photo: matheus viana

Do you want a plan to take your art to the next level in 2020? Art is one of those wonderful pursuits where you’ll never run out of things to learn. The question is what to learn? And how? Vandy Massey shares her thoughts.

New Year resolutions often seem to be a bit worthy. “Stop smoking. Lose weight. Get out of a job you don’t like.”  What about focussing on positive activities like art? After all, joyful time spent with paint and brushes translates into engaging paintings!
Here’s the conventional method for planning your development:

  1. Create a set of long term goals
  2. Break that down into annual, quarterly and monthly goals.
  3. Work out what activities will have to take place to achieve those goals.
  4. Create a weekly and then a daily activity plan to make it happen.
  5. Review weekly
  6. Repeat

It seems like an awful lot of work and, any goal beyond a year is just guesswork. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t create a plan, but not one that takes too much time and energy away from painting.

So, here is a short, sweet alternative plan for developing your art over the coming year:

Creative goals for 2020

1) Remove redundant tasks that block your art time

What activities stop you from getting started on your art? Are they necessary or just procrastination? If they aren’t essential but are taking up time, just replace them with some painting time.

2) Plan your personal development

Look at what workshops and courses are available over the next six months, and sign up for the ones that excite you. Don’t just think about it – make the booking. Once it is booked and in your calendar, it will happen. Many tutors publish their workshop programme at the beginning of the year, but additional events come up from time to time, so this is one activity that should be done regularly.

Several members are holding workshops at Awash 2020 – they are affordable, one day celebrations of the medium, designed as creativity generators. Places are limited, book now.

3) Carry a sketchbook every day

Use it to capture images and ideas. Don’t be precious about it; your sketchbook doesn’t have to be a work of perfection. This is a visual record of the things that spark creative ideas, and a way to capture and build momentum around inspiration.

4) Make your creative time a priority

If you’ve acted on the first step in this list, you’ve made some time by removing unnecessary tasks from your schedule – that’s a great start! Now go even further, and actively schedule regular, dedicated time for your creative work.

5) Decide what part your art plays in your life

This sounds very goals-oriented, but it does make sense to think about it. Do you want to earn an income from your art, or is it a hobby? The answer to this question may mean that some workshops are better for you than others, or that you need to spend more time on your art.

6) Plan your exhibition visits for the year

Knowing what you do and don’t like is an enormously important part of developing your artistic voice. Exhibition visits are not only enjoyable, but they are an opportunity to seek inspiration and refine your artistic taste. Look at what’s coming up in the major galleries in your area and plan visits in advance.

7) Develop a group of artist friends

Painting is typically a solitary activity, and it’s easy to feel quite isolated. Having artist friends is a great way to stay motivated when times are tough, or when it feels like the creative spark is flickering. Other artists can provide advice, feedback, support, or just good company for exhibition visits.

SEAW exhibitions and painting days are an ideal way to connect with other artists in the Society and develop your artistic friendship group. If you would like to host a painting day, or have a local space that can be used for painting days, please let us know.

Growth comes from action

It is important to have a plan for your artistic development, but growth comes from action. What’s your number one tip for taking your art to the next level? Let us know by posting about it on our facebook group.

 

Read the original article here.