2011 Review, Part I : What Was Hot

Well what can I say?  How could 2011 be over so fast?  I swear I'm still stuck in September somewhere.

I thought it would be terribly appropriate for me to say farewell to 2011 by selecting five of my favourite artworks and five of my most impressive flops for one last viewing as I look towards this blog being betterer* and betterer in 2012. (*Oh, how I love to use words that don't exist and send grammatical shudders up people's spines.  Sorry about that, it must be a flaw quirk in my personality.)

So how did I go about selecting the artworks for today's post?  (Come on, I know you were wondering!)

I adopted a terribly scientific approach.

Nah.  Not really. Actually, I went through all my posts and selected artworks based on their personal appeal or their significance with my overall artistic development.  So, without  further ado, I present my five favourite artworks (in no particular order):

1. Zeke and Darius.  This one is special.  It was my first ever commission and I was so very excited and honoured to be asked to draw these two beautiful dogs.  I was so thrilled with the finished product!

2.  Jacaranda.  This was the first large scale acrylic painting I completed that I actually liked.  It's big and it's colourful and I love it! Interestingly, it's best viewed standing back from the painting in order to get the full effect where the "dashes" meld together to form the image of the tree.  Try standing back from your computer screen to look at the painting and you'll see what I mean.  I still really love it even now!

3.  Lady in Veil.  This may not be my best work, but she's special because this was my first ever pastel work.  I was in shock that she actually kinda worked. In case you are wondering, yes, this was the artwork that made me wonder if I perhaps had some artistic potential.   (So I don't think it is too much of a stretch to say, yes, in a way, you can blame her for this blog.  Nothing quite like passing on accountability for my ramblings!)

4. Ring Tail Possum.  This is the first ever watercolour (my artistic nemesis) I completed that actually "nearly" worked.  Yippee!  I hate to think that something can get the better of me.  Even if it comes in the form of pigment and water...  ;-)

5.  My Rose.  Once again completed in pastel.  I've enjoyed drawing and painting flowers this year, so felt it important to include at least one of my floral works.  I really like the colours and the movement I've created here with the petals in this piece.  Even though I didn't win Eckersley's competition with it.  Phooey!

So, how did I go?  Is your favourite here?  Did I miss one?  Let me know how I did!

I'd like to say a very big thank you to all who have supported me throughout 2011 as I have embarked on my creative journey.  Whether your support has been in person, or through reading, commenting or subscribing to my blog, I've really appreciated it.

I know I still have a long way to go, but I am excited about what 2012 has to bring as I continue to try and develop my technique and abilities.

Stay tuned for Monday's 2011 Review, Part II:  What Was Flop for a bit of a giggle at those artworks which didn't quite work out the way I planned.....

Till then, Happy New Year!


Kate
x