True Story
True fact: It's an amazing feeling when I'm paid for doing something I love, but luck's got nothing to do with it. Can anyone relate?
It's always rubbed me the wrong way when visitors to my studio tell me how "lucky" I am to be a working artist. I know that they mean it as a form of praise, but still............ It negates the dedication and the hours I've spent getting better at painting and the investment I've made to get better at connecting with people like them, who will benefit from having my paintings in their home. So one day when someone used the "L" word as they left the studio, I told them that I had worked "really hard" to get lucky. And oh man, I could instantly tell that I had hurt their feelings, and then I felt like a creep. And the truth is, I haven't worked "REALLY HARD" (that was me being a drama queen). What got me "lucky" isn't hard work, it's my fairly consistent action towards a desired result. I wanted to get better at painting, so I invested in courses, workshops, supplies and studio time to make that happen. And it wasn't hard at all, it was (and is) fun. I wanted painting to be my job, so I invested gobs of money, (worth every penny) in marketing courses and coaching to make that happen. And it wasn't hard at all, in fact it's been great to learn how much fun it is to connect with people who are potential customers. And how to treat everyone like a collector. The bad news is, because I was thoughtless, I've never seen that potential customer in my studio again, Good news is, I learned a lesson, and using what I learned in my marketing courses, :)) I came up with a response that acknowledges the good intentions of the customer, as well as, my journey to become a full time artist.
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Self doubt is always creeping in and the fear that it's already been done (and done better) is a biggie and probably in the top ten. Maybe even #2 or 3. The artists here don't care that the flag has been painted a zillion times (take that, Jasper Johns!), they decided to do their own version in one of my classes. Congrats to them all! Our approach to the "its-already-been-done" hurdle, was, "so okay, let's do it differently". We decided to activate our flags, no straight edges, no perfect rows of stars, and to move beyond the red, white and blue color scheme. It was a fun class. Thanks to everyone who painted. hugs, Maggie |
Old Glory, Long in Peace may she wave
I did, for years and years. It was my coming of age town. #backintheday
And interestingly enough, I never painted a horse. (a staple in western paintings). Always wanted to, just never got around to it. Note: "just never got around to it" means "to scared to try" in artist speak.
Fast forward to now and I decided to suck it up and paint a horse. I had so much fun, I decided to paint another. My Tucson roots are showing in the rodeo themed painting. There was a great bar, called The Buckskin that had steer wrestling out back every Sunday and a great wooden dance floor. #cowboyslovetodance #goodtimesforsure
I think there are more horses in my painting future. (even if they don't fit the tropical profile)
And interestingly enough, I never painted a horse. (a staple in western paintings). Always wanted to, just never got around to it. Note: "just never got around to it" means "to scared to try" in artist speak.
Fast forward to now and I decided to suck it up and paint a horse. I had so much fun, I decided to paint another. My Tucson roots are showing in the rodeo themed painting. There was a great bar, called The Buckskin that had steer wrestling out back every Sunday and a great wooden dance floor. #cowboyslovetodance #goodtimesforsure
I think there are more horses in my painting future. (even if they don't fit the tropical profile)
The young colt is named "Fireball" The saddle bronc and rider is titled "Hangin' tough" Both of these paintings are part of my Summer Sale Take a look now because the sale ends July 7, 2019 |
My show, Cottage Industry open February 7, 2019
The Studios of Key West
533 Eaton Street
Key West, Florida, 33040
Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 7, 6-8pm
on view Feb. 7-28, 2019
Blurb:
The history of Key West's charming cottages, historic homes, and island architecture is examined ad reimagined in this exhibition. Ruley's revisionist approach to painting our historic jewels blends the before and after with color and whimsy.
533 Eaton Street
Key West, Florida, 33040
Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 7, 6-8pm
on view Feb. 7-28, 2019
Blurb:
The history of Key West's charming cottages, historic homes, and island architecture is examined ad reimagined in this exhibition. Ruley's revisionist approach to painting our historic jewels blends the before and after with color and whimsy.
Show installation in the Zabar Project Gallery
To see the entire show online, CLICK HERE
All for now,
Hugs
Maggie
Hugs
Maggie
I heart Mermaids #mermaidsarereal
I'm supposed to be working on cottage paintings for my upcoming "Cottage Industry" show at The Studios of Key West in February, but.............I'm still adding new paintings to my mermaid series.
Yes, I do have some cottage paintings in the works, so I'm not totally falling behind :))
Yes, I do have some cottage paintings in the works, so I'm not totally falling behind :))
The Blessing of the Fleet, 28" x 22" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas-image painted around the edges, SOLD
Blue Moon, 30"x24" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas-image painted around the sides, $1,350.00
New Limited Edition Giclee
The Age of Aquarius
This beautiful mermaid gently cradles a Cubera Snapper in her arms to remind us that our oceans and the planet need our protection now more than ever!
I'm offering this image in limited quantities. (Something I've never done before)
These beautiful reproductions will be on canvas with heavy duty stretcher bars and the image will continue on the edges, So there's no need to frame her.
And for you, my special friends, free shipping, lower 48 USA only, from now until January 1, 2019
,
I'm offering this image in limited quantities. (Something I've never done before)
These beautiful reproductions will be on canvas with heavy duty stretcher bars and the image will continue on the edges, So there's no need to frame her.
And for you, my special friends, free shipping, lower 48 USA only, from now until January 1, 2019
,
Available in 3 sizes
Large: 48"long by 24" wide $1,390.00 (original size)
edition limited to 50
Midsize: 24" long by 12" wide $425.00
edition limited to 125
Small: 20" long by 10" wide $295.00
edition limited to 225
Please allow 3 weeks for completion and delivery.
Original available, $4,200.00 free shipping lower 48 USA only.
Thanks,
Maggie
Original available, $4,200.00 free shipping lower 48 USA only.
Thanks,
Maggie
- Welcome!
- 'I'm Maggie Ruley. My studio/gallery is on the beautiful island of Key West. This What's new? section will give you an insider's view of what's happening in the studio. Here you'll be the first to know about exhibitions, work in progress and my thoughts on life as an artist.
I look forward to connecting with you.
hugs and regards,
Maggie
P.S. I make " Island Art for Happy People".