52 WEEKS::Wild Rose

After the challenge of deciding whether or not I will create another 52 WEEKS project and also flip-flopping about the subject matter and media, I have finally decided to do this for a 6th year and I'm actually beginning to look forward to it.  Instead of working on stretched canvas, I will be working on 6x8 canvas panels for two reasons:

1.  They don't require so much storage space.
2. They fit my Judon's plein air pochade perfectly which means I can travel and work anywhere much more easily.

My good friend gave me a copy of this lovely little book titled "50 Truths Worth Knowing" which is filled with positive inspiration to kick-start me and I think that I've decided to incorporate words from each week to use in the title of the works.  I'll have to add two more truths of my own but I think I'll do that at the end of this project...maybe by then I will have gained more wisdom.  I've also decided to use Winsor & Newton water miscible oils since I haven't worked in oils in such a long time, but with the option of being cleaned with water might make it easier on myself and my family.  And, finally, I want to incorporate heavy impasto texture, which I have always adored but struggled with in my day-to-day work (even though I wrote an article on adding texture for Cloth Paper Scissors magazine a few years ago) so I think I'll focus on applying colour with palette knives. 

This year's title "52 WEEKS::Wild Rose" was gifted to me by my daughter.  First, I want to focus on the landscape around me, Wildrose Country, as it gives me such joy.  Second, I feel like we are each a bit of a wild rose...which is where this lovely little book comes in.  We often need to remind ourselves of the simple truths in life, including nuggets of wisdom such as "even small steps are important" and "work can be sacred".  We are all perfectly beautiful in our imperfections but there are times we need to focus on the little things and remember that even our small contributions are beautiful.

So, if you have photos that you would like to share with me, I would love to see them and perhaps they can work their way into this little jewel of a series.  And I have to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me on this journey these past five years and those who encourage me to continue.