The Greatest Ever

  I often say that I'm one of the greatest living artists. I've been named to lists of Top 50 and Top 100. A lot of times I'll tell people that I'm "the best artist they'll ever meet". I try not to let it go to my head, but I often think of the words of the great Dizzy Dean: "It ain't braggin' if you can back it up". There have been a lot of great artists in the course of human existence. Many great unknown forward thinkers; the person who discovered realism, the first person to use realistic shading, the first person to add color to a drawing, the first person to mix colors, great minds each and every one. Don't overlook the person who came up with one point perspective. The one who unveiled two point perspective. It was then pushed to three point. I'm not trying to claim any credit, but I am the only one I've ever known to use four point perspective. I'm not sure what your opinion is. It may change (several times) the longer you know me. I will say this, from the bottom of my heart: There are times when everything comes together. Inspiration, creativity, the perfect idea and the perfect reference to go with it. All the accidents add to the result. At times an accident may lead to an amazing discovery. I feel the music in my studio reaching down to my soul. I have no doubts where to start, what to do next. Time stands still. Nothing else matters. I make magic. At times like that I know for a fact there's never been anyone better. I wouldn't change places with anyone else at any time else. I am the pinnacle. I have no doubt in my mind what I was put here to do.

"Not Pablo"

20"x16" $100

Well, Maybe I Spoke Too Soon

    I work all weekend to get to my regular three days off: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Sometimes my days off conspire against me, making sure I get little, if anything, accomplished. Many times in the summer the temperature is so high that I can't comfortably work in my studio. Sometimes chores swell up to occupy all my time. Sometimes I was so exhausted I'd lounge away my time off. Today, on the other hand, was perfect. The temperature was perfect. I had commissioned t-shirts to airbrush, a couple hoodies too. I knocked eight shirts out. One hoodie too. Also got in some regular painting. And some marketing. And some promoting. I listened to a lot of great music. I managed to get in a nap too. If everyday was like today, life could be a dream (Hello, hello again, sh-boom and hopin' we'll meet again) 

    I tried and tried to get a painting posted on here, but Blogger was fighting me all the way. It was a really cool one too. Stupid Blogger.

Yes I Am.....No I'm Not

 I once read that artist's brains more closely resemble the brains schizophrenics than the brains of "ordinary" people's. I've been through it lately. I've vacillated between "everything is falling apart, I'll never dig out of this hole" and " ultimate success is just around the corner, all my hard work is about to pay off". I suppose that both of these are at least partly true. I've been told all my life that I think too much. That's probably true too. I think that my biggest problem of late has been not enough time in my studio creating. When I stay busy I don't dwell on things as much. I thought of all this because I started on a t-shirt last night. A face airbrushed over a paint splattered shirt. It looked awful. I was pissed that I ruined a shirt. I had a last second idea to use white paint to undo some of the black that had gone way past where I needed it. I came in to my studio this morning and looked at it with fresh eyes. The eyes that I worked on to salvage looked great. If I can do as much with the lips as I did with the eyes it should turn out to be a fantastic shirt. I may even use this technique on purpose next time.

"My First Self Portrait"

age 5

I Actually Have A Giant Ego

 I've had a great week so far. I've accomplished more the past two days than I normally get done in a whole week. It's a great feeling. I've also got an extra day off this week. I really can't afford it, but then I can't really ever afford to take a day off. I try to balance cash and sanity. My airbrush is cleaned and back together. It was over a week before I got it back together. I ended up having to have my wife help me, because for some reason it took three hands. I love to airbrush, but they're so high maintenance. I prefer an old fashioned brush. Swish it in some water and wipe it dry. I've also done some work on my website, DougBaltz.com . It's not quite where I want it to be, but it looks much better than it did. I've had trouble getting my site to do what I need it to do. I certainly can't afford to hire someone to make and maintain it. It is becoming another skill I've taught myself. I can't decide if I have a brilliant teacher or a fantastic student. I've also made plenty of time to paint. After all, it is what I was put here to do.

"Frisco"

   I was looking through my portfolio yesterday, picking out paintings to post. I was looking at all the acrylics I've done over the years. There were quite a few I had forgotten about. I gotta tell you, I'm very proud of the artwork I've produced.

Styles Change

  I've been flipping through my digital portfolio the past few days. I sometimes forget how much my style has changed over these past years. I remember thinking that when I painted this:

"The Eyes of Age"

that I would never paint anything better.  Then I painted this:

"Karen"

and I thought that I had moved the bar up. I think this is a prime example of my style at this point in my career. There are some people, quite a few actually, that think this is the summit:

"Art's Grandpa"

  I enjoyed these paintings and still return to this style from time to time. I've headed more to the abstract as of late, blurring the line between realism and abstraction:

"Soulful"

  This one is good. I really like it a lot. I've decided that, in my opinion, this is the one that seems to be the best example of what I'm looking to create lately:

 

"Faraway Eyes"

 It's not really abstract, or realistic, and it's got elements of painting and drawing in it. It's what sets my art apart from the rest of the world. It's what keeps my art from being pigeon holed. I suspect it also keeps my art from being sold in the main stream. I suppose that would really annoy me if I was more concerned with money than creating spectacular artwork.

Anyone Got Any Ideas?

  What can I say? Really, what can I say? I can't think of anything that has a WOW! factor to report. I've upgraded to a better computer, which has made life a lot easier. I've photographed my new batch of paintings, and I'm in the process of posting them. I've delivered two commissions and I'm looking to deliver a third as soon as I can. Fall is here, which means the temperatures have dropped, which means I'm much more comfortable than I was in the summer. I've written a new artist's statement (with the help of my long suffering wife Malinda) and I'm making good progress on a business plan. I've restocked my Etsy store and I've given up on eBay. I tried posting a new shirt that I made on there, just to see if it would sell better than on Etsy, but I couldn't figure out how to upload an image. Then it said I had to redo my payment options. I don't have time to mess with something that annoying. I'm feeling pretty good overall about my life. I've been taking stock lately and making lots of lists so I can get a game plan going. In between all of that I still find time to paint.

"He'll Be Ready"

Why Would Eating Poop Make Anyone Happy?

  I'm still making progress. I keep reminding myself of that. My new mantra. I haven't made a big leap forward in a while, I haven't had one of those shit-eating-grin moments in an even longer while. I still paint a bit but most of my art has been in my sketchbook. I do like some of the latest faces I've drawn in there. I really need more space to spread out and create.
  Most of my time of late has involved getting my business in order. Well, making an effort to. Nothing seems to come easy. I want to redo my websites. I know what I want them to look like. Nothing fancy. I just need to put them together and upload them. I've tried every "easy to use" website creator program that I can find. I can't get any of them to work right for me. While I'm letting my website frustration evaporate I've been putting a new artist's statement together and getting a business plan in order. Nothing special. Nothing hard. Nothing to make me feel good about my progress.
  I've also been looking for a new job. Lots of leads but nothing I'm willing to quit my job for. I do miss the big city opportunities sometimes. I know it's gonna all work out. I've got faith. It's gonna come in a great big artsy landslide. You'll know when it does by my shit eating grin.

"Constructing the Nude"

Here's My 100th Blog. Read it!

 This is my 100th post. I feel a strong need to be extremely funny or very deep and insightful. I'm not sure either one is gonna be an option. I'm still in shock over the death of my cat Monty last week (on the 13th), coupled with the whole I-should-have-so-much-more-accomplished song playing in my head. I suppose it'll play in some form or another for the rest of my life. I am getting some painting done today.  I also rewrote my marketing plan yesterday. I always make progress. I just haven't made one of those giant leaps forward in a long time. Those always give me a boost. Like strapping a rocket to your roller skates.

"Cat Walk"

  "Cat Walk" is a painting I did of my cat Monty way back in the day. I can't remember for sure, but I think I painted it soon after moving back to Cape Girardeau to take care of my mom. That would place it around 2001-02. I used to be so organized about the dates and places of my creations. Seems that ship has long ago sailed. I inadvertently sold a painting out of the PAPA Gallery three years ago without photographing it. I think the business of being me has become too much for one person to handle, even if that one person is me. Seems like I should be quite a bit wealthier at this point. 

"At The Circus"

It's The Exact Same Thing....Only Different

 As I write this, I think about all my past posts. This is my 99th entry, which I believe puts me in the top 1% of number of posts for one blog. All-time. I try to put a positive spin on things whenever I can. I'm trying to adjust to the new schedule at my house now that school is back in. It's hard for me to block out a large chunk of time to get messy and creative. It's gonna be alright, but I'm gonna have to make some adjustments from my summer 'anything, anytime on my days off' schedule.
 I sold two more paintings last week. I have a commission painting that's finished and approved that will probably go to it's new home next week. I also have a line on someone looking to buy art. Seems my glass is more than half full. If it wasn't for that pesky day job....

"Wasted Youth"

I'm surprised at the number of painting titles of mine starting with "W".                                           

Right Here! Artist's Stream Of Consciousness!

  I've been pretty productive this week. I finished three, maybe four, paintings. ( Sometimes I'm not sure when a painting is done. It seems to be one of those only-happens-to-an-artist things.) I culled some books out of my library to sell back to the bookstore. I still have quite an impressive library, if I do say so myself. If I don't I'm afraid it might go unsaid. It cleared up some clutter in my studio as well. I'm just not sure I'm doing the most important things when I get things done. I've tried making lists, but I always seem to forget more things than I write down. I'm positive that more studio work space and more free time would solve that problem. I just don't have that luxury right now. I do have the luxury of a huge musical library. I also have the luxury of electricity and indoor plumbing. ( Don't think that's a luxury? Think what DaVinci could have done if he had them. Of course maybe he would have been so distracted by them he wouldn't have accomplished anything.) Of all the times in the history of man to be an artist, this has got to be the best. I can paint a painting, give brush by brush updates to the entire world as I create it, and post a finished picture and sell it before the paint is completely dry. And for just a few bucks I can have it delivered to their doorstep. I try to step back occasionally and take in all the really cool things we have access to. It certainly improves my outlook.

"What's Become?"

How About A Free Painting?

  I have a lot of paintings for sale. A LOT of paintings. I'm also quite a horse trader. I've traded art for many things in my life. I'd prefer to get cash for them, but I'm always willing to consider an interesting trade. I've decided to compile a list of things I'm in need of. If you have some of these (or all of them, I'm not going to sell you short) we can make a trade:

• Cushioned bar stool with a back (I'm willing to consider one without a back on it)
• Lawn mower
• Stove
• Computer
• MP3s (or CDs) of bands I'm interested in ( and I'm interested in a lot of bands)
• Promotional/ marketing help
• Sales of artwork to other people (you sell paintings for me, I give you some really cool paintings)
• Studio space
• Dishwasher
• Car
• Blank canvas

  I can always use art supplies, food, clothing, liquor...anything along those lines. I'm willing to consider just about anything. If you've got an abundance of something, I'm confident we can work a deal of some sort. Just remember, it never hurts to ask. I look forward to hearing from you. You can contact me at DougBaltz@Yahoo.com.

"Time Was Never Riper"

Seriously, this could be yours.

Sometimes I Just Tell The Voice In My Head To Shut Up

  I started a new commission painting yesterday. I noticed something different about the voice in my head. Well, not really about the voice, but how I responded to it. It has pretty much always said "you're gonna screw this up, you shouldn't even try". I used to listen to it, but attempt to create anyway. As I got older ( I'm not sure if I can legally say wiser) I still listened to it, but it didn't hold as much sway over me. Kinda like listening to your boss after a few years. I heard but didn't really pay attention. I've mostly been painting what I wanted to for the past few months. When I paint for myself the voice either doesn't talk or I just don't listen. When I paint for myself there's no way to really screw up. It's all for me and all for fun. If I screw up I paint over it and no one will ever know. I sat at my easel last night to do a commission for my friend Katie. A painting of her son Eli. I had an idea what I was gonna do. I put my canvas on the easel and grabbed a brush. The voice piped up in my head, "You're gonna screw this up. You'll never capture his likeness" This time i just laughed and said "No, I won't. I'm one of the best artists in the world. I can paint anything." Then I turned the music up (Talking Heads. It sounds kinda ironic as I write this) and set out to work. It was fun, relaxing, and it turned out just the way I wanted. I sent a picture to Katie and she loves it. Maybe the voice will just move on. If you notice that you have an inner voice telling you that you suck, and it sounds a lot like me, well, I'm sorry. I guess it has to find work somewhere.

"Listen To The River"

My favorite 4"x2" painting.

 I've been looking forward to my days off, basically since I went back to work last Thursday. I have new music on my computer. Stuff I haven't been able to listen to in years, like some old Talking Heads. All free, from the library. The temperature isn't terribly high, so it's cool enough to get some things done. I cleaned a bit and organized a bit, then I grabbed a brush (actually a big spatula) to spread some paint around. I have three spatulas that I use, all about the same. There is one that I've developed an attachment to. I have no idea what it is that makes it special, but to me it is. I had trouble finding it (which often happens when I clean and move things around) and could only see the other two. The two that would have been just as good. But I kept looking until I found 'old reliable'. I did smear some really interesting paint on the canvases, so maybe there's something to it. It just struck me as odd that I can have several versions of the same tool but only want to use one particular favorite, until I wear it out. Then it gets tossed in the trash as a new king is crowned. I'm never quite sure if my quirks are 'typical human', 'typical artist', or ' number three on that list of symptoms for that one disorder that no one wants to talk about'. I usually keep the worst (best?) ones to myself. Just in case. I also discovered a great inspirational device. I made a list of things to accomplish this week. First on the list was 'make a list'. Second was 'cross off number one and two'. I could knock out a list like that with my eyes closed. Unfortunately, that's exactly what my list looked like. My handwriting is awful. People always expect me to have some sort of medieval flowery-script handwriting. I'm not sure why. I just know that mine is the exact opposite. Someone should hold a telethon for me.

"Feelin' the Groove"

An oldie from 1999.

Can I Be Creative AND Funny?

  I've been writing this blog for a while. When I first started I pictured it being the funniest art blog on the web and drawing in thousands of fans from around the world. I've realized that it's really not funny at all, which is strange since my life is typically very funny. I'm also pretty good at telling a story. I'm not sure where I've gone wrong here. I'm not sure I'm even drawing any pity laughs from my readers. I think I'm just so wound up in my squeeze-a-weeks-worth-of-being-an-artist-into-three-days world that I'm not conveying the humor that surrounds me. For those of you that don't know, or have forgotten for that matter, I'm a waiter Thursday through Sunday so I can devote Monday through Wednesday to my art career. I have been trying lately to squeeze some art or art promotion into my work days, if only just to keep me from losing hope. I hope this keeps me from developing split personalities: Waiter Guy and Art Dude. Maybe I should hope that Non Stop Yuks Man evolves too. I swear I used to write some pretty funny stuff. Maybe I try too hard, or maybe not hard enough. I suppose it could be that this isn't the forum that brings out my jolly side. It sure brings out the dark side. People probably imagine me sitting in a dark room somewhere, crouched over a tiny laptop, chain smoking, guzzling cheap booze, and typing out my latest misadventure. This isn't the case, if only because I don't drink cheap liquor. Anyway, here's one of my early paintings, probably from around 1999. Party over, oops, out of time.

"Elephant"

Not the most creative name I've ever come up with.

If It's Not the Heat, It's My Lack Of Humility

   Another week that started with high hopes. I got up Monday to get my errands finished so I could have plenty of art time. When I came home I realized our window air conditioner had given up the ghost. It was the air conditioner tasked with cooling the main part of the house, including the area outside my studio. I figured "no problem, I saved some money, I'll just get another one". Well, much like every other home repair in a hundred plus year old house, it ended up being much more difficult. I had to get the new unit, have my electrician friend come rewire the circuit, cut a hole in the plywood above the old unit to vent the new portable a/c, then hook it all up. All in all not horrible (mostly thanks to my friend Kevin) but still much more that I had hoped. It took up two of my three off days. It is another problem down, and the house is already becoming much cooler than it's been all summer. All last summer too, for that matter. I've also started a new daily brainstorming regimen. It's keeping my juices flowing. I'm steadily moving forward. I just can't seem to get all my ducks in a row like I need. I suppose I should make a list.

"Red Sonja"

Signed by Roy Thomas (Red Sonja creator) and me.

It's still available, in case you're interested.

Is Artistic Motion Different From Regular Motion?

   Some weeks it's a struggle to get things done. Sometime's I'm having trouble getting started, sometimes life throws something new at me, sometimes the heat keeps me feeling sluggish. I'm always moving forward, sometimes imperceptibly, but I'm always moving. I wish I had more of those big breakthrough moments. The gallery signings, the selling of multiple paintings, the big things that attract attention and prove that I'm moving toward my goal. I suppose the small struggles make me appreciate the big moments more. Maybe I just need to focus my efforts more in these times. I should probably make a list to keep me on track. I've got lots of ideas, I just need to get some in motion.

"Let Me Think"

Anything Creative Is A Good Thing

   It's a great day today. The weather is cool and cloudy, which means my air conditioners aren't struggling to keep me comfortable. I've got my speakers spread apart for optimum stereo output. It was a long hard road but I've also got my airbrush working. It's probably not pushing all the psi's it can, but it's been so long since I've played with an airbrush I can't tell any different. In case you were wondering, the last time I airbrushed, the original Bush was in office. I've got a t-shirt that I'm working out the rust on. It was being used to soak up extra paint under my easel, but now there's a face emerging on it. It's probably not my most realistic representation ever. In fact, I'm sure it's not. It is an exercise (and I'm told exercise is always good) and it's been a lot of fun. And creative. Creative is a good thing.

"I Wish I Hadn't"

And Now, Here's Mr. Sunshine

  Okay, I realized my past few posts have been pretty gloomy. That's not the way things really are. My wife and my family love me. I've got a lot of really great friends that would help me with anything I could ever need. I do have a job (even if it wears me to a nub most times) and I keep us all clothed, fed, and sheltered from the storm. I've got an awesome talent for creating art. I have more ideas and subjects than I could ever paint and I get more every day. I have some new marketing strategies. I've sold artwork to people from coast to coast and a few in Canada. I have some of the most awesome fans ever. My cat is pretty much a bad ass too. When I'm on my game I'm cooler than cool. I can create things most people can't even comprehend. Oh, and I'm modest too.

"Nothing To Crow About"

I Hope I Heard Right

   I'm trying. Maybe that's my problem. I should be doing instead of trying. It's summer, the heat is killing me. Seems like every year it gets harder to stand the high temperatures. Sometimes I wonder how I ever made it as a lifeguard. My day job is sucking the very life out of me. I used to knock out all kinds of projects on my off days. Now I just lay around and dread going back to work. I did get the speakers on my music computer working. Having tunes is a big plus. I'm struggling with airbrush problems. I've almost got that straightened out. Seems like I spend way too much time getting everything ready to foster a creative atmosphere in my studio. I never quite get things done. I'm confident that I was put here to create artwork. I do create artwork. A lot of artwork. I'm of the opinion that if you do what you were put here to do, everything will work out. I just wish things would get a bit easier. I believe it's just around the corner. I'd hate to give up and then get to the afterlife and find out I was only days away from prosperity. I'd also hate to get there and find out I was actually supposed to be doing 'tart work'. I bet being a baker is a really cool job. ;)

"Almost Like He Was There"

Wanna Know What I See When I Wake Up?

  I've heard talk of my best paintings, of my favorite paintings, and I've always enjoyed the discussions. Here's something different for you. These are the paintings that hang on my bedroom wall. The one's I see every day. The one's I've likely seen more often than any others. They may not be my best or my favorites, but they do make me feel good. (There is a great big painting hanging over my bed, behind my head, that I haven't photographed yet. I painted it in 1987, so apparently I'm in no hurry to capture it on digital film.) Starting from left to right, as I awaken to face the day:

"Nude Alarm"

"What Dreams May Come"

"Mish Mash"

"Picasso"

   As I went to add the next one, "Mother's Flowers" I realized I don't have a picture of that either. Maybe that will inspire me. I really need to organize my portfolio better. I've apparently let it get out of hand. I used to be so good, photographing and numbering each painting as I finished it. Seems like since I can do it all digitally it would be easier. I suppose it is easier. Maybe too easy. Or maybe I'm just too lazy.

I Suppose I Gotta Keep Movin'

  At least I wasn't sick this week. I didn't get as much done as I should have. Some days the struggle gets to be too much for me. I just don't feel like I make much real progress anymore.  I can't seem to get our house where it needs to be. I really don't like my day job. I have nothing as of late to spur my excitement. It's not in my DNA to quit. I suppose I gotta keep movin'.

"Totem"

It Seems As Though It's Never Fair

  I'm in the middle of my three day 'art week' and it's not going well for me at all. I ran errands all day yesterday that should have taken an hour at most. When I got home I started getting sick, which almost never happens. I blame it on my day job and all the stress it heaps on me. I had trouble getting out of bed today, but I did manage to get the frame done for my finished commission piece. I also painted on a  new painting that I started last week. I could normally do so much more, but my head just isn't in it. I also need to work on a marketing plan. I've got some Roger von Oech prompts to help me find a new way to market with a zero budget. I'm hoping to get my wife to help me with some of this. Since I haven't felt good I've been mumbling more than usual, although it could be worse. This could be interesting. I am doing much better updating here. I've got that going for me.

"Performance"

Progress Comes in Different Forms

  I'm already halfway through my art week and although I'm making lots of progress, none of it has come in the form of new paintings or new photographs of my art to post on the internet. Mostly it's been cleaning, computer tinkering, music organizing, trying to think of new approaches of promoting my work. Not nearly as much art production as I would have liked. I suppose it'll be alright. I have been painting all afternoon. Trying to finish another commission. It's been a struggle. It's not coming into it's own like my really good paintings do. As long as I'm moving forward it's okay with me.

"Graceful Beauty"

You should go check out my Etsy store link. I'll be posting more art for sale soon. A painting or two sold this week would really give me a sense of progress ;)

Here's Some Thoughts....

 Here's a few things I have on my mind:

• How could an artist ever run out of inspiration? I have enough ideas and reference photos that I'm not sure I could paint all of them, even doing ten paintings a day. I think I could really enjoy putting that last statement to the test.
• Why is it that artists have the reputation of being flaky and unreliable? I've had more trouble with regular, average American, business owners than I have dealing with artistic types. For example, I've been negotiating painting sales and then just have the other person just completely forget everything and not respond to me. I also wonder how it is that anyone would do business with someone like that. Maybe it's just my experiences.
• It's always a lot of work to sell your artwork or get someone to let you hang your art on their walls. I get that. If you can't get the appropriate exposure for you work just by getting on the internet, you are even trying. You can spread your art all over Facebook and God's green earth without spending a dime. 
• I wonder how much attention some people pay to my art when they ask me to paint something for them that has no relation what so ever to my work. If you've ever thought about asking me to paint a vase of flowers in bright colors, you are part of the problem. If you thought that statement was funny, you're someone I need to hang out with.
• I wonder what people in the mental health professions think about the works I paint. I'm sure anyone with the least bit of training can peer right in to my soul. Kinda freaks me out sometimes
• I read that Bob Ross didn't hang any of his own paintings in his house. How can you live with yourself knowing that you think your own work is that bad? How can you paint for that long and not just say "screw it, I'm gonna paint this one for me, the way I've always wanted to paint"? Seems sad to me. Don't get me wrong, I loved Bob Ross, and still watch him every chance I get. Just seems sad.

                                                                         

"2B1"

Am I Doing The Best I Can?

  I always feel like I waste a good portion of the three days a week I get to e a full time artist. Dragging my ass, being sidetracked by household chores, napping, running errands...it always seems to suck up so much more of my time than I'd like. I was sorting reference photos in my studio today when it struck me just how many paintings I've done in the past few weeks. Very likely more than 90% of my fellow artists. I guess I'm just never satisfied with my progress, always beating myself up that I should have done more. I blame some of it on my day job. It just seems to suck the life out of me. I sometimes feel like I'm coming to the end, that full time art is just around the corner. Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna be a waiter until I die. Anyway, here's a painting:

"Baby Louise"

Taking Stock of my Situation

   I've had the feeling lately that I'm at another crossroads. I'm trying to just keep my head down and make progress where ever I can. I'm not happy with my work situation, but I'm not sure a change would do much good. I had a fellowship deadline pass before I got my application in. I was hoping to get some money and take some time off work to work on the business of art full time. My money is looking to decrease as well (I'm probably not allowed to say why) which only leads to more stress.
  I feel like I'm very close to breaking through. I reopened my Etsy store and linked it to my social media sites. I made some progress on DougBaltz.net, a project I've put off for over a year. I'm getting all my internet stuff linked together and I feel like I'm doing well on my marketing. I could make more progress but I'm always so tired I have to fight not to sleep the day away.
  Mostly I'm just painting and drawing. I've got over a dozen paintings I need to photograph and post and I'm painting more every day (well, every day I don't have to go to my day job). I'm just trying to keep the momentum going this time.

"Make A Choice"

Cheers for Every Man

   I've been sketching before I go into work. It helps me relax before facing he chaos. I used to look at something and draw it when I did my sketches, then I started drawing cartoon-ish people and faces. My sketching has now morphed into what I call "Every Man". It's a face with only three lines to represent the eyes, nose, and mouth. A little curve on the side for an ear and I've got a finished face. I've been practicing putting emotions on them and I'm happy with what I'm doing. I can whip out a face in under a minute and move on to the next one. My book is filled with page after page of face after face, often with the barest suggestion of a body. I brought the Man over into my paintings recently. I had a box full of stretched canvases that were 4"x2", always too small for me to do anything to until now. I found some that were already coated in paint, waiting seemingly in vain for me to do something with them. After finding a black and a white paint pen my "Every Man" series was born. I posted three of them on my Etsy store ( link) and they were all sold in less than 24hrs. I've posted more in hopes of supplying art to my fans that can't afford a bigger piece. Whether I sell any more or not is beside the point. I just enjoy creating.

"EM1304"

I'm Gonna Light a Candle

  I've been really motivated this week. I'm getting less and less happy at my job and I decided this was the week to do something about it. I photographed and posted several new paintings. I reopened my Etsy store ( Etsy ) and posted some new paintings from my Every Man series. My Every Man series is based on my condensing the human face down to three lines: one each for the eyes, nose, and mouth. They're really fun for me to paint and they're only 4"x2" so I can charge less than $10 including shipping. I'm pretty excited. I'm hoping this is the next step toward self-sufficiency. I've got over a dozen more to post. If you're not gonna buy one, at least tell all your friends. I'd appreciate it.

"EM1303"

Bohemian Art Report

  I have the house to myself this week. My daughter is with her granny for ten days and my wife is in Baltimore for training. I have accomplished a lot so far, mostly in the cleaning and sorting department. I've cleared a lot of much needed square footage in my studio and I've found a lot of things I'd forgotten about. I'm afraid my goal of cleaning everything before they got back isn't going to happen. It's taking more effort than I realized, and I do have to make time for my art stuff. I'm also getting a lot of napping in. Bohemian living at it's finest.

"Look Into My Soul"

  I have done some really good paintings lately. I'm selling at least one a week. I'm still way behind and I need an assistant.

It's Killing Me

  I had high hopes for this week in my studio. I've done some of the 'need to' things, but I'm having trouble getting motivated to paint. The temperature has dropped and it's a bit too cold in here, even for me. I have lined up three potential sales and I'm putting the finishing touches on the offers. I hope to get at least two of them to commit. I've also finished a large painting I've been layering paint on for almost a month. I just haven't got a clue as to what my next move should be as far as applying paint to something. I switched out computers for my music, so I've got about another half hour to transfer all my tunes to the new one. I'm hoping some feel good music will help my shake this blah feeling.

   "Thoughts of You"    

Random Thoughts

  I've accomplished a lot this week. I fixed my car, replacing the thermostat. (By the way, whoever designed the engine on the PT Cruisers needs to be punched in the nose. It took longer than it should have to do and took the help of my loving wife Malinda for me to get the job finished). I closed my Etsy shop and opened a new one in my name, rather than the name of my studio. I've also posted new paintings online and upgraded my backup computer. In between doing that I replaced the door knob on our front door. It no longer falls off in my hand and I don't feel like Oliver Douglas any more. This is also my second blog post this week. A whole lot more done that I usually do in my three days a week of being a full time artist. I just didn't get to paint as much as I would have liked to. Of course, I say that every week. I could paint morning, noon, and night for seven days and still feel like I needed to express myself more that week. I guess that's a good thing, that I never tire of putting paint on canvas (or board, or whatever I can find). That I'm always pushing the limits of my talent, growing as an artist. I look back on some of the paintings I did years ago, paintings I thought were the best I'd ever produce, and marvel at how much better I am now. I can only wonder what I'll be creating in another year or two.
   I've also been thinking a lot lately about marketing. When I started creating my online presence I bulled ahead and learned as I went. I put all  my online selling entities in the name Darkwater Studios, which is the name of my studio. I realized, too late in some cases, that the brand I needed to be promoting was Doug Baltz. I've corrected most of those, but my eBay store still has my studio name. I don't feel it's in my best interest to start that one over after building up my selling history. This is the reason I started over on Etsy. That was a no brainer since I never sold anything on there. I tried for a while and gave up. Hopefully this time it will be better, although it couldn't be any worse. I sometimes think about how different things would be if I could start my professional career over knowing what I know now. It may have been better, but the learning process has been fun for me ( in between bouts of frustration). It's probably helped mold me into the artist I am now. And I wouldn't want to change that at all.

"The Soul Within"

A Very Catchy Title

   Things are going quite well as of late. I'm selling an average of one painting a week. Work has been a lot less stressful. My wife takes good care of me and makes me laugh a lot. I have had car troubles for the past week. My radiator needs to be drained and cleaned and I need a new thermostat. Unfortunately I let a let a lot of people convince me I could do it myself. Right now my car is sitting in my driveway, jacked up, the old thermostat off, the new one sitting in the drivers seat (since I can't get to where it needs to be placed thanks the the idiots that designed the engine for the PT Cruiser), I'm missing a bolt, and I'm not really sure where the radiator cap is. But I'm not gonna think about all that right now. I'm in my studio, music playing, paint drying on several canvases, enjoying my day. Once again, it's my creative flow that keeps my head from exploding.

"Not Quite An Angel"

If Only

  I just shipped another painting that I sold. I've also painted two more paintings today. If only I could sell art as fast as I produce it. If only I enjoyed the business end of the business as much as I do the creative end. If only I had a patron. I feel pretty good about my life. I enjoy being an artist. I get a thrill every time I put brush to canvas (or brush to paper, or pen to paper, or pencil to paper; in fact every time I create something I get a thrill). I really can't complain about things, but every now and then I stop and wonder, "If only..."

"Afraid To Face Defeat"

50% Of Being An Artist Is 100% Mental

  I've decided this is going to be my year, the year I strike it big as an artist. The year I start to realize all my dreams. I want to be artistically self sufficient. I want a nice studio. I want a gallery. I want to be able to help other creative types realize their potential. I want to be able to hire my friends to run my empire. I think it's all within reason. It's not like I want to have the first art gallery on the moon. I'd just like to be able to live my life the way I want to, to not have to punch the clock making money for someone else. I want to look back on my life and not have any regrets. I've sold two paintings this week and possibly a handful more in the next few days. I just need to look at every decision I make from now on and see how it affects my artist's bottom line. I need to be an artist first. I need to be an artist all the time.

                                   He Takes No Reprimand 

Least Expected, Most Needed

  It's really been a  struggle lately. Work has stressed me out. I've been sick, sicker than I've been in a long time. Money has been tight. I've had a hard time finding time to be an artist, even though I should be an artist first and foremost. My mind just hasn't been right. I've photographed most of my new art and I'm in the process of catching up on posting them on the internet. I posted a few yesterday, including on I call "Deceived and Cheated":

I've liked it ever since I finished it, but I didn't expect the reception it received when I posted it. I've had several offers to buy it and comments galore. It really perked me up, made me feel like I'm making some progress, that I won't have to keep my day job forever. I'm hoping I can build on this and taking my web presence to a new level.

The Way My Mind Works

 I was doing some studio work today, listening to some favorite tunes, when the song "The 4th Dimension" by Devo (link)  came on. I've heard that song dozens of times since it first came out. I wasn't half paying attention when the line "I watched as her fingers drew a perfect line in space" jumped out at me. I've heard it before and always pictured a woman drawing a perfectly straight line. This time I realized that a perfect line wouldn't have to be straight. It could curve, grow thinner, wider, fade almost to nothing and then come back. Perfection is based on context. A realistically drawn portrait would likely be ruined by a ruler drawn straight line. A perfect line could convey many things, evoke emotions if done right. I thought about this and stopped what I was doing to put all my efforts into thinking this through. A perfect line in space. The concept is leading me somewhere. I've thought about it all day, letting my mind wander where ever it wanted. That's an example of how the thought process goes for me. It may lead me down a path of unimaginable creativity. It might just as easily lead me down a dark road to artwork I'd never show anyone. I do find it exciting to take either journey.

                                                                           
                                         "Cross Birds"

A Newly Created Portfolio

I've made video portfolios of my artwork before, but not in a long time. My wife convinced me to make a new one the other day.

I Think This Is Pretty Cool

I was doing an image search on Google the other day, uploading pictures of my paintings to see if they were being displayed anywhere I wasn't aware of. I've only had one turn up, on MySpace. I think this is cool. I just wish I knew who did it and how long ago it was.

Nothing Can Hold Me Back

  It's been a while, again. I'm always running in to road blocks, but I always overcome. The furnace in my house isn't working and the space heaters are barely keeping the winter at bay. Today, however, it's warm outside and perfect in my studio. I've caught up on some computer work and finished a painting and the day's not half over. It's been over two weeks since I've been able to work in here, longer if you don't count the commission  I knocked out just before Christmas.
 I was at the thrift store the other day, looking for used canvases or paintings that I could paint over, when a thought came to me- I wonder how many of my paintings have met a similar fate. I suppose that just give fuel to the 'lost works of Doug Baltz' fire that's sure to erupt one day. Anyway, just thought I'd post a few random thoughts before I get back to 'work'.

                   "Express Your Thoughts"- private collection