Doing Laps and reflections

Doing Laps, pastel, 9.5 x 6

Who wants to go someplace sunny? I do! This painting is from a photo reference of a trip to Florida last year visiting my husband's family. Being an artist is a lot like swimming laps. You get up, get ready, go do it. Round and round you go. Some days it's a lot of work and you struggle for every stroke, every kick. Other days you get in the zone and the time passes quickly. Every day you get stronger, though. The main thing is to get into the pool.

2011 creative accomplishments: Launched this blog; joined Daily Paintworks; attended Dawn Emerson and Casey Klahn pastel workshops; participated in exhibits at White House on the Gorge and Portland's Cathedral Park Place; finished a few paintings; sold a few paintings; attended several meetings of the Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters and the Cathedral Park Place artists' group; painted and organized my studio; designed and sold fairy gardens; worked on "nuts and bolts" aspects of my art business;  and most importantly, found inspiration, encouragement and valuable information by reading countless blog posts by other artists,  making several new friends along the way.