Staying Motivated as an Artist - Create a Series
“To create one’s own world takes courage.”
– Georgia O’Keeffe
Being a full-time artist has been a blessing and a gift that is treasured daily. As with any career there are challenges to overcome, and one challenge is finding continuous motivation. For part-time artists, motivation is not an issue because there is rarely an opportunity to create for several hours each day. Creating is something that happens whenever there is time. Although, due to the time restraints, it may take weeks to finish one painting project. But, full-time artists often spend 6-10 hours daily in the studio and decisions for projects have to be made within days.
Creating a series is a way to continue working and have a plan for several pieces.
In my June 2021 blog “How to plan a Body of Work”. I discussed how your sketchbook is where the body of work is planned.
Decide on the theme for the project
Choose the media ( acrylic, oil, charcoal, watercolor etc.)
Pick out the surfaces (canvas, panel, wood, paper, etc.)
Practice several compositions
Write about the theme and what you plan to accomplish with this body of work
Begin painting
Work on it everyday
This way of planning will provide clarity and focus.
My recent Emerald Exploration Series consisted of 8 paintings. This series was worked on consistently throughout the year of 2022. A custom Emerald color was created and used throughout the series. There are works on wood, canvas and paper. This project allowed the viewer to stretch the imagination around the color Emerald.
Be sure to check back and read my next few blogs as I begin a new series entitled Together.
Until next time.
Tamara