Mastering Oil Paint: From Studies to Etsy Launch
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Setting up the Etsy Shop
- Painting Original Oil Artwork
- The Support and Excitement from Viewers
- Sponsorship from Anna Louisa
- Jewelry Collection by Anna Louisa
- Traveling with Anna Louisa Jewelry
- Sustainable Practices of Anna Louisa
- Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
- Conclusion
Setting up the Etsy Shop
In this section, we will discuss the process of setting up the Etsy shop, addressing important details such as the launch date, finishing touches, and the inclusion of small, original oil paintings with each order. The excitement and gratitude for the support received from viewers will also be highlighted.
Opening an online shop can be an exhilarating journey for any artist or creative individual. The anticipation of sharing your work with the world and turning your passion into a business is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. As I prepare to launch my Etsy shop on the 8th of February, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions – excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness.
With less than a week left before the grand opening, there are still a few finishing touches to be done. One of the unique aspects of my shop is that every order placed within the first month will come with a small, original oil painting. These little artworks are my way of expressing gratitude to my customers and adding a touch of personalization to each purchase.
Over the past few days, I have been dedicating my time to create a collection of these miniature paintings. Yesterday, I completed four more, and I have plans to make several more today. These tiny canvases allow me to indulge in my love for painting eyes, which has always been a favorite subject of mine. The familiarity of the process enables me to work quickly, completing one painting in just about 10 minutes. It's a delightful challenge to capture the essence and depth of the human eye on such a small scale.
Before delving further into the details of the Etsy shop, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the support I have received from viewers and followers. Your excitement and encouragement have been truly heartwarming. The realization that my dream of opening an online shop is becoming a reality fills me with joy. I never expected this opportunity to come so soon, and it thrills me to see that you share in my enthusiasm.
I also want to extend my gratitude to Anna Louisa, who kindly sponsored this video. If you've been following my videos or noticed the jewelry I wear, you would likely recognize Anna Louisa as my go-to brand. Their collection offers a wide range of beautifully designed pieces that effortlessly complement any outfit. From bold statement pieces to delicate, everyday jewelry, they have something for everyone.
Personally, I have been drawn to their gold jewelry. Two rings, one on each hand, create a symmetrical and stylish look that resonates with my aesthetic preferences. Additionally, I adore their earring set, which beautifully accommodates my double piercings on both sides. The set features two earrings of different sizes, allowing for versatility and adding an elegant touch to any ensemble.
As someone who frequently travels between my own place and my parents' house, I greatly appreciate the convenience of Anna Louisa's packaging. Each piece comes with its own fabric pouch, ensuring that my jewelry remains protected and undamaged during transit. The attention they pay to sustainability further strengthens my admiration for the brand. By using recycled silver and gold, Anna Louisa actively reduces its environmental footprint. Their commitment to being carbon neutral since 2020 and their use of recyclable packaging align with my own values, and I am proud to support such a socially responsible brand.
With Valentine's Day approaching, now is the perfect time to indulge yourself or surprise a loved one with a thoughtful gift. By using the link in my description, you can enjoy up to 40% off your purchase, courtesy of Anna Louisa. It's an excellent opportunity to treat yourself or someone special to a piece of unique and sustainable jewelry.
Now, let's get back to the painting process. As you can see, I have been diligently working on these delightful little artworks. If you follow me on Instagram, you might have already caught a glimpse of these miniature masterpieces. They are adorable and have occupied much of my creative energy since the Strada Easel challenge. While I do plan to work on larger pieces in the future, these smaller paintings have captivated my attention.
My fascination with painting eyes persists, and it makes sense to continue exploring this subject on a smaller scale. Each eye takes me approximately 10 minutes to complete, thanks to years of practice. The repetitive nature of painting eyes allows me to capture their intricate details efficiently. Alongside eyes, I have also spent some time experimenting with flowers. During the Strada Easel challenge, I discovered a newfound love for painting both food and flowers. While I initially had reservations about the ability to convey the essence of food on such a tiny scale, painting flowers seemed like the ideal opportunity for practice and exploration.
The idea for this project emerged from a desire to breathe new life into discarded cardstock pieces. I am usually reluctant to throw away any paper or material that I think might be useful someday. Consequently, I accumulated a collection of scraps waiting for reinvention. These cardstock pieces, vibrant with previous artwork, were primed with three to four coats of gesso to create a fresh, white canvas. The gesso provided a perfect base for painting and a chance to transform neglected papers into charming works of art.
It's worth noting that all these paintings are created using oil paint. However, I do employ a specific medium (whose name currently eludes me) from Winsor & Newton. This medium accelerates the drying process, allowing the paintings to reach a touch-dry stage within a day. This characteristic is particularly advantageous when working on smaller artworks or when layering is desired. If you're also inclined to experiment with oils and would like faster drying times, I highly recommend considering a similar medium.
As I progress with my painting, I occasionally take breaks to varnish some of the artworks from the Strada Easel challenge. Varnishing these paintings ensures their longevity and enhances their overall appearance. Earlier, I only managed to varnish half of the collection, but this time, I was determined to complete the task. The paintings are now ready to be showcased and made available for purchase on my Etsy shop.
Gamma satin varnish was my choice for this project. Initially unsure about whether to opt for matte or gloss, I settled for the satin varnish, which strikes a perfect balance between the two extremes. I find the final effect to be incredibly appealing. Gamma varnish has an advantage over other varnishes as it can be used when the painting is touch-dry. Unlike most other varnishes that require waiting six months for complete drying, Gamma allows for a much shorter waiting period. This quality was crucial since I wanted to ensure the paintings were ready for shipping as soon as possible.
As I finish the editing process for the day's photos, I feel a sense of accomplishment. The images turned out beautifully, capturing the essence and charm of the artwork. These photos will accompany the listings on Etsy, giving potential buyers a comprehensive view of each piece. I have also included graphics within the listings, highlighting the special offer of receiving one of the mini originals with every purchase made in the first month.
Before concluding this video, I want to once again express my gratitude for your continued support. Your engagement, comments, and encouragement mean the world to me. It is through your unwavering support that I find the inspiration and determination to pursue my dreams. As the launch of my shop approaches, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. I look forward to sharing my art with the world and hope that you will find joy in the offerings I present.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I wish you all a wonderful week. Stay tuned for upcoming videos, as there are many exciting developments on the horizon. Bye for now!
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE Etsyshop
