Monday, June 16, 2014

365 Yay! Happy day! And a heartfelt THANK YOU!

Wow, I had a lot of support through all the 365 days I've sketched and posted out here on the web, and I want to send my heartfelt thanks to you. I have learned SO much. What started as a personal goal while I was on vacation last year, turned into months and months of sketches, posts and comments that have just filled up my cup. Starting out on this blog many years ago, it was a rarity for me to ever show my work to anyone. I had a serious case of "don't want to show-my-work-ever-itis". I had confidence in college, but those crits were brutal and I had some major self-doubt after some reviews. I remember not wanting to push forward after an especially bad critique from a substitue abstract painter who was standing in for my Illustration class. It's taken me many years to get over the feeling of absolute failure. But you know what? This very personal goal of mine, to see if I can sketch – and post that sketch – each day, turned into one of the best things I could have done for myself..not only did I gain a bit more confidence with my sketch-abilities, but I also gained a bit of self confidence personally with my artwork and the ability to share with people. I am not one to talk much about "what I do", though I am very proud of what I do, I just tend to be more of an observer and appreciator when it comes to big groups and such. So for me to put my work out there, to the unknown on the web, well, this has been a big step for me..each and every day.

Thank you, dear friends of this blog, and on my FB page, and twitter..for all of your kind words, reactions, and stories. I've just enjoyed every comment..even the negative ones..for they make me push harder and help me to grow.

I definitely will continue to sketch each day..it's become a really wonderful gift of a habit that I've acquired. Unfortunately my reading (I was trying to become a better reader!) has suffered, but I did just recently buy a big novel..for which I have a summer goal of finishing. :) And I will start thinking about my new goal..it will be a year's worth of something..so I'll keep you posted!

Thanks again everyone! I really mean it! :) Have a lovely rest of the week! ~ Shirley

9 comments:

  1. Well done Shirley I have loved seeing your sweet sketches pop up in my blog reader each day. What an achievement and as you say it has given you a wonderful gift of a new habit. Enjoy that summer novel and your next big plans x

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  2. Thanks for all your lovely sketches! :)

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  3. Wow this is a huge achievement!

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  4. I have enjoyed counting out the year with you. Thank you for your sketches all year and your comments today - they are an inspiration to those of us who, as well, hesitate to put our work out there! Congratulations!

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    1. Many thanks Robin, for following along..I really appreciate it!

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  5. AWESOME!!!! Congratulations Shirley!!!

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  6. Thank you so much for sharing your year of drawings with us. I had no idea of the reasons behind your project, but can relate completely.
    I look forward to enjoying future drawings from you, but don't feel pressured to do them daily if you have more important work to get done. I'm sure your skills and confidence have increased, and your determination has been shown to us all... you are a winner :)

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  7. WOOHOOO! Shirley, you ROCK! I am so impressed and in awe of all you do. And I could just hug you because I can totally relate to where you're coming from. Thank you for the year of awesomeness! xoxoxo

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  8. Fantastic! Congratulations and so so many adorable critters created. It must be very satisfying. It is well deserved!

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