Time to look back over the year and review where I am compared to where I wanted to be. Having a quick look over the areas of focus I had for 2017, we have:
Sketch and explore more in my sketch journal
This only really came together in the latter part of the year and I’ve now managed sketch every day for the past 3 months. It’s a chain I don’t want to break.
Paint more consistently, but with a focus on small studies & practicing specific details
Again, this really fell into place in the latter quarter of the year. In both cases it was all about consistency and repetition rather than getting too tied up with the subject matter. Another habit I’m pretty keen to keep maintained throughout 2018.
Take more of my own photos to use for reference
This is something that developed over the course of 2017 and I feel I am going into next year with a better frame of mind in this respect. The process is still in the embryonic stage but all signs seem positive and again something that I will develop further in the new year.
Keep up a consistent life drawing schedule
Attending life drawing about once a month was only around half the sessions I was hoping to do get to. While that was a little disappointing, I was still making the effort to get there when I could.
… and, what else?
As far as positive things to happen during the year that I wasn’t planning for, being asked to be a part of the RAW event in August was a great opportunity and fantastic experience. I think that process accelerated my skills and understanding of what it takes better than anything else.
Time now for a couple of weeks break away from work and spent with family. I look forward to attacking 2018 with all the enthusiasm and momentum I’d built throughout the year just been.
Here’s to a happy and successful 2018 to everyone.
