Mountain resident Caryn Tilton retired five years ago, or really semi-retired as she kept a few clients and weaned herself from work. But as part of retirement, Tilton was finally able to pursue her interest in learning how to paint watercolors.

In a class about watercolors, Tilton was a businesswoman surrounded by
artists and realized they could use a little help when it came to marketing and
computers. So one year ago, Tilton started a website, MtHoodArtOnline.com,
to help local artists market their works. 12 months later, 16 artists are on
board and Tilton hopes more will soon follow.

“It seems to have really filled a need in the area,” Tilton said. “It’s taken hold
over the past year.”

The website offers a featured artist each month, with an opportunity for all
the artists to post photos of their work and biographical information in their
own gallery. Visitors can also purchase art through the site, while the site also
advertises art classes, promotes art events and offers a quarterly newsletter.

Tilton has also brought works by the artists to local businesses, including The
Rendezvous, while she also started a greeting card program, where retail
customers, wholesale customers and fundraisers can request customized
cards to fit any occasion or select from the many website options available.
Beth Verheyden, a Boring resident and watercolor painter who has taught art
for 25 years, noted that many artists need some outside help to effectively
market their works.

“I think that we as artists, we’re not our best salesmen,” Verheyden said.
“Some of us are a little more business-minded than others, some of us just
like to paint. I am my own worst salesman. I love to talk other people up, I
love to listen. I think this is a really wonderful tool for people who fall into that
category.”

Pam Smithsted, an oil painter, met Tilton through a meeting of the Wy’east
Artisans Guild and saw it as a perfect way to get an online presence for her
art, and she hopes it continues to grow.

“We want people to know they should apply,” Smithsted said.
Tilton noted she hopes to double the number of artists in the coming year,
while increasing the presence of the online newsletter.

The website, touted as by artists and for artists, has a volunteer steering
committee to guide the venture, including leading the process of adding new
artists.

During the month of December, all proceeds from the sales of gift tags will be
donated to the Hoodland Women’s Club. For more information, visit
MtHoodOnline.com.