July 12, 2007

HOT, HOT, HOT!
It's summertime in Las Vegas, and it's hot, real hot. Last year this time I was getting ready to leave Fiji to return to Vegas and I had only a simple plan, to paint. Well, it seemed simple at the time, and after obtaining a studio and the legalities that go with it, I realized I wasn't just going to paint, I was going to be starting my own business. I was soon to discover that half my time, and to get things up and running, over half my time would be devoted to marketing myself. Having come from a design background, this is not a completely foreign notion to me. Lately, I have begun to settle into the idea of selling myself.

And here begins another way of letting potential customers know about my activities, my first semi-annual newsletter! I hope you will continue to check back to my website periodically to see any updates. As I complete new works I will publish them there. Also, be sure to check out the media section for links to articles and blogs related to my professional and personal pursuits. It's nearing the end of canyoneering season and I've been very active out at Zion National Park. I'll be posting narratives of these adventures and I've got a dozen or so new ideas for paintings that I am currently developing. My wordpress blog will be a good place to hear about these adventures and their relation to my work. (www.bkelso.wordpress.com)

Giclee Prints Now Available
My latest news is that I've had a selection of works from the past year made into giclee prints. This will give people a more affordable option if they would like to own one of my images or buy it as a gift for a friend or loved one. The prints are professionally output and are of heirloom quality. When framed and cared for properly, they will last several lifetimes. The prints are currently available on paper, but prints on canvas can also be produced by request. Please contact me directly via email (sales@bkelso.com) if you are interested in this option.

Exhibitions and Competitions
I have a long "to do" list growing of all the opportunities for exhibitions. I am currently focusing on local exhibition opportunities, but soon I will be branching out to other markets here in the west. It is an exciting time for me, as I discover what life is like as a full-time artist. It takes a lot of self-discipline and perseverance, but I feel up to the challenge thus far.

ArtExpo is Coming to Las Vegas
This fall Las Vegas is hosting the famous art show "ArtExpo." This is an exciting first time event for Las Vegas, and I plan to attend as a spectator, (this year, anyway). Well-known artists from all over the world will be in attendance and I'm sure it will be an eye-opening event for me! For more info, check out www.artexpos.com.

Until next time, farewell!

Bonnie Kelso
www.bkelso.com