Blog

It has been a busy year.

My goal was to complete 50 paintings this year. I got to 30 but am working on the 31st this last day of the year. As a result of that goal and to help me keep better track of my work, I changed my inventory numbering system. Unlike days of old when I might complete 10 paintngs in a year, I'm spending more time in the studio and working in Plein Air and rolling out more. I've learned that even though a painting may not find a new home quickly, just having it to document what I learned and where I visited and who I met has kept me interested and creating.

I have a painting hanging in the Virginia Executive Mansion as I write and it will be on view there until September 2024 as part of "The Art Experience". 

I completed one commission and have started a second. The first is of two friends in their garden. The second is of a family of five. This one isn't absolutely due until July, but I work on it with all it's many layers most days so I think it will be complete before then. 

I was selected to take on the volunteer job of Gallery Team Leader at RAL Art Center. The organization has a mission to bring art to our community and I am responsible for making sure our various teams of volunteers keep our mission in mind. I compare it to herding cats as the majority of our volunteers are artists which means we all have creative, active minds and fear no one and nothing. It's a fun group. 

My husband and I took a coast-to-coast trip in the Spring of 2023 and got to see a number of our far-flung relations as well as a nice slice of America. I was absolutely captivated by the desert scenes and really must return at some point specifically with the goal of painting plein air.

So, I have a few goals for the coming year:

+ Try again to create 50 paintings (basically one a week with two weeks off)

+ Attend the Plein Air Convention in May (it's paid for, so I better attend)

+ Take at least one Plein Air Workshop (I'm hosing Kyle Buckland for a workshop for RAL Art Center at my house in April, so I think this might be easy if enough people sign up for the class)

+ Enter Bold Brush and Plein Air competitions monthly and at least two other competitions this year.

+ Get the bones in place for a Plein Air Event hosted by RAL Art Center in 2026

+ I'd also like to find another gallery interested in showing my work.