The Good News
This opportunity came in July of 2018, while I was showing a few pieces in Southern Antiques in Laurel, MS. I woke up one morning to a message on Instagram from one of the designers, that they borrowed a couple of paintings from my booth there to maybe use at one of the houses they were designing. I FLIPPED OUT. I was so excited.
His Perfect Timing
This news couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Literally, the night before I found out the news, I was crying to my mom and older brother that I wasn't sure if this was what I was suppose to be doing. I just couldn't see how in the world I was ever going to make it as an artist. I prayed that night for God to just give me some sort of sign that I am on the right track. His timing was perfect, just as it always is. Learning that my paintings might be on Home Town was exactly the motivation and little push I needed to keep pursuing my dreams.
Self-Doubt & Comparison
Flash forward to about a month ago, I had been feeling just so down about my work, yet again, and the worst part was, it was Instagram. I follow so many successful artists on Instagram, who can literally post a new painting, and it will sell in less an 10 minutes. It's so hard not to compare myself, my work and my success to all of these other artists.
I start to feel like there is something missing in me or my art. It's a horrible cycle.
Instagram or any social media can be the worst sometimes. We all post the highlights of our lives or our success. Exactly like how I posted that my paintings were on Home Town. But we all don't usually post the hard times too. This reason is exactly why I wanted to write this blog. I wanted to share good news with the real news.
The Real News
So here's the real news about how my business is going.
My dream for Shelby Leigh Designs is for it to be successful enough where I can be an artist full-time. My reality is I work for my dad as a receptionist 40 hours a week. I paint whenever I get the chance. I do art shows on the weekends. I have never posted something, and it sell in less than 10 minutes. I occasionally sell from my website. Most of my buyers are friends or family. I did have some paintings on Home Town. I doubt myself constantly. I compare myself to others. I get so impatient at times that I'm not where I want to be. What can I say, I'm a real person.
The Real Good News
Actually seeing my paintings on TV was so crazy. I tried to make it not a big deal in my head, but as soon as I watched an episode with a couple of my paintings in the background, I freaked. Haha.
I was also just reminded of how down I felt this past July and how God came in at the perfect time. I just felt reassured all over again watching the episodes. I also felt dumb that I let comparing myself to others, self-doubt and so much more blind me from what I know is God's plan for me.
So I guess the real good news is that I know, without a shadow of a doubt, God has had his hand in my life, my dreams, and my business from the beginning. Whenever I get caught up in everything I'm not (which is all too often), I cling to this truth that God has proven to me time and time again:
His timing and His plan for my life is perfect. All I have to do is trust in Him.
Whatever your going through or working towards, if you put your trust in God and you are in His will, you cannot fail.
Conclusion
Having my artwork on Home Town was such a blessing. I'm so thankful for all the designers, everyone on the show, and just the opportunity! It changed my life in more ways than one.
More Information about my art on HGTV's Home Town!
My art was featured on episodes 7 and 8.
Episode 7: Home is Where the Art Is
I had two watercolor paintings in the kitchen on this episode.
They are both available to purchase!
"Lavender Lake"
12x16 inches
Watercolor on Canvas
$126
"Rose Garden"
8x10 inches
Watercolor on Canvas
$92
My art is shown in Ms. Amy Luker's gallery, Pinehurst Rathskeller, in Laurel, Mississippi.
(Photo from the LM CO Journal Post titled: "The Luker House")
(My work is on the left side of this photo!)
Here is the Resource Guide:
https://www.rtrmedia.com/the-luker-house
Here is the Journal"
https://www.laurelmercantile.com/blogs/journal/the-lukers
Episode 8: The Johnikin House
I had seven paintings on this episode!
The resource guide should be available soon!
"Turquoise Hues"
8x10 inches
Mixed Media on Paper
$92.00
(Staged in Living Room)
"Pink Sky"
8x10 inches
Mixed Media on Paper
SOLD
Part of my Mississippi Scapes Series
(Staged in Living Room)
"Warmth"
11x14 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
$152
Part of my Mississippi Scapes Series
(Staged in Office)
"Purple Water"
8x10 inches
Mixed Media on Paper
SOLD
Part of my Mississippi Scapes Series
(Staged on Desk)
"Turquoise and Purple"
8x10 inches
Mixed Media on Paper
$92.00
(Staged in Desk)
"Bright"
11x14 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
$152
Part of my Mississippi Scapes Series
(Staged in Bedroom)
"Sunshine"
5x7 inches
Mixed Media on Paper
SOLD
Part of my Mississippi Scapes Series
(Staged in Bedroom)
Thanks for reading!!!
Shelby Leigh