My Latest Art Plans

I've been inconsistent with my art creation. Do you go through this too? You feel enthusiastic to start, but then something gets in the way, causing you to set your idea aside.

If it weren't for our regular art gatherings here in Whataroa, New Zealand, I likely would have produced much less art, maybe even none!

I've been considering how to make this more manageable for myself, and starting with a schedule seems most logical. Without setting aside time for art, it won't happen. If I don't plan time for the business side of my art, I won't make any sales. Additionally, without dedicating time to learn new skills, my art won't develop. As a result, my schedule now includes time each day dedicated to working on these three goals.

One of my goals is to create at least a 5-minute sketch in my journal each day. However, if I'm busy painting, I allow myself to skip this activity. I want to ensure it remains enjoyable and not a chore.

Some sketches I did last year

I aim to finish a smaller painting each week or so. (I'll consider canvases ranging from 15x15cm to 30x30cm.) As a very slow painter, I hope that setting a time limit will help me work faster.

A 15x15cm oils over oil pastel painting

I am very interested in participating in the Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program, but it's currently beyond our financial means. If I had been able to enroll last April, I would have completed it by now. The one-time payment of $3600 converts to over NZ$6000, which is the most affordable option available. With that amount, we would prefer to buy a shipping container to transform into an art studio. Ideally, I would have to sell 100 small paintings at US$36 each to do this course. Alternatively, if I opted for the monthly payment plan, I would need to sell 10 paintings at US$35 each month for 12 months. Unless a miracle occurs, I'll need to come up with another strategy to enhance my skills.

Therefore, my alternative plan is to create my own DIY art course. I'll use the Mastery Program outline as a general framework for my learning, adding topics they don't include, like coloured pencils, pastels, and watercolour. They provide free workshops that I plan to attend, and YouTube offers extensive free learning opportunities. If necessary, I'll also look into affordable short courses.

I've set up a Pinterest Board to conveniently organize the learning materials I'm collecting. Along with gradually adding the weekly learning resources, I'm also including videos of individuals who have shared their weekly assignments in the Mastery Program. This helps me understand what I should be searching for online. I'm sharing this Pinterest Board with you so you can explore it as well if you're interested. (Feel free to share any better learning materials you find with me.)

Click on the picture to see my DIY Course Pinterest Board

Join me as I reveal what I'm working on in upcoming posts.

Stay creative, and I'll talk to you next time,

Natasha Allison