My Year in Review

 

2025 was an interesting year with some good things happening and some not -so-good.  Through it all, my commitment to creating was strong, in fact I painted 364 out of the last 365 days, which I'm really proud of.  

One of the highlights of the year was a very nice commission for 6 paintings of cacti and their flowers. I had no prior knowledge of cacti and certainly not much access to flowering cacti here in Chicago, so I had my work cut out for me in the form of research.  It was very rewarding to see my client so happy with the results and the suggestion that I now qualify to be a cactus garden docent.  (big smile)

I made some of my favorite floral paintings with new color palettes that stretched my usual.  I made advances in my comfort with abstraction, which continues to be a challenge for me since I've painted objects I see for many years.  

I worked on the concept of not having to cover every single little white spot (sigh) of the surface of a painting.  I did so with a series of collages leaving lots of white space, hoping to transcend that composition practice to canvas.

Pet portraits for two close friends who lost their dogs brought comfort to not only the recipients, but to me in my continued sadness after losing my little Oliver a year ago.  

I reacquainted with my old friend, Bernina (sewing machine) and obsessively made cute little pouches from sample upholstery fabrics.  I lovingly started making a memory quilt comprised of my late brother's wacky clothes, which is still in progress. I have plans for 6 pillows for my nieces and nephews.

Although I posted fewer completed paintings this year, I feel I made strides in my learning through discipline and practice,  still hoping to be more comfortable with "busting loose. " I have joined a group of really nice "art ladies" here in Chicago who meet virtually once a month and occasionally in person to share our love for art and artist comraderie.

My wishes for all of you are good health, happiness, a family of friends and/or relatives to share life with, and at least a sprinkling of creativity in your day to day lives.  And please don't tell me you don't have a creative bone in your body, because you just haven't looked hard enough for it. 

Happy New Year with love,

diane

 

1293. Sheffield

 This was a Christmas gift for a friend who recently lost her dog.  Sheffield had been her much loved friend for many years,  I hope this portrait will remind her of pleasant memories.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1293-sheffield/1197152

1292. The Secrets of Silence

 https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1292-the-secrets-of-silence/1194218

The Sunset Trail in Door County is one of the most peaceful places I've experienced.  I love to hear the crunch of the path's carpet and the serenade of the birds.  Occasionally, if you are lucky, you will see a beautiful deer or doe in the stillness.  In springtime, you may be lucky enough to catch the beauty of the tiny wild irises carpeting a blanket of blue.  You will come to the still water of a stream, and possibly an old cemetery if you veer off a bit.  One can best experience this while being silent.  Words are a distraction from the quiet moments in nature.

1291. Spur of the Moment

 Today I was planning to work on an abstract but I before I got started I came across an unfinished painting that was tucked away for another day.  It's good for me to be flexible.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1291-spur-of-the-moment/1192905

1290. Group Chat

 This arrangement by LaTerre Flower Market had more neutral flowers in the brown family of colors.  It was beautiful but I just can't get used to the idea of brown roses so I took artistic liberty to change the colors.  One of the great things about being an artist is that we can make subtle or drastic changes to any person, place or thing.  It's so powerful! ha ha

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1290-group-chat/1192466

1289. Flirtatious

This is a painting of one of many beautiful floral arrangements from La Terre Flower Market in Mequon, Wisconsin.  My friend's daughter graciously granted me permission to use their photos as reference.  This arrangement has all the components of HAPPY with its bright and cheery flowers.  Our Autumn has been beautiful here in Chicago, so HAPPY is the feeling of the days.

 https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1289-flirtatious/1191142

1288. In the Blink of an Eye....

 In the blink of an eye life can change, so make the best of each and every day.  Flowers make everyday better!

This painting is available for purchase.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1288-in-the-blink-of-an-eye/1190268