Hello First name / friend,
 

This month marks 20 years since I started sharing my creative journey on an art blog.

 

An experimental foray into documenting my creative process has evolved into a kaleidoscope of community, artistic chronology, tutorials and a livelihood. 

 

When I timidly published the first post in 2005, the internet was barely sprouting as a platform for artists. I read news of Duane Keiser's commitment to make a small painting every day, and then share it on a blog and post it for sale on Ebay.  Like so many other artists, I was inspired to jump into the stream.

 

The internet transformed the relationship between artists and art lovers. Galleries used to be primary gatekeepers, deciding who was exhibit-worthy, warding an artist's ability to create relationships with collectors, and garnering a 50/50 cut. Now, artists share their work from their studios directly to the public - beyond geographical and economic boundaries.

Through blogging, I've had the privilege of sharing 700 posts of finished watercolors and printmaking, including two decades of my creative journey: failed experiments, technical discoveries, exhibitions, and accomplishments, as well as moments of doubt.  Your questions, insights, and words of encouragement in the comments of my blog have enriched my studio practice immeasurably.

 

Thank you for following along, sharing your work, collecting mine, and volleying dialogue about how we can all squeeze more creativity into busy lives. 

 

The generosity of spirit in our community - the willingness to share knowledge, celebrate each other's successes, and offer support during creative challenges continues to humble and inspire me.

I'm particularly grateful for the ability to use blogging and my YouTube channel to support emerging artists with tutorials and process details. Sharing art process learned through trial and error can help an artist thousands of miles away leap frog over my missteps, and that brings me profound satisfaction.

 

The digital age has given us something very precious: the opportunity to build genuine relationships centered around our shared love of art. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a weekend painter, or someone who simply finds joy in following the creative process, you've been an essential part of this journey with me.

 

Thank you for 20 years of inspiration, support, and community. Here's to many more years of creating and connecting through the universal language of art.

 

P.P.S. This post about the changed environment of publishing by Seth Godin is thought provoking to anyone creating content today.