Monday, December 31, 2012

Year end review

You probably have a never ending to-do list, like me, but once in awhile its good to take stock of things already accomplished. Looking at the list of things actually crossed off as done, as well as things we had not intended to do, but surprised ourselves with, are truly satisfying.
I have not stopped appreciating this surprising year since it started. I pulled things out of my hat that I never would have considered a few short years ago.


Last year I began painting again and as an exercise in humility posted a painting on my blog and offered a few in my Etsy shop that I originally started to sell vintage finds.
I thought it would be kind of cool if I could sell a couple of paintings.

The morning of March 13th, I was sleepily browsing through my normal list of blogs, clicked on The Pink Pagoda, scrolled down ignoring the text and spit out my coffee all over the screen.


I laughed out loud in disbelief.  Jennifer's post was charming and the eye-opener I needed to instill a little confidence in myself. I still had a tough row to hoe to convince my family that my painting was a good idea.
I joined a local art association and entered work in juried shows.

Starting with "Figure 2" above, many were accepted, much to my surprise.
My blog life started to fill up too.
Linda of My Crafty Home Life  led a few of us in  Spring into Action, a series that nudged the procrastinators to finish something up. I chose a framing project to put the finishing touch on my dining room.

From this, Nancy of Powell-Brower Home and I became pals and even went on a field trip or two. She is so much fun and the connection was one of those surprise benefits of blogging that I never counted on.

I got rather sick in May but made up for things in June. Brisk painting sales and a few commissions led me to launch my website, www.KerrySteele.com.

I also paid a visit to Loi Thai at  his Bethesda shop, Tone on Tone. I posted about it HERE.

There were a few missteps.


Like this tongue in cheek tutorial of flower arranging. I couldn't get it right to save my life.


Then there was the Paint a rug party that still makes me wince when I think about it.


I think I should stick to stretching canvases and



I had tons of fun designing fabrics on Spoonflower.


I was even more surprised when a few people bought them, LOL! 

That leads me to my resolution.  Why am I always so surprised when someone embraces my work? I am very unsure of my taste and talents but if 60 paintings and a few yards of fabric are any indication, I need to keep going and and not question my self so much. A little humility is a good thing but not when it becomes a roadblock to successfully doing what you love.
At the end of the year I also like to look beyond my life, consider the lives of others and the world. It is another chance to be thankful and reach out to others.
I hope you take the time to do that and remember all of the positives in your life.

Have you made a list of the highlights of this year and all of your successes?

12 comments:

ArchitectDesign™ said...

60 paintings -GIRL -thats GREAT! Isn't that more than some artists sell (or even produce) in a lifetime? Vemeer only produced 34 for sure (or perhaps up to 66) -but still, I think you can safely call yourself an artist :-)

An Urban Cottage said...

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the progress you've made in your painting. It's really hard to put your work out to the world so I take my hat off to you. I'm also impressed with what you've done with spoonflower. Through my various forays into art, I've been told by several different people I should design textiles. I guess that means my paintings suck but that's okay. I'll embrace that and look into fabrics.

I'm looking forward to your artistic adventures in the new year!

designchic said...

You know how we love your paintings- wishing you all the best in 2013!!

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

That is a productive year. I am sure 2013 will be even busier for you. I love that you try, no matter what. I am also glad that you are game for anything I throw at you. Happy New Year.

Lenny Lianne said...

Kerry, I'm so proud of you. You have
so much talent and a good eye for how
to use it in many ways.

Your artist grandmother would have been
proud of you too -- and bragging shamelessly.

You go, girl!!!

MOM

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

Happy New Year Kerry,
Your talent is fabulous! Can't wait to see all the wonderful art that you will share with us in 2013!

Windlost said...

Kerry, I love your paintings and all your accomplishments sound pretty great to me! I hope you have a lovely and successful year ahead.

I don't know why but I never looked at your Etsy store, so I must go over there now and pick a favorite.

Thank you for always leaving kind and thoughtful comments on my blog. I am less good at making the rounds, but will strive to be a better blog friend this year! Plus, I hope to meet you some time we come down to DC!

xo's Terri

Kim said...

Kerry you had an amazing 2013 and I am so happy I got to know you AND your art! Congratulations on a wonderful year ... and put away those doubts and move into 2013 with confidence!! xo

Pura Vida said...

I loved this post! One of my plans for 2013 is to own some of your art!

Unknown said...

You had a great year, and Im so happy to have gotten to know you! I wish you the best in 2013 for you and your family, and that you continue to run with your passions and see where it takes you! see you soon.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

The Pink Pagoda said...

You're so talented, Kerry! I love sharing your talent and beautiful work on my blog. I'm planning to do it again soon!

Tiffiany Shaw said...

Isn't it funny when you look around and see talented people whose work rocks and you think they have it all together and they must know just how great they are and then you read a post like this and find out that they have insecurities too but have chosen to ignore them and be fabulous anyway? Thanks for the inspiration today! Keep on painting and creating!