Its been a busy week...

of taking care of those responsibilities. Last week, besides working all week, I had a birthday and my son moved into his new college dorm room, and I traveled to visit my daughter over the weekend. Thank goodness for 3 day weekends!

I'm planning on spending some time in the studio this evening to work on some projects that have been bouncing around in my head. I don't have anything new to post here yet, but I will soon!

I have been anxiously awaiting my new camera. I ordered a new Canon Rebel Xti digital camera for my birthday and it arrived today! This is the one I ordered. Now I have to learn how to use it! I have always loved taking pictures. I bought my first 35mm camera when I was in college with my tax return money. I used that camera until about 5 years ago. Digital cameras became popular and I received my first one as a gift and have used it since 2004. So, it was time for a new one. Hopefully this camera will make a pro out of me! Ha. Maybe I will have some photos to show shortly.

You know that feeling...

...where everything seems so far out of reach? Or that the things that you have to get done are so large and looming that you feel overwhelmed? Well that is how this yellow rubber duck looks to me and that is the way I have been feeling the last few days. I'm sure the feeling will pass as soon as these large tasks are taken care of, but since they are not taken care of yet, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I would love nothing more to retreat to my studio and paint, draw, dream....relax, but responsibilities must be taken care of.
This little yellow rubber duck was in the painting of my niece's dog, Georgia. It was my niece's Christmas gift from me. I really loved this little duck and plan to include him in more paintings in the future. But for now, I'm off to take care of some of those responsibilities.

Tomorrow evening I will take time for me!
~Beth

A Fresh Start...

...to the New Year is what we all look forward to. Especially after an especially difficult year. So, I've been trying to think about setting my goals for the year. It has been a difficult year for me and my family and I'm hoping that 2009 turns out to be a better year than 2008.

It has started out with good news that I received the other day...I sold one of my colored pencil paintings that was hanging in Memphis during December! I also received the People's Choice award at the opening reception and received a ribbon. So I am going to be optimistic and hope that this is a good sign for 2009!

Here is a close up picture of 'Stars, Stripes, and Stitches' with the ribbon. Sorry, I had to cut off my head because the picture of me was really, really bad! The weather was rainy and windy and unseasonably warm, so I was not as presentable as I would have liked!

I really did plan to set some goals for 2009. I really thought about what my goals should be and realized that last year was more stressful than it should be. So I have decided that taking care of myself was going to be my top priority. My job tends to be very stressful at times and very time consuming, so I can't plan to work on my art on a daily basis. I do plan, however, to do something that is related to being creative on a daily basis. Whether it is planning, doing research, learning about the business side of art, or just getting inspired by reading about what other artists are doing. And when I do have the time and energy for creating, then hopefully inspiration will follow.

To the new year!

~Beth

New Years Illustration...

While surfing through some blogs, links from blogs, and more links (you know how you find interesting sites that lead to more interesting sites?), I came across this blog call "Organized Doodles" by Rick Green. He has a giveaway sign up going on until January 4th, so if you enjoy cartoon illustrations, go check him out and sign up for his giveaway. This New Year Baby 2009 illustration is one of his illustrations.

2009 Baby New Year ~ Rick Green © 2008-09

Isn't he cute?

I hope that you all are having a nice holiday. I'm still enjoying some down time to relax and enjoy time off from work.

Happy New Years!

I would like to wish everyone a happy new year and hope you have a blessed 2009.
~Beth