What a strange and extraordinary year that was, and it doesn't look as though we're out of the woods yet, though there is light on the horizon as far as some things go (and a pretty certain bleak worsening for some others). So let's look back at some of the good things, specifically in this post the projects I've really enjoyed this year, and the things I've learned on my creative journey. It's pretty much a Baker's Dozen and a half... I lost the will to whittle things down any further!
They're approximately in chronological order, and remember you can click on the links to visit the individual posts for making-of details...
Collect Beautiful Gelli Prints
I'm so pleased that, despite moving house to a new country and all that entailed, especially in the midst of lockdowns and border closures, I managed to complete two whole months of challenges this year - World Watercolour Month in July with all my leafy grasses and the daily line and wash work for Inktober.
The first of the new Distress Colours, Speckled Egg, released a much-needed flow of creative inspiration. It's a colour after my own heart just by itself, and I had a joyous time playing to see how it fitted in with my favourite colour combinations. And of course I was thrilled to have six new sets of word stamps launched by PaperArtsy in two separate releases during the year.
That's plenty to be going on with, don't you think?! I wonder if you agree with my choices!
I'm on hold with unpacking the craft room boxes, though I do have a temporary set-up with a few supplies, but I really hope that maybe by February I can be fully back up and running in my brand new craft space. I'll try to keep you posted on that too. Thanks so much for stopping by today and good luck with all your creative journeying in the year to come.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favourite things and then I don't feel so bad.
Oscar Hammerstein II
You should probably know I am going to say Rusted Hope is possibly my favorite, but I also LOVE Spring Greens, too.
ReplyDeleteI totally enjoyed your Leafy Watercolors. They were all so well done and showed a different side of you I had not previously known. I also enjoyed your Inktober watercolors for the same reason.
Who doesn't love Halloween. A chance to use all those really gory and adorable items you have set aside for an entire year.
And of course, I had to appreciate Dreams, Thoughts, and Moments for the eaves you created that looked SO real, and the faux rusty feel to each of these tags.
I really loved seeing a full year of gorgeous art in one place. It's a tribute to your abilities. Sometimes looking back is fun. Happy 2021 again, dear friend.
Great choices Alison! Of course your water colours star here for me although the Spring Greens and Skype call pages are special too. I loved looking through at the different the tags too and even though I am not a great fan of Halloween I absolutely love those jars..as long as I don't think about the possibility of ghosts flying out at night!
ReplyDeleteWe're starting this year with a handful of hope and will certainly look back on 2020 as being challenging! Let's hope that lessons have been learnt! We've seen kindness and consideration in so many ways by so many, we've been given a chance to sit and reflect on where we went wrong too...I'm an optimist...what more can I say?
Happy New Year, Hugs, Chrisx
I love these second looks Alison. There were a couple I didn't remember and maybe I missed those posts or else my memory failed me. 2020 was a good art year, wasn't it? That is one thing being home more with covid means more art time. Hope your new year is going well. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to see your review of the year (even with less words due no doubt to new blogger!) I am pleased that you are settling in to your new home and look forward to seeing your new space when it is all set up and running! (hint, hint) It's back to work tomorrow for me, I have enjoyed my time off relaxing even if I didn't get very much done. Take care and stay safe. Helen x
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection of art works Alison, and I'm not even going to try to pick a favourite! Good luck with sorting out your craft room, and have a very happy crafty year, Sue xx
ReplyDeleteThis is me having a rare moment on blogger! What a joy to see all these together. Look forward to lots more to come in 2021 xxx
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful works of art Alison. A very colourful post to start a new year too. Hope you enjoyed the Festive Season. It was very different for most of us this year, but at least we are still safe. Happy New Year my Friend. Hugs Rita xxxx
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of makes! I guess I am just a die-hard Halloween peep! My favs are the Halloween inspired makes...
ReplyDeleteOh Alison, what an uplifting review. So many peaceful colours and such a treat on a Monday morning as I contemplate where to start on the house!
ReplyDeleteYou have awakened my creative soul once again and I may have to shelve the cleaning and mess about with some paint now.
Your Inktober work is breathtaking. Makes me want to dust off the watercolours too!
Enjoy your new adventures. Xx
What a joy and a chance to see all these fabulous pieces of art together!!! Thank you Alison, I keep the link of your post for me, for later inspiration if needed and time enough to play with some techniques or products maybe.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to se lots of new exquisite projects in 2021 xxx
My favorites are Romance in the Ruins, Spring Greens, The Skypes the Limit,Happy in Her Heart, Leafy Watercolors and Thoughts and Tidings, although they are all good of course.
ReplyDeleteI deduce that you like green, Marci! Happy New Year!
DeleteA wonderful summary of 2020 favourites I think my favourites are your watercolours you really seem to have embraced this arty discipline and delivered great results, you must have felt a great deal of satisfaction learning something new and delivering such fabulous results. It’s good to expand our creativity
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy New Year to you
Love
Amanda x
Wonderful tags in such variety - always a treat to see again! I am most impressed, though, with your water colors - each is exquisite. I can readily envision a little chap book, or larger, of these beautiful botatanical renderings. I do hope everything is going well.... such a lovely beginning to the year, which I trust continues for you and yours! xxx Lynn
ReplyDeleteA wonderful look back at your 2020 creations and so much to be thankful for too - perfect! Wishing you a wonderful 2021 filled with happiness, love and peace 😁. Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing all these amazing creations in one post Alison. Absolutely beautiful and inspirational x. Good luck with the unpacking of the craft room and sending New Year Hugs x.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection of art works Alison, amazing creations.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR to you !
Hugs
Anke
Popped over to see how life is now you have moved and was treated to a delightful journey throughout your year. How I loved Spring Greens and the watercolours, including Inktober. The Skype the Limit, corrugated cards and your Halloween composition, an Aura of Menace all evoked memories of my delight at seeking what you had done. Too many more to mention, I am such a fan of your work. I was surprised not to see the pots you decorated with those gorgeous French sayings/words that would have had to feature in my choices but as there is so much I guess it was difficult to choose.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are settling in to life over there, probably glad to be away from all the lockdown news of your past life. Here’s to a great year ahead for you Alison.
Hugs, Neet xx
So lovely to see an amazing selection of your stunning artwork in one place Alison.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently trying to catch up with things after being not around much due to family stuff and in my own case eyesight issues which are thankfully now fixed.
Hoping all is well with you and sorry to be mia.
Fliss xx
What a lovely look back at the year - you have created absolute beauties and I simply couldn't pick a favourite, although I would happily have your leafy watercolours framed and hung on the wall!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are settling in and will soon have your new studio up and running - I bet you can't wait.
I hope you don't mind me asking but do you know if Mini Album Makers has moved - I have been meaning to ask someone but keep forgetting! There's no message on the home page to say it's stopped and I wondered if it's moved to somewhere I don't do like Instagram. I'm hoping everyone involved with it is OK.
I do wish you a happy 2021 (albeit very late) and I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work in the coming year - it's always a joy visiting your blog.
Diana xx