Today's Post is by Clint Watson,  founder of FineArtViews. Follow Clint on Twitter.

Auld lang syne literally means "old long since"—but a more idiomatic English translation would be something like "long long ago", "days of long ago", "in olden days", or even "once upon a time". "For old time's sake" or "to the good old days" may be modern-day expressions, in common use as a toast, that capture the spirit of "for auld lang syne." (Source: Wikipedia)

Each New Year's Eve, we toast the happy moments of the past year, we look forward to even better days in the new year, and, hopefully, we experience it all with good friends. Most of us ring in the new year to the tune of "auld lang syne"....."to the good old days"....and perhaps an unspoken hope.....that the good "new" days may be even better than the good "old" days. In essence we celebrate hope, happiness, beauty.....the best humanity has to offer. And that's exactly what each and every one of you do, dear artists, with your art. You capture the spirit of "auld lang syne" on your canvases, in your photographs, and in your sculpture.

What is a great portrait after all? It's a visual toast to "the good old days" of the person depicted. Or what about a plein air landscape?....it literally captures the "good old day" when it was painted. You see, dear artists, you all capture the spirit of "auld lang syne" with your work.

In the spirit of auld lang syne, we thought we'd share a look back at the "Best FineArtViews Posts of 2008."  These are not scientifically determined.  We selected them based on the number of comments (public and private), the types of comments we recieved and, in some cases, just our "gut" feeling that they touched our readers:

So, if you missed any of the following posts or just want a look back:

Artists: Lead Your Collector Clan
by Clint Watson

Is Your Art Making a Difference?
by Clint Watson

So, tonight, as we raise our glasses, and sing the words of "auld lang syne" (which we don't really know properly), we'll reflect upon days past and days future....we'll reflect upon the blessings in our life....we'll make a mental list of things to accomplish in 2009....and we'll pause and give thanks for your art. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.


Happy New Year and may you prosper in 2009!


Sincerely,

Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

PS: Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
And surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS