Celebrating 10 years!!!
Posted by Claudia True at 9/25/2009 8:58 AM 
Categories: "Life"
Tags: Claudia True's art life mid-life career change Claudia True follow your passion
Categories: "Life"
Tags: Claudia True's art life mid-life career change Claudia True follow your passion
"Fizzy Fun" - click here for more information
This week is the 10 year anniversary of my official entry into the art world!!! Oh my - what a journey this has been!
I'm celebrating with a 10 year anniversary show - online! With virtual champagne for all!!!!! More about this at the bottom of the post -
Ten and a half years ago I left a pretty darned good position as a geologist/manager in the energy industry - to follow my passion - painting!!! With the downturn in the oil industry, I had the chance to give this new art life a try. So I took that chance - to the amazement of many folks. The first six months after I retired, I struggled with what direction to pursue - open a gallery? represent other artists? do my own "thing"? Eventually I realized that - deep down - I really wanted to paint and this was my chance to see if I could make it work. So much for retirement!!
My memories are so vivid of that first art opening . It was at my studio above Dagny's Coffee Shop in downtown Bakersfield - an area that has since become a thriving art center. We sent out invitations, a friend catered the event - and I just knew NO ONE would show up!?! Truly - I have NEVER been more nervous about an opening! Who would come to see an "artist" who just recently was a player in the corporate world??? My usually messy studio was transformed into a showplace. As they say "build it and they will come" - and they did!! About 250 people attended - many who continue to be my steadfast supporters. I think some were there out of amazement that I made this major change - they had to see it to believe it. Here we are - ten years later and I'm still an artist and I've never looked back!! I still feel fortunate that I found my passion that I was brave enough to follow it.
This little journey has had its twists and turns with a few hiccups - as they all do. While in Bakersfield I was in 4 studios - 2 with galleries - so I actually did open a couple of galleries along the way. I love helping other artists get their own careers going. One huge surprise to me - I LOVE teaching art!!! I'm so happy when I help someone get "turned on" to painting and am so proud when they become successful painters. I work just as many hours as before, but somehow it just doesn't feel like "work." Well - except maybe when I had to clean the studio bathrooms . . . . You know how it is - I'm the CEO, Art Dept, IT Dept, Bookkeeper, and all - including janitor!! And I couldn't be happier.
In 2007, Mike and I moved to Kansas. It's sort of like starting all over. Leaving Bakersfield where I was so established was hard to do. I'll never forget my final sale - again, many people attended and took home a piece of my art. It was a great "validation" in an odd way. I felt tremendous support which I'll always cherish. When one door closes, another opens - and Kansas City has many art opportunities. Plus we have family here including little grandkids . . . . "Life is good!" With the Internet I stay connected to supporters in California and in many other places. And the journey continues!!!
Sooooo - to celebrate my 10 year anniversary - I'm having another art show - online!!! With free shipping on any orders by October 1.
Visit both my website and my shopping cart to enjoy the show!!!
And I have 2 prints at a pre-print price through October 1!! The new prints are " Vegas Chick", and "Cambrian Salad" - both available in 8 x 10" ($45) or 16 x 20" ($90). After Oct 1, the small prints will be $75 and the larger prints will be $150.
"Vegas Chick" "Cambrian Salad"
I'm very excited to celebrate 10 years as an artist!!! I hope you enjoy my virtual show and celebration - including the champagne! Thank you all!
p.s. - putting together this virtual show reminded me of putting together my first studio show - kind of. I spent many hours updating the website and shopping cart, instead of cleaning out the studio and making labels, etc. Lots of changes in 10 years!!!
All prints and jewelry (!) are available at yessy.com/ctrue
Visit myshopping cart for original paintings
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