Textured Acrylic #10

Textured Acrylic #10

8" x 8" standard canvas

I just LOVE what can be done with these little textured acrylics! This next grouping are all going to be done in black and silver... very classy and very reasonably priced at $50 each. Many of these little gems will be in my home art show on November 20th and 21st, 2010.

I haven't named this painting, but the way that it twists and turns reminds me of how my life can move in different directions than I anticipate. This past spring, I was contacted by ChartPak Inc. (a large American firm that manufactures Grumbacher paint) and offered a contract to teach for them in a chain store here in Calgary. They were setting up beginner lessons in acrylic painting, and selected about 1000 people across Canada to hire as their teachers.

I was very excited and honored to receive this offer, but once I had the contract in hand, I found that this really was not the direction I wanted my art career to head in at this time. After much thought and prayer, I contacted ChartPak Inc. and declined the offer.

Almost as soon as I had done that, another opportunity "landed in my lap", so to speak... I'll tell you about it next week. But if you are thinking about becoming a full time artist, or quitting your job to pursue your dreams, here is an article I think you will find interesting and encouraging. It is written by Christine Kane. If you haven't heard of her yet, here is some info on her; be sure to check out her blog, and sign up for her e-zine. You'll find it is a bit of encouragement in your inbox that you'll look forward to receiving on a regular basis. :-)

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

7 Great Reasons NOT to Have a Job

by Christine Kane

One of the scariest things I ever did was quit my first (and only) "real" job so I could begin my own brand of creative work in the world.

I became - gasp! - self-employed.

I was warned of the risks. I was told I'd lose my benefits. I was told it's "hard out there" working for yourself.

It's funny that the assumption so many people base one of their biggest life choices on is that working for yourself is risky. Now - after 16 years of making a living on my own terms - I believe the exact opposite!

So, here are seven of my favorite reasons to NOT have a job.

1. Having a job is way too risky.

When you have a job, someone can take away your income just by uttering two words: "You're fired." This is happening more and more as companies crumble in the face of global changes in commerce.

If you ask me, there's nothing secure about that.

When you create your own business, and a client or customer moves on - then guess what? You get to say, "Next!"

2. No Bonus Pay for Messing Up

When you mess up at your job, you get punished, maybe even a pay-cut. Then you have to run around "making nice" to the people who might lay you off or promote someone else who's younger and "hungry." (Hungry for what? More time at the office?)

When one of my clients faces challenges in her business, I cheer. She's getting paid to learn! Every mistake teaches her more about how to succeed.

Instead of getting an MBA - she's getting a TBF. (Trial by Fire!) TBF's can really pay-off!

3. Your Ceiling isn't Adjustable.

Often, I sit down with clients and show them multiple places they can generate income in their business within the next few months. Their eyes light up as they realize that the possibilities are endless. They stop thinking in terms of "hours for dollars," and start thinking of passive income. (Hey, why not get paid while you sleep?)

In a job, you can't adjust your income based on the value you provide. Instead you have to ask for a raise. Not fun.

4. Pantyhose.

As I write this, I'm working.

I'm wearing a Tarheels baseball cap, a t-shirt, and jeans. I've got my feet propped up on the deck railing as birds sing at the feeder.

When I had a job, there was a dress code. And rules about what you could have on your desk. There was limited time for lunch, and no time for creativity. And don't even get me started on pantyhose!

5. Your money doesn't go as far.

Did you know that employee income is the most heavily taxed income in the U.S.? As an employee, almost half your salary will go to taxes. You get to spend what's left on living expenses.

One of my first self-employed discoveries was that my money went MUCH further - because I could invest in myself or get equipment and supplies with pre-tax income. Any good accountant will help you make your dollars expand in your own business.

6. Focusing on your Weaknesses.

Have you ever heard of a "360?"

That's when your co-workers and supervisors (and anyone else who wants to chip in) analyze your job performance. You learn all about your weaknesses - and you get a review outlining the ways you need to work on them. Often, people leave these "360" reviews in tears.

In the world of the solo-preneur, we don't mess with our weaknesses. The motto is Strengthen your Strengths. Hire your Weaknesses. In other words, as you become aware of your weaknesses, you don't waste your precious energy fixing them.

7. Negative Environment.

Many office environments don't encourage creative thinking or positive energy. Instead, there's lots of negativity among employees who feel powerless.

In your own business, you set the tone, and you choose who enters your environment. You become deeplypersonally responsible for every aspect of your life.

This is often more uncomfortable than sitting back and blaming "The Man," but it will absolutely free you.