As I note the title of my seldom updated blog, it seems I may need to change the title.  While I do have a small watercolor in progress, the majority of my work of late has been in graphite.  It is so enjoyable and has helped me quite a bit with my values.  Works in graphite have always attracted me so, perhaps, that will be my medium of choice.  However, I do enjoy wielding a paintbrush too.
My intention of getting more art work done hasn't worked out so far.  We have had house guests and then there are the preparations for Christmas.  My camera has been busy on the daily morning hikes with Callie dog so have many reference photos for future projects.  I think I will always have way more photos than actual works!
Exciting news!  Something so wonderful is happening that I never expected or dreamed would come about.  I am getting a studio!  I have ordered a portable building 12x24 that will be insullated, paneled, wired and have a small heat pump for climate control.  It is hard to imagine that there will be a space to create without the constant blare of the TV set (hubby has one on all day, whether he is around to watch or not, he comes and goes) or phone or dog asking for attention.  Imagine, just my work and music.  Ahhh.  It will also be nice to have all of my art things in one place.  As it is now, my art table and main work space is in the living room window.  There are supplies in the oak cabinet nearby, also in the guest bedroom and our bedroom.  They are taking over our small home!  The place where we ordered our building is running behind so it probably won't be delivered until after Christmas. 
I hope everyone (not sure how many folks actually read this) has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012 too!
P.S.  My latest graphite WIP, while almost complete, can't be shown here as it will be a gift.  Will have to post later.

Neglect

I have no idea if anyone is still following this blog, I have neglected it terribly.  My extra time is spent on so many things but doing art comes first.  I read that last sentence and I know, deep down, it doesn't always but guess there are times when it can't.  Neglect the blog, not a disaster I suppose but, neglect working on art and skills get rusty and work suffers.  It is the same with relationships, neglect of loved ones and friends makes emotional distance and emptiness.
This past several days, I spent in the company of good friends who are also artists.  We have relit our fires by setting goals and with promises to keep up with each others progress.  There is support and friendly urging to keep on task.  Working alone in a studio is OK but knowing that support and encouragement is there and keeping in touch with it keeps me going.
The next time I post here, will have a photo, either of a finished work or a WIP!  Goals!

Playing Catch Up

Another long while since posting here. Not sure how I expect to gain followers if I never blog and seem to be repeating myself when I do. Need to work on that for sure.
The Christmas holiday was a busy one, company coming and going for two weeks. Took a while to get back in the art groove but have managed to do just that, completing two pieces in the last couple of weeks. Things are going well, so on a creative high right now, hope it holds!
Read a recent blog post by another artist that really made me think. She made the same remarks I have made, about working through the fear of making mistakes and rejection. Another comment she made, about always being an artist but not making any fine art for many years made a light come on.
I have posted before about having difficulty considering myself an artist, something I am not having as much trouble with these days. What struck home with me about her comment was that, yes, I too have always been an artist. It is just now, in the last few years that I have been creating fine art. My earlier attempts as a child were more as a hobby, always of animals and I, for some reason, never developed the passion for art that so many do. It has been a long time coming but the fire has been lit and is growing by the day. Perhaps it just has to do with confidence and now, that I am almost 60, I am finally figuring it all out!
I am just happy that I have found the art part of my life again and sorry I have let so much time pass. No regrets though, my life has been very full and wonderful and this is probably the best time for art to take hold.
My latest work can't be posted yet as it is for gifts. Have done nothing but graphite recently, kind of getting back to the basics as it were. Loving every minute!