The last day of the Year and a Decade - Wow!!!!

My Favorite Painting of 2019

Today is the last day of 2019 and the last day of another decade.  These last 10 years have been really interesting.  From attending my first art retreat, to traveling to many wonderful spots in the world, to cancer treatment and remission, to actually selling art at auctions; there have been many experiences.

I envision 2020 as a year of transition and clearing.  Just like when a baby is born that zero ending year is a time of growth and exploration. I am really looking forward to this year to prepare for the decade of the 70's.

Above is my favorite painting of 2019.  It was an experiment and I really like how it came out.  I plan on doing more experimentation in 2020, breaking up my "status quo" and seeing where this portion of my life leads me.

Happy New Year dear friends.  Use this "zero" year to really plan for the next decade.

love always pilgrim......

Not just the year...the decade is almost gone

2013 - First attempt at drawing person

2016 - Month of drawing faces

In 2012 I took my first LifeBook class.  That year I did not do many of the lessons or post anything because I was sorely intimidated by all of the beautiful work.  In 2013 I signed up again and this time I actually completed all of the lessons and posted my work.  The photo above is of the first lesson where we were supposed to draw our Art Fairy Queen.  I tell you the truth, that was a real stretch for me.  The second photo is of a sketch I drew in 2016 as part of a month of drawing faces that is held every February and September.

I can see the stark improvement in a three year time period.  It makes me laugh really and I have determined that I am not a fan of drawing or painting portraits because shading gives me a real problem, I am just not comfortable with the process.

I started my art journey at ArtFest in April 2010 and I think I have come a long way but I stall need more practice and more confidence.  Tam LaPorte posted this morning about her art journey over the past ten year and it is really interesting.

As I spend the last days of 2019 and the final days of this decade, I am musing over my art journey and how it parallel's my life's journey over the past 10 years.  One thing that I will leave you with today is a message I have been getting since my birthday..."the past is gone, the future is not here...live in the presence of today and make the most of it."  The 2013 artist is gone, I do not know what 2020 and beyond will bring in the way of art, but for today, I have to finish the Christmas Cards I am designing.  I am having a good time.

Until tomorrow....

The year is almost gone....

I painted this painting on 12x12 board almost 4 years ago and this is one of those I cannot believe I did this paintings.  It was inspired by Mystele Kirkeeng during the last An Artful Journey class.

I was drinking some hot chocolate when I realized that there are only two weeks left to this year, where did it go?  I created quite a bit of art this year, but not enough really.  I would get a good start and then drop off or talk myself out of it.

2020 is going to be different.  I plan to art journal more and work on ideas that will translate to larger paintings. I used a journal this year to work out designs for my Christmas Cards and it was really enlightening.

I feel a strong urge to do things differently, live differently and find joy in the simple during 2020.  For the rest of 2019, I am going to try and post everyday.

Peace on earth good will to men and women my friends.