Inspiration Tuesday- Do it now

I am currently preparing for a craft fair in Philadelphia in two weeks. Participating in art/craft fairs make me nervous. There are too many uncertainties and to sell you have to spend money. Right now my money is "short". 

Since I have a vivid imagination, in my mind I play out that I will sell well and have fun. I have learned over the past, what I see in my mind doesn't always come true.

The first fair I participated in I sold three items... and I felt they were pity sales... My art was well received but the people weren't convinced that they needed my art in their homes. 

I know I need to do these fairs. They will strengthen me as a sales person and as an artist. I will work on my "elevator art" pitch and smile more to strangers.

I also, know selling online (Etsy) in the summer sucks... Sales dry up like a California desert. I have put off doing outdoor fairs for two years saying that I didn't have enough inventory. Well, here I am with inventory and I need to do this now! I going to be brave and try to do at least three fairs this year. Tweaking my finances as I go.

I am brave. You can be too. Go and Do (whatever IT is for you) Now. We are not promised tomorrow and tomorrow may be one day to late.

Favorite Female Visual Artists Women's History Month

For Women’s History Month I wanted to discuss some of my favorite female artist. I have been influenced by most of them and the others I just like their artwork. I don’t have a long list but I am always on the look out for new artist and styles.

Kara Walker focuses her art on identity, race, gender and sexuality. She uses large black cut paper silhouettes to express the darker side of human behavior.

http://learn.walkerart.org/karawalker

Tamara Natalie Madden is a mixed media artist that uses photos of everyday people and portrays them as royal kings, queens and warriors.

http://www.aviscafineart.com/Gallery_Artists/Tamara_Madden/tamara_madden.htm

Ekaterina Koroleva is a graphic designer and illustrator. She draws with sketchy pen strokes and uses beautiful soft watercolor backgrounds.

http://www.ekaterina-koroleva.de/

Njideka Akunyili Crosby is an mixed media artist that uses images of Nigerian culture and her own family photographs to create her own personal portrait of her home country.

http://njidekaakunyili.com/

Elizabeth Catlett is a wood, stone sculpture and print maker. She uses her art mediums to depict race, gender and class issues.

http://elizabethcatlett.net/

Cristina Troufa is a figurative painter. She using herself as her subject matter and her art express her life and her beliefs.

http://www.ignant.de/2014/05/05/self-portraits-by-cristina-troufa/

Stina Persson is an illustrator and uses watercolor, cut paper, ink, vector art and photography. Her style has a very sixty glamorous feel to it.

http://www.stinapersson.com/

Cassandra Gillens is a self taught painter. Her colorful paintings depict southern style and lifestyles.

http://cassandragillensart.com/

Frida Kahlo is a self portrait painter. She painted vivid and intense colored paintings showing the female experience and form.

http://www.fridakahlo.com/

Mickalene Thomas is a painter that glams up her painting with rhinestones, acrylic and colorful enamel. She portrays the complexity of being a black women and explores the definition of femininity and power.

http://mickalenethomas.com/

I hope you enjoyed my list. Who are some of your favorite female visual artist?