Looking back on 2018 while anticipating what the New Year will bring

There's such a mixture of feelings this time of year. Like many of you, I'm excited as I look forward to a new year that's filled with hope. At the same time, there's always uncertainty about what the future will bring.  Meanwhile, as I look back on the year that has passed, I find the need to express my deep gratitude for the both the successes and the lessons learned.

My journey as an artist...
In 2018, I continued to add to my "signature" wildflower series while exploring a few new styles along the way. I do love to paint and  fulfill the need to create something that I can share with the world. I worked with acrylic as my primary medium of choice, but I also found time to continue my journey with watercolor, even completing a "painting a day" series in July for World Watercolor Month. A challenge, yes, but there were tiny paintings so that helped me to meet the goal.
Throughout the year, many of my paintings found new homes with collectors, both long-time and first-time. It's always such an honor to know that my art brings such joy to people. And, of course, without folks who buy and collect my paintings, it would be difficult to continue to do what I do. So I am indeed grateful for every purchase! At the end of this blog post, I'm including a small sampling of paintings that sold in 2018.

...and a calling to teach
While I deeply enjoy creating art, I also get to teach and that gives me a different kind of satisfaction. Teaching is indeed a calling for me. Knowing that I can share my love and knowledge with others feeds my soul. I can easily say that over this last year, more than 100 students, ranging from 90 years old (but oh so  young-at-heart) to age 5, have studied art of one sort or another with me. Offering classes at my studio in Wimberley and specializing in teaching beginners, helps me to fulfill a personal mission and brings me so much joy!

Sharing my art with the public...
Back to my life as an artist this past year, I've continued to get my paintings out into the world for people to enjoy and make the work available for collectors.
Of course, the primary and "year around" venue is our Wildflower Art Gallery that my husband and partner David manages so that I have time to paint and teach.
We opened the gallery in February 2015 so we are looking forward to marking our 4th anniversary soon. 
In addition the gallery, I keep a selection of my paintings on display at Casa de Linda Art Studio. While it's not open to the public other than when I'm there teaching, my students enjoy the inspiration and many have become collectors as well.
I've also continued to show at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery, had several solo shows to Kerbey Lane Cafes in Austin and taken my fine art to shows in Texas and New Mexico. Plus, a special series of my small paintings as still available through Texas Highways magazine.
Meanwhile, my art licensing agent in the UK has continued to secure international clients who use my art on various products, including greeting cards and wall art.

Acknowledging that special someone...
Finally, I can't let 2018 pass without a shout out to my partner, David. He makes it all possible. Of course, he is so much more than just my business partner. This coming April, we'll be celebrating 23 years since saying our "I dos" on a sunny Easter morning.

And now for 2019...
I plan to continue doing what I do... paint, teach, love. Strive to express gratitude and practice patience. None of us know what the future will bring. But it is my hope that we all find peace of heart and joyfilled moments to remind us why we are here. Blessing to you and yours for the New Year!

A sampling of my paintings selected by collectors to brighten their homes-and-hearts in 2018...