Thoughts About the Art Life
The Best of 2009
"Winter Sanctuary", Amy Evans, oil
I have been challenged to think about what was the best thing I did for my art career in 2009. I have accomplished a lot this year. I had a piece accepted in the American Impressionist Society national juried show, I had two pieces accepted in the Women Artists of the West Show, a piece accepted in the Plein Air Artists of Colorado show, was invited to participate in Nomadas del Artes again, and I was juried into 3 plein air events. I have two new galleries representing my work.
Those are all fantastic achievements, but the best thing I have done this year was to accept Lori Woodward's challenge to paint 20 hrs per week. I was surprised to discover that I often surpassed those hours. It made me focus on painting and it also gave me new subject matter as well as formats to explore. I believe that I am producing stronger work because of this challenge.
What will 2010 bring? My word of the year is "Change". Stay tuned.
Giving Thanks
"Summer Shade", oil, Amy Evans "St. Mary's Summer", oil, Amy Evans
At the close of each year I reflect on my accomplishments and give thanks for the gift of Art. I am so fortunate to have friends, family, collectors, and galleries who support my work. Being an artist is such a wonderful profession, even with the current world situation.
I paint because I enjoy creating something beautiful from what the world reveals to me. I love seeing others enjoy my work for that sake alone. Light is essentially what excites me and I never tire of that..
Thank you all for going on the journey with me... and Merry Christmas...
Painting Pals
I am enjoying teaching art classes through the Arts District in Breckenridge, CO. It is so rewarding to see my students get excited about painting and learning to see through artist's eyes. It opens up a new world to them. My students are often those who have been so busy in their lives that they haven't had time to learn to paint. I also have students that have formed friendships through their art classes and this becomes a social outlet for them.
One such group from Shreveport, LA, where I grew up, booked a group painting session with me this summer. They decided to travel to Breckenridge together and wanted to explore plein air painting as well as oils. They paint together in a class in LA., and decided to have a painting adventure.
Painting can be a wonderful social outlet...these ladies were supportive of each other's work and enjoyed the challenges I put before them. They are all enjoying the art journey together.
Art is often a solitary endeavor. It can also be highly competitive, when you expose your art to the artworld. It is refreshing to see that there can also be another side.
I have formed special friendships through my painting with groups. It is wonderful to have a support group as well as friends to paint with. I will share my special group with you in a future blog.
