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!
