Early spring road - a study
The blog has slipped my mind over the last 6 weeks. No, to be honest, it hasn't slipped my mind, I haven't had time or interest to post. There, I said it. I truly don't know if I have more to say or share or if social media and its short clips of information has taken over from a longer post. Blog readership and engagement is limited and I feel as if I'm talking to myself most of the time. Do other bloggers feel similarly about the health of blogs generally? I'd love to read your input.
After my last post in February, I got sick. A cold led to flu which led to pneumonia in March, so creativity was abandoned. I have not felt so sick before in my life and will be first in line for a flu shot in the fall. My absence in the studio wasn't for lack of interest, but simply because I was too sick to make it to the studio and do anything productive. I completed the February Sketch challenge by some miracle, but that was more likely that it didn't take a lot of effort daily and sketching is second nature to me. So lounging on the sofa, I sketched and napped and let nature take its course.
After I was feeling better, I headed to the studio with a vengance, trying to make up for lost time in painting production. The summer season will be here before we know and I need both small and large pieces. I've been in heads down mode, including putting workshops on hold to allow me time to really concentrate. And its worked. I've created a number of paintings and am just putting the finishing strokes on a 40" x 40" piece.
My "word" for 2017 was FOCUS. It has served me well.
9 comments:
I think you're right about the blogs becoming visited (or commented on) by less and less viewers. I guess I continue because I just like this better than Facebook which is: Look, like, move on. Not much time spent looking at art or commenting at all. So...would I rather have a handful of followers here who visit and comment or take over at Facebook for a dozen likes? We all have to choose. Wth your Newsletter, you are still reaching the people you want, I believe. If you do vanish from Blogger, I'll still see your work on FB. Glad you are feeling strong and healthy again.
I feel the same way as Rhonda. I like blogging so I keep doing it but I do find myself using instagram more just because I always have my phone on me lol
not a huge fan of facebook and honestly wouldn't have it but it is the only way i can stay in touch with people far away. I thought about getting rid of it after uni, but time will tell.
people seem to be getting shorter attention spans, so want quick to the point things. might not be true, but it does seem like that sometimes lol
There are benefits to reading more about the process of making art and having a glimpse into the personality of the artist which is best done in a blog format. The speed at which information is skimmed is extraordinary, but little is taken in or grabs the interest of the viewer for more than a millisecond.
Changes in how information is presented and how society changes all comes into it I'm sure. And you're correct, we all have to choose which platform provides the results we desire.
Thanks for taking time to comment.
I've always wondered how that word of the year thing works out. Glad it is helping you - and that you are healthy enough to produce in the studio.
Yes, I do know what you mean on the blogs. I have struggled as well. I quite like the idea and think there is a great opportunity for people who want to more about being an artist or more about a specific artist. But, it is hard to get engagement. I think when Google Reader died, most people stopped looking at blogs. It was on the decline already. Now people rely on emails coming through or highlights on social media.
I do usually get comments from people who read the blog through email and a faithful commenter, but that is it.
Perhaps I need to use the email newsletter for what I would normally put on the blog... As you say, it is hard. I'm not a huge fan of social media, duty keeps me there but I am always on the verge of abandoning it.
I do enjoy your blogs, but am terribly guilty of not commenting...I will try to correct that if you should continue.
I'm so glad to hear you're doing better. Nasty stuff that flu. Regarding blogging I'm sticking with it. I too have fewer folks commenting. Social media has made them lazy I'm afraid. I do like Facebook because I can see a lot of artwork by multiple artists in a short period of time. If I want to learn more I will stop by their blogs. Works for me.
Jen, speed seems to take priority over everything these days. For social media, I find Instagram less offensive, even if they are partnered with Facebook. Twitter seems to be fading, as do blogs.
I don't look for constant interaction or expect it. I know through stats that the blog is read, but not as much as it once was.
Maybe short "bites" are the way to go.
Rose, the word of the year, gives me something to fall back on when I stray and helps me in my art career. Lately, FOCUS was the thing that was required and I was too easily distracted.
I will need to rethink the blog and its format. Perhaps it is time for shake up in presentation, content and display. Just what will remain to be seen.
As I said previously, engagement, comments, interaction is all good, but doesn't fit into everyone's mindset anymore. Facebook, Twitter & Instagram have us trained to do a one click "Like" or similar without much commentary. Maybe that's what I need on the blog lol
I've been posting more and more short posts, they do seem to get more interaction oddly enough. and that is nice, but shouldn't be the only reason to post. :) (even tho it is nice getting some comments/feedback because then what is the point of being an artist?)
Attention spans have dwindled, likely because we're all bombarded with so much information that we can only take it in abbreviated quantities. I shall have to try some short posts and see how that goes.
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