from the studio of RAQUEL P MILLER

New year, new art, same gal, same studio. 

Welcome back to my monthly newsletter, and if you're new, thanks for subscribing.  It's already the end of January. I'm continuously amazed by how fast time moves.  I'm trying to balance doing what I enjoy with making time to rest and simply exist without guilt or pressure.   

I spent the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 cataloging a year's worth of work and updating my website.  It was a huge project that I put off until I couldn't any longer.  But it feels really good to have photographed, organized, inventoried, and added everything to my website.  I do everything by myself which is a blessing and a curse.  In the end, I am still very proud of myself for all I am able to do.  

This year I've challenged myself to a 365 Challenge where I create a painting or drawing every day for 2022.  So far I'm doing amazing.  I'm using supplies I already have, discovering love for materials I've taken for granted, and engaged with my practice daily even if for 10 minutes.  See images below or follow along on my blog where I post each piece daily.   

365 CHALLENGE

I didn't post or say much of anything to anyone about the decision to start this because I was scared I would jinx myself.  So far though, I've met my goals except for one very busy day.  But something I said I would do with this challenge was allow myself grace when shit happens.  So on the 23rd, I made a piece for the 22nd when I missed the day.  And that's okay. 

Part of this challenge was to engage with materials I already have so I've been working through a stack of pads of paper. Each has brought with it different challenges that I've had to adapt to with my selected medium. 

The first 10 paintings were created with Gouache and the remaining with Acrylic Ink, which I surprisingly love.  I'm interested in the color choices and tendencies I make with each piece--my new love of dark green and the old habits and inclinations towards ultramarine and purple.  

Something I've noticed in this month long practice is that I feel better when I sit down in my studio and make something.  Even when I'm kind of tired, or kind of lazy, or have a little head ache.  I feel at peace even for 10 minutes.  The 10 minutes is my bare minimum but I often find myself staying and working for longer.  

I'm really excited for what this project will reveal and turn into.  

I post almost every day on my blog so check back when you can for updates.  

I was interviewed by Krysteana Scribner, a local writer and photographer, to conduct an interview for Saco & Biddeford Savings.  She sent me several really thoughtful questions that helped me reflect on what I do, why I do it, and allowed me to see how far I've come in a short amount of time.  But also realize that this has been a long time coming and I finally feel as if I have reconnected with a passion that has been a part of me since I was a little girl.  (Click the image above to read the article). 

in the studio

I am hoping to sell some paintings in order to raise funds towards another NYC Crit Club Class--Thesis Writing: The Theory, History, and Methods of Art Writing with Andrew Woolbright.  Enrollment ends on the 14th so hoping to raise $300 to cover tuition!  

Please consider visiting my shop and look at this...

a 20% off Coupon to put on your order! 

Use: NEWYEARNEWART 

for 20% off your purchase, with all funds going towards my tuition.  

If you see a piece from the first month of my 365 Challenge that you like, send me a message! 

I am hoping to add some of them to my site in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out.  

:)

Thank you so much for reading and supporting me and my art.  
Stay warm out there. 

<3 

Raquel