One thing I’ve learned about myself as an artist, is that I dive into a project with enthusiasm. I think it’s the Aries in me [read more about that here]. It’s great for starting a project, but for me, a couple of things can get in the way of finishing a project.
- I lose enthusiasm.
- A new project grabs my attention.
- I get worried about ruining a project.
- I’m not sure how to proceed because I haven’t planned things out.
When I started my creative resolution I forced myself to finish a bunch of forgotten projects. I also forced myself to finished most of the new projects I started. And I adapted to work within my personality. Most projects I work on, I finish within a few days – before the enthusiasm fades or I get sidetracked (or I get paralyzed worrying about ruining it or I start to overthink the next steps).
Recently I started this pool painting. I forced myself to paint, what I thought of as the hardest part of the painting – the lane lines – before I left for a short trip. I knew that if I could get that step out of the way and left only the pool water and a few minor details, I’d be much more likely to finish this painting when I got back.
Some of the valuable lessons I’ve learned in the last year and half, have less to do with painting and technique, and more to do with how I work. And how to get things finished.
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August 8, 2015 at 1:31 pm
I hear you totally. This is part of the reason I don’t do anything larger. I am a chronic non-finisher! You’ve done a nice job with a challenging scene, Eileen!
August 8, 2015 at 10:34 pm
Thank you! I know you finish a lot because I see the beautiful results! 🙂
August 8, 2015 at 2:40 pm
I have the same problem- tons of unfinished projects! Slowly I’m trying to gain a good work ethic. Your painting came out great, by the way!
August 8, 2015 at 10:22 pm
Thank you! I’ve gotten so much better at finishing. The blog helps a lot. Motivates me to finish, so I can share. 🙂
August 8, 2015 at 6:40 pm
I’m so glad you wrote this post! I can totally relate. I’ve been working on this “finishing things” issue for almost two years, now, too. It’s such a slow process, but it’s really satisfying to see the progress along the way, isn’t it?
Also, I love your painting and find it very interesting to see the pictures of the process. Thank you for sharing!
August 8, 2015 at 10:32 pm
I’m so glad you liked the post! It is hard to finish sometimes, especially when too much time has past and you lose interest. A little bit ago I made a “forgotten projects” jar and my plan was to once a month select something from the jar to finish. Great idea except I totally forgot about it and when I did remember I had absolutely no interest in working on anything in the jar! I guess there has to be some excitement in a project.
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August 9, 2015 at 8:47 am
It seems we all have more ideas (starts) than time to finish them. Despite my best intentions, I still keep starting new ideas (“before I forget”). You look like you’re making good progress!
August 9, 2015 at 9:35 am
You are so right! Time is such a Huge factor. I try to keep a list of my project ideas and work my way through it. “Try” is the keyword here. Ha ha
August 9, 2015 at 11:47 am
yes…