ISSUE 3 ◦ by Heidi Horchler

CHANGE OF SEASON | 10.11.19

Some people don't like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster. - Elon Musk

You’d have to be living in a cave not to notice the change of season in the fall. Not that the weather has changed that drastically, but with the exuberant Pumpkin Spice and/or Halloween memes flooding our social media accounts and fall-themed decor everywhere you go, it’s impossible to escape.

In the desert, we’re always happy for fall. This summer has been particularly hot and dry, so when the days start to consistently dip below 100 we’re just about ready for sweater weather (you know, anything under 75 degrees). It’s a welcome change.

Along with that was a change I needed to make myself. After I finished the Mushroom painting this summer, I switched gears to work on some smaller pieces. The problem was I couldn’t focus. Every time I tried to work, I got distracted by all the stuff. Clutter. Laundry. Housework. Dog hair. Ugh, just everything, you know? I felt like Luke & the gang in the trash compactor when the walls start closing in on them.

I needed to make a change, make some room, and get rid of all my garbage. So I turned to the expert, Marie Kondo and her book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.* The thing that hit home for me with this method is that it’s more than just getting organized and stacking things neatly in a drawer. It’s getting rid of all of the junk that’s clogging up your works and holding you back. Not just materially, but mentally and emotionally. And it works. “Does it spark joy?” has become a regular mantra.

I won’t go into depth here, but look for an upcoming blog post on the experience. I was able to go through my clothes and books, and plan to tackle the rest later. All told, I donated 10 garbage bags of clothes and linens, and four large boxes of books. Afterward, I felt like I could breathe again and was able to get back to work. I highly suggest it, especially if you’ve been feeling the urge to clear out some space. The changes go far beyond being able to see the floor of your closet.

(*I listened to the audiobook free from my library on the Libby app. It’s a great resource if you love audiobooks but hate paying for them!)

In addition to Tidying, I’m making some changes in my art making plans. For the moment, I’ll be taking a step back from large acrylic canvases, and focusing on some watercolor, drawing, and something new for me - digital art!

The other transition that happened was not by choice. I had applied for an artist’s grant - a pretty big one - and after 3 months of waiting, received my rejection notice. In the grand scheme of life, an artist being rejected is really no big deal, and is more common than getting accepted. But I did that thing that you’re not supposed to do: got my hopes up. I’ve been quietly applying to exhibitions, magazines, and shows for a while and have had some luck with small local shows. But this past year I thought I’d up my game and submit to national publications, and this last submission was my first shot at a grant. All rejections.

Having been an actor in a former life and more recently a writer, I’m no stranger to rejection. It’s a numbers game, like fishing - you put twenty lines in the water and see if you get a bite. It’s a matter of finding the right person at the right time who just happens to LOVE your work. It’s part of the game. But it doesn’t make it any easier to hear them say “No.”

The thing is, I felt really good about my application. Heck I felt really good about my art. But when you get that rejection letter, it’s hard to remember that they’re not saying no to YOU, they’re saying no to your art. But, yeah for whatever reason I think this particular “no” was the proverbial straw on the camel’s back for me. I did take it personally, and not well.

The good thing is, I have good friends (you know who you are :) And when I call them up or bitch over a beer with them, they talk me off the ledge. After a few of these talks, my Jedi sisters guided me to the realization that maybe I’d pointed my compass in the wrong direction.

So I changed my path. Instead of trying to impress people I don’t know in places I don’t live, who know nothing about me (and why should they care?), I’m going local. I’m taking advantage of the fact that I have an inventory of beautiful prints to sell, and the oncoming seasonal art fairs and festivals. I’m going to go out and meet people, get feedback, and let them know I‘m here and I exist. Grassroots, baby. My first Fall Festival is in two weeks.

Wish me luck.

I’ll also be putting together a DIY beta version of my coloring book to sell, along with watercolor coloring sheets! And with my iPad Pro, I’ve been making some fun seasonal stuff to purchase from RedBubble, if you need a cute Halloween Pumpkin or Black Cat T-shirt, trick-or-treat bag or stickers.

Next month I’ll have Christmas items. Hit me up if there’s a holiday design you’re dying to have a on a T-shirt. I’d love to collaborate!

Latest updates from me, and other places where you might find some inspiration:

Other fun stuff on the interwebs:

This Month’s Project!

So many people are baffled by color mixing. I made this primer of Color Theory for Beginners for my Great Auntie Theresa, who is currently laid up with a knee injury and spending her downtime coloring. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful in your arty endeavors, too!

As always my monthly projects are a special way of thanking you, my newsletter subscribers, and are exclusive to recipients of this mail.

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DISCLAIMER: I can’t stand ads on websites. I do not put google ads, click bait, affiliate links, pop-ups or anything like that on my website. I also do not have a “donate” button or a Patreon site (yet). If you would like to support me, you can do that by either purchasing prints and originals on Etsy, products on RedBubble or by sharing my work with others. Please forward this email, share my posts on facebook, or even just tell someone about me. I much prefer a grassroots effort of sincere supporters over gimmicky promotion. Please let me know if you would prefer some type of online tip jar.

I am ever grateful for your support.

xo,

Heidi

P.S. AS always, feel free to ask questions. Reach out through any of the social links on my website (below) or email me at heidhorch@gmail.com.