News

Do you love learning? Colorado-based artist Crystal Despain sure does, in fact she's all about continued education, getting uncomfortable to reach new heights in her profession, practice and technique. Hear what she's learned, what she recommends to all creative people and hear about her biggest supporters. It's a beautiful peek into a beautiful artist. Enjoy!

Connect with Crystal: 

website

instagram

Where or how do I apply to art shows?!  How do you know where to start? Should you start online or locally? But who do you ask and how do you get on their list? Here are 5 places you can apply locally, online etc.

Join my email list for more artist tips, and keep an eye out for enrollment to the CANDY COLORED CLUB: our artist biz membership.

How do you know when to start your own business? Or hire an employee? How can other businesses not in your profession help you fix pain points in your own business?

Meet my hubby and bestie, Carl Berg, owner of Berg Landscape Architects in Midway, Utah, who has helped me so much in my business as he owns his own and we love to talk all things shop, strategy and encourage one another. Hear about how solving his business pain points helped me to create a menu of sorts for my business.

Connect with Carl and Darci at Berg Landscape Architects:

website

instagram

==> connect with katrina <==

katrinaberg.com

join the sweet email list (psst...perks only available to email subscribers):

• subscriber-only painting releases
• secret sales and discounts
• invitations to special events
• behind-the-scenes peeks and previews
• and so much more

reflections on 9-11 and my desire to teach my children to love our neighbors, enjoy and celebrate diversity, to love all and ultimately, making room for everyone. even in the small rural town of midway, utah, we have our challenges...seeing eachother with open eyes and hearts. can we learn from our mistakes and make our hometowns -- wherever they may be...a better place for all? can we use these experiences to become our best selves? sending love to all!

the painting is called "splendor in the grass" named after the song sung by pink martini (who are my favorite singers sharing world culture and diversity through song). the painting is 30x36" oil on wood and a view from down our street...up top of memorial hill (where you can see a bird's eye view of our sweet valley). the circles in the fields are a tradition but won't be there much longer, i'll be painting to record this place and memory of the shapes in the fields.

music at the end by the band war: "why can't we be friends?!"

What's it really like having Twins? I'll be sharing 10 of the things that surprised us most about having twins...what it's really like trying to sleep with 2 babies, the crazy things we did to survive those first few years, the ups and the downs and the sweetness that only having more than one baby can bring. 

I know, I know, you’ve always dreamed of having twins...or know someone else who has. My aunt has boy girl twins and 2 of my cousins both have twin girls. Still with that genetic factor in the mix, I had no idea we were the next ones down the pike. I knew it wasn’t a picnic but there have still been some things that have surprised us. From the complete lack of sleep, going out in public, quarantining our family that first Summer, jumping into Homeschooling, nursing 2 babies, potty training, swim lessons, riding bikes, kindergarten, #twinversations, & the unique relationships that come with being a twin.

meet annie preece: artist, mother, creative in the kitchen, studio, throughout the home and inside the garden. teacher of 4 small children. lover of finding joy in the simplicity and small moments. listen as annie shares how she makes conscious choices each day to pursue her passions, say no to so many things, and be content in her choices and the person she's becoming.

website: anniemorganpreece.com
instagram: @anniemorganpreece

Come join us on Midway Town Square Friday August 30th and Saturday August 31st from 8 am to 8 pm!

You'll find me in the same spot as last year B47 (just North of the pavillion)...I'll be wearing a dirndl and one of my artful skirts...oh & braids...can't forget the swiss braids! 

I'll have candy colored originals huge to tiny, clothing, purses, scarves, tablecloths, cloth napkins and tea towells (brand new!), prints, notecards, and huge hugs for all!

Looking forward to it! Much love to all!

FAQ:

1. Where to park? - Park at one of the lots and take the shuttle into the square.

2. When to come? - To avoid the majority of the crowds, heat, and strollers lol, come late afternoon or early evening.

3. What to expect? - All sorts of local handmade good and crafts. It's the biggest etsy-like fair in Utah. Local music & entertainment all weekend long (Swiss Miss Royalty performances too). Food! Oh the food! Come prepared for the biggest scones ever, swiss bratzeli cookies, sauerkraut & brats, ice cream & pie, all kinds of baked goods, etc. There is a funhouse area for the kids, and on Saturday morning: a 10K run and parade on Main Street.

4. Participate!? - If you're local, our familiy's favorite thing about Swiss Days is volunteering in the food booths (and our teens/tweens also get to help with garbage duty this year...sounds dirty but it's the coveted volunteer job in their mind!). If you and/or your kids are interested, look for the volunteer tent by the Northeast corner of the Townhall and come join in the fun! 

why do artists need a support system?! my husband feels that artists, especially women artists need a support system more than most (if all) professions. Who are your greatest supporters? Why do you need them? How can you be a better supporter to your friends? come join us in the candy colored club (a artist biz membership) where you'll find ways to improve your art biz each month and a community of amazing lady artists to help you along your journey.

episode #4: what i give up to paint

episode #6: my studio assistants

business of art

5 easy tips for artists and creatives to up their game at shows and markets. Frequently asked questions...those i have prepared for myself, and those I hear often...also things I share with my favorite creative friends getting ready.

1. sizes and prices? - bring a variety
2. business card - make sure there is an image of your work
3. take home - send something home with your info on every painting or product
4. signage - clearly and creatively display signs with website/instagram info
5. email list - make it easy for collectors to give you their emails 

Listen below or watch the video above.  Our art biz membership: the candy colored club, enrollment closes soon, sign up here. Enjoy and send your artist questions to k@katrinaberg.com

How to commission an original piece of artwork? It's no longer as hard as you think! What fun it was to share commission stories, ideas and suggestions for your first (or next) commission experience on Studio 5 in Salt Lake City! Thank you Brooke Walker and Stephanie Bryson for helping me "pull back the curtain" on obtaining a custom original painting! (Listen to episode 28 of my candy colored studio podcast to hear what my daughter thought about her backstage experience)

So what is a commission?! Anything specifically created with you in mind? Do all artists do commissions? No, but feel free to ask your favorite artists if they are interested and learn about their process. 

Do I like doing commissions?! YES! Sometimes they get complicated of course, but it's always a valuable learning experience for me to figure out how to serve you better and make your visions become a reality! Some of my favorite painting series (bees, birds, etc.) have come from doing commmissions! 

Email me at k@katrinaberg.com or visit my commission page to start one of your own!