Happy New Year!! If you’re like me, you love the beginning of the New Year. It seems as if you’re starting with a clean slate and everything is possible. Yet, I find if I don’t set some goals right at the start of the year, I can easily drift through the year without accomplishing much of anything. UGH. And I’m sure you know how quickly the year can scamper by! So as I was setting some arty New Year resolutions for myself, I realised I could share and expand my ideas with you.
Okay, here are, in no particular order (except for the first one – it needs to be at the top!) some ideas for New Year resolutions:
Paint More
We all get distracted by life. It’s so easy to come up with excuses for not painting, for not getting into the studio. Yet it is possible to squeeze it in! We know from previous experience that even 10 minutes can produce something. Taking any kind of action is better than doing nothing at all. Put pastel to paper and feel good about yourself even if it’s for a short time. It’s the journey – the process – that’s valuable. Regular consistent work = better work. Schedule painting time on your calendar – set that appointment with yourself. Make painting a priority!
Judge Less
It’s sooooooo easy to be negative about our own work especially when we’re in the “ugly stage.” So how about this: paint paint paint, take a good long break, and paint some more. Accept that there’s going to be a critical Fred or Fran and thank him/her for being there, and then keep painting. Then at some later time, when you’re fully detached from your painting both physically and emotionally, look at it with a critical eye. Then start making some discernments about the work and what tweaks may be beneficial. Waiting until some time after painting can really help you be less negative about your work.
Avoid being skimpy with your materials
A good idea is to set an intention to use up a certain amount of material by the end of the year. This has to do with scarcity mindset around materials especially expensive materials or difficult-to-obtain supplies. For example, you just got a box of Terry Ludwig pastels and they’re so perfect. And they cost so much! So they become precious which means you may be loath to use them. Set the intention to use them up by the end of the year. Don’t hoard them, don’t be stingy with them, use them! Think abundance, not scarcity. (And recall the gaol above – paint more!)
Don’t beat yourself up about not painting
Some days, even when you try your darndest, you don’t make it into the studio. You may feel guilt, frustration, anger at yourself for not sticking with your commitment. But sometimes other things are more important – visiting family and friends for instance – or sometimes it’s an ugh-y day, or sometimes you feel truly uninspired. Be okay with taking a break. And take that break fully rather than tentatively. Tomorrow is another day and once you’ve developed the habit of painting regularly, you’ll be back at it the next day! Truly!
Risk more
There’s joy in being uncertain about the outcome of your painting. Knowing what will happen can lead to boredom which can lead to uninspired painting. Embrace the possibilities of newness and change. It can lead to amazing growth and new directions. Be unafraid of making mistakes as they are the necessary stepping stones that take you across the river to a whole new world.
Paint what inspires YOU
Be unafraid of what your inner self asks you to paint even if you’re afraid of what you see there. This is your whole self calling to be heard. You may not know what’s there but it will be all YOU. Your vision is unique so paint it and share it. Your art is a gift to you. It’s also your gift to the world. It allows others to see through your eyes – your artist’s eyes. So paint from your heart and soul and let it all out!
Stop comparing yourself to others
This is a killer and ever so easy to get into the habit of doing. Have you ever noticed after a cruise on social media (eg Instagram, Facebook) that you start to feel badly about your work and even your art life, that you doubt that what you’re doing is any good or has any value? Often these feelings emerge as a result of comparing yourself and your art to what you see others are doing (hand up!). Take a close look to discover what are those triggers? And then remove them. Unfollow feeds that make you feel this way even though you are ever-so-pulled to follow them. Or stay and know that you are unique and worthy. You have a choice!
Comparing yourself to others takes energy and time, time you could use painting, finding your style, or just plain enjoying life. Instead, celebrate that other person’s achievements. It will make you feel good and release you from the comparison bug. Remember, there’s no one else like you! So let your own artistic voice out into the world.
Clean up your studio
My studio can become crazy clutter! I actually like working in a messy space but sometimes it can get waaaaay out of hand. I don’t enjoy putting things away so everything tends to pile up over time, and sometimes it gets to the point where I can’t find what I’m looking for. Grrrrr. Time to tidy up and organize!! The beginning of the year is a great opportunity to do this before you get really revved up and painting, and you are loathe to take time away from being creative. I have to admit, I need to clean my studio soon!
Sketch sketch sketch!
Carry a small sketchbook everywhere you go. Whenever you’re in a place or position to wait – a queue, a doctor’s appointment, waiting for your partner in the car, anytime you have a few minutes, grab that sketchbook and put a few lines to paper. This makes you actively see rather than merely passively looking. Sketching is great drawing practice that can only feed into your work. It’s your sketchbook so feel free to jot down painting ideas, colour combos, and any other arty thing that hits you! If you’re interested in doing 365 sketches this year, read this article on how you can do it.
Get out and see real art
The internet gives us a plethora of artwork to drool over and be inspired by, and I’m so grateful for that. On the other hand, there’s nothing, absolutely nothing, like seeing art in the flesh. So make a commitment to get out to see some real art at least once a month. That’s only 12 times in a whole year so feel free to go more often especially if you live in a city with amazing art galleries! (Okay, so that was a bit tricky in 2020 – thank heavens for my early March getaway to Salt Lake City and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts! Here’s hoping we can start getting back into galleries and museums more regularly in 2021!)
Set yourself a big project for the year
What do you want to achieve by the end of the year? A new website? Getting your work into a gallery? Creating x number of paintings? Choose one to three major goals for the year. These should be goals that excite you just to think about them. Write them down then stick them up where you can see them every single day. Share these goals with someone who supports you in your art journey, and ask them to check in with you say once a month to ask how it’s all coming along. This will add some accountability to your goals.
A really good idea is to put each goal into a 90-day cycle. For instance, make your first 90 days of the year about creating a collection of work. The next 90 days could be focused on making sure your bio and artist statement are up to date, then make a list of possible galleries to approach, find out their requirements, and then submit your info. Then make a plan for the next 90 days.
Put it in the calendar
Once you have your goals, you want to set yourself up for success. Set some time frames for the tasks needed to be done to get to your goal – a day, a week, a month, and schedule them into your calendar. For example, if you want to develop a website, make a list of tasks that need to happen to create the website – taking and collecting photographs of your artwork, creating a bio and an artist’s statement, selecting a website platform, choosing a designer, etc. Then schedule each task on your list in your calendar to make sure they happen. It’s amazing how taking action on these smaller tasks can move you inevitably towards your big goal.
Keep track of your work
Create a spreadsheet of the work you create. Here are some possible columns: inventory number (create a number for each painting), title, date, medium, size (height x width), price unframed and framed (if framed), current location, exhibition history, and info about the painting’s purchaser. It’s also good to have a place for notes eg. any story or inspiration about creating the piece.
Are you setting New Year resolutions and goals to create your best painting year ever? Do any of these tips resonate with you? Do you have others? Please share your thoughts in the comments!!
Here’s to an AMAZING YEAR!!!!
Until next time,
Gail
[Edited 8 January 2021]
44 thoughts on “New Year Resolutions For Your Best Painting Year Ever!”
Thank you. Thank you. For the New Year’s encouragement and ideas. This was so helpful. I will be rereading this over and over. Blessings!!
Marybeth I am delighted that you found this so helpful!! Thank you 🙂
Thank you Gail. I believe I am inadequate most of the time. I feel alone in these thoughts. It is very good to know these are universal problems, not just me. I should keep going! My husband keeps telling me “don’t let the perfect hurt the good”, I need to listen. Thank you!
OMG – your husband is soooo right – “Don’t let the perfect hurt the good”!! We can get so wrapped up in criticizing what we do that we forget that what we’re doing is expressing something about us and our relationship to the world. Focus on process. Enjoy the struggle. Each time you paint, you are moving forward (even if some days we feel like we are going backwards!). Paint paint paint. We ALL feel inadequate sometimes. Some days can be really bad. But listening to our soul’s urging, will bring us back to our core need and desire – to paint. You go girl!!
Sheila,
You are not alone my any means; I could’ve written those thoughts you expressed! Many years ago I was a top student in all of my art classes; now, I wonder just what the heck do I think I’m doing, trying to create art and identify myself as an artist!?
Gail, thank you so much for this super-inspiring list and the link to the sketch-a-day post. I’ve already posted a couple of things to my fb page to share, and I will definitely take that scary leap and make (& post!) a sketch-a-day. Thanks to you, I can’t wait to sit down in my (newly created!) studio and put something more down on paper, even if it is just a scribble and never a masterpiece.
Laura this is sooooo exciting to hear!! It IS scary but a sketch-a-day is an incredibly powerful activity that can make you feel on top of the world! It gets really tough some days but push through – you will be pleased you did. Just pen to paper, pencil to paper, pastel to paper…that’s what matters.
Let us know how it goes!
I agree with Marybeth…this is an excellent list…and I too will read it many times over the year! I think I will print it out and post it in my studio… Thank you Gail! Best of the New Year to you!!
Lauraine
Love hearing that Lauraine!! Any that really speak to you??? Best of the year to you too!
Hi Gail, – and happy New Year to you too!! Thank you for this kick in my “yes-but..” procrastination to get into sketching and painting more – and passing it on my birthday January 3rd :D.
I am already going to clear my painting space today and you got me inspired to setting realistic and unrealistic goals. Thank you for your encouraging spirit. Hope to see you one day here in Denmark. Big hug.
Happy Birthday Susana!! Glad I could offer you this gift 😀
Yes, set BIG goals as well as smaller ones.
And I look forward to making it to Denmark to teach one of these days. Let’s keep talking and make a plan!
Great ideas! Yes my art room is full of Christmas clutter..loads of boxes and soon the tree too!
Must clean up.
Yes I have a big project coming up. That needs space too!
Getting some young folk to help tomorrow 5th, Epiphany Day, and then must get serious.
But I do sketch with a new set of brush pens I got for Christmas.
The same applies to my academic side. Mass reordering of files..I’ve taught for 50 years and am going to help some others now. Not easy to discard but I’ll give away much by March!
Thanks for the timely advise.
Iris
Iris, look forward to hearing about your big project!
Glad to hear you are already sketching with your Christmas pens and not saving them hah hah
And good luck with your teaching files. I can imagine hard to get rid of but it will lighten your spirit no doubt. I have discarded many of my notes from graduate sessions but some I still have. I too must let go!
Ah Gail, wonderful, specially the poem. All SO true and helpful. I certainly agree that art is not for the skimpy minded.
By necessity I have temporarily turned from pastels to gouache, and discovered a change of medium can be very instructive and inspiring.
Sending wishes for the most creative year ever,
Nancy Malard
Nancy so glad you found this post helpful. And glad you liked Neil Gaiman’s words 😀
Gouache is a wonderful medium and yes, changing up your medium can be a great thing to do. Thanks for sharing that idea with us!
Thanks for your good wishes and I wish you the same!!
This is wonderful advice and it’s taken to heart. Thank you for this website, I’ve been learning much from you. Happy New Year to you and yours.
That’s fantastic to hear Kat! It’s wonderful to hear that my website is a resource for you.
Have a super year!
Hi,
Thank you, Gail, for all of your ideas and sharing. Just cleaned my studio yesterday, and…after reading in December some of your older posts on sketching, I started 365+ sketches, today is day 30 and i’m having so much fun since a buddy has joined me!
I sent a reply via email to your last How to Pastel email, and just realized I should have replied here. If you don’t receive it I can try to copy and post it here.
Happy New Year, Happy Painting!
Shahar that’s wonderful. Your commitment to sketching everyday for a year will payoff! And having a buddy to do it will make a huge difference to the actualizing of this project.
And yes, I did receive your email as you will know from my reply 🙂
Hi,
I have been following you and reading the blogs every time you post.
Love this list of resolutions I will be reading them often. I am heading to clean my art room in next few minutes. I so enjoy your blogs and read them all.
I would like to take a workshop from you. Where do I find a list of workshops? I am not a beginner when it comes to sketching and watercolor painting but I am fairly new to pastel. Would really like to learn and use pastel more.
I am interested in critique sessions online.
I live in Utah but will travel for workshops.
Thanks
Cindy Hepworth
Thanks Cynthia for all your kind words and for following my blog so avidly! How did the studio cleaning go? (I have, gulp, yet to do mine! Argh!!)
I offer a few live workshops a year which you will find under the workshop tab. I’m always happy to be invited by a group to teach but I do limit my travel for this. There are a couple of upcoming workshops that are being finalized and as soon as that’s done. I will be sure to announce them in my emails. They will also be listed under the Workshops tab.
As to critiques, I do offer a video critique of a painting. I also offer one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Also, any day now, I will be launching my online course for beginners in pastel!!! So stay tuned!!
Thanks again for your enthusiasm!!
Thanks Gail and Happy New Year!! Enjoyed reading your New Year’s tips. Some I already do, but some will be new to me. I bought a little sketch pad to do what you suggest. Thanks for everything!!!
Happy New Year Ruth! A wee sketchpad means in every moment you wait or in a moment when you see something that catches your eye, you can make a quick sketch or even jot down a couple of notes. I’ll be interested to see what happens!
Great suggestions! I don’t actually do New Year’s Resolutions because those never work. Most are usually about things I wouldn’t want to do anyway, like dieting or exercising more (both would be self destructive given my disabilities) and stuff like that. But all of your painting suggestions are good goals! If I did resolutions this year, a couple of those would be on my list.
As it is, they’re good ideas and are just comfortably in my “good ideas” category, where I will actually do more if I don’t worry about it.
As for future videos, please, do something with cats! Black cats. White cats. Short hair cats with shiny pelts. Gray or orange cats with that iridescent sheen they sometimes have – “blue” cats get this pale-tipped hairs thing where they look frosted and then we got a pale fade-orange one that has the same quality. She’s beautiful, how do I capture that lovely iridescence? Cats in motion. Fuzzy bumbling kittens. Grumpy elder cats with rumpled fur, a whole-body bed head experience. Big cats too maybe. I love cats, love nature, would love to see more wildlife – also how to put cats in wilderness scenes, putting wildlife in landscapes! Oh and colorful birds too, they are fun in pastels and a good excuse, like flowers, to use all those lush full saturation colors. Underwater reef scenes!
I’m glad you approve of the New Year Resolutions I offered Robert! I think resolutions have to come from a deep-seated need and commitment. A creation of habit always helps especially when it comes to things like exercise. I’ve found that a habit created is much more difficult to give up on.
I like the ‘good ideas’ category – one that means you won’t beat yourself up if they don’t get done 🙂
Thanks for all your enthusiastic ideas for videos and my work!I know you are a cat lover (as am I) but I don’t have one and so drawing/painting cats gets more difficult! I will see what I can do but you may need to keep reminding me! I think the only cat I have done in a while was the one I did for the DK book. I used to keep parrots and loved them and their antics but rarely felt drawn to paint them. Funny thing isn’t it? Really though, an artist needs to paint what they need to paint!
Thanks again Robert!
Happy New Year Gail
Your columns are so inspiring. I have tried doing sketches each day and gotten lost in the daily activities. Will be doing again. I love using pens.
Thanks for sharing so much of your process and your sketches.
Ruth
Aww Ruth thanks so much!
It is difficult to stick to daily sketching but when I was doing the 365 project, I carried a small sketchbook everywhere and would get those lines down the first chance I got. There were days though that I barely made it. The thing I told myself was, “Just put pen/pencil to paper and make a few squiggles. That’s enough.” And you know what, often those lines got the artistic soul going and I sketched. There was the odd day though that squiggles and scratchings were all that appeared. But that was okay!!! So go on and get those pens out 🙂
Thanks so much for prompting me to set some realistic goals or habits. I’ve been working on keeping my space a lot less cluttered. And that means I don’t have to spend so much time looking for that certain thing (often it is the thing I just had in my hand I’m ashamed to admit). So neatness counts for a lot!
As you prepare your ideas for this year maybe you could address the value of series. Do you do series? What should we consider when doing them as I would think changes of color or slight changes in composition.
Thank you,
Marie Fritz
Glad you found these ideas for goals useful! And I applaud you on keeping your art space less cluttered, something I will have to work really hard to achieve!!
Thanks for the idea about working in a series. I will put that on my agenda! And yes, changes in colour and composition are definitely aspects you can look at!
Thank you Gail for this inspiring blog, I am an avid follower and I look forward to 2018 and learning more and continuing my creative journey and finding my own style. Thank you for being so generous and sharing your vast knowledge.
Laurel it’s great to hear from you and that this blog inspired you. Keep learning and painting and finding your own path on your artistic journey. Here’s to an amazing year!!
Thanks for this blog. I tend not to put too much effort in making and keeping New Year resolutions. Having survived seven decades so far, I literally take life one day at a time. So I just draw, paint ,sketch and read about art in no particular order. I admire those who make and KEEP their resolutions. Happy New Year to you. Looking forward to your blog.
Hah hah Cliff! I hesitated to create a blog called New Year Resolutions and thought about titling it ‘goals’ instead but I think the title I gave it has more power at this time of the year despite the stigma around New Year Resolutions ie. many fail to keep them! Still, they are a list of ideas and many of things I want to achieve, particularly the More Painting one! And sharing them seemed a good blog to write 🙂
Love that you just draw paint sketch and read about art Cliff. And happy seven decades to you!!
Another great article Gail! So much applies to life in general (accept there will be an ugly stage). Great advice: ‘Be unafraid of what your inner self asks you to paint even if you’re afraid of what you see there. This is your whole self calling to be heard.’ And I cannot paint with joy without knowing the WHY. Otherwise, it’s tedious homework. As Cliff said, I am in my 7th plane of existence now, so my only goal is to enjoy each and every day. I do spend time with art almost every day, even if just reading an art book, looking at others’ art, watching a video, and yes even doing my own painting work. Happy New Better Year
Thanks Marsha! And I’m glad you like that particular piece of advice.
Knowing your WHY really is crucial to creating a vibrant and purposeful life isn’t it? Sometimes it takes some time to really get this. I’m happy to know that your goal is to enjoy each and every day and that art plays a vital part of that. Here’s to an outstanding year!
Two thoughts reading this post and commnents, Gail. Well maybe a bit more.😍
First, I was struck, seeing Iris Devadason’s comment on the earlier post and realizing that she is no longer with us. She was an inspiration and gone too soon. None of us knows when our opportunities will cease forever. So, yes, all the things you talked about . . . do them now!!!
Second, I have been thinking a lot lately about the goal of using my precious supplies now. In my local art group, the Art Gluttons, we talked about supplies and I said that whoever dies with the most supplies loses. After they thought about it, they all agreed.
I can see that my two thoughts are related. However we do it, it’s time to paint. Paint. Paint when you can. Develop a plan for painting. Set aside the time. Experiment. Enjoy. I will do what I can in this coming year and I will grow as an artist. Thanks for all you wonderful suggestions. You are an inspiration always.
Ohhhh Jean, love your comment (and thank you for your kind words 😊). Everything you say points to the need to paint NOW! Our time is limited on this earth and gosh darnit, let’s get on with it!
You are so right about Iris. When I decided update this blog post, I enjoyed reading through the previous comments. Reading Iris’s words and knowing she’s no longer with us underlined this need, this call, to not put off the important things we are called to do. It’s so easy to forget that in our daily existence with our daily to-do list. So let’s put art-making at the top of that list! Let’s use up those supplies! Let’s dance in our studios and not worry about the outcome of what we do. This is my 2021 goal! (That and making IGNITE! the best experience for members 😀 )
Hi ! I am daunted, but pleased to say that my New Years goal is to make my painting a priority this year. My studio got taken over by a family member needing a place to stay, so family comes first and my painting got pushed into a less than suitable area. I am elated to be able to move back into my studio!!! I hope to be started painting within 2 weeks as I am having to move my stuff back in and get it organized. Thanks to this class I have a better idea of how to arrange it to my best advantage. I have been taking pictures for the last year and a half while my work area was not available so I have lots of material. Cant wait to start!!!! Thanks Gail for encouraging me to stay in IGNITE!. I have loved reading the posts I get from the group. It has kept me from going crazy. 😀
Marie, I loved reading your comment. Having a big juicy, daunting goal is exactly what we all need!! It keeps us moving towards something that may seem unreachable. Yet with your commitment AND support (like you have in the IGNITE! Mighty Networks community), you can do it! Family does come first and I am sure they are super grateful to you….and now it’s your turn to dance! You have the material so let’s go!! (I can feel your excitement bursting out from you – makes me so excited for you!!)
Thank you Gail for writing this blog!! I REALLY needed to read this. 2020 was such a ….. year.
Thank God it’s over and thank you for inspiring. I don’t always have time to read your posts but I’m so glad I read this one!!
Now… to get to work!!!
Yeah!
OMG Rita I’m so glad you read it too! It seems to have resonated BIG TIME! And that thrills me!
And 2020 – yup – that one was a doozy for the history books.
Let’s get painting. Yeah!!!
Thank you for this great article. I’ve never put my goals down on paper. Easy to forget some of your “intentions”, but I love the idea of posting it where it’s visible. Especially if you’re hosting open studio with friends to see. I often tell someone a goal and it makes me more accountable.
I’m going to get myself a large desktop calendar so I can see dates & deadlines approaching. Of course that means uncovering my desktop as well.
Hopefully we can get back to international workshops by the Fall. To be honest I’d be happy to be able to just cross the border and buy some Gamsol that we can’t get in Canada at the moment. 🙁
Donnalee, I have to admit I had to smile when you said “Of course that means uncovering my desktop as well” – I totally relate!! So have you got that large claendar marked up yet?
I am hopeful for International travel in the Fall. I am so excited about my holiday painting workshop in Tasmania!!!
Yes, there are some frustrations with the US/Canada border closed….like lack of Gamsol (which I didn’t know about). We have certainly been made aware of all the things we take for granted and we can be that much more grateful when we can say, travel again!!
OK, I admit it. I’m a list maker. A maker of lists to plan my day, my week, chores, social dates, trails to hike, bike rides to do, things to see, places to travel, self-improvement goals, workouts to accomplish, books to read, music to check out, movies to see. Without a list I can barely function, and a day gets “wasted” finishing nothing. How did I ever have time to work before retirement?
EVERY DAY “ART” is on my list, usually 1pm – 5pm. It can be planning/prepping my next project, reading about art, watching a movie about art/artist, taking photos of painting possibilities, reading your blog or watching your lesson/demo/looking at art. Unfortunately in real life I rarely manage to be art activated for that period of time every day. My best days are when I actually DO, DO ART.
It is a challenge to keep my “ART” dates – sun’s finally shining so gotta get the dog out for a hike, or squeeze in a bike ride because it’s rained for the past week, or go with hubby to a medical appointment, or do all the things that I intended to do earlier but didn’t get to. You know, life.
I also set aside Sunday as “ART DAY ALL DAY”, and only rarely schedule in something that will interfere.
However I remain undaunted (think “Mighty Mouse”). I shall gather myself and make 2021 Goals, and think of them as being malleable so that they can be adjusted according to my real life interferences.
This is a terrific blog, and has really got my commitment juices going. Hey! Reading your blog, responding to it, and working on my Goals all count as “ART” activities for today. Yay, me!
Thanks Liz for their very in-depth share of your own process of planning and doing. And YES!! it definitely counts as an ART activity!!
I too am an inveterate list-maker. What I have come to realise though is, if it doesn’t go on the calendar , it’s harder to get it done. Everything takes time be it 15 mins of three hours. And knowing that, if i slot in the 15 min sessions as well as the three-hour ones, there’s a chance they may get done. I also prioritize. What is Important and Urgent? Those I try to make sure I address first! You are so right that life happens but when an art activity is on the calendar, it does make me think, if I replace it with something else, where does the art activity fit in the calendar? When you make it a priority, you make room for it!
Love your commitment to 2021 goals!!