I mentioned in my last post about jumping full-time into creative endeavors of art and writing books. I am working on art projects for my website/commissions and completing novel drafts that I’m hoping to publish soon. Below are some details of my art life, including current projects.
Weekly: One new painting a week
I’m working on a self-portrait that I videoed to demonstrate one of my live painting techniques. I also outlined a new project that I’ll start in July. Until then, I’m going to focus on doodles and building up a small portfolio of watercolor and pen pieces.
July: Publish Solivagant: Steps to Solo Travel Around the World (Hannah Marie.)
This new book is coming out July 8! I am releasing this as a practical how-to guide with a general format similar to a bullet journal. The illustrations that follow my process will be created digitally by yours truly. I’ll include the link so you can grab your own copy on my Hannah Marie. books page in July 2024!
July- September: At least two art markets a month
This is hot, but (almost!) worth it. I enjoy talking with fellow art people and getting ideas from customers. Most of the time I am asked questions about my live art, but sometimes we chat about the art process, too. It’s fun to be in such a creative area and I hope to expand my market presence in the next several months.
July – September: Prepare for show in October
I will again be involved in a Plein Air contest (painting outside), drawing buildings around the New Braunfels area. To practice I will work on buildings and structures around San Antonio, putting these in my paintings and drawing doodles.
December: Finish the final draft of my YA Graphic Novel before intense editing and detailed illustrations
The novel is a seemingly-unending work in progress, but I’ve several chapters have come together this year. I’ll continue to work on this once my business is more stable in July. So far I’ve storyboarded quite a bit of the book, but will have to go back with details, color, and dialogue before it is ready to publish. I’ll have more solid news at the end of the year!
2025: Hike the entire Appalachian Trail
This is still an IF wish, but it’s a goal! I have some creative thoughts to go along with this, such as building a hiking portfolio in my paintings and more plein air practice, so keep an eye out for that.
My life is a little up in the air, but I’m going to enjoy it! I am always trying to prioritize —NOT one of my strengths —and maintain a consistent schedule. I love the flexibility of getting to start at 6:00 in the morning if I want or to take a two hour lunch break. Overall, I am working two days on writing and two days on painting, with market days on Saturday and my writing group most Sundays. It will be interesting to see how everything unfolds! 🎨
