In the last six months, I’ve been on a creative journey. Here are the things I have learned through my creative resolution:

• Every time I sit down to paint, draw or create – whether it’s a success or failure – I learn something.
• Looking back at my lists of project ideas, helps me stay focused and complete things. And feel a sense of accomplishment about the things I can check off!
• Even the most common objects can be interesting subjects – a bottle of windex, the vacuum – lol!
• Trying again. A couple of times I’ve tried to redo a painting. The second painting wasn’t necessarily better – but you I improved certain things (and lost some things). It is interesting to compare and analyze. A great learning tool!
• To post or not to post? I went ahead and posted something I felt I had overworked and was honest about it. I loved the feedback I got!
• A weekly checklist is helpful to cover all the things I want to work on. (But it is okay, every once in a while, to throw it out the window and work on what I feel like!)
• Learn everything you can when you visit the art store. Look at their website for even more product information.
• Disposable palette sheets are awesome. Quick clean up, plus I write what paint colors and mixes I used, for future reference.
• Bloggers are so nice and supportive. Thank you!!! 🙂
• The resources to learn from other artists are everywhere – blogs, videos.
• Mixing colors leads to a less saturated color. For vibrant, bright colors – use colors directly from the tube. (It took me a whole painting to learn this!)
• Developing a style takes time and practice.
• A project can spark the idea for the next project, and so on and so on!
• Sometimes I have to force myself to finish. I would love to start new projects everyday. It is fun and exciting, but sometimes I have to buckle down and finish the lingering ones. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing!
• Hanging my paintings makes me feel good! 🙂
• Take the pressure off. I don’t sit down to create a “frameable” piece. That paralyzes me! I sit down for a “5 minute sketch” or to play with watercolor.
• Be open to inspiration – it is everywhere!
• Dedicate time to being creative. Schedule time, to make sure it happens. Life can easily get in the way.
• Step away. With a fresh eye, I notice things, I wouldn’t have, when I was deeply involved in the painting or sketch.
• Try new things. Whether it led to success or failure, I’m growing from trying new things.
• The computer can be a useful tool – for planning out projects, for analyzing color, etc.
• Keep track of paint mixes for the next painting session. I found keeping a little leftover, a paint “starter,” is helpful.
• Painting sand is very hard. Sand is many different colors and textures and changes color as you get closer to the ocean. I’m still working on this!
• Getting back into a project, after a lot of time has past is difficult. I’m afraid of ruining it and I forget where I was. BUT, once I get started on it again, I can quickly get back into it!
• Keeping a blog is an amazing motivator and I can look back and see what I was thinking and working through during each creative project!