Good and Bad Years

 There are some years that don’t go well. Some years bring tragic losses, financial difficulty, health loss, a decline in one’s popularity as an artist. There are lots of reasons one can look back and claim a bad year. The pandemic has become a constant in our lives as well as polarization of our citizens, left and right with little moderation. 

 I think December becomes a thinking month, near the end of one year and anticipation of the next. I used to make all kinds of goals and business improvement plans every December. I worried about what events I had lined up, publicity, juried exhibits, etc. etc. I carefully planned my activities for the next year.

 It only took me 25 years or so to realize that none of that made any difference in my livelihood. Good and bad years come with little warning. Last year was my best financial year ever! No kidding! Who knew? I didn’t do any extra activity, plans or marketing. It was just great! I felt great too! 

 This year not so great, but survivable. There was no difference in activity, except that poor health forced me to my design table instead of my easel, doing small drawings and collages and making paper instead of large paintings. The large paintings are still in my studio, but everyone was more interested in small works. I don’t mind. They still support me. 

 It would be easy to become despairing of a bad year. Poor health, poor sales, pandemics can be very depressing. Instead, I walk forward with hope for a great 2022. Bad times don’t last. It is great to know good times are just around the corner. I am determined to begin painting again, if only for one session a week in January. It’s going to be a better year.

 

Country painters have a good life…..