This time last year I felt as if I wasn't doing much in the way of art. I nearly submitted anything in 2011 and I wanted to change that for 2012. I also needed to remove a lot of stress in my life so I ended my side projects that were not going anywhere and quit doing convention work. I can tell you its probably been one of the best things I have ever done with my life. 2012 has been absolutely finanamal! I haven't felt this good about my work in years.
I started with joining a few speed paint study groups and started watching the crimson daggers on livestream. People like sickbrush, Dan Warren, John Silva, Sycra, Brent Hollowell, Fer, Newsha, Isra are among the very few I've come to know and really respect. They've helped me in ways beyond words, latterly re-teaching myself in everything I thought I knew about art. The one most valuable lesson I think I learned was "Art is a never ending practice, never ending studying and you will never know it all." Puts into perspective that all the great painters you see are still students at heart. It takes years of trail and failure to get one painting that just clicks.
I also couldn't have made it this year with out my close friends who have put up with my shenanigans. With out them I wouldn't have been pushed to finish quite a few paintings. And with out them I wouldn't be as confident as I am now with my work. They have been truly remarkable and if any of you guys are reading... Thank you! You mean the world to me!
I should mention a special shout out to Wolkenfels to, who in the later half of this year started the speed paint study group. ^^ Which has been such a wonderful idea! At first I wondered how it would do on DeviantArt, but its done really quite well and seems to have taken off! People are really doing the studies and following though! I can only see this group improve in 2013!
Finally my chalk art hobby has taken off! I've really enjoyed doing these events... I know I wanted to remove less things in my life, but doing street painting is hugely addictive! I'm signed up to do even more this year. I like it because it combines some of my favorite things such as traveling, art, food, and its got that convention like feel where you never know who your going to met next! My Husband seems to like them too, as it gives him a chance to get away from doing house work for a weekend.
My buddies Lexi and Devon "The ChalkTwins" are here on DA too. You should really check out there work. chalktwins.deviantart.com/ I've met them at the Hyde Park Chalk event this past year, and I gotta say there portraits are to die for! I also recived my 3rd DD for a chalk drawing I did in Safty Harbor! First DD that actully featured my work and not a free resource! So I'm very proud for that.
2012 Daily Deviation for
Looking Toward the future!
In 2013 I plan on doing much of the same, refining my work, more chalk festivals, more home projects around the house. I'm not quite sure what travel plains I'll have because the summer is still very much the same. By the end of the year I hope I have enough work to maybe do a calender or sell a few prints. But will see on that
Work will always take first priory. So I'll end this little recap with events I plan on doing this spring! Chalk Events of 2013
Jan 19 - 20, 2013
SunCoast Arts Fest 2013 | Wiregrass Mall
Wesley Chapel, FL
Feb 16 - 17, 2013
Uptown Art Expo 2013 | Cranes Roost Boulevard
Altamonte Springs, FL
March 15 - 16 - 17, 2013
Hyde Park Chalk Walk Festival 2013 | Hyde Park Village
Tampa, FL
Date TBA
Bloom'in Chalk Festival | Main Street
Safety Harbor, FL
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