Teaching online painting parties brings joy for Robin Merimee of Your Online Art Store
Shop Your Online Art Store on MakerPlace
Robin Merimee likes to get people excited about creating art. The Bowling Green, Kentucky-based artist makes and sells acrylic paintings and other items in her MakerPlace store, but her true passion lies in teaching.
“I began my creative journey attending painting parties,” says Robin. “During the pandemic, I began painting door hangers, which then led to creating acrylic paintings. I recently added watercolor painting, glass art and napkin art to my creative journey, and occasionally offer these items in my store.”
On MakerPlace, she sells acrylic paintings but primarily teaches online painting parties. Perfect for friends and family scattered across the country, or even if everyone is all in one room, online painting parties are a wonderful way to connect with loved ones, especially for holidays and special occasions.
Robin’s two-hour online classes on MakerPlace make it easy: She provides a complete supply list of everything you need from canvases to paint to paint brushes—and everything can be purchased online at Michaels.com or in store. Plus, Robin (and any MakerPlace artist offering online classes) gets a commission on all sales for class supplies when purchased through Michaels.com.
While she provides tracers (so no artistic skills are required for her classes) and step-by-step instructions, she encourages her participants to get creative and use colors that they love, even if it’s different than what she prescribes in her supply list. Here, Robin celebrates her love of the painting party, and how she changes her offerings to keep fans coming back for more.
What is the story behind your store name?
I wanted everyone to be able to recognize my store online as a place where they could come and have fun creating art with me.
What drives you to create what you do?
I like to paint and teach other people how to paint. During my classes, I offer tips to make their time painting more enjoyable. I also enjoy painting with people located all over the United States, and hearing stories about where they live.
What makes your product unique?
I adapt my painting lessons to the changing seasons. During the Holiday/Winter season, for example, we have been painting a Mr. & Mrs. Nutcracker, winter church, Christmas trees, and snowmen. During the Spring/Summer season, we paint things like Spring landscapes, nautical scenes, and Summer palm trees.
What is your creative process and routine? What gets you in the "creative zone"?
It sounds so simple, but setting aside time to paint a new painting while seated at my craft table gets me in the mood to create.
What's your must-have while working on your products?
The TV is usually on one of my favorite shows, and my dog Bently is sleeping on the couch nearby.
What tips do you have for fellow sellers to get the most out of MakerPlace and selling handmade goods online?
Continue posting on your social media accounts and keep your products or class offerings current on MakerPlace.
What do you love about MakerPlace, and why are you excited about this platform?
It offers a fantastic environment for anyone who likes to learn and create something enjoyable.
