January 1, 2012

2012! Amazing, it's just amazing that another year has come and gone. The new year is always  a time of reflection and planning for me.

Looking back on this past year there have been many milestones, important birthdays and anniversaries, and many great trips and time spent with wonderful people.
I look forward to 2012, to continuing to be blessed with my family, and friends, and have the opportunity to travel and paint in beautiful places.
Finally this year I started using my etching press with has stood sentry in my studio, abandoned for too long. I enjoy the process and it fills out my day. The lack of daylight  creates such a short work day and I find the drawing and printing process very interesting and a new challenge. (I have posted an image on my Facebook page for anyone interested, I'll continue to post print images as I do them)

Recently I received a very nice letter from someone who had purchased a painting and his letter was filled with compliments and insightful comments as well as thoughtful questions about the piece and my work in general. It was a pleasure to receive such a kind letter and it got me thinking about all the paintings that I have done, and will do. My enjoyment comes from the creating of them. Finding the perfect location or the perfect still life combination. I am challenged while I paint to put onto canvas what I see in my minds eye. Once I've completed the painting it is framed and hopefully sold to someone who will take it and hang it in their home. I always feel honored that people think enough of my work to have it in their homes and offices, where it becomes a part of their lives as it was part of mine.

I am continuing to work on finishing paintings for an upcoming show in January and then I will travel to Florida and South Carolina on a painting trip for galleries there. I'm hoping this year to take a short trip to Ireland and perhaps in the fall to Italy.

We are trying to post to Facebook and twitter and put up work that is on the easel so that those who have expressed interest in what is happening in the studio can have a little glimpse.
The coming year holds great possibilities. My wish for everyone is that you have a truly good and Happy New Year!

May you find beauty in all that you see!

Regards,

John C