Usually at the start of each new year I have a list of goals that I hope to accomplish before the year is out. I don't write them down or anything, They're just hanging out in the back of my mind waiting to be accounted for. This year I've been pretty much on target, but I don't beat myself up about it either way. I just dust myself off and jump back into the ring.
             My plan of study has been progressing on schedule. I'm finishing up cast painting and I've started to study figure drawing. Although I've been drawing the figure for a long time this is my first real figure drawing class. It's a little bit like art boot-camp. I guess the instructor senses that I'm not playing around and so he's been pretty tough on me. I've got a lifetime of bad habits to get rid of.
            I had planned to do more landscape painting, but things don't always go as planned. For one thing, my favorite beach spot to paint was closed down due to budget cuts. I also had air conditioning installed in my studio which made me never want to leave. I was pleased with the paintings that I did get to. I always re-read "Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting" at the beginning of the season. It seems to make more sense each time I read it and I can see his logic informing my work.
              I only managed to squeeze in one figure painting this year, but I did it exactly the way I had envisioned. I mixed up and tubed a flesh color string using a Zorn palette, and I worked on a single pose for eight weeks once a week. I've also managed to do a few quick three hour figure paintings at my bi-monthly figure group. I copied a Sargent portrait from a book, which was a lot of fun. I used  my tubed colors, as it is my belief that Sargent also used a limited palette in his early work.
               My still life paintings are beginning to show subtle changes. The cast painting has influenced my understanding of light, and I'm beginning to include a little more detail. I like brushstrokes to show so I'm focusing a little more intently while trying not to lose the spontaneity which has always been one of my strengths. The exhibit of paintings by Luis Melendez has had a strong influence on me as well. His exacting touch and breadth of vision has inspired me to push myself even harder.
                  In the coming year I plan to do more figure paintings. I'm thinking of hiring a model over the summer. My studio is big enough to accomadate two easels so maybe I'll get someone to go in on it with me. If that doesn't work I know a model who's price is right. I've been meaning to start a self portrait and now might be a good time. I can wait for a better circumstance or I can create opportunities of my own. That's pretty much ben the story of my life.
            Overall, I feel like 2009 was a good year. Things are going according to plan. I'm looking forward to doing more of the same only better. With the support of my wife and family I feel like I can succeed on my own terms if I want to badly enough. My self improvement goals encompass more than just my art. I have a few personality flaws that could use improving, and like everything else, the change is slow, but it is coming. Heres looking forward to a great 2010.