Diahn and I met today at Panera Bread to sketch and catch up and talk about our Art Plans for 2007. We have decided that it's time to get serious -- but still have fun!
The first thing I had to do was look over my last year plan and see JUST WHAT WENT WRONG...
Expecting that NONE of my goals would have been met, (because I'll confess that I haven't reviewed these goals in some time -- Number One Mistake) I was really pleased to see that I'd come a long way on goal #1 (Improve my watercolor technique -- kind of vague, but hey...), was at 90% on goal #5 (Finish the paintings that I start), and had done GREAT on goal #6 (get out there and draw in public -- THANKS Diahn!)
The others, though -- of doing monthly color studies (de-railed in the second month), draw all the plants in my yard, and do one detailed botanical study a month, just didn't happen. They just DIDN'T.
Now, in all fairness, I was sidelined in early February by some health issues that impacted my day to day life for several months, and I can assign part of the blame there, BUT ... really, was that enough to totally de-rail all those good intentions? Nah. It wasn't.
The problem was that the goals I set didn't have a stated purpose, other than I felt like I had to have an art plan. That's okay, but that's where I should have revised them upon review -- um, review which did not happen. Duh.
The color study plan -- great idea, and would have been one for follow through, but my watercolor teacher had different ideas about how to study color, and so, since I'm paying her and she's the teacher, I went with her plan. I still need to work on color studies -- FOR SURE -- but I just don't think I can devote extended uninterrupted time to a particular color. That's just not me. However, this year will be spent on extensive color charts, not just in watercolor, either!
The botanicals and yard drawings -- I just felt like I had to draw something, and that was true. I love botanicals. But, upon reflection, the main reason I chose botanicals was because I didn't know how to compose a complete painting and it felt like a safe bet ... an easy out. It took me nearly a year to realize that.
So. What's up for 2007? I've been thinking about it since November, and here's the beginnings of the plan.
(1) PROJECT -- 500 Objects. I don't know why 500, it just sounded like a good number. I will be drawing 500 objects over the next year and a half or so. I don't know what they will be -- just stuff around the house that appeals to me. There are plenty of bottles and vases and boxes and tassles and THINGS -- enough that no matter what the weather or the amount of time I have, I will be able to draw something. The medium will be pencil, pen, watercolor, pastel, whatever appeals to me. I will also be working these objects into still lifes (because I just find that I really like still life paintings -- who knows why -- very old fashioned, but I do!) PURPOSE of this goal -- to improve my drawing, painting, and seeing -- to improve my concept of form and arrangement and composition -- because drawing is the basis of all painting. It is something that MUST be done -- not just should or ought to -- MUST.
(2) I will be working more in pastels. It is kind of funny, but I had a pastel piece that I was playing on the other day, and my husband said, "I like that!" I answered, "I know -- I'm actually kind of good with pastel, that's why I never use it." It was meant to be a joke, but it turned out to be one of those jokes that had a sad bit of truth to it. I've gotten so accustomed to the idea that art MUST be a challenge, that as soon as I begin to feel comfortable with a medium, I change to something else. I'll never master anything if I keep doing that. So, I'll continue working in watercolor -- nothing looks like it! -- but also will be working in pastel -- because nothing looks like it, either!
(3) I'd like to take an art workshop sometime this year ... I don't know where or in what, but something as a little treat.
(4) I WILL be hanging art for sale at the gallery at the art center. Period. I'm running out of room here...
ACCOUNTABILITY -- Diahn and I decided that we are going to review our 2007 goals with each other on the 17th of every month. That's accountability, right!? So, hopefully in 2 1/2 weeks there will be a more detailed yet less wordy report!
AND -- by the way -- we set a 5 year goal, too. Does this photo give any kind of hint?
12 comments:
Hey, quick-draw...I haven't even scanned my book yet, and here you have posted already. I guess the "big guy" is rubbing off on you. I WILL do one thing to further my goals today...just you wait and see!!
It's going to be a good year...I can feel it already!
Well gee set enough goals for yourself there? I only have one. 500 objects? That is so funny. I just bought this book at Barnes and Nobel (9.99 on sale) or directly from Taschen - "1000 Extra/Ordinary Objects". You should get it. So many things to draw that no one would even recognize. Sort of like your pencil.
I woke up to my xmas cactus and my air plants in full bloom. I take that as a good omen. A blooming healthy artful year for us all!
Sounds like a very organized plan! When I took my art class that was mostly an overview of working with different materials, I found that working with pastels was sort of magical in that my mind was quiet and I was in the moment, one with my chalk, you might say, LOL!
I have often wondered why you did not sell some of your work. I think people will buy it.
An extremely well-thought-out review of 2006 and 2007 goals. You have a lot of insight into your strengths and weaknesses. And gosh, you make such beautiful art!! Having a buddy to help prod each other is great.
Fnny you should mention pastels because I did not put them in my goals but now I am remembering how fun they are.
Happy New Year Linda-all the best for a wonderfully creative year.
I loved reading the posts by both you and Diahn! What a great pair of friends, and great artists. I hope that you both are able to achieve your 2007 plans, "grow" that friendship, and make it to The ____. Ssshhhh - won't say a word.
How honest you are with yourself!And how wonderful that you are finding the media that feels most joyful to you. I loved readig abour your resolutions and your 06 art saga.I very much like the idea of reviewing once a month...changing, revising,keeping what works. Sounds fun. I wish you all the best in 07 and I'll be along for the ride. Your paintings amaze and inspire me!
Excellent goals all of them. It sounds like you're approached your past year with a lot of insight and understanding.
May you have a wonderful, inspiring, art filled year ahead!
I like your idea of reviewing each month to remember your goals, I think I need that! here's wishing a good and productive year for you!
I have so enjoyed reading everyone's goals and commitments. I have a short list so I can stick to it but do like the idea of review every month.
How wonderful to have someone near by to be creative with.
Looking forward to seeing your 500 pieces of art. ;)
Yippee! Great ideas, Ms L! It's daunting, though, isn't it, this starting out on projects with numbers in the 100s? ;D. Good luck and happy new year!
I love how you are planning your year and evaluating the old one. I'm not making new year's resolutions this year....instead I've decided to make monthly resolutions. Just a few each month.
And your 5 year plan....soooo exciting!!
I loved reading your goals--how they worked out and didn't work out last year and what you've planned for this year. I so related to your #2 about when something gets easy you move on to something more challenging. I do that too but we're not alone. I think it was Monet who said "More than ever, easy things that come instantly sicken me." (One of the impressionists in the BBC miniseries "The Impressionists" said it in a letter and I wrote it down but forgot to note which of them said it and now I forget.) That's one thing I've always liked about watercolor--it's endlessly challenging so I never get bored with it or feel that I've got it mastered.
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