Saturday, January 1, 2011

"100 Faces, No. 78"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

Wakey Wakey - Eggs & Bakey. And a Big Happy New Year to you. I stepped on the scale, successfully gained back 7 pounds and loved every bite of it. But I did lose 57 before that - such is life. There's triumphs - there's failures. There's days you spend hours painting then end up wiping it all off. Every day is a chance to recommit. To pick yourself up and dust yourself off and start all over again.

This year, for me, is a life-changer. After nearly 32 years of running a business, I'm closing up for good. Gratefully, I have this new path to proceed with - truly painting for a living. Freedom that I haven't known since I was 18 years old. More time to paint, travel, teach, experiment - I guess I should include exercise. Yikes.

So...... my January will be devoted to wrapping things up, tearing things up and cleaning up. To keep my sanity, I'll make sure I paint a few hours a day - finish up my series of 100 Faces - then start working on a solo show opening April 21st. I may not have much to say as the faces are posted - just know I'm working at it.

As soon as February arrives - I'll have my artbooks available again, with two new volumes of the small, daily paintings and hopefully, a book of my 100 Faces. Promise. Also available will be the desktop easel you may have seen on my workshop photos - my man custom-builds each one - I've used mine for over five years now, every single day. It's a must-have. So stay tuned for that announcement, as well as the artbooks.

I woke up this morning, first email I opened was from Katherine Tyrrell, the host of Making a Mark - an excellent, if not the best, blog all about art. My painting 'Hands of Time' was given the Best Picture of the Year on an Art Blog. Holy cow. I am soooooo thankful to Katherine and all those who took the time to vote for their favorites. You must know how much it means to be to be recognized in the vast ocean of art. You make me very, very proud.

Make it a good year.

~ Fondly, Karin J


28 comments:

Shirley Fachilla said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful way to end one year and begin another.
I love No. 78. He has that glow that several of your faces possess.
Happy New Year, Ms Full-Time Painter!

Wanderlust said...

Being able to create art full-time. That is so wonderful - a painter's dream come true! And, I have loved following everyone of your 78 (so far) faces... what an original series.
This is going to be the best year yet... and good luck with those other 7 lbs! lol

Perissinotti Claudio said...

Your portraits are fantastic. You are the new Cesanne. Happy new year. From Italy

L.Holm said...

Happy New Year! Congratulations, and best wishes for continued success.
Liz

Mark Bridges said...

Congratulations on the award. Cheers to the new year!

Kathy Cousart said...

Congrats- we all recognize you as "the best", maybe now it will sink in for you;)
Look at all the you have accomplished painting AND running the business- I think we all better prepare for an amazing year out of you...no pressure though.
Take care and thank you for always giving back to us little artists out here:)

Terri Buchholz said...

Here's to another great year of great art. Congratulations on the beginning of your new adventures!

Bonnie Luria said...

You so deserved the award for Hands of Time.
Your work amazes and inspires so many of us- if you only knew.
This is clearly what you were born to do so go for it.
The net will always be there for you.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Great Award - and well deserved! And good for you to be able to shut the business and go full steam ahead on your art. You are such a talented and generous person, you deserve every bit of bliss! GO girl!

Rohit Kulkarni said...

Congratulations Karin...

Wish you a year full of joy, health and lots of painting ahead...

Nancy Colella said...

Congratulations. And lucky us! We get more of your art! I love your "can do, no bullsh**t" attitude"!Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on it all! You've earned it and a big wow on the weight loss as well.

Margo said...

Congratulations. May this be the most auspicious of years for you. Thank you for all the smiles your paintings have put on my face, as well as the ahah's.

liz wiltzen said...

Full time painter, there'll be no stopping you now. Way to go Karin, can't wait to watch you soar!

Pam Holnback said...

Congratulations on all of your successes. good luck w/ your future endeavors. Happy New Year.

Elaine Hurst said...

Wow! Congratulations to you on all the things going on in your life! We will all benefit from your painting full time. Can't wait for the books, ad for more teaching!

Dee Sanchez said...

Karin,
Well deserved. I read many blogs but yours is the only one I truly "look" at to admire the work. Keep it up. I've also lost 50pounds. I probably gained a few back during the holidays, but hey, it's a new year!
Dee

Mitzi Easley said...

K - Watching the breadth and depth of your work, it's always been hard to believe you *haven't* been painting "full time" all this time. Wow. Best wishes as you begin this new chapter. Paint On, as a friend always advises! M

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

Great Award - and well deserved!
And the 7 pounds? In Kilos it is only 3.5 Kilos. Sound better ha?
Have a wonderful year,best wishes for continued success, Irit

Linda Popple said...

CONGRATULATIONS, Karin!!! Well deserved! Also, congratulations on being a full time artist! Brava!!

I am looking forward to your books and easel in February. And seeing all your fantastic and inspiring work in the coming year! Thanks for all you do! Hugs

Barbara said...

Congratulations, Karin and best wishes as you begin to dedicate your full time to painting!! We are in the same boat - today is my first day, too, as a full-time painter!! I left my job at a bank after 13 years to finally do this! Sending good wishes your way and hoping 2011 is your best year yet!

Making A Mark said...

Great news to hear you're going to become a full-time painter this year!

Thanks for saying very nice things about my blog too!

Kate Merriman said...

You continue to inspire me!! Go go go!

adebanji said...

CONGRATULATIONS KARIN! YOU DESERVE IT! I'M LOVING EVERY BIT OF YOUR PORTRAIT SERIES TOO!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Fabulous! You deserve all the accolades because you bust your butt. I want a book and someday I'm going to take a workshop with you.
I love what you say about it never being too late to have the life you want to have!!
Forget the diet, just keep you cholesterol down ;)

Sharon Alama Art said...

BRAVO and CONGRATULATIONS!!! What an exciting time for you!
"To infinity...and beyond!"

Michael J Etie said...

What a wonderful world this internet has created for us artists. Share and be shared. I love your work it makes the mundane rich and fun!

Crystal Cook said...

So, I've been stalking your blog for a few days now (stalking in a verrrrrry non-threatening, totally friendly way), loving all of your work and trying to soak in all of the knowledge that I can gain from studying your work. I simply love your style, subject matter, everything. And this post proves to me that you, my good lady, are Awesome. The Awesomest of the Awesome. Good for you for being able to paint full time, you completely one hundred percent deserve it. :)

Sincerely,
Your New Number One Fan-girl (Crystal)

Really and truly mean every single word. Just wanted to let you know. :)