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.)
 

Comments

[E-J]

Gorgeous painting!

[Lori Witzel]

Yay! A detective story -- with all of us doing the detecting!

Sorry for the belated comment -- been meaning to tell ya I just adore the lovely things you've been posting these past few, but The Press of Commerce and Bicuspid Adventures have been a little distracting.

Now, back to the clues...

[Cathy (Kate) Johnson]

Thank you for inviting us along, sweet! Can't wait to see where you go with it...

[Jana Bouc]

I almost ordered some Schmincke gouache and talked myself out of it but now I just have to give it a try! I'm so excited to hear about your plans for the new year to expand and explore! You accomplished so much last year! I can't wait to see your new work!

[wagonized]

Bonne année Laura! Il me tarde de voir ce que tu nous réserves cette année. Vive l'exploration!

[sandy]

And a Little French Birdie told us it was your birthday today too - Happy 29th Birthdy Laura!!!