Opening New Doors

I began this blog in 2016 as an aspiring artist hoping I might eventually learn to draw, to paint, and to express my creative spirit through visual art. I had no idea, really, where I would go with my art, so I had no idea how to get there! I knew only that I was having fun learning and growing.

I didn’t set any purposeful goals, and my expectations were decidedly low. Had I written out any goals, I would definitely have exceeded them — by a long shot. I’m still very much an art student, and I work every day to improve my drawing and painting abilities. I’m also broadening my artistic horizons by learning mixed media techniques. I still study art books, try new techniques, and follow along with tutorials to help me improve.

But, oh, how much my life has changed in these last few years!

I now feel comfortable in calling myself “an artist”, and I’m quite proud that I can affix those words, “award-winning” to that title. I’m happy, too, that I’m settling in a bit, finding where I fit in the art world. I’m a landscape painter who works in oils. I’m finding a bit of my own style, as well, both in oil and with the occasional watercolor paintings I do. I lean toward the impressionist side of art, and my work is filled with thick paints and brushstrokes. It’s definitely part of who I am. Another major change is having my own dedicated art studio, a place where I can spend hours and hours each day creating in a variety of different media.

Now, in recent weeks, I’ve been encouraged more and more to venture forward, to take that next big step on the pathway and begin learning about art marketing. I’ve watched as many friends have set up online art shops. I’ve felt their excitement. I’ve rejoiced with them as they’ve made sales. It’s time now for me to begin exploring this new art realm, time for me to learn how to set up an art shop, time for me to begin promoting my work.

It’s time to open new doors.

With that thought in mind, I put together this little page for my art journal: Old keys won’t open new doors. It’s good to remember that.

What it means for me is that it’s time to do a few things differently. Mostly it’s time for me to fully accept that I am an artist. I have a purpose as an artist — to celebrate the beauty of the earth and to encourage others to love and protect our environment.

With those thoughts in mind, I am moving forward. I’m building a group on Facebook — Mother Earth Landscape Art by Judith Kraus.

If you’re interested in learning more about my art, please visit the group and become a member.

I’ve also set up a new website: Landscape Art by Judith Kraus.

It’s an exciting time for me as an artist. I’m glad to have this blog so that I can share this new experience here. Just as I first shared my journey toward becoming an artist, I can now also share this new journey. It’s one of personal fulfillment. It’s one of finding my purpose in art. It’s one of opening a new door and making new art discoveries.

I hope you’ll walk alongside me as I step forward and open this door to the future.