An Artist's New Year's Resolutions

Artist Shirley Monestier in her garden:
work in progress "Hand of God"

2014 has been an incredibly busy and productive year with travel, visitors, some thankfully minor surgeries and the growth of my art business. During this past year I focused on the business aspect of being an artist: marketing and selling my art. I was honored and delighted by the reviews, sales and exhibitions of my artworks.

It's incredibly frustrating when I want only to be in my studio creating art, yet knowing that to share my art I have to devote time to selling my art.

To share my art, during 2014 I:

• launched an Etsy store with select artworks; my Etsy store is still a work in progress 
• added new artworks to my website Shirley Monestier's Spirit of Art Gallery 
• exhibited in Mexico at Colors on Canvas in Puerto Vallarta
• had a preview exhibit of my Orchids of Vietnam series at D'Art Gallery in Washington D.C.
• was the featured artist in Maison de la Culture Noire Americaine in Paris
• interviewed two amazing female artists for my newsletter:
• Sharon McConnell-Dickerson
• Marie Johnson-Calloway
• shared interesting quotes, news and tips, and stories about art and artists with my social media network

Thank you to all of my dear friends and online friends around the globe who have supported my art in 2014; I'm delighted to have sold so many paintings this year and had so many supportive emails, posts, and comments from you.

In 2015 I resolve to:

1. expand my Etsy store with more original artwork, giclees, and art gifts
2. interview more amazing and inspiring artists and share them with you on my newsletter
3. share my artist's eye and inspirations with all of you via my online art gallery, on Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest, Google Plus and Twitter
4. paint, PAINT and PAINT 

    Happy New Year    Bonne Annee    Feliz Ano Nuevo

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2015

Shirley

Give Art: Unique and Original Paintings by Shirley Monestier

       For the art lover or a new collector,               gift an original painting by             international artist Shirley Monestier

artist Shirley Monestier in her studio in Bordeaux, France

Original art is a special and meaningful holiday gift. Original artworks are a one-of-a-kind gift that represents your relationship with someone special on your gift list.

I invite you to take a leisurely stroll through my art gallery. The artwork I have created has been inspired by years of training in mixed media; my passion for colors, shapes and forms; international travels and living in France; spiritual journeys and special creative moments; and all of my experiences that have contributed to who I am.

I create artwork that is inspired by years of training; my passion for bold, vibrant colors, shapes, and forms; world travels and my personal spiritual journey. A lifetime of travel - throughout the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe - and my experiences living abroad has made a great impact on my life, enhancing me as a creative and visual artist. My spirit yearns to create: artwork, a beautifully designed room, great cuisine, stylized tablescapes, a well-planned party or an inspirational new adventure. Creativity is my gift that I share with you.

AT SUNSET by Shirley Monestier

My spirit desires to paint artwork that reflects my creativity, deep spirituality, and my passion for vivid colors. I have always been inspired by bright, bold colors. I cannot imagine a colorless world. In my artwork I use colors and images to bring you in closer, to inspire and give you a sense of happiness and well-being. I want to pleasure your eye and awaken your soul.

FEATHERED FRIENDS by Shirley Monestier

Self-expression of my spirit through creative art has always been a part of my life and is truly a spiritual journey.

I DREAM OF DREAMS by Shirley Monestier

CONTACT ME if you would like to purchase an original and affordable artwork; commissions will be considered upon request.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season,

Shirley

Art for Christmas - How to Buy Art for Children

Art is a gift that continues to give long after the holidays end. Instilling the love of art in children is a gift that lasts a lifetime. A gift of original art is a personal value you can share with the child, and help them develop their own love and appreciation for art. Art education and art appreciation is the perfect holiday gift for a special child in your life!

5 Tips for Giving Art to Children

1. Children love color

Whether the child you're buying for loves bright, bold, audacious colors or prefers muted pastels, children are inspired by color in their environment. What are the child's favorite colors? What colors don't they like? Ask questions to help determine the color choice when buying art for children.

2. Choose a subject they enjoy

Jewels of the Sea by Shirley Monestier

Giving a child an original art work of a subject they are interested in opens the child's eyes to how art can be part of their everyday life, not just an activity for play or school. If the child is interested in sports, many sports-themed artworks art available as prints or original art pieces. A child who loves music may appreciate art featuring their favorite instrument or musician. A nature-lover may appreciate art showcasing animals, or a beach scene.

3. Personalize it

Can the artist inscribe the painting with your child's name? Can a sports figure in the piece wear the child's team number? For young children especially, personalizing the art with something unique to the child makes them excited about the artwork and helps them relate to the piece.

4. Discuss it

When you give a child a piece of art, explain to them why you bought if for them: what features of the art piece made you think of the child? Ask the child to discuss the art with you, what do they like about the piece, do they like the colors, how does the art make them feel? Tell the child what kind of art you like - and what kinds you don't like - to help the child understand that its OK to like some pieces more than others, and to understand better why they do or don't like specific art pieces.

5. Share the artist's story

artist Shirley Monestier in her studio in Bordeaux, France

When possible meet the artist in person to understand their story, or do some research to find out about the artist. Understanding who made the piece, what their story is, helps kids understand and get excited about the artist's creativity process and inspirations.

Children love art, and are inspired by color and creativity. This year, give a special child in your life an original gift of art, and start them on a lifelong passion. 

I invite you to visit my online art gallery for original art gifts this holiday season:

www.shirleymonestier.com

a la prochaine,

Shirley