Reflecting on the Year: Highlights, Growth, and Milestones
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey that’s brought me here. It’s that time when we often take a moment to look back and ask ourselves, *How did we get to this point? The answer is never simple, but it’s always meaningful. Each experience—good or bad, challenging or joyful—has been a step along the way, shaping who I am and how I show up in the world today.
Life has a funny way of changing you, of throwing curveballs that force you to prioritize survival, responsibility, and the needs of others. We all have times when life demands one direction over another. But here’s the thing: just because life gets busy doesn’t mean your dreams disappear. They simply evolve. And sometimes, they’re just waiting for you to come back to them when the time is right.
Over the years, I’ve been steadily investing in myself, making intentional efforts to grow as an artist and integrate art into my daily life. In 2023, I took a leap of faith and rented my studio—a decision I’ve shared before—but this past year has been far more transformative than I ever expected. The sense of community, the creative environment, and having a dedicated space to focus on building my art business have brought me incredible joy and purpose. This experience has ignited a new level of passion, and I feel more motivated than ever to keep growing.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but looking back, I realize that even the challenges have been part of the process. They’ve shaped me, taught me resilience, and reinforced that the road to becoming who you’re meant to be isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes, it’s the detours that make the journey worthwhile. While I may know exactly where this path will lead, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected and trust that everything, every twist and turn, is part of the beautiful, messy story of life.
Highlights of the Year: Milestones and Growth
In 2023, I found my courage that I did not know was missing. After many years of being pulled in different directions—raising a family and supporting loved ones —I finally had the space to breathe and create. For the first time in what felt like forever, I permitted myself to focus on what I might do through art. And oh, what a journey it’s been!
Since deciding to become a professional artist, I dove headfirst into creating art that felt true to who I am. I attended workshops, focusing on experimenting with new techniques,
and pushed past the doubts that had held me back for years. I joined a creative business coaching group in February 2024, which was the next big step in my journey. I’m learning new things, setting new goals, and carving out the path to becoming a self-sustaining artist every day. It’s exciting, and honestly, I feel like I’m just getting started.
The Road to coming out as an Artist
It isn’t always easy. There are moments of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and uncertainty. I didn’t go to art school, and for a while, I wondered, Am I really an artist? But the more I immersed myself in the creative community, the more I continued to learn that being an artist doesn’t mean having all the answers or fitting a certain mold. It means expressing yourself, sharing your story, and growing along the way. I found myself surprised by some of the experiments and the growth I was seeing in myself.
Through the support of so many kind-hearted people, I’ve learned to embrace the creative process—and myself. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown. Not just as an artist but as a person who believes in the power of art and the freedom to take risks.
A Year of Learning and Building Connections
One of the biggest joys this year has been the connections I’ve made—both with fellow artists and with all of you. Your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm have fueled my journey. Whether it was through comments on social media, conversations in workshops, or collaborations with other creatives, this sense of community has made all the difference.
Looking Ahead: The Road is Just Beginning
As we approach the new year, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what’s ahead. The foundation I’ve built this year is only the beginning. There’s so much more to explore, create, and learn. I’m eager to dive deeper into [insert any upcoming projects, themes, or ideas you're excited about—perhaps a new series, collaborations, or specific techniques you want to explore].
The coming year will be a continuation of the journey, one where I continue to embrace creativity, challenge myself, and trust that the path will unfold as it’s meant to. I’m ready to take the next steps and see where this artistic adventure leads.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
Thank you so much for being part of this year’s story. Your support, whether you’ve been following me for a while or just recently joined this journey, has meant the world to me. I’m so grateful to have a community of like-minded creatives and art lovers who cheer each other on. Your energy inspires me every single day.
I have some exciting plans for 2025 and am looking forward to sharing them with you.
A sneak peek at the list of things to come:
I have been open for every event this year and by appointment, but big changes are coming. Beginning in January 2025, in addition to the Front Street-sponsored events, my studio will be open to the public every Saturday and several evenings. More to come on exact days and hours.
I am working towards setting up space for workshops about learning to play and find your own fingerprint
as well as creating art with furniture.
I’m excited for what’s to come and for all the creative possibilities the new year will bring. Here’s to more growth, more art, and more opportunities to connect, learn, and create together.
Have you had any dreams or creative passions you’ve put on hold? Let’s start a conversation! Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear your story and support each other in our pursuit of the things that make our hearts sing.
Warm regards,
Marlene Steele
My Color Strokes
I love hearing your story. You inspire so many of us. Your positive outlook on things always lifts me up. Keep doing your thing….as is makes you shine. Love from Texas!