2022...What A Year!

It's a quiet Christmas morning and I'm reflecting my art  events of this past year.  
I had thoughtfully designed four art goals I would focus on for 2022 and decided to share them, and progress made, with you: 

(1)  I planned to paint on larger canvases,
(2)  I would create 20 of my river series paintings,
(3)  I would write the story of each painting.... why I chose that particular scene and the significance of how it made me think, or feel. and
(4), I wanted to figure out how to obtain Gallery representation... and wonderful working relationships... with those galleries.

 Goal 1...
Here is my first 40"x30"x1.5".   Ha...I take my goals seriously!  I figured out that adding a grid pattern to my reference photo, and my mid-toned canvas, made all the difference when sketching in a large scale.  The depth of the sides are a generous 1.5" so I  continue to paint the scene around and onto the sides.  This has given the painting a wonderful dimension when you walk by.

Goal 2...
Years ago I set up this space with a gallery hanging system.  It is located right outside my art studio.   My reasoning to do so was to display my watercolor paintings so I could easily choose them for competition submissions.  I also wanted to keep the framing intact without storing my paintings on the floor, next to each other.
Since then, I have opened my studio and gallery to those interested in purchasing and to the public during advertised events.  The river series hangs beautifully...which leads me to my next goal.

Goal 3...
I sometimes quietly wander around my gallery.  My paintings speak to me.  They remind me of  wonders I had seen and how small (yet significant) I felt in the largeness of nature.  When I sit quietly by the river, thoughts born of solitude inspire greater meaning.  

One early morning the soft pink light caused a brilliant reflection between the rocks.  I came to  this spot and studied the relationship of rock, water, and foliage.  Sky, along with nearby trees, added a wonderful abstraction.  That pink light, though, surprised me...it was in the shadows, illuminating rocks under the water, and adding pink on rocky reflections.  Penetrating beauty available for the awareness of it,  

Goal 4...
I love to paint. 
As an artist I have had opportunities to submit my work and jury into competitions, have articles published about my paintings, and exhibit.  I've created websites, online presence, and have opened my studio and gallery for events.  All of this has been valuable, as I  clarify what is important to me.  I love to paint! 

And so this is where I will be focusing my energy.  The past several months I have been  writing about my art and myself.  Creating a biography and artist statement has allowed me to become very clear what and why I create and...giving me direction.  I choose to  immerse myself in the creative process and contract with professionals to promote, exhibit, and handle sales.

How do I do this?  I have a mentor guiding me through the process and will have more information to share as I begin approaching galleries in January.  It's work... but exciting...as I envision my goal of  more river hikes and happy studio time.

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