I’ve been a big goal-setter in my life, though admittedly not always successful in achieving them. Somehow having goals adds zest to life, and surely there is value in the attempt. I have learned that the key to success is to set realistic goals and to make a do-able plan for achieving them. So I’ve been inspired by a fellow botanical artist and blogger to write down my artistic goals for 2014 for all those interested to see. Gulp…here they are:
1. To become an associate member of the SBA this year. In order to achieve this, I need to enter 6 botanical paintings in the 2014 Exhibition in London, and have them all accepted. This goal fills me with trepidation because so much has gone in to reaching it…27 months in the SBA course and then preparing work in the remainder of the year after graduation. I have two paintings in process which I plan to finish in time to mail them off, along with some paintings from the course, at the end of January.
A cabbage from the Farmer’s Market.
2. To give my body of work more cohesion by building on themes that I have already started. For instance in 2012 I did a painting of a cabbage that I found in the local farmer’s market. I hope to paint more farmer’s market veggies in a similar format so they could be framed as a series. My subject, pigment and composition choices will be focused on achieving harmony with the other paintings in the series. I have some other paintings in mind that may be the beginning of a series as well. Perhaps the the oak leaves I’ve been working on will be the first of a series of native plant twigs.
Watercolor and graphite sketches of water
3. To further develop my technical skill both in botanical art and in sketching in general. My plan of action is to take workshops with accomplished botanical artists, join in on monthly challenges as the opportunities arise, and set my own challenges, perhaps bimonthly. I have already signed up for a workshop taught by one of my favorite artists, Jean Emmons, in Seattle in February, and I may have opportunity to study with some other well-known botanical artists later in the year. An online group of botanical artists and the local urban sketcher group each had a monthly challenge last year so I hope to jump on-board if either or both have challenges this year. I’d like to concentrate on themes in my own sketches for say 2 months at a time to develop skill in particular areas. So in January/February I plan to work on sketches that feature water. Btw, I usually post my sketches on Flickr.
First step: Thumbnails and color testing
4. To speed up my painting process. I thought it would be wonderful to take my time producing botanical paintings after the rushed deadlines during the SBA course, but now realize that too much time brings a loss of momentum and enthusiasm. I need to find a balance. I plan make a timeline for creating a painting by breaking the process into steps and having a finish date for each step. I’ll give myself some wiggle room because in many ways I am still a beginner, but hopefully the timeline will nudge me to keep moving. Often I find I need more courage to plunge ahead rather than more time. During the SBA course, I had to hold my breath and press on in order to meet the deadline, even though it seemed I was on the brink of disaster with a painting. More often than not, disaster was avoided and I always learned new skills in the attempt, so maybe time goals will help me get over whatever creative hump I am facing.
5. To frame some of my work so it is ready for exhibition and sale, and to get some good quality giclee prints matted for sale. I hope to work on this after I get my paintings back from the SBA exhibition. Because of international shipping issues, I am having my work for the exhibition framed in England, but once it arrives back, I’ll purchase some frames locally. I have the opportunity to participate in a local exhibition in September, so will need framed works to apply for acceptance.
I have some other smaller goals but those are the biggies…I am getting excited about 2014! Thanks Shevaun Doherty for the inspiration!
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
I am a botanical watercolour beginner & am currently doing studies with Leonie Norton in Sydney. I like your program of goals. I need to think about my own as a retiree & keen artist. Thanks for the blog.
Howard, I am a late starter too so have much to do to ‘catch up’! It’s great to have a challenge at any age.
You go girl!!!!
Haha–thanks Helena–I will!
Thank you Janene for the inspiration. I have been trying to work out goals for myself this week and it feels good that someone else is working through similar ideas. Best of luck with your plan and I look forward to reading future blogs.
Thank you Chris! I visited your blog and love your work. Thanks for commenting and I look forward to seeing your future work too.
Janene, as someone who only makes vague goals (draw more, practice ellipses), I admire your fine-tuned and ambitious goals. I look forward to following your work and supporting you as you work to achieve them. Selfishly, I was glad to see the USk goal in the list, too, as it’s always a pleasure to sketch with you.
Vicki, Your goals seem to be working for you and after all, “do it more” is the basic thing we all need to do to get better! Thanks for your support and encouragement. I feel so lucky to have you and the others to sketch with–I look forward to the next event!
Good luck with them all Janene. They all seem do-able. I look forward to seeing more paintings this year.
Please remember to get giclee scans of your paintings prior to UK shipping (just in case)