I've enjoyed watching your art bloom here on substack in 2025, and I am so happy that you did a solo exhibition. I love the ease with which you have claimed your identity as an artist. I still feel hesitant to do so. And I am disappointed with myself because I feel the need for external validation in order to say I am an artist. I entered an artwalk in 2025, and in 2026 I would like to enter some of my larger watercolors in a local gallery's call for artists. Let's see if that gives me the validation I need to settle into an artist identity.
It felt serendipitous to read your words after going for a run this morning. I always love your work, I can't wait to see what 2026 bring for you. Happy New Year, Janet!! 🩷
Enjoyed reading about your nudges in 2026 - a term I love. Your photo in Brighton is such a great idea! I think once we take the first step of calling ourselves an artist or writer can be the greatest gift we give to ourselves. I also don't make specific goals or resolutions, as these make me more likely to rebel against constraints, but instead have been picking a "word" the past couple of years. I love the idea of "movement" or "motion" for 2026! Thanks for the nudge 😀
Wow this is impressive. I have been working so hard on my artist identity and my corporate identity and been having trouble keeping them separate. Well done Janet. Love your version of morning pages. Happy new year.
I always find inspiration in your posts, Janet, and this one gave me the missing piece to my new year resolutions. It’s broken it down to what I just need to do, cutting through the overwhelm that I was feeling. Really, so many takeaways from this. I hope by the end of 2026, I will be able to look back and see a life that’s as full and rich and aligned to my self as you have made your 2025. You are one of my favourite writers and artists here and I wish for you, everything that you wish for yourself in 2026! Much love!
It was a beautiful writing. I am a person who rushes everything. As you said, life is like a tide with achievements and failures. I am ready to accept the pace and move forward. Wishing you a happy year ahead.
I've enjoyed watching your art bloom here on substack in 2025, and I am so happy that you did a solo exhibition. I love the ease with which you have claimed your identity as an artist. I still feel hesitant to do so. And I am disappointed with myself because I feel the need for external validation in order to say I am an artist. I entered an artwalk in 2025, and in 2026 I would like to enter some of my larger watercolors in a local gallery's call for artists. Let's see if that gives me the validation I need to settle into an artist identity.
You are my inspiration! Happy new year, Janet 💖
So kind! Thank you! Happy New Year
One of your first paintings I saw on Substack was of an exhaustive reader - I loved it.
There is no beating it really , hard work really does pay off.
On the nudge front - it's great you have "noticed " them - I'm learning to gradually.
Happy New Year.
It felt serendipitous to read your words after going for a run this morning. I always love your work, I can't wait to see what 2026 bring for you. Happy New Year, Janet!! 🩷
Happy New Year, Ellen!
Enjoyed reading about your nudges in 2026 - a term I love. Your photo in Brighton is such a great idea! I think once we take the first step of calling ourselves an artist or writer can be the greatest gift we give to ourselves. I also don't make specific goals or resolutions, as these make me more likely to rebel against constraints, but instead have been picking a "word" the past couple of years. I love the idea of "movement" or "motion" for 2026! Thanks for the nudge 😀
Thank you Kate. Calling ourselves artist despite our constant inner critic yapping is truly a gift.
I loved reading this, Janet. So much resonates. Wishing you the best in the new year!
Thank you Melanie! Grateful to be part of your Substack community and you in mine.
Wow this is impressive. I have been working so hard on my artist identity and my corporate identity and been having trouble keeping them separate. Well done Janet. Love your version of morning pages. Happy new year.
I always find inspiration in your posts, Janet, and this one gave me the missing piece to my new year resolutions. It’s broken it down to what I just need to do, cutting through the overwhelm that I was feeling. Really, so many takeaways from this. I hope by the end of 2026, I will be able to look back and see a life that’s as full and rich and aligned to my self as you have made your 2025. You are one of my favourite writers and artists here and I wish for you, everything that you wish for yourself in 2026! Much love!
It was a beautiful writing. I am a person who rushes everything. As you said, life is like a tide with achievements and failures. I am ready to accept the pace and move forward. Wishing you a happy year ahead.
Love this. Thank you. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to You too