Artist of the Year Awards 2009

Joint Second Place 2009 - McClelland Guild of Artists

Beginning in the middle of the year I have had the opportunity to attend the Peninsula Artists Group several times for demonstrations as well as the usual monthly meetings at McClelland. I have also had more time to devote to producing artworks and planning them more deliberately.

This has resulted in more sales of my work, more variety in the subject matter and even the addition of acrylics as a new medium thanks to a very kind artist at the Peninsula group who donated a large selection of acrylics for me to begin on.

From a few enquires I have also decided to make limited signed prints of certain works available to purchase. I have already made sales and have a sample on sale at Above the Mantle in Frankston with the original work.

Some people on a limited budget would like to own a piece but can not afford to buy the original. For those clients the high quality print is now an option. I hope to have more information about this on my web site shortly.

This year I have received high praise for my endeavours from colleagues and followers of my work, which is very encouraging. It is giving me the courage to keep experimenting and looking for new ways to produce innovative artwork.

The result of all this work as far as McClelland Guild is concerned has been an equal second place in the Artist of the Year Award for 2009. For that honour I need to thank those who have been instrumental in my win and placings this year: Gary and his lovely ladies at Above the Mantle, who have helped enormously in getting the perfect frame onto a work in timely fashion to meet deadlines for exhibitions and monthly competitions, the ladies at Riot Frankston for their terrific advice on materials, my husband Stephen who has helped me assemble works for framing throughout the year and been that independent "eye" that has helped me make even better art, my friends and colleagues who have been so supportive of each new piece I have put up for view in Art Review, Twitter, Facebook, My Space and on my web site and also to the demonstrating artists at McClelland Guild of Artists who selected my artworks for a prize during the year.

As I am now an independent Graphic Design Contractor and Fine Artist rather than an employee, this coming year is looking interesting if not challenging. I am looking forward to increasing my skills and broadening my horizons. I am hoping for more exhibitions, increased sales, new ventures, higher visibility and an exciting and better lifestyle. The McClelland yearly awards are good encouragement for starting a new year full of confidence to work toward these goals.

Janice Mills

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