11Introduction19Why you got this book21Why I wrote this book23Who am I24What is success? 28Goals31No regrets34Why I create art37The female portraits39Everyone starts as an amateur49Taking on responsibilities 50My dream job53Rolling-out my business skills55Beautypartner57The struggles of being a single parent63Considerations64How it all began66How I grew69Art School 70Drawing live models75Deep focus and reflection 77A “professional Artist” 79Ignore everyone 87The inner urge 88Living on a shoestring 92Fear and Failures95Developing my style 99Talent and persistence 107Reviewing social contacts 108Mentors 111Finding inspiration 125My art techniques, how I paint, and my inspiration 129Developing a recognizable signature style 133Creating value 136Feeling ‘in the flow’141My Products and Tools 143My process 145List of products147Canvas 149Like a painting 150Mediums 152Tools153List of tools 155My techniques 157Working with crayons 159Sketch, sketch, sketch ... 159Practice makes perfect 160The blown-up esthetics163Aesthetic experience 165Signing my artworks169Online Marketing & Branding175Branding an artist’s personality 177An artist logo 179How to be ‘so you’ 182Working with photographers188Interior Design 190Open Atelier 207Pricing 208New York Make-up Artist209Networking as an artist 211Celebrity endorsement 213Gut feeling 215Journaling 217Family time 219My daily routines to stay happy and focused 225Investing 227Coaching229My final shares 231What’s next? 233List of artworks237Image creditsA must-read for anyone who wants to face their fears, fulfill their dreams, and find a way to do it. This book encourages you to do regardless of whatever is holding you back.In this book, internationally recognized artist, Wendy Buiter, shares her personal story with such openness and honesty that it will leave readers both surprised and inspired. Wendy reveals insights into her life and the various stages of her career as an artist, including what she did to develop her signature style, how she makes a living as an artist, and how to run a business while raising two young children; one is a ‘special needs’ child. In addition, Wendy provides tips, ideas, and advice for your personal journey towards a fulfilling life. Throughout this book, Wendy explains her personal struggles with finding a balance between the demands of daily life and the pursuit of becoming an artist. With chapters that alternate from autobiographical to instructional, Wendy offers practical applications from her own life lessons, to assist you in finding your unique gifts and pursuing your artistic dreams. Through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Wendy developed her own signature style when others said it couldn’t be done. Her story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to reach their full potential — a path as intriguing and enduring as her bold, brilliant canvases.This true story will inspire you to develop the skills and techniques required to create art and provides the insights and motivations necessary to run a business, be persistent, and to become a successful selling artist.Wendy Buiter takes you with her on her journey of becoming a successful selling artist. Wendy is sharing her experiences and wisdom here. She writes about the challenges and obstacles she encountered at the start of her new career as an artist. The struggles to find her own unique signature style gives her thoughts and ideas about art, techniques, entrepreneurship, and managing a business as a single parent. She is open and unapologetic ambitious in solving her biggest problems and accomplishing her wildest dreams.A must-read for anyone who wants to face their fears, fulfill their dreams, and find a way to do it. This book encourages you to do regardless of whatever is holding you back.Wendy hopes to inspire you and give you the courage and confidence to just go for it and follow your dreams.Have the book personally signed for you at Wendy's Open Atelier!