This was meant to be my last post of 2018, but as usual I fell behind! So I wrote most of this in 2018… with a few additions on this fourth day of the new year.
They say time flies when you’re having fun. It also flies when you get married, move to a new country, get a kitten, and move again. It’s almost surreal to look back on this year’s events…how can so much be packed into 365 days?
I love writing down my biggest events of the year, as well as my biggest lessons learned. It’s been a whirlwind, and it helps me to slow down and reflect over all that has happened. I’ve grown so much this year not only as an artist, but a human.
And probably one of the biggest overall acomplishments is that I have somehow maintained another year as a fulltime artist, doing what I love for a living.
That alone is worth every ounce of worry, pain, frustration and hardship. I will never take it for granted, and if someday I’m unable or unwilling to continue as a full time artist, I’ll cherish all the moments and how much I’ve grown during this time.
Another big goal I achieved was to complete my “Forest Year” project which was a self-imposed challenge to spend at least 1 hour each week in a forest. I ended up going well beyond that, especially thanks to the fact that we moved next to one of my favorite forests. Now I have the slightly daunting task of compiling all the photos, videos, drawings, etc. and doing…what? with them. I’m not sure yet! I originally imagined a visual-heavy book…
The “New Year” is my favorite holiday - and one of my traditions is writing down my 3 biggest goals for the next year. Usually I keep them private, mainly out of fear that I may not achieve them. But I’ve gained big strides in facing my fears this year, and I’m kind thinking, screw that! LET’S DO THIS!
My biggest lessons learned during 2018 were:
Fear can paralyze you if you let it. DON’T LET IT.
Don’t walk through life thinking your dreams will come true without putting in the required effort. If you have a goal, write it down, then write down the steps you need to get there. Then take one step at a time towards it. Don’t just expect it to happen.
It’s OK to take time off. Sometimes the biggest inspiration strikes you when you aren’t searching for it. Living life gives an artist their fuel to create meaningful work.
Improving drawing skills will vastly improve painting skills.
Instead of doing Vlogmas (which seems to be a trendy thing this year), I’m doing an end-of-the-year VLOG, showing lots of day to day stuff, behind the scenes, and art!
So if you haven’t already seen them, here they are:
And since I’m late in posting this, and it’s already January 4th, I will add a few updates!
I’m in the first week of my social-media-detox. Meaning I’m not using Instagram or Twitter at all in January. This was premeditated for a while, and is mostly an experiment to see if I can break my addiction to the apps. It’s been harder in the mornings/night as those are usually my binge sessions. But I’ve already noticed that I am more focused, and I also feel more free.
I’ve been focusing on my drawing skills this year, a theme I plan on continuing. That was a huge lesson-learned for me last year. I started ramping up my drawing practice and I noticed a huge improvement in my paintings. So hopefully by continuing that trend I can get even further this year!
I’d really like to continue my exploration of a more illustrative style - landscapes that have emotion and say something unique.
So here’s to a productive and fulfilling new year. Whatever it may bring, I’ll be thankful for all that happened in 2018!