I don't like using the words, "a new year resolution." That usually means I will make a goal for the new year and I won't even remember what it was when the year is up. However, if we don't have goals, we do not have a direction in life. So, in 2015, my goal is to be more consistent in spending time painting. The author, Malcolm Gladwell tells us that it requires 10,000 hours of practice before you can expect to excel at something. Now this sounds like a chore but when you have a passion for something, then it is a joyful experience.

To jump start the new year, I have joined Leslie Saeta's challenge of 30 paintings in 30 days starting Jan. 1st. Now I managed to do 60 apple paintings in 60 days, so I am optimistic that I can keep this pace. When I did the apples, I learned a lot. Working in a series like this could be boring but it wasn't. It made me try different things in technique, materials, and composition. Here are a few of these paintings. You can see all of them on my web site.

So, on Jan. 1st, keep an eye on my web site for my progress and sign up for my newsletter. At the end of the 30 days, I will randomly give away one of the paintings I did during the 30 day challenge to someone on my newsletter list. Be the winner by signing up now. I promise I will not flood your inbox.

Peace to all of you in 2015! Sue

Were you told at a young age that you couldn't do something and now you are convinced that it is true? I talked to many people at the Center's Holiday Art Fair who admired my work and said, "I can't draw a straight line." You know what? I can't either. That's why we have rulers. I also heard, "I can't even draw a stick figure." Well, I don't believe it! These adults were discouraged from childhood when they were told that art was not their gift. Teachers and parents, please do not do this to your children! It was obvious that a lot of these people wanted to sign up for one of the many creative art classes at the Center but they were embarrassed and afraid to try. This is sad. There must be a lot of hidden talent out there. Will it ever surface? Here are two of my students who are not afraid to experiment and certainly not afraid to put their work out in public.

This was my display in the Holiday Art Fair at the The Center in Palos Park. I demonstrated pastel painting during the show. You can see my easel next to the completed work.

Art is important. Our creativity is a gift and necessary for our spiritual well being. So, I want to encourage all of you to explore that creative side of you. It could be wood carving, cake decorating, gardening, painting, needlecraft, ceramics, photography, cooking, etc....There are so many possibilities! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Do it for yourself.

I hope that all of you have a happy holiday season and a very creative new year!

Sue