Get Out of the Way

My artist friends, students and aquaintences are often less productive than they want to be.  Why?

• Lack of goals
• Lack of familiarity with tools and materials
• Lack of confidence

If you wish you could look into the mirror and believe you are looking at an artist, it is so very important to consider a few basics.

• Set Goals

• Astonish yourself!  Dream big dreams.  They may be privately held (nobody else's business!) and should be grandiose.  Don't worry that you can't work out the details--they will work themselves out. But one thing is certain: if you don't set goals you probably won't get far.  If you do set goals, the worst that might happen? You will only get partway there.  But partway is so very much better than nowhere.  




• Dream short-term dreams.  Without putting dates on your calendar you might tend to keep painting on the same painting for weeks or months.  Commit to shows, critiques or competitions.  You will produce more artwork.




• Take a simple photo of your sketches and paintings, then post them online.  Fickr, Facebook, a blog, even an email to friends and aquaintences will give you feedback that cheers you on!

• Learn Materials

• Stop looking for the magic brush, the magic color of paint, the best or most expensive next product on the market.  If you've been painting for a while you probably have enough "stuff" and now it is time to get to know it inside-out.  This need not be work.  In fact, if you play with your materials and "channel your inner child" you can have fun and, at the same time, explore all the possibilities and magic within your brushes and paints.  

• Gain Confidence

• See "Learn Materials" (above).  Practice and play gives your brush confidence!
• Get a good support network of artists, friends and family.  Surround yourself with positive energy and encouragement.  Seek out a class, a teacher, group or network of people who inspire you!
• Explore artwork that you love.  Keep a collection of artwork and artists whose work makes you want to paint.  Check out Pinterest, Flickr, or save internet research so that you can return to your favorites when you are ready to paint.

Now get busy and wet that brush!  Set the timer! Get started!