or deadlines to get things done

I have a goal to apply for 7 applications every month. This goal allows me to be focused and hold myself accountable. Not every deadline takes a lot of time. Sometimes it's as simple as submitting some photos and a copy of my artist statement. Deadlines naturally give myself something to work towards so that I can stay productive.

4. Review your goals and create systems to stay organized

It's one thing to make a goal and it is another to keep them. It is important to review your goals and hold yourself accountable when you don't meet them. Reviewing your goals helps to really prioritize what is important. You can read more about my goal setting process in this blog post.

I also stay focused by creating systems that make it easier when I apply to deadlines-like saving files in PDF, saving different versions of files like a CV that is 2 and 3 pages and saving photos in both 300dpi and 72dpi.

5. Find ways to stay inspired - do what works for you

It's important to listen to your body and if you need a rest- take it. There is no sense beating yourself up about it. If you don't feel like applying to something then think about something that you can do to still be productive or that could save you time when applying to things in the future.

Remember to take care of yourself and support other artists. It's a difficult job but at the end of the day it's what you love to do so it's worth the days where you need to rest- you need that break and you just feel completely unmotivated. Remember that the feeling is temporary and that it will soon pass. Here is a blog post with tips if you are feeling uninspired!

Would you like to improve your acrylic painting?

Download my FREE Guide with the 10 Mistakes Beginner Painters Make and How to Avoid Them!

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Download my FREE guide for 10 Tips to Make Your Art Portfolio Stand Out for School Applications!

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