2021 in Review
Before we jump into the new year, and I start sharing with you some updates on what’s going on in the studio lately, I would like to take this moment to pause and reflect on 2021. I encourage you to do the same, look back and reflect. What are you most proud of in 2021? What did you achieve last year? What didn’t go as planned? What do you think you wanted and figured that actually, you don’t want it at all? And, what could’ve been different?
It’s important to take some time to reflect on those questions and observe without judgment. Look at your answers with curiosity and use them for course correction. I’ll share what did and didn’t work out in my studio practice in 2021. Shall we start?
Daily Art Practice
I was trying to form this new habit of either painting or drawing every day for at least 30 minutes. At the begging of the year, it worked well. But, some months later, it was quite challenging to keep it up. Some days I would paint for hours, then on other days, I wouldn’t touch the brush.
So, for this year’s intention, I wrote down this habit slightly differently. Instead of every day, I want to make art for at least 30 minutes five days a week. To reinforce that, I created a log page in my planner to log in the hours that I’m in the studio painting or drawing, and it’s really satisfying to see the hours adding up.
Just a heads up: Some weeks I was only able to go to the studio 3x a week, and that’s ok!
2. Podcast Interview and ART Shows
I was pleased to start off the year being interviewed by the art historian and educator, Bernadine Franco, for her podcast Beyond the Paint with Bernadine. In that episode, I share the details about my creative practice, process, and journey in the arts. What inspires my artistic work, my influences, and what is art for me. You can listen to the interview here.
In addition to that, my artwork was selected for two online group shows. On Fauna and Flora show, organized by the Unicorn Factory, and on the Inner Power Exhibition, organized by the Art Queen Society, an art community that I’m part of.
3. “In Full Bloom” Painting Collection
In May 2021, I launched a collection of original gouache paintings called “In Full Bloom”.
It’s a collection inspired by flowers that bloom in the spring and it has the intention to reflect the one year of the pandemic. This painting collection is about honoring the challenges that lead to growth, celebrating life, and witnessing the beauty around us.
This painting collection is also dedicated to our resilience and hope during the new phase. I’m very proud of this collection! You can learn more and buy the original paintings available here.
4. Mural for Harvest Kitchen Restaurant in NYC
Summertime started off with two good news: first, I was selected to paint a mural in NYC, and secondly, I got a puppy called Macey. It was a busy time for me since I was painting my largest artwork ever - more than 1,000 SF. I’m happy and grateful for this mural opportunity, even though it took me three months to wrap it up. What I didn’t expect was the intense work required to paint on the hot summer days. Also, by the end of the project, I was deeply missing my art studio and the comfort of working from home. This is something that you may relate to it if you’re working remotely during the pandemic.
Anyway, in this blog post, I share more details about the mural for the restaurant Harvest Kitchen, located in the Upper West Side of NYC. Check it out!
5. Botanical Art Prints
At the end of the summer, I participated in a local pop-up fair in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, where I showcased my artwork for the local community.
Alongside the original paintings, I also offered prints of botanical digital paintings. They were absolutely a success!
Because of that, the Botanical Art Prints are now available in my shop in different sizes. If you’re curious about the creative process of those art prints and how it all started, check out this blog post.
6. Gouache Painting Workshops
This year also celebrates the first time I teach painting classes. I was able to teach a Botanical Gouache Painting Workshop in person in NYC and online.
It was a pleasure to share my knowledge and passion for both botanicals and gouache paint with the attendees.
I share more details about the workshops in this blog post, check it out!
7. Time Off for Slowing Down
Phew! So many new things I tried in 2021! No wonder that at the end of the year I slowed down and took some time off to rest and recharge.
Luckily, I had a Christmas skiing trip planned to Vermont, which was the perfect timing to relax. I could say that I got close to burnout, given that I had planned some art launches for the holidays. However, I had to put my plans aside in order to rest and stay healthy.
Looking back now, the main lesson in 2021 for me was: The creative practice is as much important as the time to rest and moments to feel inspired. Breathing in is as essential as breathing out. It’s ok to slow down and take time off to restore the energy.
What about you?
What was your biggest lesson for 2021? Let me know in the comments.