Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 ... it was a very good year

Tonight is New Year's Eve... the end of 2009 (in fact the end of a decade) and I'm filled with thoughts about 2009. 

At the end of 2008 I was reading about the approaching new year on Christine Kane's blog, Live Creative, and I was inspired to choose a word for 2009. The word I chose was Bloom, and now looking back I think that it was the perfect word for my year. Having the word helped me focus and grow/bloom in my art and in making new friendships during 2009. I'm still thinking about what word to adopt for 2010... 

As part of my "blooming" this year .... I began posting my paintings to this blog starting back in January, and I've appreciated all of the feedback and encouragement that I've received. In addition, I've thoroughly enjoyed visiting other art blogs throughout the year. I treasure the interactions here on my blog and on my visits to your blogs. Thanks for stopping by for a visit and I hope you drop by again in 2010!!

Looking back over my art for the year, some of the pieces most dear to me are the beer labels that I did for my oldest son. I blogged about them in two entries earlier this year (first batch and second batch) and he says he'll keep me busy with orders for more labels in the future. For Christmas he gave me the following framed piece in thanks for our collaboration on the beer labels for his 2009 home brew releases: 
I was thrilled to open the package and see all of the labels framed together. This was such a special surprise and it is now hanging in my kitchen. Thanks Ryan!!

I want to wish all of my blog friends Happy New Year!! and in the spirit of New Years.... Cheers!!!

P.S. I just remembered that I had a picture of us doing a tasting at home over the holidays: 

15 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

What a fabulous and heartfelt gift from your son, Claire. I just 2010 will be a great year for you. May your day be full of joy and creativity.

Laure Ferlita said...

What a fun post and I love seeing all of your labels together - what a great collage AND collaboration between you and your son!

I look forward to learning about your new word-of-the-year and seeing more of your art. I also treasure the friendship we share and look forward to that in the new year as well!

Krista Meister said...

Aww, what a good son! And I think "bloom" is a perfect word for you. May you fully blossom in your artistic endeavors in 2010!

lori vliegen said...

what a heartfelt gift from your son..... your beer labels are truly wonderful, claire!!! that must have been so much fun to collaborate on that project with him!!

may you have continued blooming in the new year.....and much happiness and creative goodness, too!! hugs, :))

Claire M said...

P.S. I just added a photo of us doing a tasting at home over the holidays. Cheers!!

Anonymous said...

Selecting a word, what a terrific approach to the new year. It beats the whole concept of resolutions, and is a way to incorporate the many aspects of our lives. I visited Christine's blog and was further inspired. Thanks for posting this.

I was thrilled to stumble upon your blog this past year. Thoroughly enjoyed your sketches and your "trip" to Paris. Hope 2010 is filled with creative bliss. Happy New Year.

Autumn Leaves said...

Your son sure looks like you! What a wonderful photo!

RH Carpenter said...

Claire, I'm glad I found your blog and the 100 Paintings Challenge blog from your posting on my blog. Great artwork! I'll be back to check up and see what the new year brings - and catch up on past work by you, too.

john.p said...

I, also, really enjoyed your beer labels. As a fellow brewer, I think the handmade art adds a great touch to the handmade drink. Hope you find a word for 2010.

BARBARA WEEKS said...

Happy New Year! Love the labels- and what a thoughtful gift from your son.
Can't wait to see what word you adopt for 2010.

Pat said...

Hi Claire, You have been an inspiration for me last year and helped me bloom also. I will follow to find what your word for this year will be. I know what ever word you choose you will continue to bloom.

andrea said...

The labels are charming -- and what a great idea!

bubblemunch said...

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What a thoughtful gift from your son. Your labels look so fantastic together.

Thank you again so much for your kind thoughts. looking forward to following your beautiful work throughout 2010. x

Mary Paquet said...

Claire, you have a very thoughtful son. This is a beautiful gift. You did such a great job on the art for the labels. They are better than any label I've seen on commercial beer.

Great pictue with your son and I like the Specialized jersey.

Lisa Holtzman said...

Your labels are terrific! How fun to collaborate with you son.