I shared some things with my Facebook followers yesterday that was honest and very uncomfortable for me. Most of the time I only share the good things about being a full time artist. You know what I mean…the relaxing effects of painting…the good results of effort put forth…the highlights, so to speak.
But I have this uncontrollable urge to tell it all. I don’t really know of any other artists (at least none that I follow) who share everything “behind the scenes” and tell you about the good as well as the not so good.
So here it is…the beginning of what just might become a series of videos where I get real and tell you what’s really going on behind the scenes in my art business.
Angela Thurmon
Amanda, you are such an inspiration to so many people. I started painting about seven months ago and I had no idea that I could. I saw a video online of you painting with a palette?? knife and thought maybe I could try, so I went and bought a cheap painting kit and tried it and I could not believe it but it looked good so I continued and bought more paint and brushes and now I watch several artists online and I have had many compliments on my pictures but I never would have tried if it had not been for you! I’m so sorry about the mean comments. Just know there are many more people you help and that appreciate you than the bad ones and it is unfortunate to have to deal with hateful people but even in retail ( my occupation) I have a few customers who just are hateful people and try to be hurtful and like you it really upsets me because I want everyone to be nice, like me, lol. Thanks for sharing this because one day I would like to try selling my paintings and I won’t feel alone or that it’s just “me” when bad people say hurtful things! I would like to ask a question. I want to make prints of my pictures to give and sell, but I don’t have a printer. I had Walgreens make copies ( like photos) but they just don’t look as good as the original. Any advice? Thanks, love and prayers for you dear friend ❤️🙏
Amanda Hilburn
Thank you for sharing this, Angela 🙂 I’m so happy you are painting!
For prints, your photos or scans of the originals have to be excellent in order to make good prints. I’ve made my own with my printer at home and I’ve used a few online companies, too. However, no matter what route you choose to go for the printing part, the photos have to be high resolution (at least 300 dpi) for the prints to be crisp and clear.
Ramona Hart
Amanda, I am so sorry I have not done the challenge. First of all I have gotten used to you talking and showing us through it. I don’t feel I am good enough on my own. Secondly, I have been very busy at the antique store I have a booth at. We are starting a garden in the back(outside)of the store so I have been painting clay pots to put lovely plants in. I have had to polyurethane each of them including the saucers. Also, making fall things(pumpkins) painted for the season. I hope I can get caught up with you guys.
I love painting but have come home tired to paint(art) as opposed to panting pots for plants.
Had to explain why I haven’t participated lately. I miss it and feel out of the loop right now.
Amanda Hilburn
No worries!!! You do what you need to do and we are here when you are ready 🙂
Terri Hansen
Amanda, I really appreciated you doing this video. So sad that there are a few people that feel the need to make others feel bad. You do an amazing job trying to help others and you do beautiful works of art. This is all very important to know for those of us planning to have our own future business. Thank you for sharing
Amanda Hilburn
I’m happy it was helpful to you, Terri. 🙂
Julie Morse
I appreciate your honesty. It is hard to share our vulnerabilities. Listening to you, let me realize I’m normal!!! Lol… We all have those feelings flare up now and then. It was real true raw feelings, I felt like I had a therapy season lol…even though I’ve never had therapy, but I do not feel alone anymore. I’m sure It was a bit therapeutic for you too. I hope so….It was so real and refreshing to listen to you. I think your adorable and your art is so unique and awesome!!! Thanks for sharing your day with us. I know next time I feel hurt or discouraged, I will know I’m not the only one that does, and perhaps I’ll get over it faster and move on to the next project more quickly…. Thank you, A New Fan…Julie…
Amanda Hilburn
Hi Julie!
It was very much like therapy for me too! I can’t stand the thought or feeling of secrets or hiding anything. I am so happy it helped you feel more normal LOL I don’t know if I am normal or not, but I do believe that a lot of us have feelings and problems that we don’t let anyone else know about and that can make us feel very alone.
I do hope it helped you, and I appreciate your comment here.