Our magnolia tree is almost blooming!  Spring is officially here for me now...

Bits of painting palette inspiration...

I’d originally planned to post this review at the end of December, but life got in the way.  This is uncharacteristic of me, but sometimes you just need a break. I like to catalog my progress in this way, and do it more for myself than anything - I apologize if this is intensely boring.  I'm pleased to say that this list keeps growing longer and longer each year; kudos if you make it through to the end :)  So here goes! 

Production

 -     Complete my "Portraits" series
As suspected at my ½ way check in, this goal was not nearly met.  I did create several new works in this ongoing series.  No check.

-     Continue my Black and White series
Have completed a diptych and one large work in this series, created several that didn’t see the light of day and were scrapped.  Check!

-     Complete 3 large canvases per month
I met this goal for about 9 out of the 12 months.  Leading up to my September solo exhibition, a lot of large paintings were completed, some were kept, some were pitched. As I prepared for our studio renovation, the last 3 months of the year saw a shift to solely paintings on paper, due to lack of space.  3/4 check?

-     Complete 10 small studies per week.
I have created lots of paintings on paper, from 4 x 6” to 12 x 16”.I’m not sure if I painted 10 per week, but I think I came pretty close. 
I’m going to give myself a “check!” on this one.


Business 
 
-       Update mailing list quarterly
 Check! 
 
-     Schedule at least 1 solo show for 2013. 
This has fallen through, I currently have no solo exhibition plans for 2013 and am not sure I will undertake one this year, as my goals are shifting.

-       Have new postcards designed, ordered.
 Check!  and check!  I had two new postcards designed.

-      Order new small notecards,
 Check! 
 
-     Have artist brochure printed quarterly, as needed.
The artist brochure is indefinitely on hiatus. 
 
-     Update website at least once a week with new paintings and current events.
 Check! 

-     Update blog at least once a week, preferably 3 times mostly.
 Good consistency here, although I must admit, posting was typically 2 times a week on average. 
 
-     Continue to develop and improve my monthly Studio Newsletter.
 Yes!  My newsletter had a design overhaul, and I am still working to improve content. 
 
-     Update Etsy site weekly
Check!   Sometimes more frequently. 
 
-     Tweak my artist statement.
 My artist statement received a complete rewrite this year. 
 
-     Update my onesheet.
Check! 
 
-     Create a book showcasing my art.
This is in the works, so no “check!”

-     Enter 3 "good" juried shows within the year.
I have entered and been accepted into 2.  The third was nixed as I felt it wasn’t a priority/good opportunity.
 
-    Overhaul my record-keeping system for inventory, for reals.
CHECK, finally!  I have purchased an inventory system recommended by Alyson Stanfield.  We’ll see how it goes! 
 
-     Send out a researched mailing of onesheet/cover letter to galleries at the end of 2012.
 This has once again been moved to February 2013.  I am well on my way, as the documents and spreadsheet are nearly ready. 
 
-     Make sure I reference this list monthly to keep me on target and make this entire "goal setting" process worthwhile! -
 No check! for this.  I did a pretty bad job at referencing this list.  Going forward, I will need to come up with a better system for scheduling
and implementing goals. 

-     My focus this year will be developing a consistent, powerful body of larger work.  I am very much looking forward to my solo exhibition at Annex Gallery and am excited about the prospect of searching out other galleries towards the end of the year.

I am making slow but steady progress with my main goal: creating a body of strong, larger-scale works on canvas.  I have been incredibly fortunate and honored by the support I received this year. This means my inventory on large paintings needs replenishing, but that is the best of all problems to have!   
 


Unexpected Goals

-     The biggest of all would be the complete renovation of our studio!  Hugely excited to post more on this and am enjoying the new space immensely!

-     Was included in The Country King

-     Participated in FestivALL, a two day art festival

-     Created a Sunday video series, 10 Seconds for Sunday, on my blog + Youtube channel, featuring inspirational or haiku-like videos

-     Started a Youtube channel 

-     Created a video portfolio 

-     Overhauled the design of my blog (with help from Derek) 

-     Had my work included in multiple collections, selected by designers

-     Increased my presence on Facebook

-     Had my work featured in West Elm’s Summer 2012 Catalog!

-     Improved my Etsy shop SEO and listings

-     Saw a marked increase in sales, where I not only met but far exceeded the conservative goal I had set.

-     Had great support from multiple blogs, including Elements of Style and West Elm

-     Improved supplemental promotional materials, notecards, etc.

-    Was able to send out Thanksgiving cards to those signed up for my snail mail mailing list, which is important to me. Making sure viewers/collectors/friends know how much their support means to me is always a priority.  Every day I am grateful.

-     Through several exhibitions and events, was able to meet many new viewers both in person and online, allowing me to connect with some fantastic people.  So fortunate!

Have a look at our wall coming down!  Finally we have the open space I've always wanted and I couldn't be happier!  Our house is currently very dusty from the removal of plaster and the cutting of all the wood.  It's a battle to get rid of it all completely - but so worth it!

I'm feeling pretty great today - We have been given a concrete date to begin demolition/construction on our studio renovation. It's actually happening!  December 6th!  I've been working on potential layouts for the new space, and I think I am settling on the one I've included above.  Am I missing anything?  I have tried to think of as many details as possible.  I even have a little plant in the corner on the bookshelf.  Lighting is the biggest question mark in my mind. It seems every artist has an opinion about the best studio lighting, and it's hard to pick out what is best for your space/budget.  Any suggestions are welcome!

Also, I created this floorplan for free with The Make Room - it's highly recommended!

Lately we have been preparing our home for the upcoming studio renovation – and I am excited!  We have to eliminate our current guest bedroom, making it our new office, in order to open up extra room for the studio.  So, the office is freshly painted and ready for furniture.  Today I have been packing up the collection of art books/resources that Derek and I have amassed over time.  These are stored currently in our office, but will most likely be relocated into the studio once it’s complete.  So, lots of heavy book-moving.

I’m going to squeeze in some painting and try to get back to a normal schedule.  Expect to see new works on paper soon!

Many thanks to everyone who came out to the reception last night!