Best of 2020- An unusual year in review

 

  What an interesting year 2020 has been. As three kings day approaches and with it the end of the holidays, I have been reflecting both on how last year in my studio actually looked and how I can use that as we move into another year both more hopeful but also quiet.

   2020 was different from other years, for one thing, I have become accustomed to working 'from home' and while others were adjusting to the particular challenges that entails, I was adjusting in the opposite direction. Suddenly I was surrounded by people and distractions which kept me from the level of productivity I had come to anticipate. I also discovered a shift in the type of art work I spent the most time doing. I involved myself in slightly different projects than I had planned at the beginning of the year and spent time developing my sketchbooks in a way that I had previously not done. I worked on a few big projects this year but most were smaller. In fact it seems that 2020 was a long series of baby steps. Looking back I can see the path of that journey of baby steps unnoticed at the time. 

In this post I am sharing with you a few of my favorite projects or studio activities from this past year. 

January and February:

 An illustration for the Rare Tea Charity

My first attempt at watercolour on Papyrus. This is based on the fossils available at the local natural history museum.

 I also did a graphite workshop using a new to me and thouroughly fun medium; Graphite powder.

I did my largest paintings so far this year. I found that I really enjoy very large format.

March: 

Our first lockdown began in January and with it the first lockdown sketchbook began. I did several of these this year and they are interesting diaries of an interesting time.

April: 

Our urban sketching at home challenges continued and I did another animal illustration.

May: 

  As a method of improving my current skill set I used a book as a mini workshop and began breaking down tree shapes and structure.

I also created my first 'workshop in a box'  with the theme: Urban sketching

June: 

My second urban sketching at home sketchbook coincided with the end of the school year.

I finished a few large format impressionistic pieces: 

A few themed pages from the second Urban sketching at home sketchbook:

I decided to participate in the Brooklyn sketchbook project this year:

And delved into pen and ink:

July:

I finished the brooklyn sketchbook project and scanned it with the idea of using some of the images for a future project. My theme was Austria through the year- Traditions and festivals.

I also contributed to the Megaphon street magazine most months, Here is one of the pieces that was part of a competition.

Unexpectedly things openned back up and exhibitions were allowed. I contributed to an animal themed exhibition at Uptown Art this month.
 

 

August:

 We had a few nice small Urban Sketching meet ups this month, one of which was at the Sand Sculpture competition.

 

I also had the opportunity to create a large piece of 'modern art' . I had a lot of fun creating this piece.

September:

 

I had the privileged to run an urban sketching workshop for children via Styrian Summer:

 

School started and with it came a short burst of concentrated working time in the studio. I began my 'tea' series

 and did a raccoon illustration for my animal print collection.

Megaphone celebrated 25 years and I was sent to the city museum to sketch the first cover ever printed. 

October:

This was a productive month although it didnt feel like it at the time. I injured a tendon in my leg which reduced my mobility. I began an 'invalid' sketchbook and managed to host two workshops before the second lockdown began. 

Workshop table set up:

I also began work on an edible botanical series which will be continued seasonally over the coming year. The goal will be to have four pieces per season.

For continuing education I again used a book to improve on a technique, this time focusing on water.

November:

Here are the other two Autumn edible botanical pieces:

Our second Lockdown began and with it my invalid sketchbook became another lockdown one.

I released my second 'workshop in a box' this time with Stamp making as a theme. It did pretty well although I still have a couple left. If you want one let me know.

I also had the priveledge of creating two pieces for the MONA chimpanzee sanctuary. I created a chimpanzee as well as grapes which I have been told are a favorite food of these primates.

december:

 This was a busy month combining my own christmas preparations with other peoples. I sold several prints, workshop boxes and did a number of small pet  and house comissions. I also did a few impressionist minis just for fun.

Impressionist mini: Snow in town.

House portraits:

Pet Portraits:

 

 

 

I have also started one other instagram account this year: @tea_in_the_studio. check it out if you are a tea lover!

 

 We are now in our third lockdown, It began just after christmas and will go for another two weeks most likely. I have been slowly transitioning back into the studio after so many days of holiday. So far I have done mostly logistical and office work but I am slowly filling pages in my latest sketchbook and I have begun work on my latest edible botanical. Stay tunes to find out what it is. Last year I had a number of specific goals at the beginning of the year but virtually all of them were adjusted in one way or another. This year my goal is baby steps, I will do what I can, as opportunities make themselves available and we shall see how it turns out. Last year was fairly good all things considered.

If you are interested in a Stamp carving workshop in a box Read this post for more information.

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