Closing 2020 Well
What a year. We have been so lucky in Australia. The tyranny of distance has for once acted in our favour and we have been relatively safe from Covid. In my own case I have not been home to Victoria since March but I have made the most of the curve balls that came my way.
In the art world exhibitions were cancelled and the online offerings really didn’t replace the real thing. Many businesses could not open, so supplies were hard to find. I continued doing wonderful commission projects but needed other lines out to the world.
The place to go was online. Having created executive development programs for over 20 years teaching about art seemed a logical step. So I read everything I could and watched every video, chose my automated platform and edited 60 hours of video into an online course. Got a TV crew in to film an advertisement and delivered the final module last week of How to Paint With Acrylics.
I have enjoyed it all and found a community of people who are ready to have a go, are embracing creativity in their lives and love nature. Already new opportunities re opening up from it and I will be involved in some very exciting online courses next year.
Colour In Your Life, the worldwide syndicated Art Show made their first virtual episode featuring me. It was great fun and the team were wonderful to meet (virtually of course). They have invited me to work on more projects together in 2021.
The Art & Life videos I have been doing exploring the value of art in our society have been a joy to do. During these difficult times of lockdown we have looked to the arts more than ever to entertain and support us. It concerns me that we live in a time with no Federal Arts Ministry so I wanted to point up the value of art. The amazing artists I have interviewed have lived with art at the centre of their lives and have created transformative experiences for others through their work.
I’ve also been streaming each week - Thursday Lunchtime Live Painting. Again massive learning curve, constant tech challenges and a lot of fun.
I am grateful for your support. I will be sending through updates on next years courses with How to Paint With Acrylics running in about March and a course in getting yourself online and more.
Keep on being inspired by nature and bringing creativity into your life - as they fill your life you will be able to share that with others. Please let me know what you would like to read more of or explore.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Good Solstice - May your year close with gratitude for the good, learnings from of the challenges and anticipation of a wonderful year ahead.
Enjoy my Art and Life interview with Major Sumner AO as he shares his thinking on what Art means in the life of an Aboriginal Australian.