1. To study the human figure every day--I'm fascinated by people and how body language communicates, but I've not given nearly enough time to building the subject into my painting vocabulary.
2. To cut down by a third the time it takes to make a painting--I'm not happy with my turtle-slow painting process. I believe I can cut out a lot of slack by deleting hesitation. Written on the head of my easel are these words: Squint--Observe--Select--Aim--Stroke. I'm adding to that "and get on with it."
3. To find my nitch in watercolor--Even though 2008 has been devoted to oil painting, over the years I've done quite a bit of watercolor. And though I love the medium, it's been on rare occasions that I felt it was mine. This little piece (pardon bits of glass glare) done eight years ago came very close to feeling like me, as did several little still life paintings done about the same time. I want to re-claim that and secure it.4. To double my observation skills--I really mean it. The more I observe, the more I realize I'm missing. I want to see color, edges, variations, angles of light, nuances and whatever else I find that still is so full of mystery.
21 comments:
Great goals, Dianne, which I have no doubt you will achieve. I would do well to copy them, especially to increase observation! I think the watercolour 'Apples' is fabulous, you are there already. I admire so much that there is nothing timid about your work, you know what you want and go for it.
Your goals are encouraging and motivating to me.
On to more and better observing and painting!
good luck with it all dianne,
i think we can all learn from your resolutions...
thanks for all the kind words and have a wonderful 2009
your winter solstice and dog drawing are smashing!
Dianne, your goals are well thought out and quite achievable too. I'm sure your already wonderful work will become even more so in 2009.
Happy New Year
I think I should add your #2 to my list - I suffer from the same slow hesitation.
Happy New Year!! :)
Hey Sharon. Glad you like the watercolor. If I can find what I was doing there and make it happen every time, I'll feel like I've got a good beginning.
Peggy, I'm convinced that 90% of being an artist is in the eye rather than the brush. That's what I'm hoping to hone.
Thanks, Rob. I have really enjoyed your work every since I discovered your blog in 2008. I look forward to a bunch of good stuff from you, too.
Thanks, Jeanette. I certainly have solid intentions toward those goals. As long as the work is improving, I'm happy.
Michelle, let's both work on that hesitation issue. Report back in three months and I'll tell you how it's going with me. :)
Wonderful goals.
May you have a wonderful, productive, and profitable new year.
All the best from the Tirolese Family
Fabulous and realistic goals... And how satisfying it will be at the end of the year to review and reward yourself for accomplishing them.
Actually with the goals that you've set for yourself.... the reward will be in the journey to achieve them.
Godspeed in 2009!
Great Goals! Have a great new year!
Fantastic goals for 2009 Dianne. I think I'm going to 'borrow' your no. 1 for myself! Love the watercolour.
I loved reading your goals! It's great to see that even someone at your level of knowledge and skill is still always reaching for that next level. My favorite is #4, that kind of seeing is what delights me most about making art of any kind.
Although I have not made any resolutions...if I were to do so one would be to learn to slow down and be more deliberate and less impulsive. Go figure.
I hope you don't mind, I am going to steal your goals.
Have a wonderful and productive year.
All the best to you.
What excites me about your goals is that you intend to invest in yourself.
Best wishes in 2009!
Thanks, everybody. I'm mule-headed determined to meet these goals. Will report at the end of the year, and perhaps a bit along the way. Bill, you're certainly have my blessings to steal them. Let me know how it goes.
Dianne, loved hearing about your watercolor goals. I, too, love watercolor (learned with Charles Reid), but unless my tutor is present, my watercolors look like s**t.
maybe 2009. I have the good-lookin gear (custom made brass/enamel pocket box (ala Charles), so if I move fast people assume I'm 'a artist' (sic)
Hi Dianne,
What a wonderful blog you have. I'm enjoying exploring and want to encourage you to really pursue watercolor. the apples are a little gem. Exquisitely done! Good luck with your '09 goals.
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