For me it is a new kind of September. We are beginning to see the edges of the trees change color and the morning temperatures merit a sweater. Not having ever lived in a place where the trees change in the autumn, I keep thinking "oh no, that tree is dying". I still have to remind myself that I am not in Texas anymore!
Oh! come October!
Today it is cloudy and grey in Durham. This is great for my nasturtium seedlings, but not great for feeling zippy and getting lots of things done. I certainly need that zippy feeling as I have lots of things to accomplish. Now that we are unpacked, and life has pretty much settled into a good rhythm, it is time for me to work. On my studio bulletin board I have three to-do lists. The first list is for my art making projects, it is full of things like: "color correct photos", "write blog about new pieces", and "work on commission". I also have a general to-do list, which is populated by things as varied as: "make jazz c.d for grandparents", "set up Skype", and "finish thank you cards".
The other list I have posted is the one I am most excited about. It is titled: "To-do list for art classes". Yes! I have been working hard to start my own little business teaching art classes for children. I have a terrific space, some interested families, and a brain full of ideas I can't wait to put into action. My days are full of making slide shows of art works sorted by color to use to teach color and art history together. I have been finding children's books about famous artists, working on my teaching philosophy, and writing answers to questions like "Why should a 4 year old take art?" It is so much fun and so much work. I am very excited to begin.
Here is where you come in: I need your help brainstorming a name for my classes. I would like to use "Art Machine" as part of the name. That way all my art related endeavors are connected. My plan is to add something to make it attractive to kids and families. All kinds of silly things rhyme with art machine, but I don't think I want to name my business: "Green Bean Art Machine". Do you have any ideas? I would love to hear your thoughts. If you wish you can leave me a comment with your suggestions. Thank you!
The classes are due to start mid October and I have a lot of work to do between now and then.
I will eventually get to the line item on my art to-do list that is: "write blog about new pieces". In the mean time here are a few more pictures to tide you over. I am off to write a lesson plan on the color blue. Enjoy your day!
Heart Sleeves (6x14)- Watercolor, colored pencil, paint pen
Stavanger: Birth (6x10)- Watercolor, colored pencil, paint pen
5 comments:
I think your idea of offering art classes rocks. Sharing "office" space with you also rocks.
Greetings from three feet away, as you clack away on your computer behind me.
Love and fierceness,
The DT
PhaedraJean ArtMachine = FairyQueen ArtMachine (but,sadly, that sounds an awful lot like DairyQueen ArtMachine)
aw, man! the first thing that popped into my head was Green Bean! And then you said it 2 sentences later... :D hee hee.
You are so creative. I love reading your blog!
Why not just "ArtMachine"? It's simple, catchy, cool.
Or, I kinda like "Phaedra's ArtMachine."
Hi Phaedra,
I've always enjoyed your art and the few times I heard you talk about the ideas behind it.
I'm excited for you and this new venture. From the perspective of someone who has started a small business teaching the arts (music) to children, if the parents are going to pay you for anything that the children will take home with them, make sure and look up sales tax laws in your state. :) I learned about that one the hard way and had to pay a few hundred dollars in late fees.
I wish we lived closer... it'd be fun to chat about these things. I'd also love to have my 4 year old in your class! I look forward to hearing of your success. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with the children, regardless.
Katy Monwai
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