There is dark, rainy, cold, and wonderful weather here. Always makes me feel like a new person. I woke up early and took myself out to breakfast. I sat outside in the covered area as it rained around me and I just listened to the weather. The Earl Grey in my cup tasted especially good.

Last night I went to two art exhibitions both by artists I know and had dinner with my friend and fellow artist Linda Sheets. Today Linda brought me some amazing new materials to paint on- I am very grateful. With that in mind, in my blog I wrote some ways that everyone can help artists even if they can't buy their work currently. So, I think I will post it here too. Just something to think about.

From my studio blog: Here are a few ways to help an artist even if you can't buy their work right now:

1. Share their work, website, etsy shop, facebook pages with your friends via social networks and your own personal blogs, email, and word of mouth.
2. Encourage them, let them know how much you like their work and what it means to you.
3. Keep your eye out for opportunities for your favorite artists and share them. (Grants, residencies and galleries that are looking for new work.)
4. Barter and trade with artists.
5. And never be afraid to ask the artist if they might consider payment plan options. Most artists are glad to work with you on this.
6. Refer your favorite artists to design firms, architects and encourage people you know in these professions to use original and local art when they can.
7. If you have a connection with a gallery or a potential venue share this with the artist.
8. Be an advocate for the artist. Sometimes you have connections that artists haven't even thought of and you can connect the dots and get that artist's work seen.
9. And if you are an artist yourself, don't hesitate to do these things for your fellow artist. There is enough to go around and the attitude of being all in this together feels good and is helpful to all.
10. Share supplies that you may have that are gathering dust and that might truly inspire someone else!