Friday, December 28, 2018

2018 in Review

It's a tradition on my blog to look back at the end of the year and pick out a few creative highlights! Hope you enjoy... this year went so fast, it's fun to look back through the blur! 

January
I added a new garden/outdoorsy collection to my stamp line at Impression Obsession with a Spring release, which was revealed at the Creativation show in Phoenix.


My first portrait of the year was a special anniversary gift for my in-laws, which my husband was able to deliver on a surprise visit.


February
I was a guest designer for Whimsy Stamps, and got to work with some of their beautiful sets! One of my favorite companies.


March
Much of my free time was spent working on this colored pencil piece, which is my largest to date (18x24) - this was a photo I took of my boys and some of their friends when we were living overseas. The drawing is titled "Pure Joy" and that's what I feel when I look at it. You can click HERE to see all my progress photos - it took me a couple of months to complete!


April
In April I got to kick off a series of "Meet the Artist" posts over at Impression Obsession - my post is here in case you missed it! 


I also partnered with ClearSnap for a fun tutorial on watercoloring with dye inks, and fell in love with their Premium Dye line. 


May
May started off with a regional art show - I entered this piece, which I finished in a little over a week (I don't recommend that pace!) and it received an honorable mention. 


The "Pure Joy" piece received a cash prize and the People's Choice award! 


I also released a summer stamp collection - this one included some sweet silhouettes, and these fun "peekers"!


June 
In June I discovered a couple of my stamp sets that have been stolen and are being sold from China... that's not really a highlight of my creative year, but it united me with hundreds of artists, designers, and companies who are victims of this theft. Please support original artists and designers and earnest American and European companies and not dishonest thieves of intellectual property - that's really half the battle... and if you see sets you recognize being sold as "unbranded" or by someone other than the company or a trusted retailer, please let the company or designer know.


July
July saw another stamp release, and I loved this one - more fun animals, winter silhouettes, a collection for veterans, and some of my favorite clear sets ever.


We also hosted Dare To Get Dirty, a Splitcoast event for our Fan Club members - this was one of my favorite cards.


 August
I entered a couple of pieces in the MO State Fair this year, and was happy to get an honorable mention on this drawing of my son, as well as ribbons on some of my photography. I enjoyed volunteering in the art building as well, and meeting some more local artists.


This was a favorite portrait completed in August... Marley's mama sent a video of the big portrait reveal, and I'll always remember her kindness!


I also began teaching a colored pencil class at Hobby Lobby in August - I love the independent work and mentoring, and it's been fun to see my students grown in their skills and confidence! If you're close to Sedalia, I'd love to have you join us!

September 
Sometime in August or September I was invited to join the Spellbinders social media team - every once in a while I get some fun new dies to play with and review! That has been a lot of fun.


October
I entered my first local craft show, and have done one more since - it was a good learning experience and a lot of fun! 


My succulent drawing was also accepted into a show in Springfield MO, where it was displayed for a month.

October also marked 12 years of blogging here! The face of blogging has changed and I don't blog as often or as deeply as I used to, but I'm thankful for a place to call my own, and the friendships that have begun here!

November 
I joined the design team for A Colorful Life Designs - they are makers of  really amazing art stencils!


I spent most of my creative time in November working on Christmas commissions - those slots filled up very quickly! I also got to set up a display of my work at our local library - such an honor!



December
Once again, it was an honor to bring joy to so many people by creating their gifts for Christmas - here was my Christmas list! My queue for 2019 is filling up - I have 13 orders so far - so if you're thinking of gifting a portrait next year or ordering one for yourself, don't wait


I don't know what 2019 will bring - I have a few projects I'm itching to start on, so I can guarantee the creativity will continue! One goal is to achieve juried status in a statewide artists' association and to do more with my art locally. Of course there will be more portraits, and more stamps to come. Thanks again as always for your faithful support, comments, and encouragement!

Thanks for stopping by!



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8 comments:

  1. I am in awe of you! You did so much while also taking care of a family. That is no small thing.

    I am so thrilled that your work is getting seen and recognized. I knew if the world saw it, they would love it like I do. I have never seen better pet portraits-by far.

    Because I am one generation removed from the Greatest, I was raised with culture of the 30s through now....I love the old B&W movies where people dress to do basic things like men in jackets and hats to go to the baseball game...so I totally love your nostalgic silhouettes.

    You have brought me joy...in a world full of not great things.
    I am grateful for that and for you. I wish more people were like you.

    I wish you much more success in the year to come.
    Hugs Margot

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  2. WHAT A FABULOUS YEAR, Dina! I'm SO SORRY your Giraffe Image/Stamp was stolen! You hear of this thing happening all the time, but it is "close to home" now! I'm SO GLAD I got mine through I.O., itself! I KNOW mine is "genuine!" ;) I look forward to another great year following your blog & seeing all the beauty that you create! ;)

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  3. Dina, you deserve every accolade. Our Lord has gifted you and you have gifted others in the same way. He loves when we use our talents for Him and His. I've been blessed many, many times when reading or looking thru your blog. Thanks for continuing to share. Brenda West

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  4. Dina - You have been one busy gal. I love seeing that you are using your talents. Maybe you could come to Heits Point in April and do a class for us? Wouldn't that be fun. Congratulations on all your accomplishments in 2018. I hope to see more of your creative projects in 2019.

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  5. Dear Dina, Happy Birthday. Enjoy the day and the year, they come and go so fast. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with the world.
    You are so inspiring.

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  6. Happy Birthday Dina. You are an incredible artist. Thank you for sharing that with us.

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  7. Happy Birthday, Dina! Happy New Year

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  8. happy Birthday, hope you had a grand celebration. BTW, your animal drawings are beautiful.

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