In 2022, my focus as an artist was on practicing faster painting techniques while staying in “artistic” shape. My goal was to be always ready to work on commissions and to prepare myself for larger, more involved works in the following year. By frequently practicing the beginning and completion of a painting, all in one sitting, I was able to achieve a high number of finished pieces and develop my skills in a way that allowed me to stay sharp and ready for whatever artistic challenges came my way.

Throughout the year, I also chose to paint a range of individuals, and multiple ethnicities, both fictional and real, that I admire for their work and craft. I wanted to challenge myself to explore different styles and techniques while staying true to my artistic vision. Each painting was an opportunity to grow as an artist and push myself to new heights.

Even though not all of the paintings were displayed, I considered each to be an important step on my artistic journey. Plenty of failures occurred along the way, but they weren’t discarded as they were learning opportunities. Each success/failure allowed me to learn something new about my painting nature, while correcting bad habits, in pursuit of a more desirable, distinct, and uncharted direction.

Overall, my work in 2022 was driven by a dedication to my craft and a desire to challenge myself. By focusing on faster painting techniques and ambitiously testing myself to complete a high number of finished pieces, I was able to maintain an artistic fitness regimen and prepare myself for greater artistic hurtle. The road ahead is promising as I continue to explore new techniques and set lofty goals to discover new artistic frontiers ….