End of year thoughts

King of the Crows

This crow painting from a few years ago was one of my first that I was really happy with and proud of. It made me think maybe I can make some things here, in this medium. It is a painting of a Halloween decoration in gouache, and while I love gouache, I have started making more paintings in watercolor, acrylics, and oils. Each has it's own plusses and minuses, and some days I am drawn to one over the others, it is hard to pick just one at this point in my journey. So for now I'll just say I'm a painter.

Being here at the end of another year, it is natural to reflect on how we divided our time, what we accomplished, and how we are doing in our life. As I get older, it is definitely more clear that time is limited. I am acutely aware of how fast the months fly by even when the days are sometimes long. So how am I doing with the time I've been given?

With painting, I would happily say my style has evolved, but I am not really sure it is any better. I find that interesting. I think what it takes is a certain commitment to the idea of what you want to make, and at the same time a lack of fear to mess up. With the commitment comes a bit of pressure to get it right. It's a fine line to walk. Maybe instead of fear of messing up, the goal should be to see what emerges when I commit to showing up. Lately I have been more willing to paint without too much stress over the outcome, but I think my work has maybe lost a little focus as a result. So that kind of directs my plan for the future.

In the interest of discipline, the "showing up", I have opened an Etsy store, and hope to have it somewhat stocked up in the next few months. Between that and hopefully upping my social media game, my goal is to work more regularly, and see what happens, what is the outcome? My goal is to work with an idea, but with an openness as well - but mainly to work, to make stuff. It may even stray outside the lines of painting.

So here's to a new year, it's just another day in a new month, but socially it is hard not to get swept up in the new opportunity of it all. I am going to use it as a bit of a reset. I hope it is a year of peace and love for us all. This world could use a lot more of both. Cheers!