Monday, August 17, 2015

Daily Painting Tips: on Motivation







































Last week I was asked how I stay motivated to paint everyday in my sketchbook.
Before I started daily painting in January 2014 I had never filled up a sketchbook.
I also had trouble finishing all the self generated projects I thought up and got
excited about.. I've been thinking about what the difference is between now and then.








































1. I set a fairly strict rule for myself. It's 30 minutes painting time a day. That is doable, when I'm done I'm done. It takes away the need to fuss with it. I try to do it in the morning before other work starts taking over my day.
2. The first year I used a sketchbook that was very inexpensive and had paper that wasn't even meant
for paint. It took away the preciousness of it and it just became fun. I'm not doing it for any higher purpose than to paint. I'm willing to say a painting didn't work out, learn from it and just move on...
3. I use gouache primarily. For me this is my happy medium. I know it very well, I'm not intimidated by it. Not to say I always know what will happen or I'm happy with the outcome, it just makes me happy to paint with it. Someone else might love to draw with pencil or charcoal or marker. I would start any project from a place of happiness.
4. The first few months I "made" myself do it.. it's truly become a habit now, they say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I think it took me longer but it did work. I don't think motivation is there every day. It is something you do because its important to you.
5. Sharing on social media is a motivator because the feedback is so wonderful. Most of us sit alone in a studio all day. It brings us out into the world a bit.























































































































I don't always do the same type of subject matter. I mix it up to keep me engaged.
Please ask me any questions in the comments, I'll be happy to answer!

26 comments:

Surface Nest said...

This is so motivating...I think I should grab my sketch book and sketch daily for 30 mins...great motivational dose for me. Thanks Jennifer

Steph said...

Great post! How do you decide what to paint each day?

Steph said...

Great post! How do you decide what to paint each day?

ddferg said...

Thank you for this. You are so generous with your process.

Roberta Warshaw said...

21 days to form a habit. I did not know that. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Great post. Thank you for sharing your tips!

TheClosetHippo said...

I've been following you on instagram for quite a while, but for some reason I just realized you have a blog! I love it! You are very talented! I like painting and drawing, but I don't do it very often. I want to start making a habit too! Thanks for the inspiration and tips :)

<3 Barbie
theclosethippo.blogspot.com

Judy Hartman said...

Thanks for this. I'm ready to start a sketchbook! Love your paintings - the top one shown here just makes me smile! Love that you use a lot of red!

https://www.atelierdeboram.com said...

Oh I think I am in love with your filled sketchbooks haha .. do you also love that 'sound' they make turning the pages ? It is indeed a fact that we are most of the day alone in our studio which sometimes is hard and at those moments it's nice reading what other creatif souls are sharing on the internet , so thank you also for the good advices it gives that extra to keep on going !

Marylinn Kelly said...

So inspiring, encouraging. Thank you. xo

Clare said...

Thanks for your tips! They're really helpful! Love your work!

jennifer said...

You should go for it...you'll enjoy!!! Thanks so much!!

jennifer said...

Thank you Steph, I'll discuss that next Monday!!

jennifer said...

You are very welcome, I enjoy it!!

jennifer said...

Just stick with it and it becomes 2nd nature!

jennifer said...

Thanks and you're welcome Briana!!

jennifer said...

I've had the blog for a long time but I just decided to get serious about it a few weeks ago, thanks for visiting!! ☀️

jennifer said...

Thank you!!! I've actually been told I skew green!!!!

jennifer said...

I love having some full sketchbooks, they are very special!!! Thanks for your comments!!

jennifer said...

Thanks Marylinn!!!

jennifer said...

Thank you so much Clare!!

Phyllis said...

Thanks for sharing, inspirational a sound advice.

Wildflowerhouse said...

I have enjoyed your post for a long time. This one really hit home. I shall give this a try. I hate journals that are never finished . I love your way of doing this. Thanks! 21 days I'll give it a shot!

debbie vinyard said...

Newbie artist question-how do you photograph your artwork to make it look so good on Instagram, etc?

Unknown said...

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Jackie Clark Mancuso said...

What size is your sketchbook? I just did my first timed 30 minute sketch in the 9x12 mixed media I'm used to. Maybe I can commit to one month to get started. Thank you for inspiring me to do this.