Are you a prolific painter or a procrastinator ?

Doodle from my  sketchbook

  Happy Spring!




 I know it's been awhile since I showed up on my blog but I have good reason for my absence.  




 I unplugged so that I could get some painting done.  Do you ever fall down the rabbit hole when you turn on your laptop?  One minute you're checking a few emails and before you know it schools out. Now, you're pissed off at yourself for wasting so much time.  Well it's not a waste of time if ....



1.  You're enjoying the experience.


2.  You're gleaning information.


3.  You take action and put this information to use.







I'm an information addict.  I love to read and the computer is like having my very own public library.  Reading is good for you, it stimulates the imagination and keeps those brain synapses firing.




But, make sure you  balance all of this info intake with ACTION.




While I'm typing this I have 5 paintings waiting for me to finish.  Yeah, five.


Want to know how I've learned to get more paintings done?  


Glad you were wondering, I'm gonna tell ya...


I SET A DEADLINE.

Recently, I set a deadline for my paintings to be finished.  This has really worked for me. Being that it's my own personal deadline, there is a good possibility that I will  "blow it off".  So I made the deadline more exciting.  I added accountability.  I signed up to sell my art in four events this spring.








I used to wait until I had enough work to sell before I sought out venues to sell them in.  This year I'm getting crazy and I signed up with nothing in storage.










Yep, that will set your brushes on fire.


Before, I would procrastinate and think "once I get enough quality pieces" I'll sign up.  Problem is that I'm picky.  Nothing ever looks like quality work to me.






Now, it's all  "good enough".  Art is speculative. We never know what attracts people to a painting.  Sometimes the ugliest thing I've got sells right away.  Go figure.





Another thing I started doing is making calendars, prints and cards of  paintings.  Offering various priced items, gives the customers choice.  Those that can't afford an original, can happily purchase a print or card or calendar.  It's a great way to get  local recognition as well.  Cards will be passed onto others, so make sure your name and website are on the back.




If you're having trouble finishing your paintings, set them aside and begin something new.  I also find when I go back to paintings with fresh eyes, they come out better.


So tell me...in what ways do you stir yourself up to be creating rather than procrastinating?

Happy creating!