Monday, December 31, 2012

Reflections on 2012 and Happy New Year

Reflections on 2012
 
As 2012 comes to an end I must say it has been an interesting year with some highs and lows for all of us. My thanks to family and friends for your support, love, and encouragement.
 
On a personal note my family is doing well. We celebrated 3 weddings this year in various places in and out of the country. I was lucky enough to attend all three and I happily welcome Flor, Emily, and Rachel to our family.
 
Several blogging friends came to the area this year. Ai Nukoolkit visited NYC from Thailand and I got to spend 2 days sketching with her in Manhattan. Lin Frye was here for a workshop, and after several years of being internet friends we got to meet. Hurricane Sandy make it necessary for her to stay on Long Island a bit longer than she wanted, so we were able to spend some extra time together.
 
I participated in several shows and have my work in the Fiedler Gallery in Greenport. I sold some paintings at shows and as commissions, so I am grateful for that.
 
The art groups that I belong to met this year on a regular basis. It is always fun to go out and sketch and paint on location with both the PALS Plein Air group and the Patchogue Sketch Club. I also met with the SBAA Portrait Group. My thanks to Jeanne Salucci, Gina Lento, and Don Stonebridge for coordinating things so well for the groups.
 
My thanks to my partner in crime, Susan Toplitz, who researched so many Long Island locations for us to paint together this year. It is always fun to have company! She and I joined the NYC Urban Sketchers where we met some wonderful artists. I met another blogging friend, Carol King, this year as we met with the NYC Urban Sketchers to do a Worldwide Sketchcrawl in Brooklyn.
 
Last but definitely not least, my thanks to my husband, Jerry, for his support and understanding of the love of art that I need to express. He has the same love for his music. Jerry puts up with a lot from me and I appreciate it.
 
There are many friends who are still not fully recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. I thank God that Jerry and I weren't affected, but my thoughts are with those who lost so much and are still struggling to get their lives back to normal.
 
I have MANY, MANY things to be thankful to God for this year, and if you are reading this you are among the things I am thankful for too. I appreciate your visits, comments, and support this past year. I wish all of you health, happiness, love, and creativity in the coming year.
 
 Happy New Year!!! Wishing you all the best in 2013!
 
 
 This painting was done for the Weekend Drawing Event on WetCanvas from a photo supplied by "pjartwc". My thanks to Jan for the reference.


8 comments:

  1. Wishing you a very Happy New Year too Joan :)

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  2. Dear Joan - you continue to be an inspiration to me and I thank you so much for all the sharing you have done in 2012. I always enjoy seeing what you are doing next and I will continue to look forward to 2013. Have a wonderful new Year.

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  3. Happy New Year, Joan! Love your New Year letter.

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  4. Totally agree with Michelle's comment. May 2013 be rich with blessings, Joan!

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  5. And what a joy to finally meet YOU, Joan -- despite Hurricane Sandy and plane delays! I am sooo eager to spend some time PAINTING with you -- here's to finally making it happen in 2013!! May your year be creative, filled with prosperty, healthy, joy and love!

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  6. Happy New Year Joan. I echo what Debbie said above. xx

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  7. Ann - Thank you.

    Debby - Thanks so much!

    Mickey - Thanks.

    Sherry - Many thanks.

    Lin - To days painting! Thanks.

    Laura - Thank you!

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  8. Happy New Year to you and yours Joan!
    You are an art and life inspiration!
    Thank you for all your posts! A visual journey and a pleasure to the eye!
    Pain on!
    Michael

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