I recently tackled a portrait in honor of my youngest son’s 30th birthday from a photo of him and his older brother from March 1996. For those interested more in the more personal backstory of why I selected this photo to work from, you can read more on my personal blog PAPARAZZI CHILDREN where I talk about my older son bringing binoculars to my dear aunt and uncle’s 50th Wedding Anniversary event–and why this older couple might be considered real-life, family celebrities of sorts!
While I painted, I decided to prop a camera and film the entire process in real time, creating nearly twelve hours of video footage. This original painting, if commissioned, would surely have taken much longer. When I work only to please myself, I am obviously more in control of the process and all artistic decisions, results and how much imperfection I am willing to accept!
I decided to film this so I could create a free online painting tutorial, and I set it to classical music background, increasing the film speed to 200%. I had to break it into six parts in order to get it on to YouTube.
Obviously, I love art and want/need commissioned portraits as well as other more streamlined orders of products. This time of the year it is especially urgent that I make SALES, and that right soon! So, why would I give something away for free?
Well, that’s a good question. I suppose.
There are several reasons. While I might wish that I could earn money selling painting instruction–or better yet actually get response to my immense work in recent months to host in-person painting parties here–ultimately the road is very rough for artists, and especially these days. The old-fashioned giving out of candy samples in a boardwalk shop likely still serves some purpose, hopefully, in a world that often feels that it has gone mad!
About a year ago, I created a full painting party tutorial for online sale–at the suggestion of a friend–yet, when promoted it, I was unable to get a single sale of this video work (the full painting party version) which took 15-20 hours time. Musical Whimsical Painting Party – Intro Only
I often wonder how long I can sustain this kind of endless promotional work needed to regain my business after my move back north and my divorce–standing firm in wanting God to continue to use my talents and gifts and continue to provide for me to sustain myself. I don’t know the answer to that; most people love my work and what I do, yet cannot fully understand what is involved which permits me to thrive artistically in a way that I can actually offer the kinds of services and products I have now offered for nearly thirty-five years.
At age 60, I won’t be going back to school for some new degree or career, and I also won’t be giving up so easily without giving it my all–toward that which I believe God has for me (to create as much art and beauty possible with the life I have left, to speak about things that matter, and to love, trust and serve Him in this place He has brought me to).
God is faithful, and often an order either small scale or quite large arrives in my email or Etsy account at just the right moment.
As always, my Cord of Three Strands and These Hands Wedding pieces are enjoyed by many–as well as my other personalized wedding products. If you have an upcoming wedding to attend this year, I would surely appreciate more orders especially right now!
I thank you all for your love and support of my work–and of me, personally–and wish you a wonderfully blessed New Year in every meaningful way!
Shalom! (Peace!)
Eileen
(Above) 18 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas
Zachary and Jonathan, With Binoculars
Some people may want to just browse through parts of the six videos here and there, and others who are interested in acrylic painting starting with a grisaille (underpainting) and buildup of layers/glazes may benefit from visually watching this take form.
Please feel free to share with others who love to paint!
And if you find that this has helped your painting in anyway, I will also include my PayPal/Venmo link before for you to “tip me” any amount 
