At the beginning of each new year, I get excited for growth in my art practice as I make a list of goals I want to work on. It can consist of a simple list of interests I want to explore or include specific actionable steps to take me from point A to point B. As I do so, I keep my expectations flexible, allowing myself to shift and adapt through the year. This year some of the topics on my list include:
Study
Educating myself about artists and periods in art history that I’m drawn to has a big influence on my art practice. One group of artists I want to learn more about are the Nabis such as Pierre Bonnard and Édouard Vuillard as I’m drawn to both their use of pattern and energetic brushstrokes.Challenge
I love exploring new techniques or challenging my skills in some way. When painting with acrylic I usually work on an 11x14 format. This year I want to explore painting on a larger scale. I’ve started working on this 18x24 painting and can already tell I’m going to enjoy working on a larger surface. I love the larger brushes and arm movements that a bigger space requires.Schedule
I feel like I’m always trying to figure out the best way to spend quality time in my studio. I usually have short studio sessions which are a bit haphazard here and there throughout the week as I find small pockets of time to squeeze into my schedule. This has been great, but I’d like to try having a fixed schedule to allow myself longer stretches of time to paint uninterrupted.Stay Connected
was so inspiring and insightful! You can listen or watch it here:
One thing that I want to continue from last year is surrounding myself with art even when I don’t have time to be in the studio. For example, while I vacuum or drive I’ll often listen to art podcasts. This way I get some form of enrichment relating to art even when I don’t get a chance to be in the studio that day. This recent podcast from Talking With Painters interviewingI’m looking forward to what this new year brings and am excited to share it with you!
NOW AVAILABLE
An Artist’s Guide to Evaluating Composition
This book discusses the effects different design choices have on composition and includes possible questions to ask yourself as you asses our work through your creative process regardless of subject matter and medium.Neocolor: A Collection of Sketchbook Pages From 2023
A collection of my Neocolor sketches, many of which I have not shared yet on Instagram.Acrylic: A Collection of Work From 2022-2023
A collection of my acrylic paintings and sketchbook pages.
I love that painting on the easel based on your neocolour sketch - so gorgeous!!
Do you have any more art related podcast to share? 😁