2023 - New Year, Fresh Start, & New Art!
This is my first blog post on my website! I actually created this website last year, but with lot going on, I didn’t put much as much time into it as I would have hoped for much of the year. So my goal in this new year is to really put a bit more time into my website and just create more of my own original art. 2022 was a year for self growth and had a lot of tough moments where I felt stuck. But also brought a lot of good change! To name a few good things from last year that relate to art are:
I started my Masters degree in Art History online!! So far I am enjoying taking it at my own pace, soaking in the reading and writing assignments and truly enjoying what I am learning.
My husband and I moved into a new home - and with this I have a studio room I can devote to my art and work. It’s refreshing to have my own space and spaces where we can both do our own things and hobbies, but also come together in a home that is our own.
I illustrated a book one of my previous professors wrote, From Humbug to Humble: The Transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, which was truly a wonderful experience. I drew each of the illustrations on my iPad with the app Procreate, which stretched my digital illustration capabilities and confidence. I also enjoyed envisioning the scenes from the book in my mind, taking what she had in mind, and making sure they were historically accurate, for example by referencing photos of what people wore in the mid to later 1800’s.
I completed many different custom paintings for people, especially home paintings! Home paintings are some of my favorites, as they capture a memory of a house either new or old. I enjoyed seeing and painting the character, charm, and colors of many different homes.
I started working in an auction gallery. Though this comes with it’s own challenges, my visual and hands-on side is happy to look and take photos of lots of interesting and quirky items from vases, to teacups, art, statues, musical instruments, vintage toys, and the list goes on.
These are the biggest art-related celebrations of 2022 and I hope to grow even more in 2023. Last year I had this itch to begin to step into what I have always loved my entire life - which is art. Creating has been an innate part of me for as long as I can remember. I am still not sure where exactly my art history degree and new endeavors will take me, but I have thought about working in an Art Museum, or perhaps as a professor, spreading my passion and knowledge to others who enjoy learning about art as well. And of course I can always see myself doing my own art and strengthening my skills in many mediums. A few goals I can think of for this year are:
Create more of my own unique art and also create prints
Grow and excel in my Art History classes
Push myself in new mediums and illustrations
Sell my art at a local market
Post more new art on my website
These are just a few goals and I am sure I will think of more through time or let them evolve as they may. Overall I always enjoy creating for others whether it is for a book, a custom painting of an animal or home, or of a favorite place. Those who took the time to read this, I wish you courage to pursue your passions this year and all the years ahead, as each year brings new journeys. Any step forward or shall I say brush-stroke on canvas is progress. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again here soon. :)
