Words to Live By

She Listens
Original Sold
giclee reproductions available HERE
©Maggie
quote from The Awakening by Kate Chopin

 

 

I'm taking a short break and visiting family in North Carolina, but while I'm away my students are finishing their paintings for our group show Words to Live By that is coming in early October.

 

Remember I said I wanted to create a mini movement of inspirational themed art work?  Sure you do!

 

Well, it happened and I was really pleased to see my students stay focused on the theme for 5 weeks. That's a long time for the creative attention span.  I'm really excited to see what comes in for the show.

group show work in progress

 

The invitations have been printed and  I've given the artists a little challenge, telling them to get them out to their friends and potential customers. And as a bonus I sent them a little art marketing information I've gained over the years. 

 

 

 

Marketing seems confusing when you first start out. But it doesn't have to be.

 

I'll share the few simple, but effective techniques I gave them, with you next week.   (For you creatives out there who would like a very simple start to marketing)

 

I invite you to mark your calendar and join us at the reception if you can.

#smileyfacehere

 

 

 Anyway, while my students are working away, I'm enjoying the first hint of fall.

The September Special is going on Here

Don't forget about this really cool workshop


If you are an email subscriber to my blog and you are reading this from your inbox, 2 things.
First, you might want to CLICK HERE so you can see all the fun extras on the blog site.  You'll be glad you did and you can leave a comment.

 And Second, Thank you! Please forward it on to anyone else who might enjoy it. Thank you again.

 

 If you aren't (reading this in your inbox)and you'd like to get all the really cool things going on in my studio delivered (with love) to your inbox, CLICK HERE  and fill out that box thingy that says, "Never miss a post", in the upper right

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. 

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen,

the New York Daily News , and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

 Her studio-gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

maggie.ruleykw@yahoo.com

Find more things to love on my website: www.maggieruley.com

Connect with me on FACEBOOK

Have you found your spirit animal?

Have you found your inner spirit animal?

 

I've got a really fun and super different workshop planned for Saturday, October 22, 2016. 10am - 4pm.

Discover, Connect to, and Paint Your

Spirit Animal

Spirit owl
©Maggie Ruley 2016

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Spirit Blue Heron
©Maggie Ruley 2016

10am - 4pm
with
Dr Renee Lanier and Maggie Ruley: your guides through this amazing day
Where?
Maggie’s Studio,
Island Inspirations, 933b Fleming St, Key West FL, 33040
Workshop fee $125
As a bonus to my friends, register before October 11, 2016
For the special price of $95 #earlybirdspecial

 Painting materials provided.

Class size is limited to 12; your payment holds your space!
*Cancellation policy at end.

Sign up here.  

Why this is going to be so cool.

You've probably heard that everyone has an inner connection with a particular spirit animal. (Sometimes referred to as your Totem)

But did you know that most likely you have more than one?
And that when you learn how to connect to your spirit animal(s) you gain influential insights into your subconscious mind and guidance in your life?
If you did, great!
If you didn't, great too!

Whatever your answer, I invite you to spend a wonderful day discovering and connecting to your own powerful spirit animals.  Renee Lanier, PhD will guide you through a morning of exercises and meditations designed to give you the power to discover the spirit animals that are within you.  They are there, waiting patiently, to help you in your everyday life. 

During her career as a transpersonal psychologist, Dr Renee has helped a multitude of people connect with spirit in order to live joyful and fulfilling lives.  She will lead you through the process of connection gently and with understanding.

In the afternoon we’ll breakout the paints. We’ll further explore the characteristics of your particular animal spirit using creativity and color.

Here's where I'll help you as you create a painting that will give you a greater connection to your morning discoveries.

For those of you who have already have a personal alliance with a spirit animal, you know the importance it plays in your life.  Give yourself a day to reconnect and see if any new ones are influencing you now.


So you may be thinking: What is a spirit animal and why does it matter to me?
Your spirit animal is a guide to help you connect to your subconscious and understand different parts of your life that need to be explored.

Your spirit animal will help you:
* Understand parts of your life you may want to develop.
* Guide you through times of strong emotion.
* open your heart to the idea of transformation.
* Help you choose your path in life.
* Gain new insights on your current relationships.
* Feel comforted through support and guidance.

Connecting with your spirit animal will allow you to form a powerful ally within yourself and help you feel a renewed energy for engaging in your life.

 

Discover, Connect to, and Paint Your Spirit Animal
Saturday, October 22, 2016

Spirit Raven
©Maggie Ruley 2016

10am - 4pm
with Dr Renee Lanier and Maggie Ruley as your guides through this amazing day.
Location,
Island Inspirations, 933b Fleming St, Key West FL, 33040
Workshop fee $125
As a bonus to my friends, register before October 11, 2016
For the special price of $95 #earlybirdspecial

Painting materials provided

Class size is limited to 12; your payment reserves your space! 
Sign up here

*Cancellation policy.

We’d hate it if something happened and you couldn't join us, but sometimes stuff happens so……
Cancel before October 13, full refund
Cancel between October 13-19, refund your payment minus $10
No refunds after October 19, but you may pass your seat on to someone else if we know ahead of time.

I look forward to seeing you in this or any of my classes and workshops,


The Super Secret September Special is still going on!!!!!

If you lost the link, here it is.  Take a look and see if the painting you love is still available.
Big hugs!

Maggie

P.S.  Thanks to everyone who took the quiz and let me know their art buying style.

 



Spirit Rabbit
© Maggie Ruley 2016

 

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. 

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen,

the New York Daily News , and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

 Her studio-gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

maggie.ruleykw@yahoo.com

Find more things to love on my website: www.maggieruley.com

Connect with me on FACEBOOK

 

 

 

Take the quiz, what kind of art Is best for you?

Original Art vs. Giclee Reproductions

Which is better?

 I was at the Rick Worth opening at Salt Gallery last weekend when a friend asked me how you can tell the difference between a giclee reproduction* and an original.  I answered her question**, but I could tell that what she was REALLY asking was....."is it okay to buy a giclee?  If she bought one would her friends know it wasn't an original?"   She is not the first person to ask that question, implied or explicit, and she won't be the last. And it's a really good question to consider.

And another question that goes along with the question, "is it okay?" is "which is better?"

Answer: Depends, (done with a shrug of the shoulders and a raised eyebrow)
It depends on how you see yourself in relationship to your art.

Take the quiz below.

 When it comes to buying art:

A.  I very carefully choose my art, sometimes going to 10 galleries and not buying anything.

B.  I buy art to decorate my house.

C.  I'm eclectic my art is eclectic.

answers below



Dinghy Duo
original sold, size 20 x 24"
available as a giclee reproduction
see it here
©Maggie Ruley 2015

If you answered A, you probably will be happier with original paintings or art pieces. All the hard work and searching you do will become part of the story you tell about how you found this particular piece. Fine art or not-so-fine art, each one will have a special place in your collection.

If you answered B,  the next question is how often do you re-decorate?  Are you shabby chic this year, but planning to switch to mid-century modern next?  And even planning the redo after that?
If you're a frequent re-decorator then maybe giclee reproductions are for you.  You can use them to turn this year's version of your house into a home you love..........and not feel too bad if you pass them on to others when you decide to redo. 
If you plan for your décor to last for awhile, buy a mix of what works for you.  Whether its original or not, if it fits in and makes you happy, grab it.

If you answered C, you probably don't care about the answer to the question.  You never even asked it in the first place.  You buy something because you like it, period - end of story.

Okay, these, of course, are my answers to the question.  They are only opinions.  You should always listen to your own opinions, and do what feels right. stuff my lawyer would make me say if I had a lawyer.

Both original paintings and giclee reproductions have a place in the art world.  It's just a matter of what works for you.

**I answered my friend's "how do you tell?" question like this. Look at the sides of the painting. A giclee often has the image mirrored on the sides and if you look closely you'll notice a very slight shift in pattern or image.  Not easy to do if the giclee has a frame.
Next get up really close to the painting and look for brushwork and raised paint areas.  A giclee won't have them unless the artist has enhanced it with touches of paint. 

Visit my collection of giclee reproductions here  I work with a small boutique printing company. I'll be happy to add brushwork and details to your giclee, send me an email with your request. 

*What exactly is a giclee?  Read more.

The Super Secret September Special is still going on.

If you lost the link, here it is.  Take a look and see if the painting you love is still available.

Everyone have a great week.
super big hugs,
Maggie

P.S.  Let me know if you are A, B, or C, I'm curious.

P.P.S. I'm a C


Read about Rick Worth

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. 

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen,

the New York Daily News , and other publications.

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

 Her studio-gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

maggie.ruleykw@yahoo.com

Find more things to love on my website: www.maggieruley.com

Connect with me on FACEBOOK

Aloha Moon
an oldie but a goodie
giclee available by email
original sold, size 30" by 40"
©Maggie Ruley

By Invitation Only, and yes, you're invited

By invitation only!

THE SUPER SECRET SEPTEMBER SPECIAL

September is customer appreciation month in Key West.  Every September all kinds of local businesses reward their customers with fabulous deals, bonuses and specials.

It's a superb idea and I've totally glommed onto it.

So I am proudly announcing (drumroll please)..........

rum-ta-de-dum-tum-dum!
THE SUPER SECRET SEPTEMBER SPECIAL
For my extraordinarily special friends.

It's my way of saying "Thank you" to those of you who read my blog and choose to stay connected with me.

Here's the deal.  The only way you can get to the special is through this link.
 Super Secret September Special

Other people who land on my website or blog, either through Google or by chance, won't be able to access it.  Just you.

It's by invitation only and you, dear cherished friend, are invited.

Here's the link again

Hugs, and have a great Labor Day Weekend,
Maggie

P.S.  See you on the other side of the link.

If you are an email subscriber to my blog and you are reading this from your inbox, 2 things.

First, you might want to CLICK HERE so you can see all the fun extras on the blog site.  You'll be glad you did and you can leave a comment.

 

And Second, Thank you! Please forward it on to anyone else who might enjoy it.

 

 If you aren't (reading this in your inbox)and you'd like to get all the really cool things going on in my studio delivered (with love) to your inbox, CLICK HERE  and fill out that box thingy that says, "Never miss a post", in the upper right corner.

 

 

 

 

 

Maggie Ruley is a studio artist living in Key West, Florida. 

 

Her colorful paintings and tropical pottery are collected world wide and can be found in many island homes. She has been featured in the Key West Citizen,

the New York Daily News , and other publications.

 

Her handmade ceramic flip flops have been sold in gift shops all along the east coast and in California and Hawaii.

 

 Her studio-gallery is located in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town Key West.

Maggie Ruley~Island Inspirations

933b Fleming St.

Key West Florida 33042

 

Find more things to love on my website: www.maggieruley.com

 

Connect with me on FACEBOOK