A Year in the Life of an Emerging Artist

Well another year is almost over. Like most people, I am looking both towards the future and the past. Looking back, I had a rather dismal year in terms of advancing my art career. I produced a small (emphasis on small) handful of paintings and had a net loss of over $1,500. On the bright side, I had my first booth at the Rhode Island School of Design's Holiday Alumni Sale.

I passed out several business cards; got lots of positive feedback about my art; sold two small originals and almost broke even. I was accepted in several juried exhibits and won a third place prize at the Grafton Arts and Music festival. So it wasn't a total loss!

For the the upcoming year I am excited, nervous, and determined. Excited, because I have a whole year of limitless opportunities and advancement. Nervous, because I could bomb and time is running out via the IRS in terms of defining my art career as a business or just a hobby. And determined to really do something with my art rather than just kind of "fart around with it."

So I plan on chronicling my progress through the next year via this blog. I hope that being accountable to a wider audience will really motivate me to stick to my outline for the year. I have the next six months planned out on paper. I will update this blog at least once a week, maybe more if something exciting happens. In it I will catalogue my progress, musings and art work. Check out my profile for background information.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year. Be back next year!!