Daring to be Different

by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt

SchulmanArt: How long have you been an artist?

One of my earliest memories is sitting on the floor coloring surrounded by a box of spilled crayons and a color book. I’ve never stopped creating and making things. Since 2005, I've been actively involved with selling my art online. It all started when my friend convinced me to list a watercolor painting at auction on Ebay. Someone bought it----I was hooked. Presently I sell through my website shop and on Etsy. Now, I can't wait to go to work everyday because I’m living my dream.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Interior Design from Marylhurst University. Along the way I’ve have taken numerous artist's workshops. My favorite ah-ha moment is when I signed up for artist Skip Lawrence’s Workshop. He stressed the idea that there is no right or wrong way to painting. You can learn all the tricks and techniques but in the end it's the artist's interpretation of a subject that makes the difference. He stressed the importance of daring to be different, let your personality show in your work.

The very first time I sold a painting over the internet was pretty exciting! I just couldn't believe it that someone else out there, living on the opposite side of the country, really liked what I did enough to purchase the painting. Even still, everyday I feel so much gratitude towards my collectors and those who appreciate what I do.

This spring. I'll be one of three artists featured in an article in Better Homes and Gardens Country Gardens Magazine. Look for it on newsstands beginning May 15th.

My studio is separate from the house which for me is the best. When my studio was at home, I would have projects going on all over the house and on the kitchen table, which made it difficult to keep the house clean and organized. Now I can put on my artist hat, go to the studio to work with fewer distractions. At the end of the day leave my creative mess behind to come home to a somewhat clean house. I’m not a neat freak but when things and life becomes too cluttered it blocks my creativity.

My favorite part of the studio is the view out my window. The flower garden is in the foreground right outside the door. We are on a hill so below in the distance you can see our Christmas tree fields. Then beyond that are meadows where deer graze at the edge of a band of forest with Mt Hood peeking over the treetops in the distance along the skyline.

Be an original. Sure there are plenty of paintings of pears, flowers, trees, cats, or dogs. You name it someone else has already made art about it. But the big difference is there is only one you, so let the unique you shine through in your art. Collectors will love you for it. Work towards creating a style that reflects who you are. When the world sees that you are serious about being an artist, I truly believe the others will reward you for your efforts in more ways than you can imagine. As far as selling your art online, be consistent and persistent. Know that it takes time for collectors to find you. Your top priority as an artist is to paint, every day if possible, and most of all enjoy the process along the way.

Blenda is also represented by Singer Hill Gallery in Oregon City, Oregon.

** Blenda Tyvoll will be teaching an online video class 3/2013!! (details here!)

mentioned in this article @blendastudio