I bumped into a new-to-me site called FineArtsATC. I decided to join in on the fun of trading ATC's which I just adore making! This was the first Mni-Art that I decided to let go of from my older pieces that I have not sold(ACEO's) yet. It traded like wild fire on the same day! It even got me featured! Lifted my spirits!

Targeting an audience

Puerto Rican Flamboyant Tree, 8x10, Canvas Panel, Mixed Media
                                                                                  ...I reserve all rights to this image ~ Copyright
  
It sold at this year's annual Puerto Rican Festival this past weekend. I have been showing three years consecutive. I learned the hard way to pay attention to the audience you will be targeting. They were not interested in my traditional work. I had to choose a new body of work that was less expensive and I went with the program.

They weren't  interested in my floral pieces, my framed pastel works, or any of my birds. I had to zone in on the Island of Enchantment, images to remind them of back home. I tried to keep my pallet with a bright color scheme to catch the eye of the beholder and then reel them in.

Flamboyant trees are frequently seen all along the Island. The camera did not pick up the bright pinks and red in this tree. Probably because it  was textured. The first layer on this artwork is that of a song sheet, The Three Kings. Although much of it can not be seen through all the layers, it was another personal touch to their culture.

The tower is on of the posts to a tourist attraction on the Island, El Murro. Which is an ancient fort the Spaniards built for protection. And of course, a map of the Island was embedded with what appears to be a window of greenery.

I created four different canvas panels with four different themes. I did not frame these to keep the cost down and to allow them the opportunity to pick out a frame. Two of them sold! Yay! I am learning what my annual audience wants!

I also made these little one inch in diameter magnets.  I named Puerto Rican Lady Bugs for the fact that they are made from Goya Malta bottle caps. A non-alcoholic molasses drink many Puerto Ricans love, including my sons. They were displayed on a cookie sheet...I have to find another way to show them off as people thought they were edible....LOL!

Now...what to do for next year?

I love color. My eyes get a twinkle in them when I see wonderfully delicious color combinations. I have noticed that bright and even neon colors tend to make me the happiest lately. The sun may be hiding behind clouds or even on those rainy days, this wonderful gift of colors makes my studio a very 'happy' place. It's like being out on the beach or at the top of a beautiful mountain peak.

Only recently, I have stumbled onto various blogs and youtube videos that introduced me to Art Journaling. Having an education in the Visual Arts, I have had a long dead period where I had not produced anything while raising my family. I was happy with my family but something tugged at me. I felt I no longer had any purpose. I have begun creating again since the later part of 2007.

I have been experimenting while moving between shows, festivals and teaching art for young teens/adults on the Autism Spectrum.  My favorite are the blogs with introduction to Art Journaling, Swaps and Layering techniques. I wish to thank many of the bloggers that I have been reading as they give me inspiration and a new found love to link to my colors.

Tiano, 8x10 canvas board, mixed media   ...I reserve all rights to this image ~ Copyright