Like I mentioned in a previous blog post, I haven’t taken nearly enough time to stop and acknowledge a year’s work in my art business. So, in keeping with my new commitment, I want to take the time to look back on my artistic growth through painting and share my favorite pieces from the past year, reflecting on how they showcase my development as an artist.
Beacon Hill Flower Boxes, September 2023
When I painted this piece, I had just left five years in the corporate world and was in a state of bliss. I was in that “dream phase,” feeling so hopeful and optimistic about my future. Don’t get me wrong, I am still excited about the future in this career path, but there was something really special about that time. It was a moment of total inhibition, and I was ready to embark on a new journey. With all my free time, I spent a lot of it outside, enjoying the late summer days and marveling at the window boxes in Beacon Hill.
Sunset on the Matterhorn, April 2024
Yes, I experienced the Matterhorn for myself! If you’re curious to learn about my trip, head over to my post about the Swiss Alps. It was an experience that surpasses all other encounters I’ve had with nature. Plus, Mark proposed in the middle of the mountains, making this trip even more memorable and undoubtedly the highlight of our year as a couple.
When I returned, I wanted to capture the Matterhorn in all its glory and chose a striking sunset to enhance the magic of this special place. My favorite part of this process was painting every tiny tree to really capture the fuzzy texture of the forests.
Raspberries, June 2024
This one will forever hold a special place in my heart, as it was the first original piece of art I sold (outside of commissions). I spent several meticulous hours painting every little detail of this plate of raspberries, and it sold straight away at its debut market. This sale brought me the greatest joy I experienced in my business this year.
Through this piece, I learned a lot about layering and playing with different values, all in an effort to really bring out the shadows and textures of the berries while highlighting the glimmers of reflection.
Coastal Meadow, August 2024
Without a doubt, this was my favorite commission of the year. Created to honor the client’s wedding florals, I spent a long time studying the different flowers in the photos and creating a new composition to highlight the most striking ones. I kept in mind the rule of odd numbers, which essentially means avoiding a rigid feel by using an even number of elements, instead aiming for a natural look with odd-numbered elements. This piece also reminded me of my love for detail, as I spent many hours perfecting each petal.
The exciting part about this piece is that it opened me up to a new service I can offer—wedding floral commissions, which are very popular at the moment and a wonderful way to preserve a special day.
Blueberries, September 2024
This piece was a full-circle farewell to summer. I started the summer painting single-object pieces (like my raspberries), but I felt a desire to create a full-width piece that filled every inch of the paper. Instead of focusing on just one object, I wanted to expand my skills by creating a scene.
I was also very inspired by gingham fabric this summer and jumped at the idea of designing my own tablecloth for the berry cartons to rest on. I applied the lessons from my raspberries piece, working on the blueberries in layers—starting with the lightest shade and gradually adding depth. When I finished the piece, I thought, “Now this is the type of art I want to create.”
One year into my art business, you can see that my subject matter and color palette are still wide-ranging. My artistic growth through painting is evident in each piece as I refine my skills and explore new techniques. At the moment, I’m particularly drawn to landscapes, florals, and fruit.
Here’s to another year of growth!
Want to take one of these pieces home with you? Be sure to check out my original paintings, prints and greeting cards for sale.
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