2008 is here!
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
Oh, Cara, what excitement I sense from your words --- and I am THRILLED for you!! Oh my, how far you've come and such exciting places to see and visit and be and capture! I'll be with all for the ride, Laura -- and as always, encouraging all the way!! BRAVA!!!!! Happiest of years, my friend!!!! GO GET 'EM!
Posted by: lin | January 01, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I have just found this wonderful blog! I am slow. Thank you for sharing so much with everyone. The flowers are fantastic and the post is quite inspiring. While I have never been one for resolutions, I really do try to keep focused on what is before me. I plan on watching your year unfold.
Posted by: Kim | January 01, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Laura, I wish you many blessings in the New Year. Visiting your site has been such a pleasure. Thanks for all the inspiration. I'll follow you where ever you go!!
Posted by: lindsay | January 01, 2008 at 04:33 PM
So inspiring, as always, and a very creative way of setting a goal. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing your story unfold here, and I know I´ll be stunned at what I see just about every time. Good luck 2008!
(Going to check all your new images now... yay!)
Posted by: nina j | January 01, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I'm looking forward to watching your year unfold - thank you for taking us along on the journey!
Posted by: Diahn Ott | January 01, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Great flowers! Best of luck in the New Year, I'll be checking back to see how things unfold.
=Donna
Posted by: Donna | January 01, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Beautiful flower painting! I like the combination of colours you used! Really vibrant, but that is the nature of Schmincke paints, isn't it? (I have to make more use of mine...)
May your year be full of dreams, and your artful pleasures and ambitons come true.
Happy travels!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Bonny Racca | January 01, 2008 at 06:16 PM
It all sounds so exciting! And creative. And just plain wonderful. I am looking forward to see what develops because I know it will be wonderful.
Posted by: teric | January 01, 2008 at 06:42 PM
That was a beautiful flower painting.
Posted by: sarah | January 01, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Oh, Happy HAPPY 2008! I know you will thrill us all with where ever it is that you plan on taking us this year. Now, I'm off to see all those faces ...
:-)
Posted by: Linda M | January 01, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Your 2008 sounds fabulous! The very, very best wishes come your way for the new year. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us with your wonderful art; thank you for taking us with you on all your exciting adventures! You make it such great fun!
Posted by: betty | January 01, 2008 at 09:12 PM
I have to say, Laura, your work is always lovely, but since your latest travels and workshop they're absolutely vibrant--your paintings are just "popping" these days. Keep it up--look forward to seeing your work unravel here in the months to come. Happy New Year!
Posted by: sue | January 01, 2008 at 10:17 PM
best wishes for 2008 Laura, i love your art and your dedication, both so inspiring
Posted by: gabi campanario | January 01, 2008 at 10:52 PM
What a gorgeous painting of the pincushion..gets me even more excited about our trip to SA in February, where I'll think of you when I buy a bunch at the market! I'm also looking forward to your interesting visual novel awaiting us...I love surprises and I bet there are some great, not to mention beautiful ones lying ahead! Have a great 2008!
bis
ronell
Posted by: Africantapestry | January 02, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Ooh, I really can't wait to see how your work develops this year - what an excellent idea, to work around one theme. The colors here are incredible, and this painting is so 'you'. I know it's going to be an incredible year for you - artistically and otherwise, and I look forward to seeing you again!
Posted by: Casey | January 02, 2008 at 05:02 AM
Laura, can't wait to see how the year unfolds! I look forward to seeing how your beautiful art takes off in new directions. And I look forward to seeing you here and Stateside, with further adventures! The protea are gorgeous! xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | January 02, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Just left a comment, which vanished. I look forward to seeing the intriguing directions in which you take your art this year. No doubt, it will be a year of boundless adventures and opportunities. I look forward to seeing you here and Stateside. Your flowers are gorgeous! xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | January 02, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Visiting your site is always such an inspiration! I can't wait to see where you will take us in 2008. Sounds fascinating!!
Posted by: dana | January 02, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Thank you so much, one and all! Just want to say that I'll be making and posting some stuff that doesn't belong to the Great American Novel (ha!) as I go through the year. That'll make it harder for you to figure out what I'm doing and easier for me to stay energized!
Posted by: Laura | January 02, 2008 at 12:16 PM