New Year Greetings from the Studio!
As I write, the winter light slants low and bright across Green Lake. The bare trees and fading grasses at the water’s edge make walks in the crisp air a chilly affair, as I constantly stop to compose and record on my small glass screen. Recent of strolls have also afforded me time to reflect on what I accomplished last year, and what professional challenges I plan to take on in the one ahead. I thought I would share some of these behind-the-scenes happenings—feel free to hold me accountable to my 2017 wish list!
Professional Highlights in 2016
- Moved my art practice back to my home studio for more space and much-longed-for art/life fluidity.
- Redesigned my website and blog on a mobile-compatible platform.
- Implemented an inventory on Artwork Archive, including a public page where you can find all my recent and available artwork in one place.
- Completed the 12-week intensive Creative Visionary Path interactive online course with Nicholas Wilton and 195 other incredible artists from across the globe, creating an ongoing local tribe of artists in the process.
- Co-founded an intimate monthly critique group of women artists working in a variety of styles and media.
- Found new inspiration in poetry for my October solo show “Stay Awhile” at Fountainhead Gallery—during which I gave my first Artist Talk!
- Participated in group shows including Anacortes Arts at the Port, the Schack Art Center, and a Women Painters of Washington show at the Bellevue Arts Museum.
- Created a private commission in collaboration with wonderful clients.
- Placed a painting in the collection at Island Hospital in Anacortes.
- Presented three artist speakers to the Women Painters of Washington, including chairing my first panel discussion.
Only half of those were stated goals or plans from the start of the year, the rest were opportunities I seized when they arose. Many thanks to all those friends, fellow artists, gallery professionals, and patrons who offered all the support, encouragement, critiques and sales that made 2016 so successful.
Looking Ahead to 2017
- Expand my home studio by finishing our garage, adding windows, insulation, heating, lighting and ventilation so that I can…
- create larger paintings and…
- host an open studio!
- Partner with an art consultant to collaborate on artwork for environments of care and healing, such as hospitals and other care centers.
- Seek out more commissions, which are challenging and satisfying in completely different ways than painting for gallery shows.
- Create a body of work based on our upcoming travels in Scandinavia and England, as well as new takes on the Northwest, in preparation for my March 2018 solo show.
- Reignite the creative spark that flies between music and painting.
Whatever 2017 holds in the wider world, in my practice I intend to press ahead with seeking and rendering the harmony, light and beauty in nature, and sharing that with you.