Starting a new page

Towhee taking a closer look

"The New Year lies before you like a spotless tract of snow. Be careful how you tread on it for every mark will show." Unknown author

This is sage advice for the start of a new year. We get the opportunity to have a fresh start, a new canvas and fresh page. So it is time to give some thought to what we will put on that page. An opportunity to take stock, make fresh plans, set a path or continue a journey already begun. Some will say that the beginning of the New Year is an artificial time for this, that a new path can be followed at any time, the start of a day, a week or a new month. Starting with a new year, though, a beautiful fresh new year, is like starting a huge new empty sketch book.

I have started my New Year with a cleaning and reorganizing frenzy in my studio, I now have a much more functional workspace (neater too). I also now have my own computer, yeah! Well, I think so most of the time, for someone who did not grow up with computers (remember the abacus and slide rule, you get the idea) so new technology can be daunting and frustrating at times as well.

Head scratching seagull

This guy seemed to be giving it some thought, wonder what he concluded. 

Have a look around and then hop to it.

 

 

Red wing blackbird

LBB (Little Brown Bird, sparrow probably)

Now its time to get back to a regular drawing and painting schedule. This year I want to experiment with some new techniques (poured colours, negative painting), and balance the detailed work (which I love) with some more spontaneous and quicker drawing. I need to finish up a couple of pieces that have been in progress for too long or abandon them entirely.

Smiling gargoyle

I need to make time to do at least one or two 15 minute paintings each week; these were recommended at the workshop I attended last September.

Watchful Crow

At the same time I have been struggling with the lack of light at this time of year, I guess I have seasonal depression. It will pass. With the short daylight hours and dull weather I think nature intends us to hibernate a bit, rest, refresh, and not push ourselves too hard. Why is it that we often are a lot more understanding and realistic about others capabilities than we are about our own?
For my part, I will try to get a bit more sleep, if the sun doesn't get up until 8 am, maybe that's when I should rise too, when I can.

But it's the beginning of a new year, a new page to start, a new path to tread, don't be so afraid that you make no mark at all, for that would be a shame; go ahead take a step, make your mark, follow your own path.

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best" Henry Van Dyke

I am pleased to report that I have 2 pieces, one drawing and one painting in the student show at the FCA Gallery (1241 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, B.C.) from Jan 10 to Jan 22, 2012. The opening reception is on January 12 from 6 to 8 pm. The Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10-4 pm, it is closed on Mondays.

Fall Colour III - Gillian Olson watercolour

"Little Cutie" - Gillian Olson Pencil

 Starting here, starting now (Barbara Streisand):

Until next week, happy Whimsy Wednesday, thank you for dropping by.............