Where did the year go? Isn’t it funny I had to look through my photos to remind me what had happened this year! Highlights from 2019 in my list below are just a sample of what I have achieved this year, read further below.
Accomplishments in 2019
Completed my largest commission ever
Created first range of cards
Created a method to raise funds for charity and give back to the environment
Quickest sale of a painting - 24hrs after posting on Facebook
First Craft Market
First time having artwork into retail stores
Completed most emotional portrait commission ever
It is crazy to think another year has sped by! Mark and I have also been engaged for a year! Much like last year, 2019 has been a year of many firsts. I am always challenging myself to push myself beyond what I have done before. This year was no exception and saw me complete my largest commission to date (1620 x 760mm). Not only was the painting technically difficult, it was also a huge mental challenge! It wasn’t until the final layers that my brain agreed “Yes I CAN actually do this.” It was an incredible feeling finishing this piece and reminding myself of what I can achieve.
Myself with my largest commission to date “Colours of Coalpit” 2019, Oil on canvas, 1620 x 760mm , (63.7 in x 30 in).
After finishing my largest commission to date it was a delight to work on a scale and subject that felt more familiar. I used my renewed confidence to paint this stunning farm scene for my client whom had been patently waiting for me to complete the large commission. I always find farm scenes very calming to paint and to ultimately view.
“Oxford Farm” 2019, Oil on canvas, 900 x 500mm , (35.4 in x 19.6 in)
In Christmas 2018 I sparked an idea when creating Christmas cards for family on Christmas Eve. I realised this could be something other folk may enjoy sharing with friends and family. I gave myself two conditions if I was to proceed - 1. the cards must be sustainable and 2. the cards must do good for the birds they depict. I teamed up with the South Island Wildlife Hospital donating $1 per card. A final count is yet to be announced but can say I have achieved over three times my initial fundraising goal. I am truly delighted to think my artwork has created good for the birds. In return I have received so much joy from the feedback by those who have purchased the cards which have flown across 5 continents!
It was in 2019 that I tried my first craft market. The first was in Methven where I shared a stall with my father - a true craftsman and founder of Thompson Woodworking. It was this market I released the Christmas cards, which were a hit! From here I attended several markets through the year including the Encraftment Christmas Market. With a great deal of help from many people including my father my stall looked so smart and I felt like the real deal.
Dad and I at the Methven Craft Show.
My flash stand at the Encraftment Christmas Market.
It was through a connection at the Methven Craft Market that I was invited to join the Beehive Collective in the new Riverside Market. It has been an absolute delight being a part of this store and sharing my work with tourists and locals alike.
My work in the Beehive collective in the Riverside Market, Christchurch.
I finished off the year with my last commission and what would also be the most emotional. I cannot reveal the piece yet but can say that it was a challenging portrait due to the circumstances that surrounded it. I was pleased I could show the family the final work just before Christmas.
Life has thrown many challenges this year with illness in the family testing us for much of the year. Now with good health and a wedding to look forward to in two months time 2020 is shaping up to be one of the best years yet! I have many projects and collaborations in the pipeline that I cannot wait to get into. Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year and a huge thank you to all those who have supported me along my journey in 2019.