Painting a Day - Days 92 - 100

 I finally finished my 100 days of painting. I went way over the 100 days, like by 28. And I am posting this about two weeks after the fact. It is amazing how one extra thing in your daily schedule can burn you out. But it is also amazing to think one extra thing in your schedule can lead to new new things and new opportunities.

I feel like I have learned so much about watercolor, meeting deadlines, goal setting and talking about my art. I know I didn't reach my goal on time and that was disappointing, but I did try and that has set my feet on a path I am eager to continue on.

I regret that I did not stay on top of blogging. It became one too many things to do and by the time the holidays came, I was too distracted. But this is a new year and a new beginning.

In the weeks to come I will be starting a new website and blog. I feel like "Out From Under a Rock" has come to the end of its purpose. I began it as a way to restart my journey as an artist. I think I have accomplished that.

I am now fully on the road to becoming a professional artist. I have wanted this since I was a teenager. For years I regretted not pursuing my talents. But now I see that I am the kind of person that lives life in stages. I just don't do things all at once. I needed to focus on creating a marriage and a family. I needed to focus on growing up. I don't think I would have been able to stay focused on the long term challenges and goals this journey has in store for me. I know I am ready now.

Thank you to every visitor to my blog. Thank you to every one who purchased a painting from me. I appreciate all the support and encouragement.

I will let you know when my new blog is up and running. Hope you will come and visit me there!

Painting a Day - Days 88 - 91

 As I have neared the end of my painting a day project, I have found it extremely difficult to keep up with it. The holidays have taken a lot of my attention and to be perfectly honest, I have just been tired. The seasons have changed and I can tell it has affected my mood and energy level. But in spite of that, I am still working. I am really proud of my determination to do this considering this time last year I gave up on my creative pursuits all together and did not take it up again until late spring.

This project has changed my life in so many ways. I have seen my skills improve as I handle the watercolors. My drawing skills have sharpened up to the level I was at when I was in college 20 years ago. I have often felt like I let my talents go to waste and that has discouraged me from trying to take it up again. But there are so many people I have heard who have encouraged me and others that it is never too late. I believe that.

I feel like my life has happened in stages. After college I got caught up in making a living and being married. My art career seemed like an unattainable dream that I had not idea how to make happen or the will power to make it happen.

I spent my 30s having babies and raising them. I couldn't devote a steady stream of energy to anything but them. Now as I look back from the beginning of my 40s I see that in many ways I am a one pursuit person. My energies are limited and my propensity to negativity often thwart my plans. But over the past 4 months I have seen that I can change my thoughts and I can overcome fatigue. It has taken many years to come to this place, but I believe it has all happened for a purpose. I am excited that my children are around to see their mother do this. I hope they will see that they can overcome being down and getting discouraged.

I am also so amazed at the support I have received from people on line and locally. I feel like I have a real future as a working artist and I look forward to see where this journey takes me.

Thank you, Reader, for visiting and being a part of that support. Blogging is hard when the day has come and gone and I feel like I have nothing to say. I have leaned hard on Facebook, but blogging has helped me share more of myself. I am glad you have chosen to let me share with you.