REFLECTIONS OF A BUSY YEAR!

2017. A busy and interesting year where I made lots of new friends and learnt so much more....but still not enough! I encouraged and mentored friends struggling with art projects, organised exhibitions and events for the Association of Animal Artists with the help of some lovely volunteers, and ran my first two workshops. I painted some pleasing paintings and some downright dreadful ones! (They ended up covered in black paint in a ceremonial nod to the Fast Shows Johnny Nice!) (We crawl on our knees towards our doom!) 
So did I tick all the things on my To Do list this year?
No! Of course not - I never do! I haven't saved the planet and all animals from cruelty and neglect for a start!
But I have enjoyed a full 12 months of ups and downs and cramming painting into my busy life as taxi driver to two teenagers and our lovely horse (I'd better mention my husband too - he already feels neglected and left out!) 
I am most pleased to be exhibiting with my two friends Karen Sillar and Jennifer Rainford at The Bear Steps Gallery in Shrewsbury this December. We have painted together for many years and it will be a lovely way to finish the year. With workshops planned next year as Print Pastel and Paint, and my own workshops in the diary 2018 looks to be another year making friends and encouraging those that think they can't to realise they really can! 

If you are one of the "I haven't drawn/painted anything since I was at school" or "All I can draw is matchstick men!" then do think about learning a new skill this year. It really is all about looking and seeing what is really there and not what your brain is telling you is there. There are no assumptions in art, only questions answered with a brush, pen, pencil etc.... and I guarantee you will have a good time!
Just sign up to my newsletter and I will forward the list of workshops for you to consider. I look forward to hearing from you :D
Happy Painting Folks and have a lovely Christmas!
Alison
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