Highlights of 2019 and looking ahead to 2020

​ SHERWIN-WILLIAMS REVEALS A CALMING NAVY HUE AS ITS 2020 COLOR OF THE YEAR
Inspired by the Roaring 20's, "Naval" works for just about any space.
It's no secret that paint can transform an interior in an instant, and this year, top designers have been experimenting with navy tones in fresh, unexpected ways. Sherwin-Williams is getting in on the design trend by revealing Naval SW 6244, a bold navy shade, as its 2020 Color of the Year.

“The use of color in interior design is changing. It’s not just about what a space looks like anymore, but how it makes you feel,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “People want to feel grounded and inspired to pursue their mental, physical and emotional well-being. Naval is reminiscent of the night sky, which people have looked to for centuries for guidance, as a muse and as a reminder to live more mindfully.”

My advice in using this color is on one wall in any given room where there is plenty of natural light as well as lighting at all levels in the room.  Look how great the artwork looks on the wall when it is neutral.  Orange being its complement really pops and so would art or on smaller accessories if you don’t want to be too bold. 2020 is a year of the Rat, starting from January 25th, 2020 and lasting until February 11th, 2021. It will be a Metal Rat year. Rats are quick-witted, resourceful, and smart but lack courage. With rich imaginations and sharp observations, they can take advantage of various opportunities well. In Chinese culture, rats represent working diligently and thriftiness, so people born in a Rat year are thought to be wealthy and prosperous.

2020 Forecasts by Chinese Zodiac
The Year of the Rat is the first zodiac sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to the Chinese zodiac story, in the competition held by the Jade Emperor to decide the zodiac animals, the quick-witted rat asked the diligent ox to take him on a ride to cross the river and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, so the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals.  The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. A Rat year occurs every 12 years.

My sign is a: Pig when entering my day month and year of birth
Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8
Lucky colors: yellow, gray, brown, gold
My Luck in 2020
Work: 4 out of 5 stars Wealth: 4 out of 5 stars
 Love: 3 out of 5 stars   Health: 4 out of 5 stars

I thought it was a fun exercise and helped me select my word for 2020:   Decisive

 2019 Year End Summary:

For me the business side of being an artist needed to be evaluated.  Over the years I have usually framed paintings when finished, especially watercolors and paintings on Yupo to protect the artwork.  I’ve done this because most people can’t see how the painting will look in their home or office without it being matted and framed.  This has been an upfront extra expense which I was willing to incur, but my storage space was at capacity.  
Painting time quality: In recent years I set aside time to prepare my art for shows each month of the year. This time cut into my quality painting time.
So I made the decision to enroll in a course on Gallery Representation.  I have learned a lot and am close to the end of the course. My energy and time has been spent doing what one had to be done to achieve gallery representation.  This will give me more quality time to paint and less time spent on marketing on my own.

I will continue to look for new places to display. If you know of a favorite retail establishment where art is being displayed on a rotating basis, please shoot me a text or email so I can check it out.  (971-64-5031) or [email protected]. 

2019 Year Stats: Weebly changed the way they reported visits to the website in July to only new visitors so it is no longer a way for me to look at visitors to my site overall.  

Top 20 Viewed Original Paintings on my Website in 2019
Avignon Inner City
Fall Colors in the Forest
Willamette Stone Path
Avignon Side Street Visitors
Fiery Cloak of Autumn
Floats and Nets Drying
The Gratitude Rose
Peacock Strut
Crosswind Paceline Shadows
Among the Waterlilies
Zanzibar Door Hinge
Where Our Travels Lead Us
Cave Drawing Memories
Figures in Abstract
He Rules the Roost II
Friendly French Donkey
Froome Wheels to Vuelta Victory
NW Blue Heron
The Chef At Work
Salmon Street Springs Fountain Fun

Here’s to a successful year for each of you in your personal and business!

Diana