My 2016 Goals - How I'm Coming Along.

At the beginning of the year, I did a post on my "10 Goals for 2016".  I figured that since we are 1/4 thru the year already, I better review my goals and see how I'm doing.  And, the answer is......so so.

1.  Online Classes - I haven't taken the ones that I mentioned yet, but I did take Tracy Verguda's "Mini Mojo" and Jodi Ohls "Podtastic".  So, I'm doing ok with this one.

2.  Create my own videos -  Yep.....I'm doing it.....at least one per week!

3.  Learn more about color - totally failing at this one.

4.  Paint something HUGE - not yet.

5.  Be in an art show - I am going to do a very small show in October.

6.  Commune with other local artists - I have given this a try.  I planned to join the Gainesville Artisans Guild, but when I visited their location, saw all of the other artists' work, and found out that I had to bring my work and be critiqued in front of their board members, I got scared......so, I still plan to do this....I just have to achieve my #10 goal - Getting My Mind Right".

7.  Guest Blog -  I haven't ask anyone to be a guest on my blog yet - I'm going to do that this week.  However, I have been asked to do a guest blog post on a couple other blogs.

8.  Social Media - I have definitely upped my social media presence.  I joined several Facebook groups and that, totally, changed my life......I've gotten a lot more followers.  The exposure resulted in companies asking me to guest blog, being chosen for the Gel Press Creative Design Team, and being able to talk to other artists and lovers of art.......and that's great.

9.  Try new things - I did start using acrylic ink and I'm getting ready to try graphite powder (which I think is going to be really messy).  There are a lot more things that I need to try.

10.  Getting my mind right - Ah.....the never-ending quest.  (maybe I should go to the self-help section of the bookstore. LOL)

So here's the tally - 3 yes's, 3 partials, and 4 not yet's.  I guess that sounds about right since we are only 1/4 way thru the year.

Have a wonderful day!!

PEACE!

Cyndi

Ten Things I Plan to Do to Grow As An Artist in 2016

NO New Year's Resolutions for me.......I can't stand the pressure. HOWEVER, there are some things that I plan to do this year.  I want to grow as an artist and I don't think that just happens. Maybe it does for some people, but I think I'll have to put some effort forth to get to where I want to be. (don't you just hate that?)

Number One - Take some classes.

Just about everything that I have learned has come from an online class or from watching (addictively) the videos of other artists.  I learned a lot from Donna Downey, Jane Davenport, Shawn Petite, Suzi Blu, Pam Carriker, Nika Rouss, Denise Alloca and many more.  There are so many talented people that share their how-to's online.  FYI - Craftsy is a great place to find online classes!


Here are couple classes that I'm going to take:

Watercolor terrifies me, so I'm taking
Simple & Stunning Watercolor Techniques

Another issue is color.  This looks like a good one.
Painting With Color: A Contemporary Approach, with Joseph Dolderer

Number Two - Create my own videos

Hey, I've already started doing this......good for me!  I put a few videos on Youtube at the end of the year and started my new, weekly, Creative Heart Monday videos.  I love doing it and it really comes in handy.  I have made many pieces in the past, only to forget how I did it.  If I film everything I do, I can go back and look......brilliant.  (I would like a new camera, though)

Number Three - Learn more about color

This is my weakest area.  I tend to stress over colors.  I need a class.  As I mentioned, above, I'm going to take this one.
Painting With Color: A Contemporary Approach, with Joseph Dolderer

Number Four - Paint something HUGE

Most of my art is 16" X 20" or smaller.  I want to get one of those big 6 foot canvases and fill it with flowers. (I need the "color" class first)

Number Five - Be in an Art Show

We have several large art festivals in my area....I'm not ready for that.  I want to try a small art show. I need to build my inventory.

Number Six - Commune with other Artists

Online and in person.  I know that I could learn a great deal from other artists in my area.  We do have an artists guild and I plan to join ASAP.

Number Seven - Guest Blog

I would like to invite some other artists to share their work and thoughts on my blog....and I wouldn't mind doing the same on theirs, LOL.

Number Eight - Social Media

Take charge and expand my social media plan.  No one is going to see my art if I don't show it to them.

Number Nine - Try New Things

As an art supply junkie, I have lots of stuff that I've never used.  I HAVE to try them!

Number Ten - Get My Mind Right

Last but, probably, the most important, I'm going to keep going no matter what.  I spent the majority of my career in real estate.  When you deal with numbers, they are usually either right or wrong and I had confidence that mine were right (even when they were wrong).  Art is subjective.  Some people are going to like your art and some people aren't, and neither one of those people are wrong.  Everyone has their own tastes and we all perceive things differently.  I need to get that "everyone is more talented than me" monkey off my back.  I know that it's a common for us humans to knock ourselves down and get in our own way at every turn......but I'm really going to try to limit this as much as I can.

So, that's it.  Ten things, not necessarily in order of importance.  If you have some goals for 2016, I'd love to hear them.  Now I'm going to go pick up the paintbrush.

Peace!

Cyndi

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