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Four Questions From You to Me

3/14/2018

20 Comments

 
​As I sit to write this post, a snowstorm that dropped about 20 cm overnight is still doing its thing outside. It’s not been the hardest of winters, but I’m looking forward to spring arriving. It likely won’t be here for a few weeks yet. In the interim, answering some of your recent questions is the order of this day. One disclaimer before I start … I answer these questions to share how I do things, but there is no right way to do things in art. So, try different things and then do it your way, eh? 
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Question #1: “What kind of acrylics do you use?”

Using the best quality paint makes all the difference in a painting. My number one favourite brand is Nova Color, which I get from California. In comparison to what I pay here in Canada for Golden brand acrylics, it’s worth it. And yes, Golden fluid acrylics are my second favourite. I love using a splash of Golden high flow acrylic here and there, and I also use Golden heavy body acrylics, although less often than the fluid ones. I love both these brands because they are high quality and offer very vibrant colour. The reason that I slightly prefer Nova Color over Golden, is that I love the consistency of Nova Color acrylics. They’re not quite as fluid as Golden fluid acrylics but are much more fluid than a Golden heavy body acrylic. I’ve also been trying out a Canadian brand, Kroma, over the last year or two. I like them, they have vibrant colour and are reasonably priced. Consistency-wise, they are just a little less fluid than Nova.

Question #2: “What is your greatest challenge and what is your biggest dream?”

One of the biggest challenges I deal with as an artist is comparison - comparing my work, my success, my social media popularity, and my sales with (my perception of) others’ work, success, popularity and sales. I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle, eh?

I don’t scuffle every day with comparison, but it raises its ugly head often enough that I pay attention when it arises. It usually means I’m tired or bored … or that I need to use some of my tools to raise my vibe – one of my current favourite tools is listening to an uplifting Spotify or YouTube playlist. I really like 2Cellos now. Going to the gym, getting outside for a walk, doing a yoga practice … these all work for me. I also have a bag of tricks filled with things that remind me of who I am as a person and what I’m here to do in life and in art. If you’re wondering what that thing I’m here to do is, it’s about creating with freedom and doing my own thing. When I fully remember that, I know how valuable that is … and comparison no longer matters. We are all on our own paths, eh? I feel fortunate to have worked with coaches and other artists who have brought this truth home to me. Getting older also helps, I care a lot less about what others think than when I was younger.

My biggest dream as an artist is a trickier question to answer. Right now, my dream is to be a successful independent artist selling my work online. That dream is coming true … but I would like to be able to sell at least six paintings on canvas a month online. I’m not quite there yet, but putting it out there to the Universe is a good thing, right? Two ways I’m working to make that happen are to increase my followers on Instagram and to build my mailing list. You can help with both … see the second to last paragraph of this blog post.
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Where the Wild Things Are, 24x36” acrylic on canvas, $860 CAD
Question #3: “Do you consider yourself part of a broad artistic movement? Who are your models?”

I can’t say that I identify with any particular artistic movement. My own art has progressed from initial loose, representational watercolour work of things I saw in the world to a more inward-focused, process oriented and intuitive style resulting in colourful, layered non-representational acrylic and mixed media work. I’m not 100 percent comfortable with the term “intuitive” … curious might be a better word. I follow my curiosity when I paint. I want to see what will happen next. Also, although I paint intuitively/curiously, the elements of design are important to me. I consciously strive to improve my work technically. 

So, it’s not that I’m not influenced by art movements and other artists, I definitely am, but I don’t consciously try to copy or re-interpret the work of other artists.

Question #4: “What time of day do you do your best work, and do you paint in fits and starts and let it evolve … or start and finish in one blast?”

My first inclination is to say that I paint best in the morning, because I am most productive at everything in the morning. However, at the moment, my family life is such that it’s difficult to paint in the morning. So, I’m more likely to spend a couple of hours in the afternoon and even after supper in the studio. My studio is now at home, which makes it much easier to grab a few minutes or hours here and there. I am loving it! At the same time, it was easier to be disciplined and have defined work hours when I had an external studio.
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I create in focused bursts of activity, and I work in many layers …. so, my work tends to evolve rather than to be started and finished in one sitting. I really like the complexity, depth and vibrancy of layered acrylic work. I was more likely to start and finish work in one sitting when I worked solely in watercolour.
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A few more things:
  1. I’m aiming to reach 10,000 followers on Instagram this year. I’d love it if you’d help me reach that goal by following me on Instagram at @donnamulhollandstudio. Liking and commenting on my posts would rock! Thanks in advance.
  2. Enter my monthly giveaway for a Goofin’ with the Muses poster and join my mailing list here. My subscribers get access to mailing list only art and discounts, receive first access to online art collections, and enjoy news and other surprises. Hint: I’m releasing a collection solely to my mailing list tomorrow.
  3. I’m giving away a set of postcard-sized art prints. Comment below on or before Friday, March 23rd to enter. Make sure I have your email address, too. If you’re not comfortable typing it below, email it to me with the name you used in your comment on my blog at info@donnamulhollandstudio.com with the words “Blog Giveaway” in the subject line. I’ll contact the winner via email on Saturday, March 24th.
  4. My next blog post is going to feature some of my favourite Instagram accounts ... yeehaw! Share the names of your favourite Instagram artists in the comments below! 

​Thanks for reading. I wish you the happiest of months ahead. Also, if you have a question you’d like me to answer or if there’s something you’d like to see in a future blog post, please comment below.
20 Comments
Melinda Couden
3/14/2018 03:45:53 pm

I wanted to add your blog to my Feedly so I wouldn't miss any postings but can't get it to add for some reason. I follow you on Instagram so that will do for now. Love your work and your willingness to share!

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Donna Mulholland
3/14/2018 04:42:36 pm

Thanks Melinda! I’m not familiar with Feedly. ❤️

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Donna Mulholland link
3/15/2018 04:05:12 pm

To be entered in the art card giveaway, you can send your email to me at info@donnamulhollandstudio.com. Thank you!

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Kim Pierson
3/15/2018 12:08:29 pm

Thanks for sharing your insights for those of us starting out! I always look forward to seeing your work on my IG feed :)

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Donna Mulholland link
3/15/2018 04:06:22 pm

Kim, you have been entered in the art card giveaway. Good luck!

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Donna Mulholland link
3/15/2018 12:56:19 pm

Thanks so much, Kim! I appreciate your comment.

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Cindy
3/15/2018 03:04:30 pm

Great post I luved that you share about feeling's on the comparison monster, I struggle with this too big time.. I am working on finding my voice and I to do see some similarities in my work, and am trying my best to get out of that..have yet to sell any work as I am afraid to post it.lol you are one of my favorite instagram accounts and I do like saracoeyart is another.. Thanks for sharing :)

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Donna Mulholland
3/15/2018 03:15:17 pm

Cindy, thanks for the very kind words. It’s good to know I’m not alone on the comparison issue. I love @sarahcoeyart’s IG feed, too ... and hope that you will share your art soon!

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Donna Mulholland link
3/15/2018 04:07:47 pm

Cindy, if you'd like to be entered in the art card giveaway, please send your email to me at info@donnamulhollandstudio.com. Thank you!

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Linda Meyers-Gabbard
3/15/2018 03:34:53 pm

Thank you so very much. Nice post. Please enter me into yout monthly giveaway.

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Donna Mulholland link
3/15/2018 04:02:06 pm

Thanks Linda! :-)

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Donna Mulholland link
3/15/2018 04:04:00 pm

Oh and BTW please send me your email address to be entered in the art card giveaway. You can send it to me at info@donnamulhollandstudio.com. Thank you!

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Renee link
3/16/2018 01:23:33 am

I really love your work!!

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Donna Mulholland link
3/16/2018 05:06:52 am

Thanks so much, Renee!

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Filothei link
3/21/2018 09:06:11 am

I made it. Yiouhou. Entering for thr postcard size prints giveaway 😊 thank you Donna

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Donna Mulholland link
3/21/2018 03:57:18 pm

Thanks for persevering and for sending me your email to enter the art postcard giveaway!

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Cindy
3/21/2018 03:51:28 pm

Luv this post, sharing a little bit about you makes you that much more real for me... I see all of these amazing artists out there (including you Donna) and of course they share their best work,and my comparison monster keeps rearing its ugly head, and I think just sell your art supplies you will never be as good...every idea you come up with someone else is doing, but I keep trying every day :)
email: myinspirationjourney@gmail.com
Thank you Donna I really appreciate you <3

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Donna Mulholland link
3/21/2018 04:00:17 pm

Cindy, thanks for the kind words and for entering the postcard art giveaway! Social media gives us so many ways to compare ourselves ... but I think the the lesson of it all is to persevere and for us to learn to believe in and share our own unique voices, art and journeys. xoxoxo

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Alexa Doebler (Blue Woods Design) link
3/21/2018 10:42:59 pm

Great post! So glad I found you recently on Instagram. One of my favorites is Shawn Petite (@artgirl38)
Thanks for the chance to win some of your gorgeous art! 💕💕

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Donna Mulholland link
3/22/2018 05:50:56 am

Alexa, thanks for the kind words and your IG recommendation. You’re entered and I look forward to seeing you on IG! 🤗

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