This past year has been a whirlwind, in art and life in general. So many new things will be in the new year, but I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on some of the wonderfulness from this past year before settling into 2020, photo album style.
There were a slew of commissions, prints, art shows (Pronto’s Pizzeria), and I enjoyed celebrating my art friend Stephanie’s sale at ACAI! For the third year in a row, I was accepted into the California State Fair Fine Arts Competition (and won a ribbon). One of my goals this year was to get more than one piece accepted. CHECK! As a bonus, I got a super fan pic sent to me and I LOVE it (Don’t kill me for this, Steph)!! After the fair, along came fall so I took the opportunity to make “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” part of my holiday decor. This year, I lost count of how many times I’ve visited Monterey and I have tons of pictures to prove it. However, I’ve only included a few scenic views along with a shot of my favorite cheese shop in Carmel and the Dali Museum.I’ve enjoyed waking up in the morning to see my lovely friend Leslie’s mug on my coffee mug (her gift to me that makes me laugh every time I see it, no matter how tired I am), creating art outside my realm, visiting friends and family, and celebrating all of the things, big and small.
After the “Bizarre and Surreal” show at Rancho Cordova City Hall, I had “E-I-E-I-Oh, No!” shipped off to Texas. Here, you can see it in its new home.Pat and Christine from Studio Tupos came out to see what my current collection of art was and invited me to take part in a couple of their group shows. I was so honored that one of my pieces was featured on the postcard and SO excited to have won Best in Show!!Since it’s not always possible to create gunpowder art (on an airplane, for example), I decided to set up a miniature travel watercolor kit. I’ve been having a lot of fun with it this year and I’m sure more watercolor paintings will be in my future… I’m traveling at the moment and I have my kit sitting next to me.February 13th, we welcomed the newest member of our furry little family. Tony (aka: Chi-Chi”) has settled in quite well and loves his brothers Cooper (Yorkie) and Tex (Whippet). He’s gotten a few new clothes (sometimes Chihuahaus shake JUST because they’re cold). I absolutely love how the holiday pic of them really shows how different their personalities are! Seriously though, no more dogs.
Meriel, one of my artsy friends, and I made a few art play dates and did some mixed media journaling. I just absolutely love her style and found it so inspiring. I’m so grateful to her for bringing a huge stack of magazines to Mirabelle Cafe to share. We had a blast swapping art supplies and stories for hours. I’m looking forward to doing it again soon!In July, I took a road trip with my cousin, Mel. We took our travel mascot, Leekay, with us to see Carlsbad Caverns, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and some other miscellaneous spots on our way from Texas to Cali. I absolutely loved the quality time we got to spend together and I hope for so many more moments like this!There seemed to be a lot of art hauling and pop-up shows this year. I even had a friend stop by and, since it was her birthday, I found a balloon artist and requested a unicorn balloon hat! I’m not sure who laughed harder…The latest sale of the year “Lady Liberty” at the Tim Collom Gallery. Happy New Year, everybody!!!
As you look back on the last year, what are you grateful for? What do you look forward as we embark upon a new year? Tell me in the comments below and don’t forget to Like and Subscribe so you never miss a post!
In case you didn't know, I'm kind of a big deal. I'm a self-proclaimed princess, but I also like to consider myself pretty well rounded. I like coffee in a comfy bed, I always seem to be learning/doing/making something new and I love going to new places, meeting new people and doing new things. I enjoy new experiences and new adventures with a million stories to prove it! And art. I always art.
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Art & Gunpowder 