New Year Thoughts by Diana Moses Botkin

Passing from the old to the new year carries with it a desire for reflecting, evaluating, and planning for many folks. It does for me. Not to say I don't do these things for birthdays, anniversaries, the leaves dying in Fall, or during funerals and weddings.

So thinking back on 2011 reminded me of all the year has brought. It was a challenging year for many of us, especially in the arts. It was also a banner year for me with some exciting honors, including:
~ My work was accepted to Oil Painters of America National Show.
~ I was chosen to paint the art for The Festival at Sandpoint 2011.
~ My art was accepted to Richeson75 Small Works National Exhibit.
~ I was awarded 3rd Place at The Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Paint Out.
~ My art is published in 2 books: Richeson75 Small Works & Richeson75 Portraits.
~ My oil painting "Encircled" was added to Salem (Oregon) Hospital's collection.
~ A new venue, Entree Gallery at Priest Lake, added me to their artists.

It was a year of much hard work and growth for me! I completed 140 new works, including that custom-made large painting for The Festival at Sandpoint (which took me away from doing the smaller daily paintings). I also painted a number of other landscape and portrait commissions.

This past year I was invited to participate in two plein air Paint Outs (one in Oregon and one in Idaho) and I did both of them. Additionally I participated in a number of regional art shows, plus exhibiting in my regular galleries. I also wrote work published in Professional Artist Magazine.

I'd like to thank each of you who visit my blog for your comments, feedback on my art, and your encouragement during 2011. You are a vital part of my creative process.

As 2012 unfolds and new ideas for my art take shape, I look forward to hearing from you at my blog, and I wish you blessings in your own endeavors!