Here's wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Aside from holiday greetings, good cheer and giving to others, I think we should take a moment to gift ourselves. As this year draws to an end, we can review all of our 2008 work and take stock of our progress as artists. It is something that DA offers in our ability to have an account that I think is invaluable. Our work, all in one place, and easy to review. Don't be too hard on yourself, and recognize just how far you have come.Project into the short term future and think positively on what 2009 just might bring to your portfolio. If you've improved, even a little, reward yourself with a little well earned praise! I am looking forward to what 2009 may bring artistically.

One of the really cool things about art is that it is always unexpected. Even if you plan a piece, between conception, vision and execution, the result is often not exactly what was originally planned. So here's to you, and yours. I can't wait to see what is new in your galleries during the new year!

With the busy season and family time, I may not get a lot done this week. I have started yet another portrait, its progress is about 2/5ths completed. I hope to get this one done at least. The Christmas themed picture is on hold. I may have made it a little too challenging, by combining an older photo, with a still life photo I set up for it, and then making changes so that I was drawing from life as well. It is combining the different depths, perspectives and light sources on top of drawing items I have little practice with that makes it such a great challenge. I am afraid it is a little too much of a challenge at the moment in addition to holiday stress, having the effect of bringing on frustration and stunting my ability to draw. Writers block equivalent? So on the advice of my fiance, I am going to do some 'simple' works, that cover artistic skills I have already attained to try and recapture my flow. I am struggling though to keep it 'simple' because I seem to be driven to conquer the unknown and add to my drawing skills bank. A little to much to fast perhaps! I'll be posting some new works in progress soon, both to share with you and inspire myself to keep going!

The Featured Artist for this Spotlight is .I have tried to showcase several pieces of this artist that show how varied her subjects can be and how well she illustrates no matter what genre she attempts. Her diversity is enviable, and her work is a treat! Also, how fortunate ~Y-LIME has also drawn a Holiday themed piece just right for the season! Please do have a visit to her gallery and don't forget to leave behind a comment or two. Let's keep inspiring each other!

Elf by ~Y-LIME

Titanic by ~Y-LIME

Mandy-Moore by ~Y-LIME

RESPECT by ~Y-LIME

Bill Cosby by ~Y-LIME

The Catwalk features a snapshot of several artists in our community. In the spirit of the Holidays, the Catwalk has been catnapped to showcase works in the holiday spirit of Christmas! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas Dear by *Basia-AlmostTheBrave

Christmas Puppy by ~nikkiburr

Winter in Sherwood Forest by =giadrosich

Stille Nacht by =DarthFar

Badger by ~pinthias

The Chickadees 2 by ~JadaFitch

The Chickadees by ~JadaFitch

I regret that I cannot post progress scans at the moment, as I am limited to the main level of the house while I recover. Thank you for watching!

The Kiss by =Sabis

Self-Portrait by =Sabis

Pretty sure I will not be finishing this self-portrait as I've discovered a fatal, non erasable flaw. I may decide to use it for a base for something else though!