This has been a significant year. I've worked on several fronts, most art-related but not all directly involved with the making of art.
It all began on January 2nd. A friend I saw at a party urged me to apply for a show at a great local venue. I was between galleries and so I thought, "Why not?"
In February, I made an illustration for The Morning News and fell hard for volcanoes as subject matter. I carried on with volcanoes as images for paintings and started a painting series as part of my application for a solo show.

So now, I'll be having a show fall of 2013! I'm a slow painter, so I'll need all that time to get the paintings done.
I had some illustration jobs to do, small and large. In addition to the volcano one for the Morning News, above, I designed the logo for a new literary prize that is launching in a few days. My friend Maxine Mills, a brilliant graphic designer, tweaked and fine-tuned. My reading pig looks very polished now, don't you think?
I illustrated the second edition of a local foodlovers' guide.
I traveled a LOT in 2012. First was Rome in February to see two of our children and to sketch with Concetta Flore!
In late June, it was back to Italy again, this time for the wedding of a dear, old friend's son.
In October, compelled to visit the land of volcanoes again, my husband and I went back to Iceland.
Then, in early December, it as off to Vancouver for a brief celebration of our 21st wedding anniversary!
Sending you love! Laura
What a good year it was for you! I hope this one is stellar.
Posted by: marly youmans | February 03, 2013 at 08:33 PM
What wonderful comments, all of you. Belated thank you so, so much. Your support helps more than you could ever know.
Posted by: Laura | January 26, 2013 at 10:05 PM
Love your blog always something interesting to read, thank you
Posted by: ashar | January 10, 2013 at 11:46 AM
What an amazing and creative year you have had!
Happy New-Year Laura - and I wish you a 2013 every bit as good as the last :0)
Posted by: sandra busby | January 02, 2013 at 09:59 AM
No apologies required, your blog makes up in quality any sparseness in quantity. And what a rich haul!
Happy New Year and an equally creative 2013!
Posted by: Lucy | January 01, 2013 at 06:29 AM
Laura, congratulations on a great year. I just love those volcano paintings! Slow or fast, keep making them and all the wonderful images you do.
Posted by: Roz Stendahl | December 31, 2012 at 08:32 PM