“Whyte Ave. Winter Scene, Black Dog,” by Lorraine Young, soft pastels on Wallis pastel paper, 5 ½” x 7 ½” SOLD

My over-all goal for 2014 is to stay on the path I started last year, including participating in the Whyte Avenue Art Walk, and continuing to connect with other artists and local art-lovers through participating in On-The-Spot-Pop-Up Art Markets.   But first and foremost, above and beyond all that, I want to continue to learn and grow and develop and challenge myself as an artist.  There is no word for “complacency” in the language of art.

My big challenge this year is to enter my best (in my happy opinion!)  pieces of my art into at least one juried exhibition.  In particular, I want to “brave up” and submit work to the Pastel Artists of Canada juried exhibitions.   Submissions must be received by the end of January, and I have chosen three pieces to submit.  It’s a scary -but necessary – step,  to submit work for the review of professional artists whose work you admire.  Acceptance is almost irrelevant:  it’s taking the step that matters.   I just need to take a few deep breaths before I send in my submissions!  🙂