Today I want to talk about something all serious artists need, a good support team. One of the first things people are taught when they want to reach a goal is that they can't do it themselves, art is no exception.

  If I were to go back in time I would have to say the two earliest members of my support team would be my teacher "Miss B." and my mother. If it wasn't for these two women I don't know if I would have pursued art the way I did. My mother kept paying for lessons as my teacher told her that it wouldn't be a waste of her money. They also kept my confidence up when that was lacking. My teacher is no longer with us (you can read about her life here), but my mother continues to spread the word that I'm an artist to this day.

  Another member of my team would be the woman who ended up buying the business after Miss B. retired, Sue Matthews. Sue and her assistant Barb, have done an excellent job making sure that local artists have a venue to exhibit their artwork. I had my first art show there and look forward to my next one some time next year. The other local artists become part of your support team as you encourage each other. You can see Matthew's website here.
 
  As far as support online, I relay on ideas and encouragement from Clint Watson and Alyson Stanfield, each of whom have helped me greatly. I can always count on them for professional information and would recommend using their ideas to any other artist thinking about it.

  The closest part of my support team would be my friends and collectors who have been there for me with help and support and I can't thank them enough.
 
  Anything else I would need as far as help I can get from any these "sources". Who are your support team people? Leave me a comment and let me know. Thats it for now, I'll see you on Friday night.