Top 10 Artist New Year's Resolution

When making New Year's resolutions, most people think about eating more healthy or exercising.. but we are artists. We need something a little more challenging than simply joining a gym.

So here are your
Top 10 Artist New Year's Resolution!

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#10: Set aside one night a week to create art.
You know how you say you want to do something but before you know it the day has gotten away from you? You say you'll do it the next day but pretty soon it's the weekend so you promise to do it next week... The best thing to do is to set aside one night a week to create art.

Pick a day, maybe Tuesday.. every Tuesday, instead of flipping through the channels looking for something to watch, or endlessly scrolling "Most Recent" on FaceBook.. snuggle up with a warm canvas and paint something.

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#9: Go Shopping!
One of the best ways to get motivated to make art is to purchase art supplies. Even if you don't like shopping, browsing an art supply store is a totally different experience. you'll see tools your are familiar with and new ones that your not even sure what they do. Bringing home a few new supplies is a great way to start a new year.

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#8: Purchase a Sketchbook and Fill It!
It doesn't have to be anything expensive but i would suggest spiral bound.. those glue bound sketchbooks tend to fall apart.

Now take your sketchbook with you all day and draw. Observational drawing is fun and will really enhance your skills. Take your sketchbook to lunch and draw the Taco Bell dinning room!

Remember, your sketchbook is like your diary... you don't have to show it to anyone so don't be intimidated ... just sketch!

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#7: Participate in Illustration Friday

You set aside a night to draw and you have a sketchbook.. now what are you gonna draw?

Illustration Friday challenges you to create an illustration based on a single word they provide each Friday. You'll have all week to finish it.

Once you create your illustration, you can post it to your blog and then link your blog to the site. You'll be amazed at how many people from all over the world are participating.


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#6: Create a Portfolio of Your Work!
You have a sketchbook and you've been making a new piece of art each week, now its time to get your best work together in one place. A portfolio can be used to present your work to the college of your choice or to the owner of the coffee shop down the street (see #5)

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#5: Have an Art Exhibit!
Once you have a portfolio of your best work, there is no need to hide it in the closet. Find a place to display your work! It doesn't have to be a big city gallery. There are lots of local places that would be very willing to display your art. All you have to do is ask. A great place to start is your local coffee shop!

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#4: Visit the Art Museum
Viewing great works of art is both inspiring and motivating. You can look at art on the web or in a book but nothing compares to seeing a work of art in real life... it's size, it's true colors, the brushstroke, the texture....

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#3: Take a Night Off
Instead of watching reruns of House or Glee, tune to Ovation TV. Pollock and Warhol's Factory People are just two of the many art shows you can catch along with programs about music as well.

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#2: Make Art Friends
Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen
Van Gogh and Gauguin...

OK, maybe not someone who will cut their ear off when you get in a fight but the point is, an artist doesn't have to fly solo.

Whether you enjoy working with a team or if you just want someone to bounce ideas off of, having an art friend is a great way to go.

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And Your Number One Artist New Year's Resolution...

Sign up for an Art Class!

I teach Art One, Art History and Computer Art & Animation. :)