Mid Year RESET + cozy gouache animals sketchbook session

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

My reason for doing the art that I don't consider "my art" is, well, I will get sick and tired of only pumping out my giant sized weird surreal art. Doing art that I "don't love" is meditative and relaxing. And it's cute. Sometimes I create entire pages of...........just swatches. Cuz I love colors and just seeing my paints look pretty on a piece of paper. Even tho I know dam well what they look like already. By the way. I'm 45 and still haven't figured out my life. Don't worry if you always feel like you are changing your mind about what you want your life to look like. That's normal. We never stop growing and evolving and discovering new things and changing our opinions. It's what makes life fun and amazing!

[@allisonaletha]

So, so true! Sometimes you just don't feel like making the art you're most passionate about, and that's ABSOLUTELY okay. And yessss, swatching is so therapeutic! And it's such a great way to refamiliarize yourself with your colors! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. 💛

[@LindaDeeTee]

IMHO, the phrase "follow your bliss" (or all the similar platitudes) have done us a disservice. If you only paint/do what you love, you will never stretch and learn. You'll never have the chance to find a new thing that you love, or know for sure you really, really don't love something. You're also pigeonholed so that you're only ever seen as "that person that paints xyz." And, as someone on the downward slope towards 50, if you're lucky, you'll never truly know yourself. There will always be depths to plumb and new things to learn about yourself. You can reinvent yourself as often as you like!

[@allisonaletha]

I 100% agree! Life isn't about being comfortable all the time. Only in challenge and discomfort do we truly GROW. I love what you said about never truly knowing yourself! How boring would it be if we never allowed ourselves to try something new and discover new things we like and dislike? Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts with me!!

[@kirstenkateline]

Great chat and beautiful paintings! I completely understand the mixed feelings when the pieces you adored making seem to have less response than the ones you felt less connected with. Honestly, I enjoy all of your pieces: the story-based illustrations create a wonderful world to get lost in and characters to connect to while the wooden animals are so nice to admire as unique combinations of brushwork and colours. I think it's a wonderful idea to revisit your goals in order to remember what you yourself love doing the most. And I love the idea of receiving your newsletters! I'm all for a close-knit community. That is actually why I started posting on KZbin and Instagram too, since I don't have any art friends IRL apart from my mom, who paints. Unfortunately, I have also found out that there is a difference between a community and an audience. I wasn't able to put my finger on the problem until you mentioned it in your video. Thank you for finally naming what I've been struggling with.😅 I hope the second half of your year turns out exactly the way you want it and I'm excited to see what beautiful art and interesting chats you have in store.💛

[@allisonaletha]

Ahh thank you so much for the sweet compliment and for sharing your thoughts with me! It can definitely be hard to find local art friends sometimes, but it's absolutely AMAZING to be able to connect with artists all around the world through the internet. 💛

[@lidiakrajewskaart]

I identify so much with what you’ve said about struggling with doing stuff that doesn’t seem to bring results quickly. Moreover I absolutely love starting and finishing projects but all of the in between is… tough. Because I’m passionate about so many things and have so many ideas that sticking to one for a long time is a real challenge 😂 Also, I’ve wanted to congratulate you that you reflect on your experiences and share your conclusions with others. You’re a courageous person for changing things when they don’t serve you anymore and creating your own path 😊

[@allisonaletha]

Thank you so, so much!! That "in between" part of projects can be such a struggle. 😅

[@SarahBronskeArt]

I LOVE the knitting dragon! Animals doing non animal things, a fictional critter, and as I am a knitter, it is gold! :D

[@allisonaletha]

Ahhh thank you so much!! 🥰

[@littlejmad3]

I may have squealed like a little girl when I saw you used one of my comments in your video! I had to grab my husband and drag him to the tv to show him my one second of fame. 😂 But in all seriousness? I mean every word I write on here or IG. You’ve surpassed my love for all other artists and I the joy I feel watching your videos is unmeasured. The moment I make my first million, I’ll be funding everything you want, because the world needs more of your art in it! 💛

[@allisonaletha]

Ahhh that makes me so happy!! Your comments and messages ALWAYS make my day. Thank you so much for all the encouragement you give me; it means more to me than you will ever know. 💛

[@shelleynoyd3494]

Your comments and messages have made my girl's day!! I enjoy hearing about all of the sweet and kind things you say to her about her art!! 💕

[@littlejmad3]

@@shelleynoyd3494 whoa whoa whoa. Hold on. “Your girl?!” Does this mean you’re the one responsible for birthing this wonderful human being we all get to enjoy here on KZbin?! Because sounds like she loves her family a whole lot! Like, can I be an honorary member of the family?! 💛

[@shelleynoyd3494]

Yup!!! I definitely birthed her!!! 😁 You can absolutely be an honorary member of our family!!! 😊

[@fuzzydragons]

nice style, works great for animals but might work great with other topics. and yes, communities can be small, actually sometimes better if small (more personable), but its always a great feeling when you find people that like your art and like you😀. its why I post videos, I like talking to people, i like helping people, i dont post them to make money (thats for other projects). and i love your dragon , just so cute! 🥰😍

[@allisonaletha]

Ahh thank you!! I love what you said about HELPING people; so beautiful. 💛

[@Mobirin]

I am turning 32 this yr and trust me when I say until now I still feel lost. I am already working as a nurse since 2012..and now after yrs of working , I want to pursue my 1st love which is art , drawing and painting. Took me a thyroid cancer diagnosis last 2020 to realize that. Be more gentle with yourself, live one day at a time. You are still very young, enjoy the journey.

[@allisonaletha]

That's so, SO exciting that you're pursuing your art journey!! It's amazing how sometimes it takes hearing life-changing news to pull us out of our comfort zone and try something NEW. Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@Mobirin]

@@allisonaletha yes. Thank you very much.

[@shelleynoyd3494]

Thank you for your kind advice to my girl!!! I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Praying you find joy everyday in your art and life!!

[@Mobirin]

@@shelleynoyd3494 thank you very much too. 🌻🫰🏻

[@Asrinarts]

I face the same thing too ,Always our most adored paintings didn't get any recognition on social media and our least effort painting goes really well ,thats why i always confused to what to paint next .Your videos always give a comfort zone to me and i love your story telling and illustrations. Keep growing and keep inspiring 😍

[@allisonaletha]

It can definitely be a struggle when we've worked SO HARD on a piece that doesn't get much recognition. But I always have to remind myself that likes/comments/follows are not a metric for the quality of our work. I'm so glad you enjoyed my video!! Thank you for watching 💛

[@JeanetteSalibArtist]

omg i am love with that little dragon! it is so cute!!!!

[@allisonaletha]

Awww thank you so much!! 💛

[@katetheshortone]

A bluish-teal dragon is hands-down the best form of dragon, especially with a knit sweater

[@allisonaletha]

Truly the coziest little dragon! 💛

[@ullahennig]

Just watched this video and fell in love with your dragon! I think you did a beautiful job with it. Some days ago I rediscovered my gouache paints and watching your videos is such an inspiration for me! Thank you so much!

[@allisonaletha]

Ahhh thank you!!

[@shelleynoyd3494]

Great video!! That trait you have about trying to do "all the things" and when it doesn't go well you try something else...you get that from me, in case you didn't know...sorry. 🙄 I'm so, so proud of you...always.

[@allisonaletha]

Aww thank you!! 💛

[@PaintingPuff]

Yay! A new video! I love your art style so much; you’ve inspired me to try painting myself! Keep doing what you’re doing, and take care of yourself 💖

[@allisonaletha]

Ahhh thank you so, so much!! 💛

[@craftyorigins]

Omg I'm experiencing the same exact issues. Trying to run a small business and not seeing results, posting on all platforms and not seeing growth fast enough, finding a balance between all of the various hobbies I like to do and not having much time for any of them, uggghhh it's frustrating. I decided to slow down and work on my art skills and storytelling. It's nice to hear I'm not alone.

[@allisonaletha]

It's DEFINITELY a struggle sometimes! You're most definitely not alone, though. Thank you so much for watching! 💛

[@beancount811]

Mohawk zebra owns my soul!

[@allisonaletha]

Ahhhhh thanks!!! 💛

[@kimber4854]

I love this! The painting and the chat. Marketing is so hard and scary, you definitely put yourself in a vulnerable place and that takes a toll, so try to give yourself some grace ❤ I just placed an order! Just a small one cause I'm moving soon and really trying to put all disposable income towards those upcoming costs, but if you have a shop opening towards the end of the year, maybe I can order more. Your work is so cute and your artistic voice shines through beautifully! Keep up the good work and success (and a livable wage) will find you! One idea I had while you were talking about making an income was that you could list an item on your shop that is just a way to tip that doesn't have an actual product tied to it. A way your shoppers can show some love and donate. It could be as little as $1 and they can add as many as they want to their order. My order ended up being $26 and I absolutely would've done a direct donation of $4 to round it up to $30. The idea of asking people for tips probably gives you a weird feeling, but just think of it as a no-risk way to allow us to show our appreciation for you and your work. I've seen (and used) it on a couple of other artists' shops and thought it was such an awesome idea. Just a thought! Lastly, I hope you enjoy your grocery shopping date tomorrow ❤ Its so beautiful that you have something like that you can share with your mom

[@allisonaletha]

Aww thank you so much, Kimber! And thank you for your order, too! I had so much fun packing it. (I hope you like your mystery goodies!) That's such a great idea to have a Tip Jar listing! I've seen a few other artists do it, but never thought to give it a try myself. 💛 And I had a GREAT time with my mom on our little grocery date! 💛

[@gittyvh4964]

❤ zo mooi en de draak is echt zo schattig 🔝

[@allisonaletha]

Thank you so much!! 💛

[@mirascraftycorner]

Please start shipping outside the US! I need that dragon sticker 😍😍😍😍

[@allisonaletha]

Ahhh I'm so glad you like it! I do offer international shipping now on my website shop; there's a link in the video description if you'd like to check it out! 💛

[@mirascraftycorner]

@@allisonaletha thanks! I hadn’t watched the last video yet since we were on vacation! I just watched it and was so happy you mentioned your new website!!! Just placed my order ❤️❤️❤️

[@adrianacamargo23]

[@allisonaletha]

💛💛💛