Sunday, December 30, 2007

Another Year Gone



"Sunlight and Shadow"
Oil on Panel
18x24"
2007


Wow - I can't believe it's already the end of 2007! As usual, this year has flown by. The nice thing is that I can say that without feeling bad because it flew by while I was spending my time doing what I wanted to be doing, FINALLY!

Anyhow, I'm a goal person, and last January I posted what turned out to be somewhat ambitious 2007 goals for this first-time mom. Here's how I did:

Art Goals:

1. Expand gallery representation for my landscapes outside of the Denver area. Specifically, obtain representation in at least 3 of the following art markets: Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Jackson, Aspen, Breckenridge.

Um, no.

This was a bit ambitious considering that my main accomplishment for the year was to figure out how to still paint while taking care of a baby. However, I do have representation outside of the Denver area now, so I guess I made the first part of this goal. In addition to showing at Angler Art in Denver, I've got paintings at Elkhorn Art Gallery in Winter Park now. This works out well since they're just up the road from where Nate is building houses - if we end up moving up there in 2008, I'll have a local gallery! I haven't even tried to find representation out of state - that'll have to be a goal for 2008.


2. Double my 2006 revenue from painting sales.

I haven't crunched the numbers yet, but I'm going to say that this didn't happen either. I definitely increased my revenue over 2006, but I know I didn't double it.

3. Enter at least two of the following juried shows: OPA National Exhibition, OPA Central Regional Exhibition, Arts for the Parks, Salon International.

DONE! I entered the OPA National and the Salon International. I got into the OPA show and won an Award of Excellence, which more than made up for the fact that I was rejected by the Salon show!

4. Enter and participate in at least one plein air event.

DONE! I participated in Estes Park Plein Air in August. Overall, I'm a little lukewarm about the experience. I think that if I do a plein air event in the future, it will have to have fewer artists and be in a better art market. I like to paint on location, but I don't think I'll ever be spending my summers participating in one event after another - these events are a lot of effort!

Personal Goals:

1. Get back into shape post-pregnancy - specifically, be fit enough to complete either the Steamboat Springs 1/2 Marathon or 5430 Sprint Triathlon in June.

Ha! Yeah right. Actually, I made some decent progress until I got a nasty IT band injury in July, which made it painful to even hike for the rest of the summer. It's finally better, so I'm starting slowly, AGAIN.

2. Have fun and enjoy being a mom!

DONE! I did have fun this year, and being a mom has been such a blessing. I can't even begin to express how nice it is to finally be living the life I want to lead. It more than makes up for the fact that I barely met any of my goals for the year!

Anyhow, normally I'd be a bit peeved about not meeting so many goals, but this year has been full of new experiences for me, and I had no way to know how I was going to handle everything. Alyson Stanfield always suggests taking stock of one's successes at the end of the year, and I think this year is as good as any to start that habit. In no particular order (and mostly just to remind myself that I made some progress this year) here are my 2007 accomplishments:

  • Had work published in March '07 issue of American Artist
  • In conjunction with the article, participated in group show at the Forbes Galleries in NYC
  • Sold all of my paintings in the show before the opening
  • Had the painting "First Light" accepted into the OPA National show
  • Attended the OPA show which was probably the most useful art event I've ever attended
  • Received the Utrecht Award of Excellence at the OPA show, which effectively paid for my art supplies for the rest of the year (definitely a bonus!)
  • Held my first solo show at Angler Art in Denver
  • Officially quit my engineering job at Washington Group
  • Visited New York City, Houston, Fredericksburg, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Estes Park, and Telluride
  • Maintained my sanity when we decided that 2007 was the year to quit both of our jobs and move, all while adjusting to being parents for the first time

Overall, it was a good year and I've learned a lot that I'll take with me into 2008. Guess it's time to start thinking of my goals for next year...

8 comments:

  1. good job :) i think you accomplished a lot last year - especially with aspen!!

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  2. I think you did incredible! Congratulations on your successes.

    Happy New Year Stacey - may 2008 be wonderful for you!

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  3. Happy New year! I wish i could muster the courage and drive you've shown in the last year!

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  4. I really think your accomplishments are great and you have done a great job. All the best for your 2008 goals.

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  5. Great goals for 2007, and like the others who have commented said, you made excellent progress. I look forwards to seeing your 2008 goals, and what progress you'll make along the year.

    Happy New Year!

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  6. I am a bit late in doing so, But Congratulations on such an incredible year. Looking at your successes would make most artist's mouths drop. Being a new mom and did all thaaaaat? Simply amazing, Stacey! Take a bow!!!

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  7. Oh yes! I forgot. Happy New Year! Here's to more wonderful things coming your way!

    All the best to you!

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  8. Thanks everyone for the congrats - I didn't accomplish what I wanted to thsis year, but it makes me feel better to list what I DID accomplish!

    Happy New Year to everyone!!

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