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Well, 2021 rolled in with a whimper and not with the big bangs we are accustomed to seeing. 

I am trying to use the new year as an excuse to force myself to get back on track and back to work doing the thing I love. You wouldn't think it would be so hard but....  I have a long list of items to be accomplished. 

Much has changed in the art world and making those adaptations is the biggest challenge to my art practice.

The main challenge I personally have had is finding inspiration and motivation to paint. I've mentioned before, I had difficulty finding inspiration during the shut downs with the barrage of ever changing information-never knowing when galleries would again be open for shows or when or if new exhibits would be happening. The uncertainty of it all has definitely placed a pause on my creativity. Artists often draw their inspiration from the things they see while out and about in the world. I am no exception. To be locked away from seeing people, places, things leaves one without the day to day inspiration that comes without much thought when we are in our normal groove. I am determined not to let 2021 be another barren wasteland.

Last week, I headed to the studio with intent and purpose to put paint on the canvas and to make many marks and add much texture there one way or the other. I'm kicking myself a little that I haven't forced myself to get busy sooner because once I started painting, things just flowed out of me. I created several pieces using a new color palette of neutrals I am trying-much darker than my usual and more earthy. They have been well received so far and one even sold already! I suppose I am on to something but only time will determine that for sure. It seems the dark and gloomy of the past year is beginning to show up on my canvas. So, while I may be a little behind the curve for all those "what you painted during covid" competitions, I may be headed in a new direction in 2021. Maybe I was soaking up the gloom and doom and now is time to let it out. I hope you stay tuned to see what that looks like! 

 

Best until next time, 

 

Kelley