5 New Years Resolutions for Artists for 2022

Sticking to New Year's Resolutions isn't easy. In fact, it's downright difficult. And, you either fall into one of two camps: the camp of failure or the camp of why bother. Strangely, I fell into both camps. Then I read a quote by Thomas Jefferson:  "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."

Dreams can take any shape. Goals are dreams put into action. And, both can improve upon the past. I like this thought. And, what is a resolution but a dream with a promise of action. It doesn't have to happen at New Year. Can all the "new year, new you" pressures. Improvement is good. And, a Resolution can happen any time of year.

Here are 5 easy ideas for making the most of 2022.

1. Make a Leap

Do you always work in the same medium? Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone yields the best results and allows creativity and inspiration to blossom. So, if you're a watercolorist, maybe it's time to switch to Acrylics? Acrylic Painter? Oils. Almost all artists sketch or draw. So, maybe more Pen and Ink? Whatever new leap you make youre almost certainly going to find improvement in your art.

Here are the new mediums our staff have found fun this last year:

Scratchboard

Resin Art

Block Printing

Cyanotype

2. Take a Workshop

I get more inspiration from watching others work than I do just about doing anything else. But, that inspiration needs guidance, direction, and (sometimes) professional help. Let's be honest, even the most seasoned artist doesn't know every tip or every technique. If you take an artist workshop, even a virtual one, you'll see Joe pop in from time to time. They say "old dogs can't learn new tricks". Well, let me tell you: You're never too old or too good to learn something new.

3. Don't Procrastinate

Procrastination is a blight on success. Inspiration is fleeting. If you're like me, an idea today could be replaced by another tomorrow. I'm often frustrated that I had a good idea a week ago and never started it because I just happened to be in the right place with the right materials with a different idea today all the while knowing that my idea from a week ago might be a major success. But, the ideas of today could be important too. Carpe Diem with preparedness... and a handy little art set you carry in your bag or a stock pile of canvas or paper might be a savior of great ideas.

4. Get Outside

Painting en plein air adds an element you just cannot experience in your studio -- it gets you out of the house or studio and away from all the distractions those worlds bring with them. It's mentally refreshing with a meditative quality which has been scientifically proven to improve quality of life. Further, it can be done while you're waiting, hiking, eating... wherever. Plus, while you're more prepared for inspiration and painting more... you're honing your skills and improving at greater speed.

5. Set up your Studio

Painting on that dining room table was a great place to start. But, you've grown over the past year and it's time to devote a more permanent love to your creative space. The important thing is to have a space prepared and ready when inspiration strikes. There's no worse motivation killer than having to set up a temporary space each time you have a notion to make art.

Start with an easel or table...