What does your studio look like?

First of all my 'Studio' is my sunroom/backporch! It's not really a studio but it's the best spot in our house for me to work because it has such great light most of the day. It's very small but it works perfectly for me so I can't complain.

I will admit that my work area is usually a mess! But lately I've been trying to keep it more organized and more cleaned up. I guess it all depends on what time of year it is. If it's the holiday shopping season this is how mine looks:

As you can see 99% of the things I am usually working on are items that I sell through Creative Name Signs. I sell custom house portraits in a pencil medium through my other website Images of Home but not nearly as many orders come from that site. That's okay though...I prefer painting to drawing anyways!

Okay...just thought it would be fun to share my work space. I'd love to hear from my followers and have a peek at your work areas, too.

More fun on the way...

Indie Craft Wall

Indie Craft Wall is a new, hip, and alternative guide to buying handmade arts and crafts.

At the Wall you'll find links to the worlds brightest independent online stores. And the best feature is...everything is handmade!

When you visit the wall you'll find a variety of block images all over the grid (or wall). Find one...(or two or three or four)...that piques your interest, click on it and you'll be directed to that artist's shop. When you make a purchase it comes directly from that artist...no middle-man involved.

If you're a creative soul looking for a unique way to market your wares they're always looking for new artists to feature over at the wall. And the added benefit as a business owner is the ad rates are incredibly affordable! So if you're like me and always looking for inexpensive and effective ways to advertise your shop then you MUST check out the Indie Craft Wall!

Click the button below and become part of the Handmade Revolution!

More great finds on the way!

Until then...

Jane :)

Who is 'A Painting Mom' anyways?

Why, I'm a mom who paints of course!

I'm also a wife, daughter, sister, friend and business owner!

I have always loved creating...whether it was drawing, painting or crafting of any kind. When I was a teenager I dreamed of someday creating my art and selling it. But unfortunately I didn't believe it would ever be possible to make a living as an artist so I took a different path in life and got a degree in business.

I got married in 1993 and by 1998 I had 3 children and was devoted to being a stay-at-home mom.

By the time my youngest child was a year old I decided it was time to go back to work. But the thought of chucking my kids off to daycare bothered me so I got on the internet and researched my dream idea of having a home business. I was completely overwhelmed with all of information on the subject. But I saw a common thread 'do what you love'.

So I went to work. I researched...I read...I learned about building a website and selling artwork on the net. Finally in January of 2001 I launched my first website, Images of Home, where I create custom house portraits in a pencil medium. Enjoying portrait work, but itching to create in another medium, I began working with acrylic paints and in 2004 I launched my second website, Creative Name Signs, where I create hand painted personalized room decor. Building a successfull online business took lots of time, hard work and dedication, but my perseverence has paid off greatly.

Then in January of 2009 I launched JMLArt, my Etsy website, where I sell decorative hand painted wall art and other decorative items.

I also blog about the ups and downs of being a business owner, my artwork, and occasionally I'll share a little bit about my family and being a mom in this crazy world. And I love to share inspirational quotes that I find along the way...something I started doing years ago. I also Twitter, and, almost obsessively, I surf the web to find places to advertise and business owners and artists with whom I can network.

So while I'm 'A Painting Mom' there's a whole lot more to me, too!

Thanks for checking out my blog!

***Note: In some instances I may receive advertising income from blog ads and links on my blog. But, no matter what, I always keep the information that I share relevant to my life and experiences.


Jane M. Loedding