I keep a record of all the art I create and at the end of every year I update my file on the computer. This gives me a good overview of what I have accomplished and it gives me an idea of my income for the year.
I started the year with a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and used the time to improve my skill at Oriental Brush Painting.
I switched gears and, after taking a card making class featuring flowers, I started making cards. I taught myself quilling (thanks Youtube) using my own painted papers and added that and some of my own drawings to the cards I made. I even put together some 'Color Me' cards to sell.
As well as learning new things (and, I have to be honest, playing), I was also busy organizing some art displays as a volunteer with the local Arts Council.
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| Art in the Chamber |
Creston is lucky to have two great venues where artists can display and sell their work. For 2016 we will have four 3 month long displays instead of six 2 month displays as we have had in the past.
From January until October I am also busy with my garden flowers; starting bedding plants, transplanting, watering and pruning, planting out, watering and dead-heading, harvesting seed and finally clearing everything up before winter. And, of course, continuing to create.
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| The Protector |
I did a color painting challenge in the spring and followed that with the September 30 paintings challenge, this time focusing on doing pen & ink cards.
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| Lighthouse card |
I used many of the cards in lieu of Christmas cards this year adding one of my crocheted ornaments as a nod to the season.
Altogether I painted around 75 pieces this year plus the cards (around 50), plus the quilled critters (about 80).
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| Quilled Critter |
I have opened a store at Handmade at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/handmade/Mellowood-Studio?ref=hnd_dp_smp
I have displayed my art in a number of shows and venues, participated in a self-guided art tour, and taught art to some beginner artists. All in all it has been a busy and moderately successful year. While I will not likely ever make enough money with my art to do much more than pay for my supplies, I will continue to ply my brushes and other tools, learning and playing as each new year unfolds.
Happy New Year everyone and thanks for checking in!
