Ring in the New

Ring in the New

The difficult is done at once. The impossible takes a little longer.

New Year's resolutions have a pretty bad reputation.  Personally I'm setting myself up for success and setting goals I can achieve, so I'm keeping George Santayana's quote handy.

I thought I'd spend a couple of minutes looking back at some past achievements before I move forward.  It's easy for me to ignore where I've been because I'm focused so much on where I'm going.  Of course the biggest challenge of all is to just enjoy the journey.  Here goes.

I look like a French Musketeer!
It's a bit of a caricature, but this is me in my zone.  Aka heaven

I've been involved in juried art shows in one form or another for the past twelve years.  The first one I got into I was voted in as a People's Choice from an adult ed class sponsored by the Conejo Valley Art Association.  That was well over ten years ago.  The second show I got into I received first place in the amateur division of the Ventura County Fair.  Laura and I enjoyed ice cream cones with my winnings.  The thing is that I hit the ceiling in the amateur arena right away.  It's not that it was too easy; it was just evident I needed to set my sights higher.  I also did well when I turned pro.  I was slowly juried into regional groups and even achieved signature status in the California Gold Coast Watercolor Society.  These have been important to me as I've built a reputation and credentials.  However, it's just as important to continue to stretch and grow.  I'm getting involved in some national groups and continue to refine my painting skills and create more beautiful art.

Here I am in all my bold, feminine glory.

One of the most amusing compliments I've received was from a fellow artist whose work I admire.  He meant it in a very positive way and I'm still proud of the sentiment behind it.  He said I paint like a man.    I think he was referring to the bold approach I have.  My work has a feminine perspective but I do cherish the fact that I'm daring with it.  Actually most, if not all, of the women I know are bold.  Like does attract like.

Moving forward here are the dreaded resolutions:

1.)  I'll do larger scale non-representational work in the studio using the plein air work as a jumping off point.

2.)  I'll continue to paint outdoors to keep my inspiration going.  

3.)  I'll be doing more workshops and special events. 

4.)  I'm getting trained in public speaking and brand development and will be traveling with that. 

5.)  I'll be strengthening my business with better client communication and a consistent promotion strategy.  Streamlining social media use will be important. I'll have to separate the personal and professional a bit.  The blurriness won't be good for me as the business grows.

6.)  I'll also figure out how to spend more time doing what I'm good at and getting help with what I'm not so good at.

Some of these just build on what I'm already doing.  The new things will be more challenging. 

I'm headed to Joshua Tree for a camp called Enlightened Warrior with Peak Potentials at the end of the month.  It's all about creating success in spite of any obstacles.  It's off the grid and outdoors so I'll be tired, challenged and, yes, in heaven.  Between the goal setting I'm working on right now and the jump start Warrior will give me I plan on achieving amazing things this year!  I hope you'll come along for the ride.