New Year, New Possibilities



A Winter's Walk
photo by Angela Marie Morton

Regardless of whether the previous year was a good one, or one I am glad to see the back of, I always enjoy the sense of a fresh start that January brings.

As I usually do in December, I spent some time last month thinking about, and writing down, what I would like to work on in the new year, both artistically, and in all areas of my life. This helps solidify my intentions, and gives me that little nudge I need to stay motivated when I start to wilt, or when I become indecisive as to what to work on. 

Creatively, I have lately been drawn to the concept of doing bodies of work that fit together as a theme. So far, I have 4 series planned, and have started working on each of them, to varying degrees. This might be the year of “fewer, but better.”


Pair of Cranes through the Seasons (minis)

Close-up of the minis

First finished piece of the series

Rough minis of a planned palm leaf series 

Close-up of the minis

Minis of a planned series: Pacific Northwest Seascapes

Close-up of the minis

First illustration of the "Adventures of Algernon" series. There are TONS of minis for this series - too many to photograph!

A finished illustration from the "Adventures of Algernon" illustration series in the works

Emotionally and spiritually, the combination of global events, mixed with my own personal situation, has me perpetually anxious, which I am learning to navigate around and adapt to. People often comment on how calm and peaceful my art is, which I love to hear. I think, in part, it is my way of combatting this “dark night of the soul.” I remember reading Saint John of the Cross many years ago, and, while I grasped the concept on an abstract level, it was not until fairly recently that I developed a deeper understanding of what he was expressing in his classic work.  

In Zen, there is great emphasis on the idea of impermanence, and valuing each moment for what is, as it will never come again. More than ever, this resonates with me, and I value the Zen teachings, practices, and principles that I have incorporated into my daily life.

So, what is in store for me, and for the world, in 2026? Who knows? I hope it is not more of what December brought upon us. Whatever happens, I plan to live each day with intention and attention, to continue to be an artist and illustrator, and to do all I can to get my work seen. I have a few plans for the latter, which I hope will prove fruitful. If they don’t, I will be no worse for having tried.

And, finally, I want to express my gratitude for all the sales in my online shop, follows, shares, comments, and likes on social media, and for the interest in my writings in 2025! It means so much to know my creative efforts are enjoyed and appreciated, and I am incredibly grateful. It is a particularly difficult time to be an artist, especially one who works in analog mediums, which makes your support all the more valuable to me. Thank you. 

Happy New Year to you and yours. May this season, and this year, bring health and peace to you, and to our broken world. 


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