Happy 100th Blog Post {to me}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Happy 100th Blog Post to me!

Wow! I can’t believe I’ve written 100 posts since I first started my blog on August 6, 2011. That’s about one post every three days…not too bad considering I was hesitant at beginning a blog in the first place. I’m not sure why, I’ve had plenty of things to talk about:

1. Guilty Pleasures

2. My Painting Process

3.  My very first 10k Race

4. Art Exhibitions

5. Inspirational Posts

6. Art Advice

7. Mentioned in a California website

8. My Friends 

9. One of my favorite Books

10. ACAD Workshop

11. Life

12. Fitness Training

13. Art Advertising

14. Recipes

15. Death

16. Art WALK

17. Website Record

18. Running Motivation

19. Painting Display Ideas

20. Studio Photo Shoot

I really enjoy writing…so much so that I have plans to write at least one book. The idea is there, I just need to organize all the material and get started. I’m quite excited about it!

I’d like to thank all of you who take the time to read my post. My blog stats show that I have readers from ALL OVER THE WORLD…28 countries to be exact! Just a few of these countries include: Italy, Denmark, South Africa, U.A.E., Brazil, France, U.K., Hungary, Sri Lanka, Serbia, Jamaica, Lebanon, Australia, U.S.A. and Canada. THANKS SO MUCH!

Spring-Trio 10k Race {familiar time}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

I’m the one in the pink shirt…way off in the distance.

Must keep going…I’m getting closer!

I’m almost there…the final sprint to the Finish Line!

Wow! What a race! The weather was absolutely beautiful and the route was fantastic! The Spring Trio was a 15k/10k/5k Race on Sunday, April 22nd. I had originally signed up for the 15k but ended up running the 10k due to a recent illness unfortunately.

The Route began at the Eau Claire YMCA. We all started at the same time and headed west along the Bow River Pathway until we crossed over the new Peace Bridge. Once we crossed over the bridge, we all headed west along the Bow River on Memorial Drive. The 10k Turnaround was just after Crowchild Trail…then we go back the same way we came.

I had done the exact same thing as when I ran my very first 10k Race in Canmore back in September. I didn’t pace myself. Since I don’t own a Garmin I had no idea how fast I was going. I clocked myself at the 1k marker at 6:30…that’s way faster than my 7:30 pace. I kept going thinking I could possibly finish at that pace. Well I was WRONG!

I hadn’t even reached the 10k Turnaround (5k) when I started to stop for a break more frequently. I was thirsty and my energy was getting low. Oh great. I knew then I’d have a tough time finishing at that pace. I slowed right down and before I knew it, the sun was beaming down and I was getting exhausted. I kept saying to myself, “I must keep going”…and I did. All the way back across the Peace Bridge and straight to the Finish Line.

My time was a disappointing 1:15:27 which happens to be a very familiar time. I ran a 1:15:12 for my first 10k Race in Canmore back in September. For a newbie…it’s not bad but I know I can do better. I’ll be running the Scotiabank 10k Race on Sunday, May 27th. My goal is to get down to 1:00:00 if possible. I’ll need to do a lot of speed training and hills.

It was great to see some of my wonderful friends cheering me on! I’d like to send a very special THANK YOU to my good friend Jennifer Rodger for taking all the great photos!

tri-it triathlon {swim*bike*run}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

For the first time ever…I’m going to train and compete in a mini triathlon!

I’ve been thinking about competing in a triathlon for quite some time but I’ve never actually looked into it. The challenge of competing in three sports during one race would be exciting and my adrenaline would be pumping as I switch from one event to the next.

My only attempt at any race has been a 5k and a 10k and I will run my second 10k on Sunday. I haven’t ridden my bike in over 3 years and I haven’t swam since junior high. Should I be worried? No. That just makes it more challenging. I’m quite excited actually!

Triathlon’s are completely different…the training is much more challenging since I’ll be training for three sports instead of just one. I’ve already found plenty of triathlon training schedules online which is helpful. The Tri-It Triathlon is similar to the “real deal” Ironman Triathlon except it allows beginners to compete in a much shorter distance.

The Tri-It Triathlon at Lake Chestermere is a 375m swim, 12.2km bike and a 2.5km run. This race would be perfect for me to see if I even like the sport. If this turns out to be something I enjoy, then I would compete in the next level up which is the Sprint Triathlon. The highest level would be the Olympic Triathlon or any Ironman event.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

taxation for artists {ACAD workshop}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Th clock is ticking and the April 30th deadline is fast approaching…TAX TIME!

So I’ve got roughly 14 days left to complete my taxes. I’m not too concerned about my personal taxes…I’m more worried about my small business taxes as an artist. I have a large brown envelope overflowing with receipts and I haven’t even organized them yet!

I attended the Taxation for Artists Workshop at ACAD on Saturday afternoon. The Executive Director from Visual Arts Alberta and an Edmonton-based CA were hosting it. There were about 100 people in attendance and we all received a ton of wonderful information about filing our small business taxes as visual artists. Below is just a small list of the notes I wrote in addition to the information booklet we received:

• Keep all your receipts and file them into organized folders or envelopes
• Keep your receipts for at least 6 years…just in case you get audited
• Fair market value for your artwork is based on what you have sold
•  Exceeding $30,000 in any 12 month period requires you to register for GST
• Keep a diary to record time /meals/ business discussions when travelling
• Any expenses over $500 will be deducted over a 3-5 year period
• Deductible home studio expenses based on % of sq.ft of the home area
• “Mixed Use” is not allowed; “Exclusive Use” only requirements are allowed
• Always file your taxes on time and avoid “tax preparation services”

Obviously with any business, the ultimate goal is to make a profit. There are specific questions you need to ask yourself regarding whether your “art” is indeed a business for tax purposes and not just a “hobby”. If you don’t generate income, you can’t claim deductions. The CRA places great credence on computerized accounting records as evidence of the artists “business-like” intent. If you have business cards & marketing material, keep accurate records of all the time you’ve put in and document all business related expenses you’ll have a chance of gaining the CRA’s recognition of your business.

Hopefully this has all been a bit helpful. It has helped me get organized that’s for sure! I’ve included a list of references and resources from the Canada Revenue Agency website:

• Work Space in Home Expenses
• Inventory Valuation
• Visual Artists and Writers
• Keeping Records

new business cards {mini billboards}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

I absolutely LOVE my new business cards…they are laminated with a high gloss!

It’s hard to tell by the quality of the photo but my new high gloss business cards look incredible! I came up with the design and sent them off to Printwise in Marda Loop for printing. They are quite expensive, but sometimes it’s worth spending the extra money.

If you’re serious about being an artist, invest in good quality advertising for yourself. Your business cards speak for you when you’re not there. Think of them as little billboards.

Oh yes, and be sure to carry them everywhere…I do!

10k Race {T-2 weeks}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Staying motivated…taking it one day at a time.

My new running shoes…Saucony ProGrid Ride 4

My next 10k race is right around the corner…just 2 weeks away! I’m getting SO excited!

I registered for the Spring Trio 5k/10k/15k Race on Sunday, April 22nd. It starts at Eau Claire YMCA and runs west along the Bow River Pathway. Sounds like a beautiful run!

Once I started training for the race back in January, I noticed my feet and shins were becoming more sore than usual. It became uncomfortable to even walk at times. I finally figured it out…I was running in cross trainers! How did I not realize this sooner?

I felt so dumb. I had ran a 5k and a 10k in cross trainers and didn’t even realize it. Wow! Anyways, I stopped by the Running Room to pick up a new pair of runners. I immediately made a bee-line towards these beautiful pink/black/white running shoes called the Saucony ProGrid Ride 4. Not only are they ultra-light but they’re also very comfortable!

I’ve been training with them ever since and it feels like I’m walking on a cloud. I can’t believe how light they are. It’s also great that they fit comfortably around my high arches.

When I initially registered, I had signed up for the 15k race. A few weeks ago I became ill  which put a serious dent into my training. After going almost 2 weeks without running, I decided that there was no way I would be able to complete 15k to my satisfaction. I decided to revise my registration and complete the 10k in hopes for a fantastic PR.

Better safe than sorry. I’d rather avoid a potential injury than finish a 15k race.

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

before and after {painting process}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Before

After

People have been asking me how I start my paintings. The very first thing I do is choose the colour palette. I absolutely love the colour blue, so I’ll usually choose a different shade with each painting and then I’ll choose a light colour (buff titanium, unbleached titanium or white). After that it’s usually a free for all…basically.

The colours I end up choosing are always based on my mood. Sometimes I’m in the mood for metallics, other times I’m in the mood to paint with bright colours. I’ve painted with 3 paint colours and I’ve also painted with 10 – 12 different paint colours. It just depends on how I’m feeling at that moment. I’ll even keep a diary of how I’m feeling with each painting.

Once I walk into my home studio, I completely forget everything else that’s going on and I completely focus on the painting. Once I’ve chosen the colours and mixed in my pouring medum it’s time to paint! Yay! The fun part! I get to play, create, experiment and let loose!

I never have a preconceived idea of what I’m about to paint. I’ve become inspired by landscape photography and the beautiful colours palette I’ve seen flipping through the pages. With that in mind, I’m not trying to re-create anything I see. I just like to be inspired by the colour and let the rest just happen.

With the canvas laying flat, I pour each cup of paint over the canvas. The cups of colour I choose to pour are chosen at random. There is no rhyme or reason behind it. To me, it just has to feel right where it is I pour the paint on the canvas. I tend to loose myself in the moment creating each piece which is why none of these paintings can be re-created.

Looking at the images above, you’ll notice how different they are. Once all the paint is poured, I begin to manipulate the canvas by tilting it; back and forth, side to side. I don’t use a tool to paint; no paint brush, no palette knife. Just my hands maneuvering the canvas is all I need. How do I know when to stop? When it feels like it’s finished. It’s difficult to explain that feeling to people but it’s something I just know.

Liquid Landscapes Liquidation {studio SALE}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Over 20 original abstract paintings will be on SALE! 50% off ONE NIGHT ONLY!

 

…putting up posters in Kensington!

It was tough to find a spot on this information post…but I found TWO!

I completely lucked-out with this information wall on 17th Ave SW…LOTS of room!

On Saturday afternoon, I was pounding the pavement around Kensington and along 17th Ave SW putting up over 60 posters with my business cards attached to promote my Liquid Landscapes Liquidation: Studio Closing-out SALE. From coffee shops and art supply stores to new age shops and even a grocery store…I tirelessly put up my posters.

I’ve had my studio at Art Central since May 2011. It used to be very busy there…tons of foot traffic with the +15 connections, its proximity to the C-Train and it’s convenient downtown location. However, for some reason it’s just been overly quiet. Hardly anyone is coming down. First Thursday’s at Art Central used to big a big deal…now there’s just a small amount of traffic coming through. Unfortunately not enough for me to stay open.

So, I decided that I’ll officially close the doors to my studio on April 30th. Before I close, I’d like to have one last sale. The Liquid Landscapes Liquidation SALE will consist of over 20 of my original abstract paintings at 50% off on Thursday, April 5th from 6pm – 9pm.

This SALE is ONE NIGHT ONLY! If you’ve been looking for artwork or know someone who is, please send them down to Art Central…I’m in Studio 5B on the lower level.

The GOOD NEWS is that I’m currently looking for a NEW studio/gallery space somewhere in Calgary along 17th Ave SW, 11th Ave SW, in Kensington or in Inglewood. I’m in no rush to find this new space…but when I do, I’ll definitely keep you all posted!

NEW website record {35,931 hits}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

 NEW WEBSITE RECORD…35,931 HITS in March with 9,180 HITS in ONE DAY!

It just keeps getting better and better! That’s incredible! My site stats for March show that my website has more than doubled February’s Record Website Hits of 16,142.

Once again…I’m speechless! That’s A LOT of traffic.

There are people in different countries from ALL over the world viewing my website: Spain, Italy, UK, Germany, Ukraine, Finland, France, Romania, Poland, Egypt, Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Colorado, California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

THANK YOU to everyone who continues to take the time to view my artwork online. You’re one of the many reasons I keep painting and pushing myself further to the next level!

-v