Thursday, January 03, 2008

(Happy) New Year Me

Yes, I've been busy, but I'm still not ready to show my latest 'stuff' here, although it won't be long now until I am. So in the interest of keeping up your interest I'm heading off on a slight tangent and posting this drawing which is my first ever on my new drawing tablet. Now, there is a learning curve! In this drawing I've tried to simply draw. I'm saving the excitement - and challenges - of painting digitally for my next attempt (or the one after that...) And the subject of this is a gorgeous gargoyle who has recently joined our household, a gift from our daughter to her father. If I disclose that his name is 'Rowdy' will you guess what huge Scrubs fans we are?

And on the subject of the New Year, I am really looking forward to it.  I have several really exciting challenges ahead.  One is that I'll be working of illustrations for a children's book a friend of mine is writing.  I've tried illustrating before a couple of times, but didn't get far.  This time I'm pretty hopeful it will be something I can do.  And to help it along I'm taking a few months off my studies so I have some time to devote to it.  


Another exciting event on my blog calendar is happening in only 4 weeks time.  My favourite creativity guru Eric Maisel is visiting my blog again!!!  You may remember he actually called into my blog last year and privileged me with the opportunity to interview him about his fabulous book Ten Zen Seconds.  Well, the thrill is not over yet, because he is coming back to talk about his latest paperback to hit the shelves The Van Gogh Blues: The Creative Person's Guide Through Depression .  I'm very fond of this book, because it was the first of Eric's books that I read and it lead me to seek out his other fabulous titles.  In 'Van Gogh Blues', Eric talks about creative depression, it's manifestations, it's causes and, most importantly, how to deal with it and prevent it.  I'm particularly pleased that this is happening now, because one of the last lingering health problems from my spider bite incident was depression and anxiety.  I'm pleased to say I've managed to eradicate them from my life, along with almost all the other lingering and bizarre symptoms.  I let Eric's wisdom guide me back to happy creativity. 
 
The other exciting challenge for my year is the project I've alluded to in a previous post.  I'm REALLY excited about it, and it involves the 'stuff' that I'm just not quite ready to post yet.  I think my next post will be the unveiling.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

yay! Great to see you back and posting again! I am looking forward to seeing what you do this year!

Megan Warren said...

Enjoyed looking at your blog, I look forward to your interview with Eric in a few weeks time - actually looking forward to the tour!

Laura Frankstone said...

Happy new year, Jan! Your gargoyle is so well drawn, so full of impish energy, just as he should be! I'm glad you're feeling better. Good luck with all of your new projects!

austere said...

Look forward to the interview here, Jan.

caseytoussaint said...

It sounds like a great year ahead? Jan. Your illustration project sound especially exciting- and I just love this gargoyle!

Anonymous said...

A tablet and your first? Haven't you ever heard of a learning curve? This is excellent. Can't wait for that next post.

janey
http://janeysjourney.com

Anonymous said...

That sketch is great! Now I am intrigued about your next project.

Projects, I have wondered if I need them?

Is finding this new project (yet to be unveiled) one of the things that got you going again? Or is it the other way around?

Janet Grace Riehl said...

Jan,
I'm looking forward to being on an Eric Maisel blogtour with you again. I'm glad to know more about your background with him and his work. Best of good fortune with your projects in 2008.


Janet Riehl
www.riehlife.com