Blog

New Year's resolutions ... yes I make them and occasionally tell my friends. Sometimes I even write them, like the one mentioned here, when I say I'm intending to write a short blog every couple of  weeks or so to start sharing my processes and things I've learnt. Maybe others will find some snippets that they will find helpful. It's accountability and it usually works! LOL

Any time that I can spend with my children or grandchildren will always take priority, like chatting online with my grandson yesterday and enjoying his creativity with an app where he sent me the delightful main picture. Those lovely moments sometimes just happen.  However, when it comes to being self-employed, things don't usually 'just happen' so a bit of plain planning is necessary and nothing to do with determined New Year's resolutions.

What about you ... Do you make annual plans? Are they detailed or simple? How do you make sure you achieve them?

Every year for the past six years, I've started with the most basic hand-scribbled outline in a notebook. So simple but it works for me.

That's it ...

- Four major shows in strategic cities across our country (online if we have lockdowns again) where I generally make good sales but crucially at these events, I meet and get to know buyers, some of  whom become collectors.  
- Two or three minor shows where I have very different audiences and usually make a sale or two.

- Two or three workshops that I go to with artist friends where I hope to keep stretching my abilities, get inspired and have fun. These get added as I hear of ones I want to attend. 

Next comes the planning of how many artworks I need for each event. I also make a note of the numbers of works I'm likely to need for my galleries and the occasional commission I take on. 

Off to my diary and wall planner go the dates, adding on the days it'll take getting to and from the venues plus extra time if I want to explore the area and gather resources for future paintings.  Booking accommodation and ferry/aeroplane tickets can come later. 

Finally the exciting part of going through my sketches, plein air studies and photos to decide what I actually WANT to paint.  That's where I'm up to today ... so I'll make a drink, kick back, immerse myself in my sketches and photos and dream of the masterpieces I see in my mind's eye. 

This might take a few days of pure pleasure!