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Ahhhh the new year. It always starts off so fresh, new and exciting. So many lists! So many goals! I was really kicking it at the beginning of the month. I'd booked my standing art shows and included a new spring one. I figured out my theme for my July show and took lots of photos to support the mood I wanted to paint. My original little inks got an extension to sell at Polish House & Home in Colborne, Ontario.
And then.....
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 It's been too long, friends, since I've updated my blog. Before I begin I'd like to remind you to go to my Facebook Page and like, comment, and share. It helps me to make new connections and will keep me in your newsfeed (with content exclusive to Facebook). Ok, done. Now, onto the blog. I have begun work on a new series. I don't want to say too much (I'm superstitious that way) but I'm experimenting with design and texture and moving away from lines. That's all I want to say for now. It could turn out the way I'd like or then again, it could wind up in my 'discard' pile. Actually, the painting I am working on now is being painted over a previously finished painting that didn't turn out the way I wanted. (My husband says 'you're like Picasso') I wish! But, even Picasso most likely had paintings he didn't like and painted over them, maybe. I like to think so, it gives me hope. So, how is art like an ashtray? Well, as Damien Hirst said: In an artwork you're always looking for artistic decisions, so an ashtray is perfect. An ashtray has got life and death.  Each day I am losing more and more light in my studio and it's all because of snow. Lots of snow. It's been a bit of a snowpocalypse lately, snow fell here for about 13 hrs last night into this morning. As you can see, my windows are almost buried in it. Despite that lack of natural light I have been working on a few new paintings. I'll give you a sneak peek below with some detail photos (excuse the quality). I have two deadlines coming up that I'm working towards but will post the full finished paintings after that. P.S. It's fun to say snowpocalypse.
 I want my window back.  My mood was similarly grey. Yesterday was not a good day. I had one of those 'winter blues' kind of days. I felt like there wasn't anything to look forward to, that I wasn't good in enough, I felt alone in the world and was basically in a foul mood for no particular reason. January is a tough month because it is so slow. It's a time to plan out the rest of the year, fill out those applications for art shows and tours, restock supplies, and plan out the next series of work. I am one of those people that need a deadline and I work best when I have a timeline to work from. Today is blank canvas day, both literally and figuratively. I am resetting my mental outlook and I am beginning a painting that I've been asked to do for an office. The only requirement is that it be the colour red. How cool is that? I'm still thinking of themes for my next project but I can keep myself busy in the meantime with the red painting. What about you? How do you reset yourself and move forward when you're feeling low?
 Here's an updated pic of my painting. It's not quite finished but it's almost there. To see the final product, come out to the art show on December 8. Details are on my sites front page and on Facebook.
Today's Playlist: Solo Jazz Guitar on Songza
 It's been a busy morning around my house today. We have a snowfall warning in effect (which may or may not happen) so I did a little preparation in case tomorrow is a snow day. After the school run I got the shovel is ready, stopped for coffee cream, took the dog for a walk, started a load of laundry and just finished a nice hot cup of joe. It's grey skies out there today folks and I am working on a painting that mirrors the outdoors today. It's all blues, grey, and silvers. I painted the third layer quite thickly the last time I worked on it so I've been waiting for it to dry and it's ready for more today. I've posted pics of the progression for you. I'm thankful that my darling husband installed a daylight bulb right over my easels because there isn't a lot of natural light to paint by today. Keep warm and bundled up, my friends, and drive safely.
Playlist: I'm listening to Mellow Indie on Songza.  Just a quick update today, my friends. I wrote a blog for the Untitled Art Group page and it was posted today (click here to read it). Today I'm working on three pieces of various sizes but I'll get into more detail on that in a later post. I wanted to share with you what I'm listening to since it ties into my post on the Untitled site. I am currently listening to a station called Downtempo Instrumentals on Songza. It's the perfect music to get my brain into the zone.
It's all starting to come together for our art show. The posters are being created and the prints are being tested. There are three posters to test out, two in colour and one in black and white. Once that's been decided I can concentrate fully on finishing more art pieces. My horoscope for the week said this: You need to push yourself a little bit harder if you are to reach certain goals, and now is the time. The efforts you make over the next seven days will come back to you many times over – and no effort is ever too much. I definitely think that is a perfect description of my life right now. I have a sense of urgency that is propelling me forwards and I'm happy with that feeling. Today I will be completing two small paintings and I will be purchasing my mineral spirits so that I can begin laying top coats on my completed pieces.
I have been working on my newest painting all week. Today my hand and wrist is sore from holding my knives but I am still going to work. I have to. I'm compelled to. At least a little bit. Here is one of the paintings I've been working on. I have photographed it in stages for you to see how a painting progresses as time goes on. I only photographed during major breaks for paint to dry but I think it would be neat in the future to capture the whole progression. Perhaps a little time-lapse voodoo would be cool?
What I haven't included is a picture of the final product. (Sorry for the tease) I would love for you to see it at the art show on December 8. It will be coated with UV Varnish just waiting for its new home, hopefully yours!
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Jennifer Trefiak
I will keep you updated on my latest work and perhaps some insight into my creative process. Categories
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