Friday, June 26, 2009

Time To Update 2009 Goals

As I continue to enjoy this life as an artist, I also continue to work toward completing the goals I set for myself for 2009. And since I put these goals out here for all to see, I will keep myself accountable by updating here on my blog as well! :-)

1. Paint 50 paintings. 
              Almost half way done.
    To date, I have completed 22 paintings of various sizes, ranging from 30" x 30" to my small
     ones which were 5.5" x 5.5" unframed. Only 28 to go!!! Since it is only June, I actually think I
     might make it. Yeah!!! 

2. Enter a watercolor painting into a juried show.
                Done!
     I really pushed myself here, and entered 3 juried shows. One is local, but the other two were
     BIG ventures. I entered one painting in the San Diego Watercolor Society Fall Show, but it
     was declined. I thought that was such a gentle way of saying "rejected"... I really like the
     word "declined". :-) 
     The second really BIG juried contest I entered is one which I will not hear back from until
     August. I don't expect anything as this was a really well known international competition,
     but the idea was to get past my fear and enter anyway.


3.  Enter a photography competition.
               Done!
     Again, I pushed myself to enter a very competitive market with one of my photos - the
     International Photography Awards.. I noticed that the application deadline has 
     been extended to June 20th, so I know I will not hear back from them until August. It is
     an incredible competition, so again I do not expect to win anything... the point was to enter
     and see what happens.


4.  Find one or two galleries to represent my work.
                Working toward this!
     I decided to paint until fall for this one so that I have a good body of work to show a 
     gallery. In addition, I want to put together a really well done portfolio, so I won't actively
     pursue this until around October. Maybe by then the economy will be somewhat 
     recovered, and galleries might be looking for fresh talent. :-)


So, all in all, I am very pleased with how well my artistic goals are coming along. How are you doing on your New Year's goals? Have you forgotten them, or are you tracking your progress? I would love to hear where you are at... 







9 comments:

mari said...

You go girl! I'm having a hard time getting motivated lately...so it's nice to see someone moving forward. Maybe some of our energy will rub off on me. And love the apple paintings!

Lee Ann said...

Sounds like your moving along really well! I have yet to take the step of making concrete goals for myself. Not sure what's holding me back. I have entered for a few shows, with mixed results, and am amazed how well I have taken the rejections! LOL! That's got to be a good sign!

The book you're reading, Crimes of Paris, looks interesting, but when I clicked the link it took me to a different book! Looked like it might be a similar book to one I just read - The Black Tower by Louis Bayard. If you're looking for recommendations....

Unknown said...

Hi Mari!
There are many days where I really don't feel like I have energy at all - but like you, I just keep on keeping on, and before you know it, things get accomplished! Glad you like the apples... Have a great weekend. :-)

Unknown said...

Hey LeeAnn,
This is the first year that I was able to force myself to actually put down on paper some things to work toward. Before that, I just didn't want to be held to something I might not be able to achieve. (LOL)
Sorry about the link on the book - I forgot to change it from the book I had been reading before The Crimes of Paris. I didn't finish this book... it was supposed to be about how the Mona Lisa had been stolen in the early 1900's, and how the police found it. However, it was more a history lesson on what Paris was like at the turn of the century - full of evil, crime, pornography and so on. I decided I would rather spend my meager time for reading on a different book I would enjoy more, so I have switched. I love the library because it costs me nothing to try a book and then return it if it isn't one I want to give time to.
Have a relaxing weekend!

Kim said...

I have never known you to be without overly ambitious goals and then to (amazingly) achieve them. It's what makes you a Joanne. Wink. Congrats on another such set of goals and what will most likely be another such set of victories. Love you.

Anni Jones Photography said...

Good inspiration!! I think these are great goals to set....Now I am looking forward to seeing all your wonderful work!! :)
BTW, I am still waiting for "The Genesee Diary" from Amazon.(back ordered) Have you read all of it yet?? Happy Painting Friend!!!

Unknown said...

Kim - As a Joanne, you are in a similar boat. Love you too!

Unknown said...

Hi Anni!
I am really committed to finishing well, so I HOPE and PLAN to get to 50 paintings!!! :-)
I can't believe you still haven't received your book! No - I haven't finished mine; I was reading only a bit each day as I was waiting for you to get yours. I will continue to be patient... I find that in each couple of paragraphs there is something for me to meditate on and internalize, so I am in no hurry...
Have a wonderful week, friend! xxx

Anonymous said...

Congrats on working on and accomplishing your goals. Well done.

Paz