Art for the holidays

Nautilus 9x12 pastel, copyright 2010

Hayloft, Evening Light 9x12 pastel, copyright 2010

Bank Barn, Early Spring 9x12 pastel, copyright 2012

If these three pastels seem familiar, it's probably because you've seen them on the blog before.  This morning were dropped off in Sidney, Ohio at the Gateway Arts Council.  During the month of December the GAC is having an exhibit, Give the Gift of the Arts.  It's a show made for the holiday season, with work from a wide variety of artists, all priced under $300.  The reception is December 7 from 6-8 and it looks like I will be able to attend.  There are some very talented artist participating, and I feel honored (and a bit humbled) to be among them.  Hopefully I will see some of you there!

Snowbound and Shaded Lane - SOLD!

Snowbound, 9x12 pastel, copyright 2010

I'm not normally one to put much into New Year's resolutions and wishes, but lately I've been wondering if there's something to them.  This year I talked about ideas for what I would like to see happening in the next 12 months and even wrote a few of them down - "putting it out to the universe" as one friend calls it.   Oddly enough, shortly after I did that things started to happen.  A college friend's parents emailed me to say they wanted to buy Snowbound, and were interested in two other pieces.  Less than a week later, another friend expressed an interest in Hayloft; she's currently saving up for it.  A week after that another friend asked for a commission, my first one.  And then last night I arrived at Life Drawing for the first time in probably six weeks to find that another artist had bought one of my pastels in the Starving Artists show, Shaded Lane.   It seems I am finally expanding beyond family and close friends, which makes me think that after 3 1/2 years of ups and downs since I decided to see if I had what it takes to become a professional artist, I'm finally getting some results.  It's a good feeling.  A very good feeling.

Shaded Lane, 9x12 pastel, copyright 2010

All is quiet...

Hayloft, Evening Light 9x12 pastel, copyright 2010

How appropriate that the last paining of 2010 is of fading light as the sun goes down.

Overall I felt like it was a pretty good year for me.  I became an aunt and the mother of a teenager, started a new job that I love, got to visit with friends and share the love of family.  In my life as an artist, I received a first place award for the first time, took a very helpful workshop,  and had the satisfaction of increasing my skill level over the last year.  I feel like I'm finally hitting my groove.

Hopefully this will continue throughout 2011.  I'd like to take another workshop, get into a few new juried shows, and even a gallery or two.  And while I am grateful for the wonderful supportive of friends and family, I like to expand my network beyond those who know me personally.  I feel like it's time to start making my mark in the art world.

Lofty goals indeed, but that's the optimism of New Year's Day for you.  I wish everyone out there the best of luck in 2011!