I sort of hate to see 2007 go. It was such an important year for my art life and for my family. I didn't adhere strictly to my art plan for the year, but I accomplished significant things, -- and that’s what counts. I spent much of yesterday posting drawings to my blog that I had done over the year, but had not added to the 101 Faces gallery or the travel gallery or the general 2007 gallery (all at left.) Though I didn’t end up making the full quota of separate drawings of faces, I drew and painted many, many--- nearly 80, I think--- and they are now posted.
I’m a different animal from the one I was in 2005 and 2006, when I had very specific goals: to study color and to gain fluency in drawing, in pencil and watercolor washes, culminating in a month spent in France, sketching.
2007 was a transitional year, as I felt myself switching from a programmatic work mode to a more organic one. I work best when I’ve set parameters for myself, so it’s not that I’m abandoning a focused approach, it’s that the focus is going to be wider and my approach wilder.
So here’s the plan:
I’ll be traveling a lot again, I hope. I’ll tell you more about when and where in the next weeks and months.
I want to re-diversify the mediums I work in. The great work I saw at the exhibit in Clermont-Ferrand was all over the place. It helped me see a way to reclaim my painting self. My concentration on pencil and watercolor for the past couple of years has been a rich experience. Now I want more---acrylics, gouache, crayon, watercolor, pen and ink, linocut, graphite, and the Lord knows what else.
Instead of having twelve monthly themes, as I did in 2006, I’ll have one theme, but I’ll go at it in lots of different ways. I’m not going to announce what my theme is! I’ll be telling a story and I don’t want to give away the ending before I’ve even begun! But there'll be lots of clues---you'll see. And, of course, I don’t know the ending myself. I’m starting this year as a novelist would, with an idea, a basic story line, a potential cast of characters, a sense of shape and tone. I’m also starting with trepidation, determination, excitement. I’m pointing my feet in a certain direction. If I work hard and pay attention, life will take me where I need to go. And it may lead me to quite another story from the one I have in mind right now! We'll see.
I want to thank every single person who’s visited my blog, made comments (or not), cheered me on, wished me well. I appreciate so much the great gift of your attention and your care.
However my story develops, no matter what the fits and starts, I’d love to have your company. I wonder how long it'll be before you see where I'm going--and when, for that matter, I see it, too!
Happy 2008 to you!
These fireworks-for-the-new-year flowers were painted with Schmincke watercolors and gouache, what else? I can't remember the name of the flowers, though I bought them yesterday! If you know, will you please tell me---I think it starts with a P. (Added later, thanks to Katherine and Karen: it's protea. Click for bigger image.)
Gosh! That is wild. There was me thinking I'd started to take things as they come and just needed a broad structure - but I don't think I've quite got round to contemplating just one theme.
I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. However I'm sure you'll make an excellent job of it whatever it is. Just as you've started the year with a truly wonderful painting.
The flowers are Protea. Google images of them to see more.
Posted by: Katherinemaking | January 01, 2008 at 02:28 PM
They're proteas, and they're gorgeous. Good luck with your new plans, I'm sure they'll be successful in every way!
Posted by: Karen W. | January 01, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I don't recall the name of these either, but they are fabulous as always. I look forward to following your 2008 odyssey!
Posted by: starrgirl | January 01, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I've thoroughly enjoyed following your blog in 2007, and I look forward to seeing what happens in 2008. Thanks for posting your work!
Posted by: Beth | January 01, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Laura, a most prosperous and joyous new year to you as well! Continue this year to satisfy our hunger for color and beauty through your art and travels! Thank you also for the support that comes my way through your comments and kindness. Bonne annee!
Posted by: mARTa | January 01, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Laura,
Great to see all of the additional sketches/paintings from 2007 and I look forward to seeing where the story taks you in 2008. Please keep sharing - EDM is a great source of inspiration for so many of us.
Shirley
Posted by: Shirley | January 01, 2008 at 03:37 PM