Not Sorry Art Year In Review
The end of the year is typically a time of reflection and celebration, and it’s this season when I’m most grateful that I get to make a living as an artist. I certainly don’t take it for granted and even when I get frustrated with my work I try to remember that I’m so fortunate to have a career in painting. I know the kid version of me would be so happy to have a job that allows me to paint and draw everyday, and with everything I do I like to keep that in the front of my mind.
Given the highs and lows inherent in making art and sharing that art publicly, I think it’s important to celebrate the moments of progress and achievement. For me, it’s not a pat on the back so much as it’s a way to remind myself to keep going when the strain of a daily studio practice feels burdensome.
Without further ado, here is my 2022 year in review:
Not Sorry Art 2022 Highlights
At the very beginning of January, I released my second disco ball collection featuring 20+ new works.
My 2022 disco ball collection
In February I unveiled the newest Not Sorry Art School unit covering architectural landscape. My online art school now includes 11 (and counting!) individual courses.
Working on a architecture piece for Not Sorry Art School’s Architectural Landscape section
My solo show, Saccharine Millenia, served as the inaugural exhibit at Love Texas Art Gallery in Fort Worth in March.
Love Texas Gallery in Fort Worth, Texas
I also painted my largest disco ball to date, this 60 inch piece!
Floral Studio Disco Ball, Acrylic on canvas 60”. 2022.
The spring months were largely dedicated to completing my long-awaited Florida series, featuring floral and ocean/beach scenes from my birth state. I started this body of work in 2021 and I was so pleased to finish it in 2022.
Florida Rubber Tree, Mixed media on canvas 48x60”. 2022.
In June I taught my first ever international painting retreat in Almería, Spain. This was such a fun adventure and a great way to get back into teaching in person after time off during the pandemic. I met an amazing group of artists and creatives in Spain and I’m so excited to lead another trip like this in 2023 to Morocco.
Leading a plein air demo at La Finca Paradiso in Almería, Spain
My group show at Brea Gallery in California, Pure, Unadulterated Joy, opened in July alongside several other bright and colorful artists. I painted two new works for this exhibit and displayed some of my favorites from my teenage still life series.
In August a book cover I painted for Monica Heisey’s book, Really Good, Actually, was announced. This was a really cool project to be a part of and I highly recommend this hilarious book (it comes out in the U.S. on Jan. 17).
Book cover for Monica Heisey’s upcoming novel Really Good, Actually
Like most artists, this past fall was mostly about getting ready for the holiday rush, but I also released my David Hockney master study for Not Sorry Art School. Hockney’s landscapes and portraits are iconic and instantly recognizable, and it was a joy to bring my own spin to his approach and style.
My master study of David Hockney’s Lawn Sprinkler piece from 1967
To wrap up my year I took on a fun little project with a series of hand-painted disco ball ornaments. What a great way to round out the year!
Thank you to everyone for your support this year and I can’t wait to see what 2023 and beyond has in store for Not Sorry Art!