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In the last blog post I wrote about a method of teaching yourself by identifying what you would like to learn, creating challenges and assessing the effectiveness of the exercise.    This is a great method of improving your work but here is the most important action you need to take to become a better artist.  You have to show up at the easel and go to work!

Procrastination is a powerful force and fear is procrastinations partner when we pursue creative endeavors.  It is easy to put painting at the bottom of the to do list, but if we place painting and learning as one of our daily tasks, as important as paying bills or fixing supper, then, and only then will you  become a working artist.

I am not an organized person by nature and compensate for this by creating a daily to do list.  Each day I write down what has to be accomplished and studio time is always included.  Sometimes the task is very deliberate such as, “Create pencil sketch for commission, “and sometimes it is very broad, “Paint 3 hours in studio.”  Even if great art does not come out of the session there is something satisfying about crossing off studio time on the list and knowing that you have another chance tomorrow.  If the goal of art is to learn, showing up to participate in the process is what is most important.  Now off I go for today’s scheduled studio time!

I am a big fan of Cozi, the online calendar and organizer.   It is a free app and website that has a calendar, menus, and to do lists that can be custom tailored for your needs.  They have different levels of membership and the free one offers a lot of organing tools with minimal advertising.