• Home
  • Blog
  • Paintings for Sale
  • Painting Course
  • Top Painting Tips
    • Prints
  • Art Coaching
  • Resources
  • Free Download
  • Artist Statement
  • Podcast
  • Painting Podcast
  • Contact
  • Reference and Tutorial
Malcolm Dewey Fine Art
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Paintings for Sale
  • Painting Course
  • Top Painting Tips
    • Prints
  • Art Coaching
  • Resources
  • Free Download
  • Artist Statement
  • Podcast
  • Painting Podcast
  • Contact
  • Reference and Tutorial

Creative Goals Fading Away? Here is How to Get Back On Track

21/8/2017

Comments

 
Ho to Get Your Creativity Back on Track

Do you reach the middle of the year and wonder what happened in the past six months? It can be a shock to discover that your resolutions are lying in shreds or have been forgotten. What about the plans you had to start new creative projects when you retired? Surprisingly, those plans have fallen away even though you have reached retirement. Or you have more time now that the children have gone to university? What is holding you back?
​
Don’t worry. This is normal, but there are easy ways to get yourself back on track.
Assess What is Important
This is a good time to assess your retirement goals. Sometimes we make plans, but circumstances change, and your plans are no longer relevant. In this case, let those plans go together with any guilt. For example, that painting workshop in Tuscany may have been a tad overambitious for your present circumstances. Put it aside, and look closer to home for an alternative. No blame and no hard feelings.

You Have Time 
I know that you would not do this to yourself, but there are people who will procrastinate, thinking they have all the time in the world. There is not enough time! Yes, there is.
The time is now. If you are physically and mentally capable of doing what you want to do, then you will find the time. Still not sure? Here are a few steps I took to free up more time for painting.

Now Dig DeeperYou have now assessed you goals and plans. You have thrown out the impractical ones, and what’s left is a list of current activities that you want to start with. Now what?

Focus on the One Thing
Many will disagree, but I find that if I focus on just one or two critical goals then chances of success improve considerably. Maybe it is the 80/20 principle at work? Focus on the 20 % that works and get 80 % returns.

A Quick Example
When I was trying to decide on a career change into fulltime painting, I was nervous about loss of income. I was worried about not being able to sell paintings. So, in 2009 I resolved early in the year to produce paintings for a Christmas market.
I had to paint in my spare time, but that was all I had to do. Produce 10 high quality paintings in as many months. End result was a successful market, and I felt more confident about embarking on my art career. The market was one important but doable part of the much bigger goal of career change.

Be Patient
Being patient sounds trivial at first, but I have seen so many people scuttle their plans at the slightest provocation. Frustration with a spouse, a neighbour dispute, traffic or some household chore can spark a bad mood and an excuse to put off what you need to do now to further your creative pursuit.

The other approach is to lose patience with yourself if your art does not go to plan. You may blame your lack of talent or skill and drop the project, when in truth you have all the talent required. Now you simply need a bit more patience with yourself to persist and learn the skills over time.

Remember that giving up guarantees failure, while persistence is more likely to guarantee success.

Find Your Space and Claim It
A dedicated space to work in and come back to later is important. Packing and unpacking your materials can become a hassle. Cue another excuse to stop altogether.

If you have a room or shed you can use, then lucky you. My first studio was the corner of our bedroom. Fortunately, my wife was supportive and encouraged this option.
Amazingly, I could create many paintings in only thirty square feet. Look up innovative ways to make the most of a little space. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas like this.

Read More Non-Fiction Books
I had to add this idea because books are my mentors. If you are not fortunate enough to have a real live mentor to paint with, for example, then I am sure you will find a book to help and inspire you.

Many great artists, leaders and entrepreneurs have put their struggles and triumphs within the covers of a book. How lucky we are able to read about them for only a few dollars!

Take Action
This list is short and practical. But even if it were a one-item-list, nothing happens if you do not take action. If painting is your thing, then put some paint on the canvas. Don’t just buy a canvas. Get the paint on.

If writing is your thing, then put words on the page/monitor. If it is quilting, then sew some material together. Momentum is what you need.

That is it. Will you be able to get your creative plans back on track?

Need some more inspiration? Check out my New Book, An Artist's Survival Guide: 

Picture
This article was also published on Sixty and Me by Malcolm Dewey

Comments
    FREE Book
    Picture

    Color Tips for Artists:
    ​Free
    Picture

    Book Bundle Special
    See More
    Picture

    Author

    Malcolm Dewey: Artist. Country: South Africa
    View Portfolio:

    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    Categories

    All
    Art Business
    Artist Notes
    Books Worth Every Dime!
    Its An Artists Life
    Musings
    News
    Painting Course
    Painting Demonstration
    Painting Tips
    Podcasts
    Popular Posts Archive
    Reviews


    Picture

    Picture

    Visit Malcolm Dewey Fine Art's profile on Pinterest.

    FREE
    ​GUIDE

    Picture

    RSS Feed


    Picture

    Picture

Studio:  Troon Crescent, Port Alfred, South Africa
​Malcolm Dewey Fine Art is committed to top quality art, excellent educational material and having a great time! To back that up all works sold come with a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. Simply return the work, undamaged, within 30 days. Returns at purchaser expense. All transaction are protected by third party bank-level encryption to keep your information safe. Plus your email address is safe. No spam - ever!

​Copyright 2010-2020: Malcolm Dewey Fine Art
​
Picture
30 Day Money Back
Picture
Secure Transactions
Picture
Picture
No Spam Ever!
Photos used under Creative Commons from maHidoodi, buggolo, Fabio Téllez
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Paintings for Sale
  • Painting Course
  • Top Painting Tips
    • Prints
  • Art Coaching
  • Resources
  • Free Download
  • Artist Statement
  • Podcast
  • Painting Podcast
  • Contact
  • Reference and Tutorial