Hello Sweet Friends!  I hope that your spring time is off to a wonderful start! I've had lots of fun over the last few weeks traveling for shows, participating in workshops and classes, and really just going from one creative adventure to the next!  I wanted to come up for air and share with you some special things happening around my creative world and hope that you find some inspiration and or join me in one or more of the events!  So without further adieu...let's see what's going on!!

SPECIAL SALE
Online workshop sale! Click the image above or visit my blog post here for links to my 4 workshops over at Creative Workshops ning site for an AWESOME sale! 20 dollars off any of my workshops.  The sale ENDS May 6th (we extended it just a bit from original end date of 4/30) so don't delay!!  To not miss out on all the specials and updates I have, be sure to join my facebook page HERE.

Speaking of ONLINE classes, I recently finished up production of my two latest online classes that will be featured at a VERY special online art retreat (yes ONLINE art retreat) over at Artful Gathering 2012. Behind the scenes, our wonderful leader Zinnia Gallaher has been working with all of her instructors building the site, promoting the event and putting all the plans in place including AWESOME giveaways from a variety of vendors for this 2 part 6 week session each retreat.  To sign up, there is a 5.00 entry fee (wayyyyyy lower than any registration fee for an in person event), then you can review all the workshops and sign up for any number of classes that excite you! You can access all the content which includes in most cases, multiple videos and pdf workbooks 24/7 for the entire span of the 6 week session. I'll be teaching two classes. In the first session starting June 6th,  I'll be offering a delicious "Sweet Art" painting class, and in the second session which begins July 15th, you will be enticed by my whimsical character class, "Who Are You". 

I also recently finished taping a SPECIAL add on segment for the amazing Tamara LaPorte's Lifebook class which is a year long HUGE class which started in January 2012. I am honored to be involved in three segments over the course of the year, the first of which is a fun journal doodle page segment that will hopefully knock your socks off. It's not too late to join in on the fun as you can download all the content (and believe me, there is sooooooo much content from not just Tamara but 15 other artists, including full blown lessons, mini exercises, pdf files, a bazillion videos, artist interviews and more). Not only that, you even get an extra class to choose from amongst several of Tamara's self study online courses. All this for around 100 dollars!! *While the class will end Dec 31st 2012, all of the classes will be available until March 2013 which gives you plenty of time to download the segments and enjoy all that is offered!

Sample for "Spill Splatter Drip and Paint"

I'm also excited to be participating in my FIRST west coast workshop at the fantastic and inspiring CREATE event which is brought to you by the folks who publish Cloth Paper Scissors and Quilting Arts. Above you will see one of my 3 workshops that I am hosting called "Spill, Splatter, Drip, and Paint"...if you are looking to let loose, have fun and learn a lot of great painting and mixed media  techniques to get your creative juices flowing, this is the class for you!   Hurry though, sign ups are going on now and the class will be held on June 1st in Irvine, Ca at that Hyatt!

 Shows...shows and more shows!!  Here's a pic from the wonderful new festival in Acworth Ga that I had the pleasure of participating in back in April. It was a first year festival and from the turnout, the folks in Acworth were in full support of this amazing festival put on by the ladies of Splash Festivals.  I love doing their shows as they are soooo supportive of the event, the artists, and just know how to treat everyone so well. It sounds like a no brainer that this is how all festivals are put on but Splash Festivals go the extra mile to make sure all of their events are a fantastic experience!  Looking forward to coming back in 2013!

 April 28th was spent in my home turf in Southern Pines, NC at our annual SpringFest,  showing off  alot of new items in my collection including sweet little bookmarks (3-4 dollars)  to my line of 'Graffiti Block Houses"! They are all so delicious (and affordable...from 40-50 dollars) you can't help but be captured by these sweet and colorful pieces!

More yummy Graffiti Block houses.  I am going to be busy making more of these lovelies for my next engagement over Mother's Day weekend at the Dunwoody, Ga festival where I have the honor of being the featured artist for all of their marketing and promotion for the festival.  My painting, Goodness Rules was chosen amongst a ton of fabulous entries for their poster contest this January! I was so flattered and amazed that I won!! whooohoo!

Here's Goodness Rules:

We hope to see you at the festival which is in Dunwoody Ga and runs two days:  May 12th from 10-7 and May 13th from 12-6.  What an awesome place to get something one of a kind for Mom for her special day!!!   If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and tell me you saw my newsletter for a discount of 10% off any of my items!!!! Who doesn't love a sale!

 In addition to my travels, I've added a lot of shops along the coast of NC that will be or all ready are showcasing my work, YAY.  Stay tuned for special features on each of those locations! I mean jeez, it's really rough having to travel to the beach on business..:))))  Each one of the places has a unique personality and I'm so tickled to expand my list of representation! If you know of a shop that you think might be suitable for my work (or own a shop) please contact me, I'd love to continue to expand my art business!  My email is:  jodiohl@hotmail.com

 Here's a sneak peek of some of the pieces I have placed in Beach shops... total fun, colorful, whimsical and all very inspiring pieces!!

 During my road trip time, I had the pleasure of seeing just about all of the  NC lighthouses and could honestly just stand in front them and stare. How I love the beach and our beautiful coast!!!!

I've been so inspired to paint magical mermaid ladies, I just had to share another one of my favorite new paintings called "Sea of Love" I have kept this piece to feature in my Etsy shop (or you can see it at my (not really mine..lol  but a partner business I have consigned with for almost 5 years) shop downtown in Southern Pines, NC "Swank").  In addition, I will be offering this technique (or something very similar) as a workshop in 2013 at Art Is You. (more about this lovely retreat in my next issue)!

 Most of you know that I have moved from working as a bank manager full time to a full time artist (since last October) and it has been an amazing first year. I've traveled all over showcasing my work, teaching classes, learning about self employment in general, and truly waking up each day being inspired.  One of my newest ventures is guest posting on an incredible website called "Handmadeology". If you are in the creative business or looking for some awesome selling, marketing,  and technique tips, this is the website for you! My first article, "From Hobby to Profession: Taking your Creative Business to the Next Level" was recently featured.  I would love for you to stop by and review it and make a comment if inspired!

As you can see, life has been good...life has been full for me as a first year full time artist!  I wanted to thank a moment to thank you and for joining me on this journey!  Please continue to visit my Etsy shop to see some of my newest creations. I do have to say though because I have expanded my representation that not everything in my collection is just available online.

 To see what I'm working on and perhaps make a purchase, I often showcase work on my blog  or on facebook. I am always open to working on custom work as well.   For custom orders, I can create a wide range of pieces at just about any price!  Great way to get ready for the holidays and give a gift that is one of a kind!! :)

Till we meet next time,  I hope that life is treating you well and are living a life that you are passionate about!

Jodi Ohl
jodiohl@hotmail.com
www.sweetrepeats.blogspot.com (view the tabs at the top of the page for links to more classes, shows, and shops!)