Holiday Poster Entry

Well, I haven't added to the blog in a while since I have been working feverishly on finishing my entry for the Frederick Holiday Poster competition. And yes, I am the QUEEN of cutting it to the very last minute since I finished framing at 10:30pm last night (it is of course due today). I really don't expect to win or anything...I just really want to learn from the process, and this is what I learned:

• I need painting lessons. I usally work in graphite, charcoal or pastels - a very different process with those materials. And I am totally the type of person who makes it up as I go along. Having some formal training might have helped with some of the "oops" moments I had.
• I need to plan further ahead. I had REALLY good intentions, but it's hard to think about Christmas during the summer...
• I should never plan too far ahead. I found myself messing up pieces because I overworked (or overthought) them. If I leave too much time I will spend it reworking - though I suppose other artists out there might say that is a part of the process. That being said, once I framed the peice, there were parts I wanted to redo but it was just too late (literally and figuratively).
  
• I'm not sure I have a personal artistic "style". Again, I just make it up as I go along. Or maybe it just means that I am multi-faceted (he he). I guess it's not bad to be unpredictable, but I would like that same thing out of my art as out of my golf game - some consistency!
  
• I have a patient husband. Normally quite anal about mess, he put up with paint and assorted materials strewn about because I wanted to work in our nice big open living space rather than in my cramped little (and messy) office. Thanks big guy!

Anyway, the opening reception where they announce the winners is Wednesday. I will let y'all know how it goes.