Creating a Care Package for a Friend in Quarantine

April 25, 2020 in Art Vlog, Inspiration

You’ve probably heard me talk about my love of snail mail (which is pretty intense, let me tell you!) that I’m sure I got from my father who, whether living in the same town or across the country, always sent special handmade cards and collages.

I’m just going to say it, surprise care packages are literally EVERYTHING.

So join me tday for some real hand-made from the heart artsy good vibes I’m creating and sending to one of my favorite people in the whole world, Jimi, who is a nurse having to quarantine when he’s not on shift. He hasn’t been able to see his kids, family or bandmates in well over a month, not to mention working the most stressful job possible during a global pandemic.

Want a step-by-step of how I make my sketchbooks with any kind of art paper? Find the video here or the blog post here,

OR if you’d like to know the next time I’m making sketchbooks (they’re larger than the one in this vid), follow this link to stay in the loop. You even get to choose your own toned or white paper!

4.25.2020

Live Stream from the Farm on Tennessee

March 20, 2020 in Art Vlog, YouTube Videos, Studio

Howdy folks, my hard drive crashed, my travel plans got postponed and my gigs got canceled. It’s the middle of a global pandemic and shizz is getting pretty weird!!

Gotta smile through the crazy though and find ways to stay distracted :D

3.20.2020

5 Things NOT to Say to Artists

March 13, 2020 in Art Vlog, Artist Diary, YouTube Videos

…And how to make sure you’re not saying them!!

Hi-ya folks I sure did have fun making today’s vid for you! It’s a lil silly, but I’m sure my artist pals know exactly what I’m talking about and have gotten most if not all of these sayings tossed their way.

Feel free to share this vid in a sweetly passive, yet hopeful, step towards politely telling your friends and fam the 411 on how their "artist advice" can sometimes come off...

But if you’re the one who has accidentally made an art comment faux pas in the past… fear not! We artists are not here to hold grudges, we are here to learn and grow together! So we all good folks, and forever onward you’ll know just how to communicate your appreciation of our works all the more sensitively

Has anyone else ever said anything that seemed complimentary but kind of was not about your art? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

3.13.2020

Studio Vlog :: My First Artist Residency + YT Comment Issues Fixed

January 24, 2020 in Acquire Art, Art Vlog, YouTube Videos

Aloha friends (I can still say aloha, right? Wellllll, I'm gonna;) and welcome to my newest studio!

Today I'm sharing my latest artsy venture, being a Resident Artist with the Highlands County Art League! Are you familiar with that term? It's a really amazing way to ingratiate and teach within tight knit art communities all over the country, and probably the world. I've got another one coming in Feb-March too all the way in Tennessee!

I've already been adventuring and camping and going to art exhibits and painting so much since arriving back on the mainland not even two months ago and I could not be more grateful for this creative and happy life:) If you like to see behind the scenes pics and stay abreast of my travels, make sure to subscribe to my weekly blog posts full of my latest adventures and artwork delivered right to your inbox.

I also wanted to briefly touch on some issues with my YT comments. I recently discovered that there was a hidden spam folder but this past week thankfully I've gotten things all figured out and have replied to each and every comment I could see. However sometimes a funny thing happens where I can only see a teaser of your comment and then am unable to respond due to some weird setting on the viewer's account (I think) so if you have not received a response from me, check out this vid and hopefully I'll be able to fully view and respond to your comments in the future.

And last but not least…

If you wanna support this artsy Bird's great adventures pop over to my Shop and snag a few stickers + buttons to help get a lil gas in the ole spaceship ;) Thanks so much!!

Stickers + Buttons

1.24.2020

Hawai'i Art Studio Tour

July 12, 2019 in 3D Paintings, Art Vlog, Aloha, Studio, YouTube Videos

Aloha and welcome to my third happy Hawai’i studio tour! I have recently moved into a new spot and finally have my lil Nest set up just the way I like it so I am excited to invite you in today!

I live in the super lush and peaceful back of the Palolo Valley here on O’ahu and I literally just listen to birds singing outside my studio window all day. My home and work/creative space are one in the same so I have figured out a number of ways to stay organized and productive. I hope you like how I have my lil space all set up:)

If you haven’t seen my last studio tour (of the bungalow I refer to in this current vid) here’s the quickie tour of that space as well as my detailed art setup and living area - including my outdoor bathroom! Those are some of my most popular videos and really offer a fun view into my life as a Hawai’i based artist.

Ergonomic Studio Habits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2-AFpNG41M

Sock Monster Release Update Here:

https://www.caleighbirdart.com/sock-monster-release

Shoutouts to the artists on my wall!

So fortunate to be able to build such a personal original art collection! What a way to remember the fantastic artists I’ve met here on island (since we’ve become friends through attending the figure session when I’m not modeling too).

How excited was this girl when she first received this portrait in the mail all the way from Scotland a couple years ago?!

Nicola @nicolpops and I did a portrait trade in our own styles back in 2017 and it’s one of my most treasured possessions to this day :)

Thanks for joining me today! Make sure to jump on my Birds of a Feather list to hear all about the personal ups n downs in the Nest I don’t share anywhere else:):):)

7.12.2019

Spoleto Fest in Charleston

June 15, 2019 in Art Vlog, Adventure, YouTube Videos

Earlier this June I had the pleasure of attending the Spoleto performance arts and music festival in Charleston, SC. It’s a 17 day event that’s been happening annually for over 35 years which encompasses international and regional performers and musicians that are truly mind blowing. Some of the best creatives in the world come through to share their talent!

I got a few snippets of some of my fave performances as well as some vids of Charleston’s best galleries. Hope you enjoy joining me on my artsy adventures!

And if you’d like to see some fun photos of the trip pop over here.

6.15.2019

Leaving My Bungalow Nest + Giveaway Surprise!

May 03, 2019 in Art Vlog, Sketchbook, YouTube Videos, Figure Drawings

Welcome to the sneak peek of my new spot here on O'ahu as well as a special surprise Giveaway for my YT fam! I know it's sad to say good-bye to my tiny house bungalow, but I'm excited to move on to a peaceful place that will be even better for art and video creating.

My lil bungalow and outdoor bathroom experience will always be a part of me that I will remember fondly, however I am too excited for the future to be hung up about the past. You know what they say, ‘Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened.’

If you would like more info on getting your own handmade-with-love toned (or white) paper sketchbook pop over here to get in on this sketchbook release: https://www.caleighbirdart.com/sketchbook-release

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

How to Enter:

1. Be subscribed to my channel!

2. A. Sign up for my monthly Birds of a Feather letter (where I discuss all the ups n downs of being a working artist in a more personal space) here: https://www.caleighbirdart.com/birds-of-a-feather

B. Share one of my YouTube videos on your Facebook page along with making sure to tag + message my ‘Caleigh Bird Art’ page here: https://www.facebook.com/caleighbirdart

3. Comment on this video whether you would like the drawing or the sketchbook along with how you entered. Please include the first 4 letters of the email you signed up with if you took option ‘A’ so I can verify. Do both for two entries! Yay!

4. Two winners will be announced! One for a handmade toned paper sketchbook and one for an original life drawing from my own sketchbook. See below for details.

5. **If you are already signed up for my monthly letter, let me know along with your winning choice and first 4 letters of your email and that’s an entry right there!**

Rules + Eligibility:

1. Must be 18+ and a US resident to enter (Sorry! Shipping abroad is too expensive!)

2. Winners will be chosen at random via random number assignment upon entry using a selection through an impartial app. Enter twice for two chances!

3. Winners announced upon reaching 1005 subscribers in a subsequent video

4. Winners will also be notified however they entered, via email or Facebook.

5. Sketchbook winner will have their choice of two different covers on a hardback toned sketchbook (just like the ones I use!) which I will be handmaking over the coming weeks.

6. Drawing winner will get their choice of an original life drawing from a selection of four drawings right out of my own personal sketchbook which I will sign and ship flat.

7. Each winner can only claim one prize.

8. Privacy: Any emails collected will solely be used for my Birds of a Feather monthly letter. No emails nor Facebook names will be shared with any third party and will only be partially announced/partially censored for the sake of announcing a winner. No last names nor personally identifying information will be shared during or after the Giveaway.

This is not a sponsored video. This video is not affiliated nor endorsed by YouTube.

YouTube is not a sponsor of this Giveaway. By entering this Giveaway, you release YouTube from any and all liability related to this Giveaway. All items in my giveaway are handmade/hand drawn by myself and have not been provided by any third party.

Giveaways on this channel are held in accordance with YouTube Community Guidelines and YouTube Terms of Service. Any entries not following the YouTube Community Guidelines will be disqualified. Personal data sent to me is for the sole purpose of sending the item won and will not be shared with any third party nor used for any other purpose.

Giveaways are void where prohibited by law. All Hawai’i and US laws observed.

Photographs by Amanda Leigh of Bee Leigh Images

5.3.2019

5 Tips for Small Business Artists

March 01, 2019 in Art Vlog, YouTube Videos, YouTube Tutorials, Tutorials

Aloha fellow up ‘n coming artists:) Today’s video is especially for those who are interested in turning their love of artistic creation into a small business.

I’ve been navigating my own art biz for just a few years, but even in that short time I have learned so much that I wish I would have known starting out. If there’s one thing I think a lot of us have in common as newbies it’s that we tend to run around in a million directions at once not really knowing how best to focus our efforts and wind up wasting a lot of time.

I think a bit of bouncing around is totally necessary as each artist will find their own flow differently, but today I want to at least impart 5 little nuggets of advice to help navigate your own small art business.

So enjoy the video and then scroll down for notes

1. Don’t spread yourself too thin

When first starting out many artists are given the advice to ‘be everywhere’ online in order to share your artwork with as many people as possible (ex. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Deviant Art, Pinterest, YouTube, Tumblr, Etsy, Society 6, etc). Now it is true that building an audience is the most important thing you can do for your art biz, but it’s actually much more effective to find 2-3 platforms where you think your target audience is most likely to hang out, then put forth your best, most professional efforts there. The worst thing you can do is sign up for so many platforms that you are unable to keep things updated so when folks do find you your page is an unloved, archaic mess. What a tragedy!

2. Follow journeys of ‘Goal Artists’

We all have artists that we hope to emulate one day either by style, success, or both, and that’s a very healthy thing. It’s great to have idols! Especially in the crazy world of professional art where there really are no set rules or protocols for building a prosperous and fulfilling career it can be incredibly helpful to have people to pattern after.

My advice is to pick 2-3 of your favorite contemporary artists whose style and/or target audience matches your own and who have also achieved a high level of your ideal of success. Remember that success looks different to every artist so it is important that you get kind of specific with this ideal; it won’t do you any good to emulate an artist being granted huge sculptural instillation art contracts when you are trying to paint pet portraits for celebrities. (You can love any artists’ work without trying to replicate their careers :) )

Then simply research and follow each artist consistently. Find their website and check out their CV or Exhibition/Awards roster to see potential venues to apply to or contests to enter. Sign up for their email list to hear about where/what they’re showing next. See if they teach workshops or college classes, or even jury for certain exhibits. Find them on social media and stay abreast of upcoming projects. How do they market themselves and their artwork? How do they get their audience excited about new artworks? What are specific ways that they engage with their audience?

Since basically everyone is all over the internet these days it is easier than ever to see how your idols are advancing but please, no matter what, do not ever make the mistake of comparing yourself to them. It can sound cliche, but it is very true that no two artistic journeys are ever the same. Gathering inspiration or references from favorite artists is fantastic, but you have no idea how exactly they got their start, how their socio-economic background influenced their educational opportunities, or how they may be connected either through location, schooling, or lineage. Circumstances are always different when peering from the outside in, so use your goal artists as just that, inspirational goals… not rigid one-size-fits-all rules.

3. Practice, expand and grow!

Now I know this one may sound obvious, but I honestly think this is one of the easiest ways that we can get lazy as artists. Once we are finished with official schooling it can be very easy to stick with our usual routine of style/materials/subjects/techniques and not keep branching out but it is really important to do so. We as artists need to be challenged regularly and we should always be striving for improvement, which comes with never ending practice.

Of course as we build an audience we want to stay true to the artwork that brought their adoration to us in the first place, but don’t forget that although we as humans like what we are already familiar with, we also need growth and change to keep our interest piqued. Trying out a new medium or a different subject within your same style is a great way to expand without alienating your audience. Or maybe use your artwork to collaborate with a clothing designer, children’s book writer, local event or good cause. The bonus is that by trying new things you will inevitably expose new people to your artwork along the way. Win win!

4. Be consistent

This is soooo much more important than I think a lot of young artists give credit. There are literally thousands of other artists all vying for your audience’s attention and if its been too many days/weeks/ or (dog-forbid) months since they’ve heard from you they are not even going to remember you when they move and need new art for their walls or when their sister’s birthday rolls around and they want a custom portrait created.

Consistency is also one of the best and cheapest ways to look professional. Literally just showing up on a predictable basis with quality work will put you head and shoulders above so many ‘amateurs'. Plus social media algorithms loooove consistency and we all know we need to be pleasing the mysterious algorithm entities as much as we possibly can!

5. Say yes

Often times in our lives we are presented with jobs, gigs, or opportunities that perhaps don’t specifically align with our end goals which we tend to say no to out of lack of interest or sub par compensation. Now I will never advocate for obvious time-wasting or being taken advantage of, but there is something to be said for getting out and doing as much art-related work as possible during the early stages of one’s career.

The thing is that so many random seeming opportunities morph and push us in unexpected directions and often turn into surprising and unique learning endeavors. Not to mention that as young artists we absolutely need to be exposed to as much of the business side of the fine art world as humanly possible (especially since art schools teach bupkis about the biz aspect of things). Also, working in any creative sector will garner more and more personal contacts who will in turn present you with more artistic opportunities. It can be a very exciting and lucrative cycle indeed!

My advice is to branch out into as many creative endeavors as you can handle reasonably and with quality. Never take on more than you can do well by giving only half efforts as your reputation will proceed you and could cost you excellent opportunities in the future. Just do your best and have an upbeat attitude and people will be thrilled to hire you again and again.

Skippity-do it’s as easy as that folks! Show up to your own life consistently and enthusiastically with your best effort and you should do great! Yay!

3.1.2019

Salvador Dali Museum Tour

January 24, 2019 in Art Vlog, Artist Diary, Adventure, YouTube Videos, Inspiration, Museums + Galleries

I just got back from the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, FL and the collection is as mind-blowing as one could wish! As the world's preeminent surrealist painter it's a real treat to study Dali's works in person. I spent over 4 hours melting into his paintings while learning a lot about his life and the reoccurring symbols in his artwork which I'm so happy to share with you today.

I highly recommend you put this museum on your bucket list and in the mean time you can see and read about the whole collection here.

One of the most important things we can do as artists is to experience other artwork in person and since we can’t all be everywhere at once I’ll be creating more art tour videos to share with you in the future. Enjoy!

And here are the works I feature in the video for you to get a closer look. Click thumbnails to enlarge!

And the photos of Dali and his wife/muse Gala:

originally published January 24, 2019

2018 Year End Catch Up

December 21, 2018 in Artist Diary, Art Vlog, YouTube Videos

Mela Kalikimaka folks! I hope you are having a fabulous holiday season with plenty of friends and family around :)

I'm taking two weeks off to get ready to hit 2019 running full force so I hope if you've got a little time on your hands you can catch up on some of my most helpful recent videos.

Here's where you can find everything I mention in this vid; enjoy!

Oil Painting for Beginners:

https://youtu.be/3V1_Gmvx5M4

How to Paint Melanin Rich Skin Tones:

https://youtu.be/rVQIncWs6eY

My 3D Oil Paintings:

Shapeshifter:

https://youtu.be/jBHAz0fLtM8

In the Beginning...:

https://youtu.be/G4aNWc-6cQ0

Writing an Exciting Artist Statement:

https://youtu.be/o_A748sWH6U