We are in a new year!  This year is full of soon-to-be fulfilled promises, excitement, surprises, and my favorite…collections of art and paintings to reflect on and discuss. 

The new year will bring about new love, hopes, dreams.  Many will pursue new hobbies, careers, talents, skills, and AI techies will invent new ways to simplify our lives.

Whatever didn’t happen for you in 2023, hold tight.  Because 2024 is your year!  It’s because you are here means there’s more to conquer in life, more vision boards to draft, and more time to strategize your path to success!  It’s a time to celebrate.  Time to have fun and forge new paths in life.  Get up, get moving, get going!

Many are celebrating by going to New Year’s Eve parties, waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square, and shouting those infamous words, “HAPPY NEW YEAR”!  Celebrations are being held around the world well into the night. 

Even in the world of art, timeless artists have painted very eclectic scenes of celebration and ignited a spark of momentum through the eyes of the observer.  For example, take the painting Nightlife by American artist, Archibald John Motley, Jr.  This amazing painting highlights an African American social scene where everyone is involved in various forms of celebration.

Figure 1 – Nightlife (1943) (Archibald John Motley Jr.)

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/117266/nightlife

This painting speaks to me a great deal for the New Year because very rarely do you get to see African Americans portrayed in paintings.  The artist captured the moment with excellence, not just through movement, but with color.  The various hues of purple, and shades of lavender bring a rhythmic heartbeat to this piece.

The elements combined are whimsical and brings everything to life.  I can imagine being there, hearing music, conversations, and laughter.  It’s refreshing to see this piece, to feel the pulse of the room, to appreciate the vision that the artist generously shared with the world.

Let’s start off the New Year 2024 with much appreciation for the talent that lies in each and every one of us.