Welcome to 2017 dear followers! This typing thing is a bit difficult since my operation – think back to when you actually learned how to type in middle school and your fingers and wrist muscles were sore for the first few weeks because they hadn’t been used before in that way.

I can still picture my typing teacher and hear her to this day. She was short and stout with a bit of a lisp; “a, s, d, f, j, k, l, sem, return; a, s, d, f, j, k, l, sem, return, and again…”

I’m experiencing that same muscle fatigue with my left hand and a bit of a pull on that darn right ulnar nerve, so posts may be brief for a while.

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2016 has come and gone. It’s been a light one in terms of works produced but I have accomplished other important goals to further my passion, so it’s not completely a wash. How do you measure a “good” year for an aspiring artist? Is it the number of works produced?; the number of classes taken?; the amount of money made?; the growth and betterment of your craft?

I guess it depends how you define success. Since everybody’s goals are different, I guess it’s an individual litmus test. I try to teach my boys not to compare themselves to others, only to themselves in terms of growth and happiness. We all compare ourselves to others at times, but it can be damaging for the psyche – as I have learned over the years. If you see growth in yourself, whatever your goals or visions are, then it’s a good year!

I did accomplish many of my artistic goals this year with the creation of this website and my business cards, the establishment of a social media presence as JenLynnArt, and the attainment of two paid commissions. I also attended classes and workshops to gain experience in live portrait painting and began adding the format into my painting repertoire.

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The images below represent my finished pieces from 2016. Select an image to view the carousel.

Here’s wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! May 2017 treat you well:)