Choosing Happy again -- Avoiding the shoulds

Tulips choose happy 
(Work in process)
Acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2021
(In November 2020, I
thought this painting was
done. For the past few days
I've kept seeing more and more
to change.  I would say 
almost done. Crazy how our 
tastes change isn't it? 

A big focus at this time of year is on all of what you should be doing.
I think it’s ironic. December 31 is one year, and January 1 is a new one.
But actually it is just the next day. So do you need to buy a Peloton? No.
Do you need to start a new exercise routine -- not unless you want to.
Last year an artist I follow, Veronica Funk suggested picking a word for the year. 
I chose happy.  And I'm glad I did.  Because all through the strange ups and downs
of a year with non stop news about the pandemic -- Lockdowns, and street
construction on our street for 4 months, somehow I stayed happy for the
most part. So I choose happy as my word for the year again this year.

Now in addition to trying not to get this nasty virus, I want to focus on
making art.  Because that work makes me so happy.  I loved what the
artist Janet Vanderhoof said about finding that art in every category in
her work last year sold well.  That was encouraging.  I tend to paint 
what attracts me.  Even with commissions, I work on getting the reference
resource (now that we can't meet portrait clients in person) that attracts me, makes
me want to keep going back to the painting or drawing until it is right, and
enjoying every moment of the work. It's a ,great feeling when I finish a work
and love it.  Getting there with this one. Liking it quite a bit now.

Wishing you a healthy and happy 2022.