More Changes Here,There and Everywhere!

Yesterday was a hard day.  I was really struggling with what I'm doing in my life.  Primarily around the business/job area.  Taking these business classes and listening to the negative voices in my head and around me regarding making a living off of art was getting to me.  I may yet decide that having a day job is the best option, and I am looking for that perfect day job.  or I may decide I have a better idea for a business.  But for now, my business Almost Monday and my oil painting need to be the focus of my site/blog energy.  I've been given the greatest gift of time and I should not squander it on doubt and depression.  I've been really productive over that last 6 months and will continue to do so.  But I am allowing myself to enjoy the summer weather while I can!  Any small business is a lot of hard work!!
And I'm not afraid of hard work! 

The changes - My domain name will now point here, instead of directly to etsy.  I'll be using this blogger page as a website until I'm at a place to have a "real" website.  I'll be practicing some different marketing techniques and also expanding my general knowledge of business and art.  I'll be focusing less on unemployedness and more on the making of art and business.  

Suggestions are always welcome!  I love hearing from you!  It makes me know I'm not just talking to myself!  I really appreciate each one of you as you listen to me ramble through my life changes and struggles!

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope the sun fills your yards and warms your heart this weekend! 

Brushes down!

After a few minor changes and additions, I placed Mona in her frame today.  She makes her way to her new home tomorrow night! 

Forgive me Leonardo.

My dearest Leonardo,
Please forgive me.  It's hard times out here in the 21st century.  An artist has to do what an artist has to do.  or does she?
Yours truly,
Serena

I was approached to paint my interpretation of a "slutty Mona Lisa" reproduction.  I thought about it for a few seconds and agreed.

Need less blurry photo!

However, once I started painting I felt a bit funny about it.  Embarrassed or slightly ashamed.  Or maybe just irreverent.  This is one of the most well known paintings in the world, done by Leonardo Da Vinci for kitties sake! Shouldn't I be more respectful?  As I kept painting I needed photo reference and in my research found a bazziliontrillion knock offs and reproductions from alien heads to Micheal Jackson in Mona Lisa drag.  Soooo, I decided to embrace it and paint that best damn Mona Lisa I possibly could in the time frame I had.

It's also really hard painting from crappy photos online.  It's also hard to extrapolate breast augmentation.  It's obviously not a direct reproduction, I've made some changes to the clothing that I thought appropriate to her well-endowed and time period.  I have a few small things to touch up, but it's 99% finished at this point. 

Have I stepped on Leonardo's, as well as the feminist toes here?  Probably.  Thoughts?
I'll also post a process blog at a later time.