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FIXATION – Cover Reveal!

Cover Reveal!

It’s here! Today, January 12th 2022, is cover reveal day for my latest book and my first novel: FIXATION. Check it out below and learn more about this upcoming book, plus you can now pre-order your paperback copy!

 

 

“If I let you go,” he said cautiously, “are you going to behave?”

My body shook and it was all I could do to stare back at him.

He released my bruised wrists and I winced noticeably, drawing them toward me with haste. Then he backed away from me, far enough to be out of reach, and stood there eyeing me. His fingers reached up to touch the glistening cut on his face and he raised one brow, looking frustrated, amused, and…something else.

I leaned back against the desk, body aching, mind racing with questions
about what was going to happen next….

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE!!

 

What started as a dream when I was merely a teenager has now become the essence of my first novel, FIXATION.

These characters have been occupying space in my mind for 16 years. I think it’s high time for them to be introduced to the world and see what YOU think of them.

With lots of action, plenty of suspense, and a bit of romance, this book is begging to be your next read. Escape into the pages and get lost in the world of Ariana and Owen as they test each others wits, patience, and emotions in this intriguing romantic suspense.

 

Warning: Don’t read at bedtime if you don’t want to stay up all night reading…

 

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY HERE!!

 

 

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Book Cover Reveal Coming January 12th!

There’s LOTS happening here at C.A.T. Studios! New artwork, New Year reorganization of EVERYTHING, and… a new book being written!

I’m jumping off the deep end into the fiction world with this new book, the first of a new trilogy!!!

FIXATION is a novel I’ve been contemplating writing since I was 16 years old – half my life ago! Now I’m at a point where the story is fully though-out, written, and in the editing stages!

Stay tuned for the cover reveal on January 12th, and lots more details about this exciting new project!

Follow along on Facebook for the cover reveal and more details!
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Upcoming Art Reception and Double Book Launch Party – Details!

 

Have you heard? In just a few weeks on December 5th, 2018, I’m having an Art Reception and Double Book Launch Party! 

But…what does that mean, exactly? What goes on at a triple event like this? 

Read on to find out the details! 

 

First, the Necessary Details

Venue:

First off, let’s get some of the necessary details out of the way. This event is going to be at the New Moon Cafe. This recently renovated cafe has a gorgeous and cozy (but spacious) seating room in the back, delicious food, and warm drinks! It’s located at 150 Cherry Street in Burlington, VT

Parking:

The New Moon Cafe is conveniently located just across the street from one of the parking garages! You can enter the parking garage on Cherry Street, less than a block from the cafe. The first two hours are free, and then I think it goes to $3, and up $2 for each of the next hours you’re there. There may also be parking available on the street. 

Date and Time: 

This triple event will take place on Wednesday, December 5th, 4-6pm

RSVP Info: 

You can RSVP to this event on the Facebook page I’ve created HERE, or you can simply email me to let me know you’re hoping to make it! Email me at: corrinathurston@gmail.com or go to my contact form HERE. You are absolutely allowed to bring friends! 

 

Now, What To Expect! 

Art Reception:

If you’ve ever been to one of my art events, speeches, or workshops, you know I’m a relatively low-key person. I like to keep my art receptions that way as well. You don’t have to dress up or come prepared with any “art talk,” instead I want you to be comfortable and relax and enjoy the artwork. 

New Moon Cafe is a great atmosphere for a reception like this, and as you stroll into their back seating area, you’ll see my pencil artwork framed and lit along the wall on the right. At the reception, you’ll also see me, wearing a black dress and a smile, probably standing by a banner and a table full of fun products featuring my artwork! 

There’s no rules for my art receptions and I want to make the artwork as accessible as possible, so feel free to walk up close to it to see those tiny details I’m known for, read my artist statement that’s hanging on the wall, and come talk to me about your favorite piece! 

This exhibit is special because it is the VERY FIRST TIME some of these drawings have been on display! That includes my Black Rhino drawing and my Lion Cub drawing, both of which are part of my current series called Threatened & Endangered. Those two pieces, along with the African Elephant, are the centerpiece of this exhibit! You have to see these drawings in person! 

Sneak peek at part of the display…

Surrounding those striking black and white drawings are some of my best and brightest colored pencil drawings of animals that are also considered threatened, endangered, vulnerable, or are on their way there. That’s why this exhibit is called: Disappearing Act…

Double Book Launch Party:

But the art reception is only the beginning! Not only will I have a table of cool prints and products featuring my artwork (great gift-sized items for the holidays by the way…hint, hint, wink, wink…) I will also have a table full of BOOKS! 

This is going to be the first time ever that my first two books, How To Build Your Art Business with Limited Time or Energy, and How To Communicate Effectively – For Artists & Creatives, will be available in paperback form! 

A Little Background: 

In August of 2017, I released my first book as an e-book. I had no idea how it was going to do or if anyone would care it existed. But I felt the NEED to write it. I felt the NEED to get those thoughts out on paper and then share it with the world. Little did I know that within six months that e-book would become a #1 best-seller on Amazon in the Business of Art category and be listed as one of the Best Books for Artists on the Artsy Shark website! 

The response was amazing and readers from around the world started reaching out to tell me how much it was already helping them with their business and work-life balance. It was incredible, and some of the comments I kept getting the most were about my writing style. People kept telling me how easy the book was to read, how well I simplified things to make them doable, how articulate, warm, and conversational my writing was. 

Then I was asked to give a few speeches on the subjects within the books and I was told the same things: my speech style was conversational, accessible, warm, and friendly. I was told that I was articulate and comprehensive. 

This gave me a thought. Perhaps my next book should be about: Effective Communication. 

Communication, in any form, can be a difficult thing to learn, especially for those of us who like to express ourselves in other creative outlets, like art and music. So I once again got to writing and released my second book as an e-book just this past September (2018). 

Immediately after release I had a list of emails from people reaching out to tell me how much they were enjoying it, how helpful it was, and how they were going to spread it around to their creative and non-creative friends alike! 

From E-Book to Paperback:

If you’re like me, e-books are fine, but what you really want is a good old fashioned BOOK in your hand. You want to be able to smell it, feel it, write notes in it, and access any page you want without a struggle or needing a device to get to it. You want something you can show people, lend to people, something that feels real.

Well, thanks to the sales of the e-books, I was now able to bring my first book to life as a paperback! 

Excited beyond measure, I got to work formatting the files and signing contracts with my publisher, Onion River Press. After weeks of work, we submitted the book to the printer for a proof and I started playing around with the idea for a book launch party. 

Then it struck me. Should I also be doing my second book at the same time, or wait a few months?

It was already published as an e-book. I had the formatting and design for the printed versions fresh in my mind. 

So I called my publisher. “What if we did the second book, too? Could we get them both printed at once?”

Hmmm…

We decided to try and what had taken me a month to do for formatting the first book for the printed version, I now had to do for the second book in a week. Meanwhile I had received the proof for the first book and had to read through and edit that whole book to make sure it was set for printing. 

It was a loooooonnng week. 

By the end, we scrambled to get everything done and were successful in getting both books printed at the same time, and both in time for the book launch party I had planned for December 5th! 

Time To Party:

At a past art reception.

Now that the books are set, it’s time to celebrate! And I want to do so with as many of my friends, family, and fans as I can! So where better to do it than where I have my artwork on the walls, where they serve great food and warm, cozy beverages? 

The first hundred books of each of my two books will be SIGNED and NUMBERED! Plus if you come to the art reception and double book launch party, I will have pen in hand to write you a note in your copies! Just excuse my less than beautiful handwriting. 😉 

There will also be a brief READING from one of my books likely around 5pm where I will stand up and give a short thank you speech and then read a passage from one or both of the books. If you’ve read the books and have a suggestion for which chapter I should read from, I encourage you to leave a comment or email me! 

Have I mentioned there may also be cake? Yes! I mean, what’s a party without cake?!?

PLUS, the first 50 people there will get a free bookmark with my wildlife artwork on it! 

 

Can’t Make It? 

That’s okay! There will be lots of pictures from the night shared on my Facebook Page here, so you can enjoy it vicariously and celebrate with me on there, and you can also PRE-ORDER either or both of my books here! After the December 5th launch, the books will be available on my website, but until then, if you can’t make the launch, you can absolutely pre-order your copies! 

 

Have questions or comments? Feel free to leave a comment below or email me! 

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How to Hire Me as a Speaker & What to Expect

 

As an artist and a writer, I know how to express a message in a way that grabs the audience’s attention. I have an appreciation for words, but also know that cadence and movement, humor and storytelling, are what make a speech truly memorable. 

Like you, I’ve been witness to presentations that have left me wondering what they were about, ones where I was bored and watching the clock. 

That’s why I aim to engage with my audience and leave them with information they can take away and put to use immediately

 

I appreciate you considering me for your event. Please contact me here with any questions! 

Working with Corrina was a joy. She helped us draw a great crowd for her presentation and delivered an insightful and informative talk.”

– Rob Hunter, Executive Director of Frog Hollow

More About Me

Back in 2008, at the age of 18, I was a freshman in college. I was planning to double-major in Anthropology and Biology, but after only a few months into my first semester, my life changed. 

Suddenly I was sick. Very sick. I struggled to stay in school as long as I could, but I had to medically withdraw partway through my second semester.

Being the type-A personality I was, a three-sport athlete and 4.0 student, I refused to give up. I tried going back to school the next Fall, and my illness once again overwhelmed me. It wasn’t long before my parents had to come collect me from my room and take me back home, where I was mostly bedridden for a number of years following. 

I was overwhelmed with a 24/7 migraine (if you can imagine), extreme fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and more. Light made my eyes ache and noises made me wince in pain. I couldn’t even read or watch more than a few minutes of television.

I felt hopeless, useless, and like a burden on my family. 

Despite all the doctors I was seeing, no one could diagnose me or figure out what was wrong. Many turned me away.

Two years into my illness, I picked up a pencil and began drawing. I don’t know what compelled me to do so, but it was a turning point in my depression. It helped me focus on something other than the pain. It helped me feel like I was at least able to do something, I was at least able to be productive in some way.

Over the next few years I taught myself to draw from the confines of my bed, alone in my darkened room, just a little at a time as my migraine would allow. 

In 2014 I was finally diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, malfunctioning adrenal glands, two types of pneumonia, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, IBS, Endometriosis, and more. I’m on long-term treatment that is challenging, frustratingly slow, and yet thankfully has shown significant improvement over the last few years. 

Now my artwork, which began as a therapeutic outlet, has turned into a rewarding career. I’m now a professional wildlife artist, entrepreneur, business consultant, and author of the books, How To Build Your Art Business: With Limited Time Or Energy, and How To Communicate Effectively – For Artists & Creatives. 

(Check out the event page for an art reception and double book launch party on December 5th, 2018 here!)

“As the Vice President of the Swanton Arts Council and freelance artist, I found Corrina Thurston’s Workshops on “Creating your best artist statement” and “Social Media Marketing for Artists,” to be extremely resourceful and informative. Her workshop provided me with clear, easy to follow insight on how to promote my own art and help other artists do the same when I curate shows.  I love her suggestion to create multiple artist statements, written for specific purposes. I have never thought of using more than one. Brilliant! She is full of wisdom that is shared in such a humble way. Her ideas and advice can be easily applied immediately after her workshops.”

– Nicole Gadouas, Vice President of Swanton Arts Council

Where I Usually Speak

I usually speak at art galleries, high schools, colleges and universities, for organizations, non-profits, businesses, churches/religious organizations, etc. 

Different places tend to have different interests in what I speak about, so see below for what might be best for your event/organization. 

My Most Popular Speech Topics

  • What it’s really like to be a full-time working artist

This speech is typically geared toward art students in college, but can be tweaked to be used elsewhere. It uses humor and my experience as a full-time working artist to talk about what a lot of art schools don’t, which is if you’re a professional artist, you’re also an entrepreneur. It uses anecdotes and more than a pinch of sarcasm to talk about the business side of being an artist.

  • My story

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from people who have been through the worst experiences, and came through the other side in some way better than before. I’ve been chronically ill since 2008, including over six years undiagnosed and with no light at the end of the tunnel. My life was flipped and I was forced to adapt to my circumstances, despite how terrible they were, and make the best of them. And somehow, I came out the other side of the hell I was in, happier than I was before, a better person than I was before, and more grateful for what I have than I ever could have been before. 

  • How to maintain happiness, despite negative circumstances

I’ve been through hell. It took me time and research and experience to figure out ways to not let my circumstances drag me straight down to the full depths of depression. Now I know how to keep my spirits up even when life continues to throw me curveballs. I think it’s my job to make sure others know how to do the same.

I’m writing a book that will be released in 2019 that will address some of these topics called, How To Crush Self-Doubt & Gain Real Confidence

“I’m so delighted that I attended all three of Corrina’s workshops sponsored by the Swanton Arts Council. As an author of several series, I’m faced with not only having to market my work but also myself. Corrina offered fantastic tips and practice advice that showed me ways to get past self-doubt, gain confidence, and have a clear path forward. Thank you so much, Corrina!

-Pat Esden, author of the Dark Heart and Northern Circle Coven series

  • Productivity

I’ve started and now run a business despite being chronically ill. I can’t work consistently, because I never know when I’m going to feel well and when I’m not, so I’ve learned techniques to be as productive as possible when I can work. This speech is directly coordinated with my book, How To Build Your Art Business: With Limited Time Or Energy, which has a focus on ways to make yourself extra productive with art and business (and everything else in life). 

  • The key to success – the ability to adapt

Sometimes you think you know what path your life is going to take. In reality, you have no control over what life is going to throw you, you can only control how you handle it. This one is especially good for high schools and colleges. 

  • How to conquer self-doubt and gain real confidence

I have severe anxiety. I used to have panic attacks every day. I was chronically ill and a burden on my family for many years, with no social circle. And I had a voice in my head that was constantly putting me down and doubting everything about myself. Trust me when I say, if I can learn to overcome my own self-doubt, fear, train myself to work with and calm my anxiety, and build back my self-confidence, you can too. This speech goes into detail with practical, easy takeaways for you to start building yourself up too, to become the confident, inspired person you want to be. 

I’m writing a book that will be released in 2019 that will address these topics called, How To Crush Self-Doubt & Gain Real Confidence

  • Goal-setting 

Most people have trouble meeting their goals. That’s because most people don’t know how to create the right goals for themselves. I’ve written blog posts and a chapter in my book about this topic as well. I go into detail about creating the right goals, goals that are measurable, the difference between what I call Summit and Step goals, how to not get overwhelmed, and more.

  • Artist topics like: how to create effective artist statements, how to talk about your creative work, email marketing, art marketing, social media tips, how to create an effective business plan, how to think like an entrepreneur, and more. 

I regularly speak on a number of topics that relate to my consulting and books about art business. How to communicate effectively, marketing tips and techniques, and more. This can be a one-time workshop/speech, or you can hire me for a series! 

 

“Corrina Thurston’s workshop on Creating An Effective Business Plan for artists at the SEABA Gallery was so worth the time. We learned about small steps and what to figure out. We left feeling: “Yea, we can do this.” We were photographers, ceramic artists, fiber artists, painters, cartoonists, jewelry makers, and more.”

                           – James Valastro, HenArt Cartoonist

What You Can Expect

Here’s what you can expect from me as you hire me to speak for your event or organization. 

  • Responsiveness: I respond quickly to any emails or phone calls and get back to you myself.
  • Professionalism: You can also expect full professionalism and timeliness throughout the entire process.
  • Consultation: I want to speak directly with you before the speech to make sure I know exactly what you’re hoping for with the talk or lecture.
  • Promotion: I will promote your event across my social media channels and on my website.
  • Good Delivery: Mixed with humor and full of practical takeaways, each speech is tailored for your audience and presented in a conversational tone.
  • Follow-Up: I always follow up afterwards for feedback and to make sure you’re satisfied with how everything went.

What To Do

Interested in hiring me for a speech? Please reach out to me here and ask about my availability, tell me a little about your organization and event, and what you’re hoping for from a speech. Once I know more about what you’re looking for, we can discuss the speaking fee.

Hire Me To Speak

 

If you’re not looking for a speaker but know someone who might be or whom you think could benefit, feel free to pass this blog post along to them or reach out to me directly! 

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New Art Exhibit: Disappearing Act…

 

As you walk into the newly renovated New Moon Cafe in Burlington, VT, you’ll notice beautiful large wildlife photos lining the walls of their gorgeous seating area toward the back of their large space…

But wait…

You take a step closer and realize, those aren’t photographs at all. Those are drawings! 

New Exhibit on Display

For the months of November and December, my colored pencil artwork will be on display at the New Moon Cafe in Burlington, VT. If you’ve never been there, now is the time to go! This space has been newly renovated and is one of the warmest and most inviting atmospheres around town. 

Plus, if you go between now and the end of December 2018, you’ll be able to view my display, “Disappearing Act…,” on the walls. 

Disappearing Act…

This exhibit is called “Disappearing Act…” because it features animals that are considered Threatened, Endangered, or Vulnerable. It also features a number of drawings of mine that have NEVER been on display in public before! 

As you walk through the exhibit featuring these gorgeous animals, keep in mind the title of the display and know that these animals need our help. 

That’s why if you purchase one of the drawings, or any prints or products because you saw this display or during the Art Reception on December 5th, some of the proceeds will go to conservation organizations that help that particular species. 

Me putting up this display, hanging my Lemurs colored pencil drawing, which features a mother and baby Ring-Tailed Lemurs, which like all Lemur species, is endangered and losing its habitat at an alarming rate.

Threatened & Endangered = The Centerpiece

The centerpiece of this exhibit involves the first three drawings I’ve completed for my current Threatened & Endangered series. This series, as many of you know, is focused on animals that are endangered or nearly endangered, and brings them to life in larger black and white drawings. These drawings are different than my usual pencil drawings in four ways: 

  1. They’re not brightly colored, they’re in black and white to help bring more emotion to the pieces 
  2. They’re bigger than my usual pieces, to bring more attention to them
  3. They’re drawings of the whole body of the animal, not just a portrait
  4. They don’t have backgrounds, instead the background is left stark white, both to bring more attention to the animal subjects, but also to represent the fact that their habitats are disappearing…

Two of these three drawings have never been on display before, including the Black Rhino drawing, which is one of the biggest ones I’ve done to date. Check them out in person as part of this exhibit to see the impact these drawings have on viewers. 

Reception

Want to talk to me about the artwork while you’re there, have some food, and make an evening of it? Come to the Art Reception for this exhibit on December 5th, 4-6pm! 

DATE: December 5th

TIME: 4-6pm

LOCATION: New Moon Cafe, Burlington, VT 

Sneak peek at part of the display…

But Wait, There’s More! 

The Art Reception isn’t the only thing happening that evening! December 5th is also the in-person release of BOTH of my books in paperback form! 

What does that mean? 

That means the Art Reception is actually a TRIPLE event with the Reception and a Double Book Launch Party all at once! 

Talk art, have some food, talk about the books, and get your signed, numbered copy of each of my two books! 

Don’t know about my books yet? Check them out here. 

Check out the event page for this opening reception here, and RSVP to this event on Facebook here

 

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You Could Win A Free Book – Time Sensitive!

 

 

Have you heard? This Thursday, September 20th, my newest book, How To Communicate Effectively – For Artists & Creatives, is being published and will be available as an e-book! 

The reviews and feedback are rolling in from the advanced readers who were able to get a preview copy of the e-book, and I couldn’t be more excited! People are loving this book. 

“Love, love, loved this book! Great follow-up to the first one. I learned so many things about communication that I am still digesting it all and trying to use it on my social media and website. Lots of info and common sense ideas on how to communicate on every level. Corrina’s writing is comfortable to read. She has a method of writing/speaking that is pleasant and not intimidating and I admit that makes a big difference to me when I read her writing and have heard her give a speech.

I can’t wait for the other two books. I read excerpts of them in the back and was immediately focused and interested.

This book is well worth reading and very informative!”

                                         –     Claudette Eaton, Wildlife Artist

 

“When I read Corrina’s words I feel as if she is speaking directly to me. It’s like having my own personal art business coach. Thank you, Corrina. I look forward to reading more from you!

                                                           –     Jan Fagan, Jan Fagan Art & Illustration

 

“I really enjoyed this book! Corrina Thurston does a great job of covering all aspects of communication that are essential for an artist and gives clear, concise examples to illustrate her points.”

                –     Valerie Wilson, Fibre Artist

 

I can’t WAIT to release this book on Thursday! 

But before that happens, I want to give you a chance to win a PAPERBACK copy of my FIRST book, How To Build Your Art Business: With Limited Time or Energy! 

Join this Facebook event page for the online celebration of the release of my newest book and you’ll see instructions for how you could enter to win a free paperback copy of my FIRST book. 

My first book, How To Build Your Art Business: With Limited Time or Energy, has been a #1 best-seller on Amazon in the “Business of Art” category, and was listed as one of the “Best Books For Artists” according to Artsy Shark. Here’s what others are saying about it:

“I just finished reading Corrina Thurston’s book HOW TO BUILD YOUR ART BUSINESS WITH LIMITED TIME OR ENERGY for the second time and I can honestly say that my life would be very different now if I’d had this manual to build an art career in my 20’s! That being said, in the spirit of “never too late,” I will be implementing the many guidelines and pointers she has laid out so plainly in this very smart guide.

That Corrina was able to build a successful art career, essentially from zero (starting to draw from her sickbed to keep busy) to creating quality art, exhibitions, writing and getting grants, collaborations and more is inspirational.

Need a boost for your career? You will likely find the roadmap here, and enjoy the journey!” ­

                                                              –    Susan R. Donze, Artist/Creative Explorer

 

“When I finish one of Corrina’s books it is great she has so many suggestions for me to implement because waiting for her next title is agonizing enough…the wait without things to implement in my own artistic journey would be unbearable.”

                                                    –    Dawn Whitmore, The “Old Barn” Lady

So join the event page HERE, learn some behind the scenes info about the upcoming book, ask me questions, and get your name in the drawing for a free book! 

PLUS, it’s not just any free copy… it’s going to be a SIGNED, NUMBERED copy, guaranteed to be one of the FIRST 100 copies published! 

But hurry! Contest ends at midnight on September 19th, 2018 and the winner will be announced on the event page on the Launch Day of September 20th!

Join Here

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Things To Look Forward To At C.A.T. Studios…

 

Wow. I’ve been a lame blogger lately! You’re probably wondering why I dropped off the planet for blogging there for a while, eh? 

Well, the last few months have had a lot of ups and downs, in every aspect of my life, and for most of the month of May, I was traveling and not near a computer! 

But now I’m back, and in a couple weeks, after setting up a new studio space, I’ll really be back in action! Check out some of these things to look forward to later this summer: 

 

My Next Book

One of the many exciting things coming up is the release of my next e-book, How To Communicate Effectively – For Artists & Creatives. I don’t have an official date yet, so stay tuned as for when that will be released! 

Also, I might be giving a few free copies away to my subscribers, so keep an eye out and you might be able to get this new book for free! 

Check out the details of this book here.

 

More Drawings In My Threatened & Endangered Series

Unfortunately, TWO of my latest attempts at drawing my next pieces in my Threatened & Endangered series were ruined after I’d already drawn part of them. This latest drawing, the Lion Cub, was coming along very nicely…only to be ripped up by a certain unnamed feline studio assistant. So now I have to start it again, starting in a couple weeks when I have a better studio setup. Oh well! I suppose it was good practice, right? 

My Western Lowland Gorilla (thankfully) didn’t get as far along before it was ruined. I realized partway through that the paper I was using just wasn’t working for me at this large size, as it kept wrinkling and damaging itself, so I’ve now upgraded and the next one will definitely not have that problem! Almost all of my drawings, large and small, are now being completed on mixed media board instead of drawing paper, which has proved to be my favorite for both graphite, colored pencil, and mixed media pieces. 

But don’t worry! BOTH will be redone and even better, I promise! I just have to wait a couple weeks to start them again. 

This series, for those who don’t know, is meant to bring awareness to endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species on our beautiful planet. As an artist, I feel it’s my mission to bring awareness and try to help these animals. This series gives a spotlight on some of them. 

This series is a little different than my usual artwork. Instead of bright and colorful, I’m trying to gain more emotional attachment by stripping the images of color and having them be black and white, but still with my signature level of detail. I’m leaving the backgrounds white, both to bring awareness to the animals, but also to represent the fact that for most of them, their habitats are disappearing. And I’m also making this series of drawings much larger than my usual pieces, again, to bring more attention to them. Once I have enough completed and framed, I plan to create an exhibit of these pieces and have it travel throughout the state and regions beyond. 

Each drawing from this series will have some of the proceeds (including from prints sold of it) donated to a conservation organization that helps support that specific species. For example, some of the proceeds from the Black Rhino drawing and prints sold of it will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund, which created the first Rhino sanctuary in Kenya. 

As a reminder, these are the first two drawings I’ve completed in this exciting new series:

Black Rhino, in graphite and colored pencil. 22×30 inches big. Some of the proceeds from this piece and prints sold of it are being donated to the World Wildlife Fund. 
My African Elephant graphite and colored pencil drawing, 22×30 inches big. Some of the proceeds from this piece and prints sold will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibits

As always, new exhibits are in the works and being planned for my artwork, so stay tuned! 

My artwork will come DOWN from the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) down in Quechee, VT on June 1st, so get there before then if you can. 

I have two pieces on display at the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington, VT, ALL summer long! 

I also have a selection of work up at the Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes, VT, right now for their Our Living Planet exhibit. You’ll love some of the different types of prints I have on display there! 

The Art Shop in Cambridge, VT continues to stock a nice selection of my work as well, so don’t forget to check them out too, as well as Exile on Main Street, in Barre, VT! 

 

Art Business Workshops

As some of you know, I’ve been bopping around to galleries and non-profits giving speeches lately, and many of them have been about the business side of being an artist, going along the lines of my first book, How To Build Your Art Business: With Limited Time Or Energy, and my second book, How To Communicate Effectively – For Artists & Creatives

The next speech/workshop is scheduled for June 28th at the awesome Milton Artists Guild! This one will be about How To Create An Effective Artist Statement. Want your artist statement to generate more discussion, acceptance from galleries, and more sales? Come to this workshop to learn how. 

RSVP here. 

More speeches and workshops to come after that all summer and fall! Stay tuned! 

“Corrina Thurston’s workshop… for artists at the SEABA Gallery was so worth the time. We learned about small steps and what to figure out. We left feeling: “Yea, we can do this.” We were photographers, ceramic artists, fiber artists, painters, cartoonists, jewelry makers, and more.”

                           – James Valastro, HenArt Cartoonist

 

 

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Help Me Win Up To $26,000 For My Art Business!

 

Hi everyone! 

I’m excited to announce that I have recently submitted an application to the FedEx Small Business Grant competition. This is an annual competition for small businesses to potentially win the grand prize of $25,000, second prize of $15,000, or eight winners who get $7,500. 

As you can guess, there’s a lot of competition! Thousands of businesses have signed up and only the top 700 will even get looked at. Then they’ll narrow those down to the top 100 and those businesses are asked to fill out more information, and then they choose the top ten to win the grant prizes. 

How do they narrow down to the top 700? YOU! 

VOTE HERE

 

I Need Your Help

The top 700 that will be scrutinized further are based on votes. The businesses with the most votes are the ones that will get into the next round! 

That’s where you come in. In order help my art business expand and potentially have a space within my community, I need you to vote for me here. 

Vote For Me Here

You Can Also Help By…

Sharing with your friends! You can vote once a day and I would be so appreciative if you could share this with your friends to get some of them to vote too. 

Rules & Deadline & Voting Process

The deadline for voting for this grant is April 4th, 2018. You can vote once a day, but no more than that. You can, however, share it with your friends and family and on social media, etc. as much as you like. 

You can’t buy votes or incentivize anyone to vote, but you can share it as much as you’d like. 

Voting is easy! The link will bring you to my application page and there is a button that says “Vote for this business.” Click that and they’ll ask you to verify your identity (just to make sure you’re not voting a bunch of times) by providing your name and email. Then hit Vote, and that’s it! It takes about 10 seconds total! 

Vote For Me Here!

 

Deadline for the $25,000 grant voting is April 4th! And the deadline for the $1000 grant is April 1st!

That Other $1000

You might be doing the math and wondering why the title says $26,000, and the grant mentioned above is for $25,000. Well, I’m also a finalist for a different, completely unrelated, $1000 grant for my art business! 

Voting for this grant only goes until April 1st. The top three finalists with the most votes each win a $1000 grant for their business from entrepreneur Sam Priestley. As I’m writing this, I’m currently in fourth place, by just a tiny bit! (Thank you so much to everyone who has already voted!!) 

Vote here for the $1000 grant. 

For this grant you can only vote once from each IP address, meaning if two of you are using the same internet source, only one of you can vote, unfortunately. But if you do it on your phone, taken off the WiFi, you might be able to vote like that, because it’ll show a different IP address. 

 

THANK YOU

I couldn’t (and wouldn’t want to) run this business without the support from all of you. I appreciate every time you like one of my posts, leave a comment, email me, and make a purchase. The number of you who have come out and shared and voted for me already for the $1000 grant has been incredible. I’m humbled by all of your support! 

 

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Now Back Open To Commissions!

 

Happy October, everyone! As many of you know, I was closed to commissions for the last couple months in order to focus on all the events I was planning and some artwork of my own. I’m happy to announce that as of today, I am back OPEN to commissions! 

How Commissions Work

You may be thinking, that’s great, but how do I go about getting one? 

If you’re interested in having a commissioned drawing made for you, all you have to do is send me an email at corrinathurston@gmail.com, and include the photo you’re hoping to have drawn. If you include the photo I can give you a definite yes or no as to whether I CAN draw it for you, and give you a more precise price quote because I’ll be able to know how difficult it can be. 

If you know you want the commission in graphite (black and white), or if you want it in colored pencil, say that in your email too. If you have a specific size in mind, let me know. If you’re not sure about sizing, I can give you price quotes for multiple sizes to choose from. 

The Difference Between Graphite & Colored Pencil

The biggest difference between graphite and colored pencil is that graphite is in black and white and colored pencil is in color. 

Jada, in colored pencil. 

Graphite is somewhat cheaper than colored pencil because it takes less time and less materials to complete each drawing. 

Many times, with graphite the background is left blank to bring attention to the subject in the drawing, whereas with colored pencil there’s usually at least a color for the background. 

“Max” in graphite. 

Graphite takes less time and can be finished for you a little more quickly. 

Both graphite and colored pencil can be shiny, but it’s more noticeable with certain graphite drawings that have dark areas that might have a sheen to them. 

Both are varnished the same, signed, and you choose if you want to pay a little extra to have me mat and frame the piece for you or not. 

Both are drawn on white mixed media board. 

 

Types Of Drawings I’ve Done For Commissions

When I say commissions, I’m definitely open to more than just pet portraits. Here’s a look at some of the commissions I’ve done in the past, ranging from small ones in graphite for $150, to ones that are quite large in colored pencil for $15o0. 

Below you can see a variety of commissions I’ve done in the past, from dogs and cats, to guinea pigs, birds, people, babies, children, all the way to ultrasounds, trucks, and drawings on wood!

Above are a few commissions I’ve done in the past, including a truck, a guinea pig, a wild tufted titmouse bird, and an ultrasound! 
Tyler, in graphite.

 

 

 

 

Sarah & Ian, in graphite

 

 

 

 

Jellyfish, in colored pencil, shown here matted and framed. 

 

 

This was a special commission done on a wooden coat rack, in colored pencil. (Yes, I can do your commission on wood!)
This is my biggest commission to date, at 24×32 inches big, of three children in 3 different scenes. 

If you have a photo you’re interested in having drawn, but you’re not sure if it’s something I’ll draw, send it to me to find out! Send your photos here: corrinathurston@gmail.com

 

What Makes Me Say No To A Commission

Sometimes I have to say no to a commission simply because the photo is not of good enough quality. I can only draw what I can see, so if a photo is blurry or the subject in the photo is far away and tiny, then I can’t accept those commissions. I need good quality, clear, well-lit, and up-close photos from which to work for best results. 

I can’t work from blurry photos, they have to be crisp and clear for me to see what I’m drawing!

You also need to have an original photo for copyright issues. If you want me to draw an image from a magazine that you like, I can’t do that. That photo is copyrighted by the photographer or the magazine, and I don’t have permission to draw it and make money from that image. However, if you bring me one of your own photos or a photo from a free reference photo site, that’s something I can work from without a legal issue. 

I also say no to a commission if I think your expectations are beyond what I’m capable of doing, if you’re not willing to pay the cost of the drawing, if you don’t sign the contract, if you’re at all mean/degrading/belittling/etc., or if you’re not considerate of my time and effort. 

 

What’s In My Client Contract

 

There are three main things I ask for in my client contract for commissions. 

1.) You can’t put me on a deadline. I know you may want your commission done in time for the holidays, and I’ll do my best to get it to you in time, but I don’t guarantee it to be done by any deadline. This is because I may have other commissions already lined up ahead of yours, or I may need to take time off from drawing to give workshops, speeches, write my books, plan events, etc., or simply because I have a chronic illness and I’m never sure what to expect from my health from one day to another. This means one week I could draw for a few hours most days, or I may need to go weeks or even months without drawing. It’s something I can’t control, so I put it in the contract to make sure my client is aware of this and doesn’t have expectations that I can’t meet. I’ll still get it done as quickly as I can, but that may mean in a couple weeks, or in a few months. 

2.) I don’t start a commission until I have half of the payment in my hand. This down-payment is nonrefundable and is used to buy the materials I’ll need to do the drawing, and cover a little bit of my time. The second half of the payment is due when the piece is finished, before sending it to you (although you’ll certainly see photos of the drawing as it progresses and then of the finished product before you’re expected to pay). 

3.) I try to keep my commission prices low, despite the amount of time and energy that goes into them. In order to do this I ask each of my clients to let me keep a high-resolution scan of their final drawing to use in my portfolio, but also to use in the creation of products (if the piece would make sense as a product), like mousepads, notecards, keychains, necklaces, and more. Not all commissions are going to be used this way, especially those of people, but some will be used and those products sold, so I put it in my contract to make sure I have your permission to do this. 

 

What Should You Do Now? 

Send me a photo! If you’re interested in having me make a custom drawing for you, send me your photo and I’ll give you the info you need to decide if it’s right for you, including if the photo is of good enough quality, sizing options, price ranges for different sizes, and the contract. 

Also, if you have questions, feel free to contact me! Again, my email for commissions is: corrinathurston@gmail.com

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Opening Reception – THIS FRIDAY, 5-7pm!

 

Hi everyone!

I hope your September is going well. Mine has been VERY busy! First there was setting up my large display at New Moon Cafe, then my Live Demo Drawing at the 25th Annual South End Art Hop, then the poster signing at the Tunbridge Fair (not to mention all the crazy other business stuff in between these events), and now I’m getting ready for my Opening Reception for my display at New Moon Cafe!!

 

Opening Reception is THIS FRIDAY!

 

I have over 30 pieces of artwork on display at the New Moon Cafe in Burlington, VT (150 Cherry Street) in my exhibit, Animals – In Colored Pencil.

If you’ve ever wanted to see my original artwork in person, now’s your chance! Come see some of my most popular drawings, including my award-winning African Elephant drawing, and some that have never before been displayed in public!

And don’t forget to come see me at the Opening Reception on Friday, September 22nd, 5-7pm! Come say hi, check out the artwork, and grab something to eat or drink from the Cafe! The weather is supposed to be gorgeous!