Relax, blow some bubbles - and paint!

This is a painting I made to go in my new reflexology room here in Fife.

I wanted the colours to say calm, the bottles to spell out the message of "relax".

The bubbles were painted to remind the viewer of a time when they knew no worries. How many of us have blown bubbles? I have and had a whale of a time blowing, then chasing them before they popped!

The bubbles include some small paintings showing what I do to relax.
Being at a loch, being by the beach, gardening, reading, painting and of course, reflexology! 
Have I included your favourite way of relaxing?

Relax

For the painters amongst my viewers, the paper is Saunders Waterford, the type is 140lb rough, and the size is a quarter sheet. The paints are Winsor & Newton artist quality.

The Art of Reflexology

I created this painting with just three colours: Opera Rose, Cobalt Blue and New Gamboge. Painted on Arches 140lb Rough, 15 x 11" in size.

Reflexology is my job, and I felt like creating a painting that would give me as much pleasure as the job has done, for the last sixteen years! 
Hope you enjoy it .

The Art of Reflexology

Art for art's sake?

I'm having a day of musing.
Recently I've had quite a few people telling me that I should sell my art, to make it a proper business.

I am self employed and my business is reflexology.
I love it with a passion.
Art filled my early days whilst I waited for patients to fill my day.
Eventually my work day got busier and I had to reserve time for art.

Recently, after having many years of being the sole earner, I found myself in the fortunate position of being able to work part-time and spend the rest of my time walking and playing with my dog, painting, reading books and even bake and do the chores -without being in a mad rush.

Many people have been kind enough to say I have a talent and should sell my art.. but two part-time businesses?

It is a huge compliment that people love my work and want to hang it on their walls - and I am mindful of that, always.

There is so much to think of, the adding of a shop to my gallery site Pat Elliott Paintings, the making of an account with Paypal and a pricing strategy - something I have never had to think seriously about.

The safe posting of art, UK and worldwide - how do you cope with that?

Talking to the Inland Revenue (though they've always been helpful) so that everything is done above board.

And then promotion - a time consuming business in itself, as I am sure many artisans could tell you.

My biggest fear.. if I painted and it was a business, would painting become a chore or remain a love? Would I paint only what I chose to paint - as I do now - or would I be driven to paint what sells?

So many questions, so many thoughts.
I am not sure.. hence the musing..... feel free to add a comment with your perceptions. Perhaps you will make it clearer for me!

"I'm worn out, thinking!"

The Day Job

I am not a full time artist. I paint for pleasure - -sometimes I sell pieces that have a special resonance to the viewer, sometimes I take on a commission.

But the day job, that's the one I feel is my calling.
I'm a reflexologist, trained at the British School of Reflexology, a member of the Association of Reflexologists, and a Registered Advanced Reflexologist.

What is reflexology? Have a look here at my own website, it explains it all.
Pat Elliott Reflexology.

When I first started reflexology, I decided I had best find myself a hobby as I did not anticipate having a full appointments diary the moment I qualified.
That began my love affair with watercolour paints - some fourteen years ago.
Even though my practice is much busier now, I still make time to paint.
Here's one of my early paintings