Thursday, December 27, 2012

Travels, Progress and Happy New Year

I don't know how you feel about things, but 2012 whizzed by for me.  Its been a year full of wonders and progress.  Sometimes, we have no idea how far we have travelled, until we pause and take a look back.  I mean really look back to where it is that we started.  Look to the point where we took our first steps in the direction in which our hearts told us to go. 
This is my first wax portrait that I did.  And really, there weren't many before her regardless of medium.  I painted animals as a kid, not people, not portraits.  Yet, lately this past year there has been a compelling desire to learn to paint portraits.  No explanation, no reason - just got it in my head and had to go that way, that direction.  It was the same for me, when I just had to learn how to do encaustic painting.

encaustic and paper on birch
I honestly, have no idea where this road is taking me - nor do I really care.  All I know is this is the way I need to focus what I am doing right now.   I know I am on a ride, where I'm not exactly sure where the next stop lies, nor if its a long ways down this road, or perhaps I get on to something new tomorrow.  But, what I do know is that its right for the moment.  The road has taken a twist with the addition of oil paints.  But, I know, it will all come together some how, some way.

oil on paper
 
While, not every painting is perfect - the progress is forward even if in bits and pieces.  2012 has been this way for me.  Its been a piecing together of wonderful progress -  one painting, one face at a time.  And, I know it isn't just me - I've seen it in many other's work this year and its been fun to share your progress with you.  Thank you all for your support through 2012.  I am so looking forward to what 2013 has in store for all of us.  Wishing you all a very creative and Happy New Year!!
 


25 comments:

  1. Your oil on paper woman is so glamorous! Happy PPF!

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  2. I'd say your progress is quite wonderful! A beautiful road you are on. I look forward to seeing more as this wonderful art continues to grow and progress!

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  3. Beautiful faces, love the minimalistic approach of the top one and the beautiful light on the oil on paper one! HPPF!

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  4. Hi Marji.You wrote a beautiful and inspiring post. I love your art and your style. You capture things, people and objects so well. Truly amazing pieces and thank you so much for sharing.

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  5. It has been wonderful meeting you in 2012 and watching your progress, I am often in awe at your faces. Have a happy and very arty 2013.

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  6. Hello Marji, your paintings definitely have a magnetic attraction, your work is very special. Best of wishes to you!

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  7. Absolutely gorgeous art :) Have a splendid 2013 :)

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  8. Hi Marji. Your paintings are wonderful, what a talent. Happy new year :-)

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  9. Beautiful work in encaustic on birch, Mary. I love the depth and feeling you've achieved in the oil painting. Your talent is outstanding. My best wishes for a hugely successful 2013.

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  10. You are traveling on a wonderful road - just letting the art lead you. I love your woman in oil. She is somewhat mysterious and thoughtful. I think I have to let go more and let the art lead me. A plan for 2013!

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  11. It has been wonderful to share our 2012 creative journeys!! And share and celebrate our progress!
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF and Happy New Year!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  12. I adore your wax painting, she's stunning! And your oil on paper painting is so beautiful. Love your work!

    Happy PPF and Happy New Year!

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  13. Your paintings are just beautiful! Valerie

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  14. Love the depth you get in your portraits Marji-just beautiful! I love what you said about not caring where you're going where your art may take you or when. Enjoy the moment as it's presented. I've been asked a lot lately about why I blog and what am I looking to get out of it... right now it's the camaraderie and support of like-minded people. It's a place to grow and learn. Who knows where it may take me next, but I'm not focused on that.One day at a time.Wow,thank you SO much for helping me come up with an answer. Happy PPF and Happy 2013!

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  15. Beautiful art - as always. I love to visit and gaze in wonder at what you create.

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  16. I love encaustic painting, but I find it difficult to work with in detail. I could never imagine doing a portrait with it myself, but you nailed it. I'm really impressed!

    I absolutely love the oil on paper as well. The contrast between highlights and shadow as well as your use of color really draw my eye into the piece.

    When I was younger I focused on portraits and I since have moved on to other things. It's amazing how your art grows and changes with you, and you end up making things or working with things you wouldn't have imagined before. It's so exciting and I can't wait to see where else this leads, so I'm going to have to follow you now. Haha.

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  17. I totally agee with the above comment too. You have captured such beauty in the art you are doing. We all have grown and changed and experimented with many different media...which is how it should be for artistic people. keep it new and fresh and exciting
    -KAT-

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  18. Magnificent encaustic portraits ~ Wow! 'Day at a time' ~

    Happy New Year to You ~ A Creative Harbor aka ~ ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^

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  19. so Wonderful - I have no words- Happy 2013. !

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  20. I like where your art has taken you. Happy New Year. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  21. Just came from PPF - Your work is amazing - going off now to check out more of it!

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  22. Your oil on paper is gorgeous. I love her expression and the tilt of her head. Wonderful shading, too!

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  23. Your paintings fascinate me! Beautiful! Happy New Year!

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