2006, the plan

As with last year, I'm going to have an ongoing sketchbook project as part of my daily art life. Last year, the focus was color. This year I've come up with 12 topics that I'll devote a whole sketchbook to, one book a month. I like to work this way, lingering on a topic until I've begun to do it justice.

My topics:

• Interiors
• Food and dining
• Trees
• Exteriors
• The woods
• Machines/mechanisms
• Animals
• Human beings
• Plants, flowers
• Fruits, vegetables (maybe)
• Unremarkable things
• Water
• Self portraits

I've got an extra topic and I'm sure some others will occur to me, while others will fall by the wayside.

I'll be using various mediums, including ones I'm not wild about. Changing mediums keeps you peppy and teaches you things you need to know!

January will be interiors. February, food and dining. March, trees. That's as far as I've gotten. Of course, I 'll make other art---paintings, non-topic drawings, etc--but the topic sketchbooks will be my daily discipline.

I'm taking Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign workshops in January and February. And about time, too.

I'm going to visit a local organic farm and make lots of drawings over the months. They grow vegetables, flowers and raise heritage turkeys there, so there'll be lots to see and do.

I will continue my figure drawing group.

I plan to rent an apartment in Paris for the month of October, just to draw---by myself. I got this notion while we were there this fall and I have a series of 'serious' drawings in mind to do. Of course, family situation and other considerations may intervene, but this is the plan at present.  You've got to have a dream, right?

So, there you are. Happy New Year to one and all. Thank you so much for following along thus far. I'll be seeing you.

*drawn with Kuretake brush pen while looking in car mirror 

Comments

[Robin]

Ok, my dream is to visit you in October. I'll carry the art supplies, 'kay?

On a more serious note, wishing you the absolute best, in art & all else, in 2006.

[Karen]

Oh to have the free time to devote to that much intensive drawing. I wish you much success with it.

[Caroline]

Wonderful plan - may 2006 work out even better than you hope!

[Amanda]

maybe I'll join you in the sketchbook intensive. Great job this year girl! Can't wait to see what 2006 brings forth.

HNY!

[janey]

Happy New Year, much happiness and much drawings too it seems. I think you're going to have quite a few volunteers to cary your art supplies in October.

[Terri]

Laura, your art plans are great, particularly the idea of renting an appartment in Paris for a month of drawing. Wow!! If you want to read a couple of really inspirational books about a woman's journey to find herself by going to live in France on her own for a while, I highly recommend "Au Revoir - Running Away from Home at Fifty" and it's sequel "Last Tango in Toulouse" by Mary Moody, published by Pan MacMillan Australia, 2001 and 2003 respectively. No art, but the journey is wonderful. Looking forward to more of your wonderful inspirational art! Hugs...

[Nita]

Ohhhhh, October in Paris! I'm green--draw me in total longing for that adventure!

And, um, you have other good ideas for 2006 too :-)

[Linda]

Wonderful exciting goals!
And Laura in Paris?? I believe I hear twin pianos playing Gershwin ... does this mean you might be willing to loan out your hubby to cook breakfasts in October? Oh my gosh -- what WILL you do about breakfasts??!!
Happy New Year, my dear inspiration!

[Elizabeth]

"2006, the plan" sounds pretty good from here!

Best wishes for another wonderful and inspiring year of drawing.

[danny]

Wonderful resolutions. I hope you don;t mind If I have noted them on my blog.

[Cin]

you are so amazing to me Laura, I have learned so much from you about creativity and the joy of exploring, this list shows me how deeply and richly your explorations can be, something I would never have thought of, many thanks to opening my eyes to so much!

[Nancy]

This is so inspiring! Thank you for providing so much inspiration to me during the past year, too.

[Evy]

Wonderful resolutions! It's truly a great idea to dedicate one sketchbook on a single subject.
And may be I could meet/visit you in Oct. Paris is so much closer than the US :)

[Laura]

Thanks, kind friends! You are all great inspirations to me, even lovely Robin who doesn't draw but who's a witty, good writer. Linda, you are too funny---and to answer your question, no, you may NOT have my husband. You'll have to muddle along with your own breakfasts, not to mention your own husband. Terri, I will try to order those books, tout de suite. Thank you so much, my far-away friend. Evy, I'd love to meet you--anytime! Danny, thank you so much--you've been a huge inspiration to me and to so many, through your books and your blog. Happy New Year!

[lydia]

Laura - Happy New Year. So happy to have met you. Your list - wow. Great ideas. Thank you for inspiring me and encouraging me to do more. You list makes me want to be brave and take chances.

[Lin]

Laura -- THIS list is FABULOUS! I applaud you for your ambition!! Your artwork and attitude and friendship have inspired me and I know you'll continue to do so in 2006! GOOD LUCK with all your plans -- I AM SO looking forward to sharing your journey!

[TeriC]

Thank you for sharing your goals, you have me some ideas to ponder. I especially love the Paris one!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lindsay]

Laura, what a great idea! Can't wait to see what the new year brings with art projects. I really like the idea of a whole book dedicated to a single theme.
"see " you soon

[zephyr]

aahhh, the blog world remains hopefully bright
with Laura, her talent and her energy
among us!

(and your "fannys from heaven"/"bums from the blue" drawings and song must make the "Top Ten Posts" list of 2005!!)

[Linda]

Laura, I give ou thumbs up on the Paris Idea. In my dreams this iswhereI would like to be. So do this girlfriend a favor when you go do not leave out any moment everyday for me cause I'll be there if only in my dreams. Your new Year resalutions are about the same as mine for me to draw better and push myself. To make my own journal book would be the bes, and to draw everyday and improve myself like you have. Your work is wonderful and I'm so happy I found this site.
Linda

[Detlef]

Ahhh I'm flabbergasted....if I converted all my spare time into drawing time, I'd get like about 1/8th of these things done. You are a dynamo!!!

[Dr. Research]

And in your spare time?

[hfm]

Have a good 2006. I'll come here to see your wishes come into drawings. I love this blog.

[joyce]

What a wonderful list.........and the trip to Paris by yourself to draw....now that's inspired!!!

[Bela]

Bonne et Heureuse Année, L! One whole month in Paris sounds like a great idea. In October? Hmmm... how are your umbrella-drawing skills? LOL! It'll be wonderful and we'll all adore your sketches and paintings. :-)