Elaine Watts
Watercolourist and Printmaker

Blog

(posted on 21 Dec 2012)

In some ways I'm sorry to see the end of this year--it's been the best one ever. Full of travel, new experiences, lots of friends and family and time with my wonderful husband, all over the world--a very hard act to follow! I'm not sure I'll ever in my life have another year like this one has been...and yet...maybe I could start dreaming again and think up more spectacular plans for the future!

Meanwhile, I'm starting to work on next year's "theme", as I like to call my plan for the future. Mulling around something like "Creating inspiring artwork" which will focus me on expanding my art career, and really working at it, more than dabbling. Getting my studio established and drawing customers, improving my website by installing paypal, and networking and establishing myself in this lovely new community we are living in, will be key in developing my action plans. That said, I want to have lots of fun too, and explore BC a little with our travel trailer before 2014 when we're developing a plan to take it across Canada.

Meanwhile I'm getting prepared to head to Australia again for my annual retreat and will be refining my written ideas about 2013, as well as doing a followup printmaking course in Bellingen again. So stay tuned for more ideas to come!

Since my last post I've done more work on my studio and had neighbours and local friends in for a little preview opening. Here's what it looked like nearing the day:

As you can see there was snow on the ground and the wood stove made everything cozy. I got a few Christmas ornaments out, as well as some lights, and with hubby's Christmas baking it looked quite festive inside!

I was pleased to show it off and even happier to sell a few pieces!

Now, the decorations are packed away and we're packing up ourselves to head down to the coast for Christmas and New Year's, before I fly off south until it gets warmer here...

Ending this spectacular year, I feel so lucky and priviliged to live where I do, and have such prosperity around me everywhere I look: friends and family, the beautiful places I live, play and travel to, the society that is law-abiding, civilized, and progressive and educated. Once you have been to some third-world countries you have a much deeper appreciation for how we live. That there are such basic needs still unfulfilled in some countries, in this day and age, is shocking, and I'll have to put that thought into my plan and see what I can do to make a difference. Suggestions are welcome!

With that, I'll sign out for a few weeks by wishing you & yours a very happy holiday season--relax and feel the love for those around you and have a great start to 2013!