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Thursday, January 07, 2010

Illustration Friday: Renewal

I've been trying to get a new painting started, but I just couldn't let this IF topic slip by without a post. For me, 2009 was all about change, and oh, so many changes there were! A new job, and moving for the first time in 9 years, and being now back in Ohio with dear friends, and getting involved in the local arts community has brought on an amazing feeling of renewal for me. My life had grown quite stale, but now new possibilities and creative opportunities are everywhere!

For the past few years I've thought of each year in terms of themes I want to focus on. Going back to my 2009 Resolve post I was happy to see that I did keep all my 'resolves' in mind, especially the part about being more pro-active in all things. I took a lot of leaps, and told myself again and again to think and worry less, and do more.....just do....just act.

This year, as I find there's just so much more going on, deadlines everywhere, etc., I'm going to work on keeping my momentum going, but to really work on my focus. I finally have a calendar up at the new place, and I'll need to work more on scheduling and budgeting my time.

I decided that this year also needed a symbol, which is the running rabbit above. I started seeing this type of rabbit here and there, and paging through my sketchbook had drawn one, and written that seeing one was a sign that I was on the right path. I do feel like I've taken a trip down the rabbit hole, and while there were a few things that I was running from, (old limiting ideas and fears), this year it's more about all the things I'm running towards. My Chinese zodiac sign also happens to be the rabbit. This year, I believe I'm going to need to keep a move on to avoid being eaten up during this approaching year of the tiger!

11 comments:

Susan said...

Great colors and movement! All the best in 2010...

Gabe Ferreira said...

that's cool, there is no better way to renew yourself than to begin a new year!

Gavin Goo said...

This is great. Nice post :)

Shirley said...

All the best to you this year, Angela! What a great illustration to symbolize that you're off with a running start. Happy New Year to you and I look forward to visiting here this year. Go Buckeyes! : )

Sarah Ackerley said...

This is really sweet. I like the colors. Checked out your website and saw some cool stuff there, too. Keep it up! Good luck in 2010.

donny* said...

excellent! have a a very creative 2010!

Stacy said...

Here's to a Happy New Year for you, with new connections, new ideas, and fearless thoughts!!

Be Well,

Stacy

ArtQwerks said...

Great illustration for the word renewal! A 2010 mascot of sorts eh?

Renee said...

I like the idea of running towards something instead of away from.

Renee xoxo

Angela Matteson said...

thanks everyone!

Donna, Ah yes, a mascot! An excellent way of looking at my fluffy friend! :)

BRANDI MILNE said...

Hellooooo!

Thanks for coming by my blog and leaving me a comment! I love the progress shots of the work above too! Just wanted to say hello and hope you're well!!