An Artist's New Year's Resolution

It's that time of year again. That time when everything seems possible-things can begin anew. I, like everyone else, make the typical personal resolution- I'm going to exercise, eat healthier, drop that nagging extra 15 pounds that I can't seem to get rid of short of wiring my jaw shut, yadda, yadda, yadda. And for the first two weeks of the year, I actually think I might do it-but then the bottom drops out of it and I'm back to my same old bad habits. I'm a little better at keeping my professional resolutions, but not by much.

For artists who work out their homes (of which I am one) it can be a very daunting task sometimes to sit behind the easel every day and work. There are so many distractions at home that it becomes very difficult to treat the act of creating as a job. That and the fact that sometimes the inspiration and drive just aren't there. It's very easy to put off painting until later, when you're feeling more inspired. And although this is totally normal, (sometimes I can go a few weeks or even a month without picking up a brush) I'm always thinking about what I want to paint and I feel guilty for not doing it.

So, there's my first professional resolution: I'm going to work on my paintings at least five days a week, even if it's just for a short time each day.

My second resolution is this blog. If you haven't noticed, my last post was 3 months ago. I've decided to devote more time and effort to this blog-after all, one of the purposes of it is to promote my work, and I have pretty much neglected it. Which leads me to my third resolution.

Marketing. Marketing and self promotion are two of the most difficult, time consuming, and if you're anything like me, frightening things to do. Ever. It's really hard to get out there and toot your own horn. But if you don't, who will? I've been reading some inspiring, practical articles on emptyeasel.com that address marketing and self promotion, and let me tell you, I've had some real "a ha" moments thanks to this blog. It's fantastic.

My fourth resolution is something every artist resolves to do, new year or not. Stretch our creative wings and see where they take us. Learn new things, try new techniques, never stop learning.

It sounds like a lot, but with a little determination and courage, it's very, very possible.