Irreparable Past, Irresistible Future

Some favorites from 2013, ©Cindy Greene

Of course, today is filled with year-end thoughts, resolutions, goals ignored or exceeded, possible regrets, enormous thanksgiving. I've had the gift of time this week with two of our daughters who live in other cities — and memories of the time spent last week with all our children. I'm full, tired, grateful, humble, probably irritable. I want to acknowledge the passage of 2013 in some way.

A year ago, I set a few art goals for 2013. They included starting a painting blog, taking a workshop, getting comfortable with my plein air excursions, entering a show or two, and joining a local art organization. I'm amazed that I have completely exceeded these intentions; I can't remember ever doing that before. This is something I love doing, and that God-given drive combined with the encouragement of my husband, children, friends and even strangers, has pushed me along. 

Obviously, there's a painting blog — you are reading it. I took a great workshop last February with Carol Marine, and met some other artists I enjoy following. I had a great time regularly painting plein air with a couple of friends during the summer, and found a comfort level (the mastery will come in twenty years or so I guess). I joined a local art group — it may not be where I stay, but it was a start. I entered four shows near the end of the year; all were good experiences.

For someone who is by nature quite shy, this has been a total "out of the comfort zone" experience. I love painting, and I am so thankful that so many of you enjoy what I paint. I'm thankful for all of you, and wish you a most happy and blessed 2014.

"Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands,
and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him."

— Oswald Chambers

Christmas Love

Christmas Love, 8"x10", ©Cindy Greene 2013

It's 10:15 pm Christmas Eve, and I'm the last one up, enjoying the peace and the Christmas tree and the reflection of a sweet afternoon and evening spent with family. I'm ever so grateful that our children want to spend time with us; I just soak it up to remember when they are all back in their own cities. 

I want to thank all of you who have read this blog, and have supported me in my painting endeavors this past year. I am abundantly blessed in so many ways, and the encouragement of family, friends, collectors and artists has meant so much to me.

Merry Christmas, dear friends.

"By rooting out our selfish desires, even when they appear to touch
no one but ourselves, we are preparing a chamber of the soul
where the Divine Presence may dwell." — Ellen Watson

What a Week!

Kim VanDerHoek, me, and Dana Cooper enjoying the
Holiday Treasures show at the Debra Huse Gallery.

I mentioned previously that I had opening receptions for three shows last week — and we made it to all of them. We had a blast.

"Lunch at Lola's" hanging behind me. Why aren't I smiling? It was a great evening!

Wednesday evening was the opening of Sara Balough's HOME Art Show, in Palos Verdes Estates. The show is in the Malaga Cove Library, which is a beautiful venue. Sara had it decorated to the nines, of course, and it was filled with wonderful art. As we walked in the door, I saw my entry, Lunch at Lola's on a far wall, with a sold dot on the label. Yippee! A sale is a wonderful way to start a week of holiday shows. I did not get to meet the buyer, but it was fun to talk to people there. It's not on my usual circuit, and it was nice to see work in person that I had not seen before. Sara has put the show paintings up on BeautifulArtOnline — go and take a look! Sara was delightful to work with, and I hope she repeats her show next year.

Basking in the glow of an award! And a bit more of a smile.

On Thursday evening, we drove the other direction — down to Balboa Island, to the Debra Huse Gallery for the opening of the Holiday Treasures Salon 2013. The quality of the artwork in the show was amazing — just so many beautiful pieces. The gallery was packed, and it was fun to see some artists I knew and meet some I did not. I was so honored to receive an Award of Merit from judge Jeff Sewell. "Balboa for Two" sold a few days later, and I hope its new owner enjoys it.

Enjoying the Higbee show. "Winter at Demetria" is just behind my shoulder.

After a break on Friday to rest, Saturday night brought the "big daddy" of local December art shows, the Randy Higbee Gallery Six-Inch-Squared Show. I have two paintings in the show, among the 609 that were hung. It was definitely the largest number of paintings AND the largest number of attendees that I have seen in one gallery at once. Of course it was a huge reunion of local artists, and it was great to see everyone as well as the art. Several friends came, and an extra fun surprise was that two of our daughters drove up from San Diego and met us at the show. Randy and his staff do an amazing job organizing and hanging this show. Paintings are online here, and you can search by artist name or just scroll through all 609 paintings. It was quite a memorable evening.

So now after all that inspiration, I am anxious to get back in the studio and PAINT. Being the middle of December, that time is limited, but I am so anxious. I love the winter light, and hope to have at least a few plein-air painting days while the weather is so beautiful. I also have a commission due by Christmas — better get to the easel!