The Art of Kelly Smith

Online Art Marketing Ebook

2008-02-07T10:36:00.000-05:00

I would like to pass along this wonderful opportunity to everyone! A friend of mine is offering a ebook on how to market your art online and make more sales! Check it out! http://www.onlineartmarketing.com/index.html

"Artist" Rated as one of the 10 Sexiest Jobs

2008-02-06T12:56:00.000-05:00

I read an article this morning stating that being an Artist is one of the 10 sexiest jobs and it got me thinking. It goes on to say that being an artist is sexy because artists are doing what they love and that they're not necessarily in it for the money. For how many of us is this true?

I've always been an artist and I always will be. True, I don't make much money from my art at this point and I do have other jobs that pay my bills. I do art because I love it and because I grow unhappy if I don't create. I feel like a part of me is missing when I go too long without a paintbrush in my hand. I feel that way right now actually as my muse seems to have been on sabbatical lately. I am eagerly awaiting the return of my creativity and motivation and I hope they come quickly!

When I do create, am I truly creating what I love? I want to because things begin to feel forced to me when I attempt to create someone else's vision. I am happiest when I am creating whatever strikes my fancy at the moment. I do admit that I believe that I must cater to the public's whims somewhat. I know that the "standard fantasy staples" such as unicorns, merfolk, dragons, etc. are popular and I am working on getting some art incorporating these staples in my portfolio. But, I want them to have my unique twist to them as well. I want them still to be recognizable as mine.

How about you? Do you create what you love or do you create what you think will be popular and will sell well? Where is the happy medium? I mean, we are artists because we love it-right? But we still want to make money at it too. I know I do! One day I hope to make art my fulltime job. Some artists are lucky-they do realize their dream of creating whatever they want, the public loves what they do and buys their work. They are making money and living happily doing what they love.

How difficult is it to get to this point? What does it take? How many of us will make it?I guess it take a lot of hard work, determination and faith in one's self. That last one is the kicker-faith in one's self. Belief that we can achieve this goal if we really want it bad enough. And, oh yes, really thick skin. ;)

Until next time you sexy artists you!
Kelly Smith

My Etsy Store

2008-02-05T12:33:00.000-05:00

I now have an Etsy Store-MoonGlowHavenArt! Check out my current products below!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MoonGlowHavenArt

New Art-4 Seasonal Fae

2006-07-11T12:10:00.000-04:00

I have just completed a series of 4 Seasonal Fae for the upcoming book "Fairies Through the Seasons" by Christina Davis, which is due out later this fall. These will be available both separately and as sets at my website very soon! Be sure to check back!

New Art-Lucky Charms

2006-02-28T16:24:00.000-05:00

This will be available for sale soon on my website!

Bon Jovi "Have a Nice Day" Concert Review

2006-02-18T19:13:00.000-05:00

Bon Jovi "Have a Nice Day" Concert Review

February 8, 2006, 7:30 PM. Bilo Center Greenville, SC .Bon Jovi live!

Flashback to 1987I first saw Bon Jovi back then, when I was just 17. It was the first concert I had ever attended; also the first time I ever caught a whiff of pot. ;) Not goodI slept most of the day away in school the next day! It was Bon Jovi and Cinderella and it was a general admission concert. This meant me and my friends stood in line for hours to buy tickets before we got to see the concert. Then we had to fight the mad rush to get in and get a good spot. We got 3rd row standing but moved after 12 girls ( that we saw) passed out from being crushed by the crowd before the first song was over.

The show was amazing and unreal to me back then. I was actually in the same vicinity as these rock gods who adorned the walls of my bedroom back home! I was too poor to have money for even a T-shirt to bring home but I did save my ticket stub. To this day, I still have that ticket stub and it is among my most prized possessions. J

Flash forward to 2006. It is with wariness that I attend a concert of one of my previous rock idols who I saw in my younger days .I am always afraid that they somehow won't live up to what I may have built them up to be in my memories. Plus, I admit to wondering how Richie Sambora would be holding up, considering he and Heather Locklear had just split up. I need not have worried!

I attended the concert with my boyfriend Thomas and two friends from high school, one of whom I attended my first Bon Jovi concert with!
We took our seats and fidgeted through some unknown opening band. Then the stage was rearranged and the lights went down to come back up moments later. The anticipation in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. All eyes were on the stage as the spotlights shown down. The entire band was there but no Jon! Screams began and I looked for the source of the excitement. A spotlight came on and shone down into the audience onto Jon who began the opening song from the sound stage down on the ground floor! The opening song was from the brand new album "Have a Nice Day"; it was called "Last Man Standing". This song sums up the feeling and mood of the concert perfectly.

"Last Man Standing"

Come see a living, breathing spectacle
Only seen right here
It's your last chance in this lifetime
The line forms at the rear
You won't believe your eyes
Your eyes will not believe your ears
Get your money out, get ready
Step right up, yeah you, come here

You ain't seen nothing like him
He's the last one of the breed
You better hold on to your honey
Honeys, don't forget to breathe
Enter at your own risk, mister
It might change the way you think
There's no dancers, there's no diamonds
No this boy he don't lip synch

[Chorus]
Here's the last man standing
Step right up, he's the real thing
The last chance of a lifetime
Come and see, hear, feel, the real thing

See those real live calloused fingers
Wrapped around those guitar strings
Kiss the lips we heard his linger
It breaks the heart to hear him sing
The songs were more than music They were pictures from the soul
So keep your pseudo-punk, hip-hop, pop-rock junk
And your digital downloads

[Chorus]

Take your seats now, folks. It's show time.
Hey, Patrick hit the lights
There's something in the air
There's magic in the night
Now here's the band, they really play
I'll count the first one in
I don't know where it's going
We all know where it's been

[Chorus x2]

After this opening song, Jon moved onto the main stage with the rest of the band and the show continued to rock on! The audience was taken on a trip down memory lane while we relived songs from the past. Songs from as far back as the album titled simply Bon Jovi all the way up to Have a Nice Day were played.

The set list was as follows:

LAST MAN STANDING
YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME
COMPLICATED
BORN TO BE MY BABY
STORY OF MY LIFE
I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD
RUNAWAY
THE RADIO SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT
NOVOCAINE
I WON'T BACK DOWN (tom petty cover as intro to...)
HAVE A NICE DAY
WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME
IT'S MY LIFE
I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU (acoustic)
BLAZE OF GLORY (acoustic)
BED OF ROSES (acoustic)
BAD MEDICINE
RAISE YOUR HANDS
LIVIN' ON A PRAYER

encores:
IN THESE ARMS
EVERYDAY
CAPTAIN CRASH & THE BEAUTY QUEEN FROM MARS
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

For a couple of songs, the lights went down and came back up to find Jon somewhere in the audience singing. The fans went crazy but Jon handled it all so well. He smiled and grasped hands with so many fans before being assisted back to stage by security. As he sang Bed of Roses, ladies were being pulled off him the whole time. One spunky little old lady even smacked his butt! I will admit that when he appeared in the audience semi-close to the section I was in; I was standing in my seat even while wearing boots with a heel. It's a wonder I didn't break my leg. Do you have any idea how hard it is to jump up and down in a concert seat that wanted to fold up on you?!

Living on a Prayer was played and the band left the stage. Excitement mounted and a few clueless fans actually left. The rest of us began to stomp our feet, cheer and wave lighters. In a few moments, the band reappeared (with Jon wearing a Panthers jersey) and performed 4 more songs, to the delight and relief of the audience. The show closed with Bon Jovi's anthem Wanted Dead or Alive. For those few magical hours, time traveled back and I could remember the band(and myself) as we were in the 80s-long, wild hair and tight leather pants ...yes, their hair is now shorter and their clothes not as wild but they can still pack the house and rock out!

***Note: My pictures taken at the show did not come out. These pictures are used with permission of my friend artist Donna Antonucci who took them at a previous concert in NY. Thank you Donna! :)

November Newsletter for Moon Glow Haven

2005-12-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

Here is the November issue of my newsletter. In it you will find recipes, 2 new ACEOs and lots of other interesting info. Check it out!

Fantasy Artist Emerging(FAE) Forum

2005-10-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

A brand new forum has been created! I, along with 2 of my fellow artist friends, have created an exciting new forum especially for up and coming emerging artists!It is a place where everyone is welcome so be sure to check us out and tell all of your friends!

Welcome to FAE-Fantasy Artists Emerging! Recently we have been sensing the need for emerging artists to have a place to call their own- a place where everyone is welcome, no matter what their skill level or where in their careers they may be.

The FAE Forum features a wealth of information already and new material is being added all the time! You will find tips to help you create, refine, promote and sell your work. There are galleries to show off your work and sections to get critiques. FAE also features it's own Art Show and a special Artist Spotlight showcase each month.

We have created FAE as a haven where artists can come together as friends to support and encourage each other.By sharing combined knowledge and wisdom, we hope to all improve and grow as artists. Like a butterfly emerging from it's cocoon, we can learn to spread our wings and achieve the miracle of our full potential.

You can join us at the FAE forum and at our
Live Journal Community Faesouls . We look forward to having you join us!

Happy Halloween!

2005-10-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're having a splendid Halloween weekend! I thought I'd share my October edition newsletter with you. It has a little something for everyone!Click on the "Happy Halloween" link above for lots of Tricks and Treats!

Sad News

2005-10-15T00:44:00.000-04:00

Sad news..... It is with the saddest heart that I
must pass on the
following news:

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the
entertainment
community.

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast
infection and trauma
complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was
71.
Doughboy
was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of
celebrities turned
out to pay their respects, including Mrs.
Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the
California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess
Twinkies, and Captain
Crunch.

The gravesite was piled high with flours. Aunt Jemima
delivered the
eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who
never knew how much
he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show
business, but his later
life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered
a very smart
cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked
schemes.

Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a
crusty old man
and was considered a roll model for millions. Doughboy
is survived by
his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and
Jane Dough, plus they
had one in the oven. He is also survived by his
elderly dad, Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If this made you smile for even a brief second,
please take time to
pass it on and share that smile with someone else that
kneads it.

Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame !

2005-09-15T16:07:00.000-04:00

The Rock Never Stops Concert Review

On August 24, 2005 I and my boyfriend attended the Rock Never Stops concert at the Bilo Center in Greenville, SC. Being a die-hard hair metal band fanatic child of the eighties, it was me who insisted upon attending this concert. In fact, I would have went whether Thomas wanted to go or not, dragging whomever I could along! Anyway, tickets being only $26 bucks a pop for four bands should have tipped me off that something was amiss.
The concert began at 7:00 and , fashionably late as always, we arrive at 7:20 I am carefully dressed in black snake skin pants, a black shirt and boots, sporting glam makeup and glitter; hair teased to the sky. Looking just like I had stepped straight out of the 80s baby! Very excited about this show, we entered the Bilo Center and found our seats-6th row! That’s what I’m talking about!
Firehouse was already playing and we got to hear about 1 ½ songs before they were done. What we heard sounded good and I wasn’t too upset at having missed part of their performance, never having been a huge Firehouse fan. But the high notes the lead singer can hit and hold have always amazed me.
The lights came on for a short intermission while the next band set up. I turned to search the audience for the familiar faces of my youth. There were a few long hairs there with their black band Tshirts and some harsh-looking groupie sluts too. But, disappointingly, most of the audience was made up of slightly middle-aged normal-looking people. Where were the young boys with long hair, eyeliner, torn jeans and attitudes? Where were the fan-girls with snake skin mini skirts and slouch boots who were almost in tears at being in the presence of their idols? Where was this era of lost children from the Glam Rock 80s? Bittersweet memories of my past washed over me as I turned back to face the stage-the next band was starting….
Quiet Riot took the stage. Eh, I could take ‘em or leave ‘em. I like exactly two songs of theirs-”Cum on Feel the Noise” and “Mental Heath”. It was a big shocker when they took the stage though. The lead singer was decked out in a skintight leopard print suit ala Rod Stewart circa 1970s, complete with the mod shag hair style! Whoa! Regardless of this humorous get-up, he managed to kick-ass for an old guy! He obviously ate his Wheaties for breakfast that morning! They did a bang-up job and put on a very engaging performance. Honestly, though, I wanted them to finish so I could see Ratt!
After the set-up guys left the stage, the curtain went up to reveal Ratt!I love Ratt! Upon closer inspection though, I was confused. Where was the ever-charismatic Stephen Pearcy?And who in the hell was this punk in his place? Was this even Ratt? Wait, there was my man Warren Demartini so this must be them. Crushing disappointment set in when I realized that Stephen would not be there. I consoled myself by concentrating on the oh-so-talented Warren instead. He did, after all, grace several spots on my bedroom wall whilst growing up! I tried to make the best of the situation because they were rocking hard on several songs, such as “Round and Round” and “Way Cool Jr.” Hey, the lead singer sounded almost like Stephen on these songs…..yeah, because he was lip-synching! That’s right! He did sing some songs on his own but he was definitely lip-synching on some of the more popular older songs. What a rip-off. I found out later that the lead singer was John Corabi. I didn’t go see Mötley Crüe back in the day because I found out he was Vince’s replacement! As if anyone could take Vince’s place!
Finally, Ratt finished their performance and left the stage. I felt sad and cheated and let-down. Would Cinderella be able to repair the damage left by Ratt? Back when I was a screaming 17-year-old fan girl; Bon Jovi and Cinderella played the first concert I ever attended. So, I had high hopes and expectations for Cinderella. Would they erase these dismaying feelings of disappointment I was experiencing? Could they transport me back to that long-lost girl of 17 who still believed all her dreams would come true?
At last, the band I have been waiting not-so-patiently for all night….Cinderella! With an impressive display of pyrotechnics, Cinderella took the stage! I could feel the heat from where I stood! Looking none the worse for the wear, the band lineup was made up of all of the original members! I literally would have cried if Tom Keifer wouldn’t have been there! Their hair, while still long, was not quite as big and their flamboyant glam was toned down a bit. They still had the cool rock star persona about them and they still rocked the house!
Exhilaration swept over me and goose bumps tingled along my arms and legs. Cinderella swept into their hits, one after another. Tom Keifer is most certainly a master of many instruments; there is definitely more to him than just that wonderfully gritty, soulful voice. He played several guitars, harmonica, keyboards and a grand piano, switching effortlessly between them all throughout the show. The performance of Cinderella alone more than made up for the disappointment of Ratt.
“Heartbreak Station” was performed while tiny bubbles floated over the audience, lending a magical air to the song. “Shake Me”, Gypsy Road”, Somebody Save Me”…..all the old favorites were performed and they were truly as awe-inspiring as I had remembered them to be. Standing amidst the rest of the head banging, screaming fans, I was transported back in time. Once again, I was that fan girl of 17, screaming and singing with both hands raised in the devil horns/I love you symbol, head banging while the music took me back to that long gone time of my youth. Who cares that I have to go to work the next day? Or that I will have lost my voice and damaged my already bad hearing even more? At that moment in time I was living for the music and I was happy.

Dragon Con 2005 Overview with Pictures!

2005-09-12T19:40:00.000-04:00

Dragon Con 2005-wow! My 3rd and best DC ever! Me and Thomas left SC Thursday (Sept.1)around lunchish. I had packed my Jeep as full as I could get it because we were gonna be gone almost a week-who knows what all I would need?! Picked up the rental car and proceeded to unpack the Jeep into the Taurus. Thank goodness it all fit, I was worried!

Arrived in Atlanta at the Marriott around 3:15 and called Ellen Million from the hotel lobby. Went to our room and unpacked somewhat and then discovered that Ellen's room was on the same hall as ours, just across the way. We couldn't have planned it better if we had tried. Packed the boxes of Atlantis books over to her room. Got to meet her and her friend Jennie. They were both super-nice and very down-to-earth and fun to be around. Then, we went to get our passes, as we were already pre-registered.We put out some promo materials on various tables in both hotels.Got settled in and went out to dinner together later that night. We all decided on Trader Vic's and it was fantastic food and very enjoyable company. The meat was smoked in wood-stoves-Yummy!

Friday-Sunday: we attended various panels every day. So, it was like we were in class every day anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. We attended panels on anything that could help artwise. We went to a panel on Taxes for artists, how to license your work to T-shirt companies, how to find your niche as an artist, how to run a retail store, and too many more to name. Very interesting and informative. We took notes and learned lots! We were extremely busy and hardly had time to eat in between classes.

When we had time, we went to the Dealer's hall and checked in with Ellen and Jennie. They were pretty busy but took turns attending some of the panels too. They had a nice set-up right on the other side of Ruth Thompson.

Saturday evening, Tina Myers and her mother came to DC. They were both super-nice and very friendly! We met them and hung out for awhile and checked out the Art Show. We went to the Dealer's room and Tina was brave enough to introduce us both to Ruth Thompson! I was too chicken to go by myself! Thanks Tina! Tina told Ruth that we were artists too and fans of hers.Anyway, she ended up exchanging prints with us both! What an honor! She took the time to chat with us and she was so totally sweet and nice, no wonder she was surrounded by fans the whole time! That night, myself, Thomas, Ellen, Jennie, Tina and her mom all went to Durangos Steak House to eat. We all had a great time and got a chance to talk and get to know one another some. Then, Tina and her mom had to drive home.

Sunday, I talked with Ruth some more while Thomas talked to her husband Todd who was a great guy. Got some pictures! I also got to meet L.A. Williams, who had a booth next to Ruth. He was very sweet and charming and told me that I was beautiful and of course he didn't mind at all to take a picture with me! I bought a print of his King Arthur and he signed it for me!

Ann-Juliette,Nene's sister-I also got to meet her. Thomas and I ran into her at the hotel cafe and she invited us to sit down at her table and chat. She was very encouraging to me . She told us how much she had grown and changed as an artist and, that if she could do it, so could I! She was a lovely lady and very nice. She talked with us for a few minutes before going back to the Dealer's table. Later on, we went to her table and bought the 2006 Nene calendar and a bookmark. Ann-Juliette was kind enough to pose for a couple of pictures with me too!

The Art Show was wonderful, as usual. So many talented artists were showing their work. Lots of the art was very inspiring to me as it always is. I was so envoius of the gorgeous stuff on display. On the other hand though, I looked at lots of art and thought, "I could do better than that". So, there's hope after all!

I got to meet several online friends from the Yahoo SciFi group too. Luna/Kim, Christy , Donna, Bryan, Michelle, Kerry and more that I'm forgetting I'm sure! There was supposed to be a get-together at Champions but I missed it again due to last-minute rescheduling that I was unaware of til the last minute. Then, I didn't know what the new time was so I didn't go. But, it was fun to put faces with some of the names I knew from the group. Everyone I met was very nice!

Costumes-they were grand and unusual and some pretty mainstream. Some pretty un-costumes, in my opinion. There were some very creative, unique costumes,but there were alot of just plain sluts running around too who looked like they were just trying to see how naked they could be without getting locked up. I felt bad for the people who had brought their children since it is supposed to be an all-age event. There was an underlying sleazy atmosphere to several events this year more than ever.

One thing I wanted to do but never found time for, I so much wanted to get a henna design on my hand/arm. There was a lady there sitting on some carpets with pillows that was doing lovely work but I just didn't get around to it til the last minute and then, what was the point?

All in all, we had a fabulous time! We were exhausted and ready to go home, but at the same time, depressed and sad that it was over. We got lots of promo postcars and biz cards handed out and put out on tables so hopefully I'll get some business from that or at least get my name out there. Next year, I would like to have a table myself and art in the Art Show. So, I have lots of work to do! If you are still reading this, you must be really bored!

Enchanted Artists; Visions of Atlantis

2005-09-01T18:06:00.000-04:00

This wonderful book is a stunning collection of art and poetry from over fifty well-known and emerging artists, including myself, with an introduction to the Enchanted Artists by Jessica Galbreth and a history of Atlantis by Beth Hansen.

Published by Ellen Million Graphics, this soft-covered book is 8-3/8 x 10-7/8 inches with 86 beautifully colored pages of rich Atlantis themed fantasy art work. The artists in this book have definitely went out of their way to bring together some of their best work for our pleasure.

September the 1st was the official release date of the book "Enchanted Artists; Visions of Atlantis". My first 10 customers to purchase this book from me will receive a special free gift, including an 8.5 x 10 print of my art featured in this book! Click here for details! http://www.moonglowhaven.com/Merchandise/books.htm

Opening of Moon Glow Haven - The Art of Kelly Smith

2005-08-15T21:39:00.000-04:00

Hi and welcome to the first post to Moon Glow Haven's - The Art of Kelly Smith Blogger! Thanks to all my friends who have joined; I promise to make these postings as interesting and informative as possible! I, also, plan to send out a Monthly Newsletter and occasionally maybe New Art or Ebay Auctions in between if need be.

This has been a very productive month so far too. Moon Glow Haven's grand opening was announced at the beginning of the month, thanks to the many hours of hard work and very little sleep on the end of my boyfriend Thomas, who designed my lovely site! This new site marks the beginning of a new stage in my life. Although I have always been an artist, I have just recently begun to seriously contemplate attempting to make a career of it. We have big plans for my budding artistic career and for the site so stay tuned!