Saturday, January 2, 2010

A brand new year! My resolution?...

I decided to start the new year by painting! And as you can see, I decided to update my old blog banner. It's funny, change is hard isn't it? I enjoyed my old banner because of it's simplicity... but I hope this new one shows some progress now that I've been here in blogland for awhile...if anything, it was definitely a great challenge to paint this and that is good.

I've set some goals for 2010 and that is to paint more, sketch more, and improve my backgrounds. Washes are so hard. I think I should take some watercolor classes.

In the meantime, I continue to enrich my mind with art from all over the world, from generations ago, thanks to wonderful books I've discovered. I also will continue to expand via visits to all of you wonderful artists who I get to enjoy each week. What a treat it has definitely been and continues to be.

I really try not to make resolutions, but perhaps set a tone for the year that I can keep up with and hopefully surpass. I will try to keep forging ahead with my skills and knock on doors of picture book opportunities this year. : )

Hoping you all have a great new year ahead, full of peace and hopefully lots of time creating.
- Shirley

20 comments:

  1. Hi Shirley!!! Happy New Year!!! great to hear about all your wonderful plans for 2010!!! I am starting off with some new plans too...

    Have a wonderful day!!!

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  2. Happy New Year Shirley! I love your new blog banner, especially the little owl, rabbit, fox and Monsier Olivet.

    I hear you on the background washes. Recently I tried using the resist stuff to block out my drawings so I could do a wash for the background. But I decided that technique is not for me, it was quite hard to rub the rubber off the paper and left ragged edges behind. It also felt a bit like cheating.

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  3. Oh My! What a beautiful banner! So colorful, and fun. I love all of your woodland characters, particularly Monsieur Olivet. He is just so dapper and sophisticated, but with a quiet and caring soul.

    I know that you will accomplish all you set out to do this year. I too, intend to create a lot more and my goals include doing more fine art and launching a new line of handbags.

    Have a wonderful evening, my dear.

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  4. The new banner is fantastic Shirley!

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  5. Love your new banner!!! I liked the old one too but I think this shows how much you are growing as an artist! It is very inspiring to watch. When I started out blogging nearly a year ago I was initially interested in illustrating picture books too but it seems that my art has taken me in some different directions, I think through the influence of seeing so many other artists in blog land, I'm trying things I'd never thought of before. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really love watching your progress as it reminds me why I rekindled my love of art in the first place. I can't wait to see what 2010 brings you and your art!!!

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  6. Diana, Anna, Cheryl Lynn, Lisa, Nicola - many thanks for your visit! I will swing by to your blogs now.. : )

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  7. ha ha Shirley, i think this is so great!
    you know i will always love your blog no matter what as long as my lover is still here :D lol..

    love you, Shirley!!!!!

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  8. Happy New Year!
    Your new banner is lovely. What a good idea for the start of a new year. I especially love that little owl!

    Good luck with your goals for the year ahead!

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  9. Happy New Year Shirley! Great work on the new banner - it's rich in colour and delightful with all those little characters!

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  10. So fabulous, Shirley! You have such a wonderful imagination-- I can't wait to see more in 2010!!

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  11. Hi Shirley! One of my resolutions was to pay more attention to the backgrounds also. Some artists can do it so easily, but for me, its harder. I think its my fine arts training. Anyways, Happy 2010! Nice new banner! :)

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  12. Happy new year Shirley! Hope it's a brilliant and creative one! xxx

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  13. Happy New Year to you too.
    Lovely banner!

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  14. Bonjour, Monsieur Olivet!

    Shirley, your new banner is adorable! I love the colors, and the dimensions on the trees are wonderful. I would love to pick up watercolors this year. If I get only half as good as you, I'd be very happy.

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  15. Okay. My word verification was 'douch'. Is someone trying to tell me something?

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  16. Hi Shirley!Happy New Year,love your new blog banner and your resolutions are great!
    My resolutions is to draw more:)

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  17. Hello! I've stumbled to your blog, and I really like it! especially the name "Mr. Olivet" and "Malorie"!
    I love the cuteness and warm feeling of your illustration... makes me feel like I'm lying on the cozy bed and reading a great children story with illustration!
    Would you please stop by to my site:http://tudelia.deviantart.com/
    and making comment for me? I'd love to hear from people. Thank you, Shirley! =)

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  18. Many thanks for visiting and commenting. It's really great to hear of your feedback. I try my best to visit each of you each week, and if for some reason I miss someone, it is not purposefully. I look forward to seeing what all of you have been up to!

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  19. I like the new banner...it's like I walked into a welcoming new space. Change is good, and yeah sometimes we falter, but that's the spice of life, right? I am in this with you:)

    Here's to a memorable new year ahead of you, new beginning or old, I hope the journey ahead is fun and rewarding. My very best to you Shirley!

    P.S. Hey, my new year resolution is to visit you more often!;-)

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  20. Happy new year! Sweet sweet banner..I love all the animal characters. All the best to you in 2010!

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