Hitchhiker – 30 x 40 - oil on canvas – in progress
I don’t make resolutions at the beginning of the year. I never plan personal fitness or health goals. They just happen along the way and putting them down in writing seems to ensure that they’ll disappear into thin air before the month of January ends.
For my art business, I make goals, a bit like a business plan in fact. By creating measurable objectives, it becomes the only way I can evaluate my progress when I review at the end of the year.
As is always the case, I bite off more than I can chew. I don’t let this worry me, because distraction and lateral movement can open doors to more interesting opportunities. A set of objectives or business plan is never set in stone. Yes, you have the general ideas for direction but you have to be flexible as well.
However, having said that, I want to make my goals simple to allow me time to really concentrate on them and perform well.
So what will I do in 2014?
Painting
Boats and water and fish
These subjects will predominate my work and I will continue painting on a large scale and using a palette knife to produce another series of paintings based on this theme.
I have a couple of projects in the works that I can’t say much about right now as they hinge on funding and partnerships and we all know where those two are involved, unravelling can occur!
Teaching
Online Workshops
Yes, I know, I’m hauling that one out again. But I’m better prepared now to put this into motion. With my studio classroom workshops firmly in place, I have the elements of several workshops, I just need to spend time creating video to go along with them. Drawing and Painting Water are two I have in mind right now.
When they are available, I’ll have them listed on my Workshop page through my website.
Communicating
Blogging
Communication tends to be brief these days, reduced to “Likes” on Facebook or 140 characters on Twitter. Of course I’ll still be on social networks and would love you to add me as a friend or visit my artist page.
I know I have reduced the number of blog posts in the last year to about one a week and I know readership and interaction dwindles because of it. I want to change that by increasing the number of blog posts I produce to at least two, preferably three a week. I will also be refreshing my blog logo and theme. Its been stagnant too long and needs a facelift.
I am guilty of not commenting as much as I could on other blogging artists posts, so I will dedicate time each week to do so, as well as seeking out and supporting new artists.
So bookmark my blog, Illustrated Life, you’ll be reading more in 2014!
14 comments:
Happy New Year Jeanette! You accomplished alot last year and this year looks full of exciting opportunities as well. I wish you all the best!
Yes, Happy New Year! You continue to amaze and remain an inspiration with all you manage to accomplish. It sounds like you have another productive year in the works!
Happy New Year Jeanette. It sounds like another busy year for you. I think I need to take a page out of your book and also write down my art related goals. I did this faithfully when I was in the work force, it kept me focused and enabled me to measure what was accomplished. I just haven't gotten around to it. Am looking forward to doing the "painting water" course this year if it all works out.
great post, Jeanette! I have similar goals--Here's to a productive and happy 2014!
Happy New Year. I'm sure you will achieve your goals.
Great plan of action! I like your work a lot and look forward to seeing lots more of it in 2014.
Happy New Year my friend! I am in LOVE with Hitchhiker!! clearly it's in progress for it feels finished to me. it's so solid and beautifully painted! i love your post as well! and i so agree! i know you will succeed in whatever you do, and beautifully!
Sounds like many good and achievable goals, Jeanette. I really like this painting and loved the ones you shared for your end of 2013 posting. I think I may be interested in drawing and painting water and think I could learn from you - so I do hope the online workshop comes about as it would be too prohibitive to come to NF from Kentucky!
all of the goals sound achievable :) and yay! more blog posts from you :D
Happy New Year Rose, I hope this year will be less busy but that's a good thing.
Ann, thank you and the same to you. There are always ideas in my head and they will come to the surface as the year progresses.
Dora Happy New Year. Yes, planning really is the way to go. You need to treat art as the business it is to be able to measure progress and productivity.
Celeste, I see your dedication daily and you're always an inspiration. Every best wish for a pleasing new year for you.
Thanks so much Shevaun. I have to keep on producing, my mind won't let me stop.
Suz, isn't the boat in a boat unique? I love the little punt and knew I had to paint it. Thank you for your support always, you're a gem.
Rhonda, yes I wanted to pare down my huge list this year and make it more manageable. It would be great if you could join in an online workshop. I shall be working hard to make them available this year.
Sue, I know you've had an amazing year. I hope that you are as blessed in 2014.
I'm hoping they are Jen. But you know how I always manage to find other projects to slip in there and distract me. And yes, more blog! :)
distraction can be good tho, can lead to new types of art :)
Have a good one!2014will be great.. just follow your goal. Visit www.Farsalia.org
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