Retrospective of Blog Posts: 2020

Looking back through my blog posts in 2020. 

The year was defined by the pandemic.

I am guessing 2021 will not be drastically different with 

attention & activities close to home. 

I like the way my art practice has been evolving 

with fewer distractions.

At the same time, I miss exploring the world out there...

And I am saddened by the illness & death

& do not take my own health for granted.

Jan. 2020. The last time I sketched in a café, before shutdown. 

In Jan. I kept a thumbnail visual journal.

Valentine's Day, 2020. 

A friend & I sketched flowers that I'd received. 

Before the quarantining began.

March 4. Last trip to Boston. 

I unconsciously knew that this would be the last time for awhile.

I didn't know just how long it would be though.

March 15. Life changed.  

The arrival of Covid, restrictions & fear.

 I drew grocery store maps for practical reasons: 

to get in & out fast.

Masks.  

The colors & cloth inspired me...

So I got out my sewing machine, organized a sewing center

 & learned more about stitching & working with cloth.

 

April. I enjoyed working on Pocket/Envelope folios & books,

inspired by Robinsunne & Amy from the 

Library Art Journal Group. 

I'm still enjoying making them.

The group started meeting on Zoom. 

I'm grateful that we've been able to continue. 

A creative spark during what can sometimes be a bleak time.

In May I started going again 

on outdoor excursions with the Sketchers.

 Camden Library park.

We don't meet now that cold weather has set in.

May:  I started watching online Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. 

I enjoyed learning more about this art form.

The sets, costumes & pageantry are stunning!

They have the same appeal as fairy tales did in my childhood.

Above: Cinderella.

July: Weeklong Experimental Sketchbook 

University class via Zoom. 

I enjoyed pushing my drawing to to some new places 

The Zoom grid became a prevalent motif.

August: Short, local car rides became 

as exciting as former longer trips had been.

September. Sketching with Sketchers 

& on my own in local gardens. 

Pockets of bliss.

September: With Sketchers at the local historic cemetary. Sunlight, autumn colors

& shadows were stunning that day. 

Sketchers went to the Rail Trail, just a few miles out of town.

There is a "sancutary" with a picnic table off the trail

overlooking the river. Safely away from other walkers. 

October. I learned a lot more about journaling including 

organizational aspects in the Dot or Bullet Journaling mode. 

Above: Food & Fitness Journal, Daily Journal, 

Music & Dance Journals. 

Today: I focus on my private journals,

experimenting & exploring, 

Looking back, what do I miss the most? 

Wandering out in the world with my sketchbook.