Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A new year, a look back, and a blogoversary giveaway!

Two years ago this month I started this blog. And I had no idea it would be such a hugely positive way for me to connect with others about my all consuming passion for art. You guys have been a huge support for me, encouraging me when I doubt myself, praising me when I don't deserve it, and just being downright awesome in every way. This artist's life can be very lonely, but you guys make it less so. Much less so. :)

So there will be a giveaway, as my way of saying thank you. :) But first, a look back at last year.

I set a goal for 2011 to grow more with my painting skills and when I look back at the work I've done over the last year I think that I really have grown. I've tried new mediums, new subjects, new points of view. I've let go of (at least some of) my fear of failure when it's time to sit down and paint. I've painted from my heart, subjects and compositions that matter to me, things that I wanted to paint. I've been true to myself.

And I think that is the greatest thing an artist can do.

So, with that in mind, I've compiled a list of paintings that I feel were milestones, paintings that really helped me stretch, or see things in a new way. And there's even a painting here that I've never posted before.

Here we go!

Sparkle
7" x 9" watercolor

Obviously this painting is a portrait of my son, so there's nothing new there :) but the thing about this painting that helped me grow was making those lost and found edges in his clothes, and maintaining his sweet face and eyes as the focus point. It's easy for me to paint everything I see in focus and be very literal about sharp edges since I love detail so much, but I think not having everything sharp makes a stronger impact, at least with this piece it did.

Next!

Still Life Interruptus 2
10" x 14" watercolor

With this painting I really pushed color and light, much more than what was seen in my reference photo, and much more than I usually do. Let me just tell you, it took guts for me to splash so much cadmium red all over his skin tones. I was a nervous wreck every time I sat there and watched the wet paint drying, asking myself "what have you done!" But in the end it was worth it. I really like the glow. 

Next! No soup for you! (sorry but it had to be said)


Solemn
7" x 9" watercolor

This painting helped me see what a big difference having a well thought out color scheme can make in your finished work. I like the color harmony here. I think that I only used about five tube colors to create this painting. Wierd since I'm a color junkie and usually use everything on my palette! And I really like the variety of edges here too.  

Next!

Beauty Inside
6" x 6" watercolor

This was the first still life I ever painted. And painting this proved to me that you don't always need a face or figure to tell a story or have some drama. Go figure! ;)

And really I could talk about what I learned from every single painting I did last year, but that would be boring so here's one more. . .

Sleepy Baby
8" x 10" acrylic on masonite

This is the one I never posted, but painted back in June of last year. Working with acrylics is an interesting experience for me. I feel like I'm completely out of my comfort zone and I'm always interested to see that how I paint with acrylics is entirely different from how I paint with watercolors, or even colored pencils. It's like I have a different personality that only shows up when I paint with acrylics. I think I'll call her Genevive. (that's for you Brodie ;)

But I digress, the growth that comes from painting with acrylics shows up in my watercolors too I think. I feel more daring, more brave, less afraid to fail when I approach my next watercolor. It's very. . . liberating I guess you could say.

Now onto the giveaway. :)

As my way of saying thank you for being the rock stars that you are all you need to do is leave a comment on this post (or on the corresponding link to this blog post on my facebook page). In your comment you don't need to tell me how awesome you think I am (although that would be cool. Kidding. . . kinda :), you can tell me something awesome about you, like what your favorite cupcake flavor is, or your future plans for world domination (Mwa ha ha!!!).

I'm not requiring you guys to do anything extra for this giveaway, just comment and you're entered. But. . . if you want to share it with others through facebook, or your own blog, or some other way, then  that would just be awesome and I would be your best friend forever (I'm sorry I just can NOT bring myself to write BFF), but you don't have to. :)

Then next Monday night I will randomly choose one person who will win a 5" x 7" print of my painting Timeless Remedy:


and on Tuesday I will post who that winner is. :)

Thanks everybody. It's been an amazing two years. Here's to a great new year! Huzzah for 2012!!!

41 comments:

  1. I just had one of the best treats of my life.. It is pure MAGIC..

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  2. I am also a mother of three boys, and your paintings are beautiful.

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  3. After years of not painting because I was so busy with work, I retired myself and now I'm not back at it and enjoying enriching my soul.

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  4. Most people just catch a glimpse of your awesomeness here... Which I have to admit is an pretty awesome side of you since you are like award winning and all but most don't know about the quiet way you watch others and listen to the way you should help, or the countless hours of time you dedicate to others, or your determination when your legs carry you on morning runs, your great love for animals, how you are just a good of a writer as an artist, how you have such amazing forethought and can see the future way before the start, your deep deep love and solemn responsibility of motherhood, your perseverance,

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  5. What a year you have had painting. Of course, it goes without saying that they are all wonderful - you have such a gift for capturing portraits with your distinctive style.

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  6. Happy blogoversary Crystal, or blogmonthversary, or... oh well, you know what I mean, to many more to come!

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  7. Amazing work, Crystal! Happy anniversary and best wishes for 2012!

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  8. I'm not sure how long I've been following you now Crystal, but it's been a while. Every time you produce a painting I think "it can't get better than this", then you go and do another one and prove me wrong!!! LOL. Happy Blogaversary when it comes.

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  9. I enjoyed reading your retrospective on the paintings you feel were important to your artistic growth - really fun and interesting!

    Happy blogoversary, and I hope 2012 is an even better year for you, Crystal!

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  10. Wonderful post, Crystal...it would be an honor if I won this beautiful painting. In fact I think I would send it to my grandaughter who recently made me a great grandmother. Happy 2012!

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  11. Well, this is the first time I have been to Bloggyland since, well, since you know what happened :0(
    This is the first blog I have visited (of course ;0)) and it gave me a real buzz for the first time in what seems like so long and it made me give some thought to my own growth during the last year. Honestly, it was so lovely to be able to think of something else for a while, so thank you for that.
    Hmmm... Whats awesome about me?? Um... well how about... 'I'm back?'

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  12. Huzzah for 2012! I am excitedly waiting for your paintings in the coming year -after the wonderful look back at 2011, I know it will be nothing but a treat :) and happy blogoversary!

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  13. Happy New Year Crystal. I wish that you'll achieve all what you want to do in life.

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  14. Crystal, you truly can be proud of yourself!
    [What more can I say?]

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  15. Your an amazing person you inspire me!

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  16. Happy Blogoversary, Crystal!!! Where did the time go!!!! Here's to another year of your amazing paintings!!

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  17. Happy Blog anniversary, Crystal,

    I've been following you for some time now and I feel the same way that John does. I am always sure you've produced your very best painting and then you introduce another one.

    You blow me away - and I'd love to win your Timeless Remedy,

    xoxo

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  18. Those are wonderful portraits! You certainly have a talent for faces.

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  19. I'm so glad you blog! You are so encouraging/inspiring. You help me not use my three young kids stage-of-life as an excuse to not get around to paint :)

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  20. Congrats on your blog annv! I've enjoyed the ride and you know I love your paintings. Each of them so luminous and captivating. Wouldn't I just love to win one of your prints!
    And can I just say I enjoyed the 'inside look' of this post, love learning about artist process and challenges, enriching reading.

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  21. To a fabulous artist and inspirational blogger-Happy Blogging Celebration! Looking forward to many more enjoyable posts.

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  22. Two years? Hasn't that flown?
    Your work has grown immensely and you shine through in each post and painting. Its a treat to follow :) xx

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  23. Congrats to you on your blog:) I love stopping by here, you always seem to have something positive and inspiring to say. Your work is amazing:)

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  24. Beautiful series of paintings!!! They have a lovely delicacy yet a vibrant strength. All the best in 2012!

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  25. Happy New Year! It looks like you've met all your goals for 2011 and then some. Your paintings have this quality of atmosphere and light (and even temperature) along with lots of heart and soul! Wonderful. I can't believe the kiwis were your first still-life. Incredible.

    Something about myself? Hmmm...I find inspiration from nature and other artists, but I think that's pretty common for many people. My favorite cupcake flavor is chocolate mocha.

    Would love to have you guest post on my blog too! Since you put it out there ;)

    xo

    Mikel

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  26. loved your comments on each piece. i love hearing the artist's thoughts on the process, so enlightening. and such an incredible body of work. happy anniversary! have you tried cupcakes from Crumbs online? don't. they're the reason i look the way i do! :0)

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  27. Gorgeous paintings as always, Crystal. I've missed you, friend. Hope this year is the very best one yet.

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  28. Wonderful paintings, Crystal, and Happy New Year!

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  29. Crystal - I believe you already know how I feel about your work. You TOTALLY AMAZE me! Still don't know HOW you do it.
    My son paid me the nicest compliment years ago (& I teared up). The first time I met his girlfriend, Sara (now his wife) - he told Sara "Meet my Mom. She made growing up FUN!" That was quite an honor from a 20 yr old guy.

    I'd LOVE any piece of your work!!
    Your biggest Fan, Chocoholic Grandma Nancy

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  30. Hey Crystal...you already know that I'm a big fan. Your portraits are just the "bestest" of all...don't you wish your little ones could stay little ones forever...you do capture their essence magically.

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  31. Hi Crystal, I am fairly new to your blog - only the last few months, and I really feel inspired by your art. Congrats on 2 years, and may you paint for many years to come.

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  32. great post and reflections on your super work crystal .. ..happy 2nd ... wishing you and your family a very happy 2012

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  33. Crystal, great post and I really like what Jeannie had to say about you. That is the impression I get of you when reading your blog and viewing your work. Hope you are off to a great start in 2012.

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  34. Happy anniversary Crystal! I am so in awe of your work, I know how hard watercolor can be. I think I have also been blogging about 2 years. Thanks so much for all of your kind comments through our blogging years. :)

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  35. Happy blog anniversary Crystal. I can't believe I nearly missed out on entering your giveaway. You are truly one of my favorite artists and I'm not just saying that to get on you good side. I love your paintings and the way you used color. I'll be following your blog as long as you have one. Hugs

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  36. I'll second that Huzzah for 2012! Please enter me. (Thank you for the friendly spam - I haven't looked on friends blogs for 2-3 weeks because of the holidays)

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  37. I've been reading your blog for quite some time, yours and Carrie Waller's.

    I can't say how much it has encouraged me seeing both of you having lots of responsibilities of family and still squeeze time out and did beautiful art, growing fast as artists.

    This year I having gathered my courage and made the leap to leave my job and just paint -- for as long as my resources will last. I have also just restarted my blog, pushing myself to paint and recording what I have learned everyday.

    I really enjoyed reading your posts, this one in particular as you explained in detail about the important things you learned and the leaps and bounds those beautiful pieces has lead to.

    I would like to be a virtual friend on the cyber space, exchanging encouragements and trading valuable information.

    And maybe, if you have time, maybe I can come and look at the beautiful art of yours when I am going to Utah to study painting later this year?

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  38. Happy blogoversary and a very happy new year too. Let your work in the new year keep inspiring me as it has done till now.

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  39. Well, sign me up for the giveaway! I feel like I just threw in a dollar for the lottery! LOL! Great post and wish me luck!

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  40. I'm glad my friend posted your blog on her FB page. I love your artwork. It's so honest and bold.
    Keep on painting!

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  41. Your paintings show such character and a real love of your subjects that really comes through. I absolutely love the rich colours and brillaint use of light. Hope this year is even more successful for you than last)

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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