Happy First Birthday, Little Blog

I actually started this blog a year ago on Christmas, but that was just the setup and trying to figure out how it works. On December 29th I actually posted my first little painting. My goal was to draw more, paint more, see more, and be more grateful for my wonderful life. I'm going to call this year a success. I've painted more than I ever have, filled sketchbooks and gained enough confidence to want to take on more complicated projects. Now if I could only find a little time.

These two sketches are from earlier this month. The only things I've done this month in fact. Below is a sketch for Christmas ornaments and the only ornament I actually painted. It needs a little finishing but I lost interest. This one will go to my friend Glenda who collects mouse ornaments and gave me the idea.

Happy New Year Friends! I'm so excited to start 2012. Best year yet. Wait and see!

Merry Christmas

I've wanted to make a Christmas card for a long time. Or any card. Still do. I tried to come up with some kind of Christmasy design that wasn't too cheesy and revolting. But no luck. And then I saw a commercial with polar bears on it. (Not the Coke commercials, this was painted way back in Sept.) They were just so lovely, I wanted to make one, so I painted one in the ole' sketchbook and one on canvas paper. I did have them made into cards but the color was horrible and flat. Really disappointing but expensive so I sent them anyway. Here is my little bear. Think I may do more. He was a fun lovely afternoon.

Anyhoo, I want to wish everyone a fun holiday, full of hugs and laughter and food and family. And I hope you didn't get too tangled up in that commercial web they start setting for us in August which nearly ruins Christmas for everyone every year. I hope you remember the reason for the holiday. I hope you go to bed tonight thanking God for the many wonderful blessings in your life. I hope you tell the people you love why you love them. And I hope you have the very merriest of Christmases.