This is such a great list of things to get of the obstacles to making art. I’ve been collecting photos for inspiration but lately I’ve started to print them out or look for physical media such as calendar pictures or magazines. That way, I don’t need to pick my phone up and can’t get distracted
Finding the reference is such a pain in rear for me. I want to paint only originals and I love painting still life or frames from mundane life. But I am stuck getting right reference
I totally get it. I love working from life, and it’s definitely my preference. But if painting more means working from photos sometimes, I’m absolutely okay with that too.
This was meant to be a reply to an article of Michael Wurm Jr. on getting momentum going making art. It’s not going in the right place, so I’ll just say that it’s a very helpful article.
Sorry. It didn’t seem like my comment was being posted in response to your article and so I reworked it. Again, there are so many helpful suggestions in your article. I definitely plan on implementing them.
This is a fantastic post Michael, and thank you for the ideas and links. I am looking for an art group to join, to meet people and get fresh subject ideas. Your post is a public service announcement for me.
Very helpful list for this 48 year old absolute beginner. I especially appreciate the other artists and resources (classes and such) you shared. I am mainly working with watercolor, sketching basics, & neocolor II - one way that I remove friction is by taping down a bunch of watercolor paper to cardboard pieces so that they’re ready to grab when I have time to paint. I’m averaging every other day art right now and I’m feeling proud of that.
And you should feel incredibly proud! That’s awesome, Jodi! And having your paper ready is a great way to set yourself up for success. Also, bravo to you for starting at 48!! Love it!
Number 5 is solid! I've been facilitating a weekly art meet-up in my city for over a year now and it has increased my art time substantially - even in between meet-ups.
Thank you for putting that up! The practical setting and tools in view resonate for me. I Remember this lady on Substack who had made a mini setting on her breakfast table.
Also working small, as I always struggle to save some time for my collages. And cut down the screen time. which is difficult because mine is essentially Substack Screen Time, which is so nice and inspiring!
This is great advice for those wanting to create more. I'm a well seasoned artist, and I have the opposite problem – I create too much, which can be an issue also, especially when it comes to storage. Got an ideas of what I can do besides paint? 😂
Your paintings are so cool, btw..I'm in awe & a new fan/admirer of your work. I look forward to seeing more.
This is such a great list of things to get of the obstacles to making art. I’ve been collecting photos for inspiration but lately I’ve started to print them out or look for physical media such as calendar pictures or magazines. That way, I don’t need to pick my phone up and can’t get distracted
Gosh, that is such a great idea! The less we need our phones the better!
Vonnegut said to make art every day, good or bad, at least you made something. Thank you for the kick in the pants!
Yes! Couldn’t agree more!
I love this tips🩷
Thank you!
Finding the reference is such a pain in rear for me. I want to paint only originals and I love painting still life or frames from mundane life. But I am stuck getting right reference
I totally get it. I love working from life, and it’s definitely my preference. But if painting more means working from photos sometimes, I’m absolutely okay with that too.
This was meant to be a reply to an article of Michael Wurm Jr. on getting momentum going making art. It’s not going in the right place, so I’ll just say that it’s a very helpful article.
So glad you enjoyed it!
After weeding the garden and a morning meeting, it’s so nice to have a free day ahead. Time for more swatches and then some weaving.
Sounds perfect! Enjoy!
Sorry. It didn’t seem like my comment was being posted in response to your article and so I reworked it. Again, there are so many helpful suggestions in your article. I definitely plan on implementing them.
This is a fantastic post Michael, and thank you for the ideas and links. I am looking for an art group to join, to meet people and get fresh subject ideas. Your post is a public service announcement for me.
Yay, Carol. I’m so glad this resonated with you! I hope you find an art group you love. I know you will.
Very helpful list for this 48 year old absolute beginner. I especially appreciate the other artists and resources (classes and such) you shared. I am mainly working with watercolor, sketching basics, & neocolor II - one way that I remove friction is by taping down a bunch of watercolor paper to cardboard pieces so that they’re ready to grab when I have time to paint. I’m averaging every other day art right now and I’m feeling proud of that.
And you should feel incredibly proud! That’s awesome, Jodi! And having your paper ready is a great way to set yourself up for success. Also, bravo to you for starting at 48!! Love it!
I appreciate the encouragement! It’s a real boost. I love your art style. Especially those cookies 🤩
Thank you!!
Number 5 is solid! I've been facilitating a weekly art meet-up in my city for over a year now and it has increased my art time substantially - even in between meet-ups.
Yes!!! That’s great to hear, Tania!
These are such helpful tips and tricks of the trade, now to put them in practice
Thank you so much! And I think we already are putting some of them to use!
Thank you for putting that up! The practical setting and tools in view resonate for me. I Remember this lady on Substack who had made a mini setting on her breakfast table.
Also working small, as I always struggle to save some time for my collages. And cut down the screen time. which is difficult because mine is essentially Substack Screen Time, which is so nice and inspiring!
So glad some of these resonated with you. The screen time is such a challenge.
I need to build a reference album of some sort. I generally go by memory which you can definitely tell.
The list you have put together is nice. A lot of things you mentioned I hadn’t considered before.
Thank you for taking the time to do this.
I needed to read this.
That makes me so happy to hear! I’m glad you found some new ideas. Thank you!
This is great advice for those wanting to create more. I'm a well seasoned artist, and I have the opposite problem – I create too much, which can be an issue also, especially when it comes to storage. Got an ideas of what I can do besides paint? 😂
Your paintings are so cool, btw..I'm in awe & a new fan/admirer of your work. I look forward to seeing more.
Totally understand that. Ha! I hope to have that problem one day.
And thank you so much! That means a lot. I really appreciate it!
2,4,10...I'm going to work on this week. Thank you for sharing!
Yes!!! Love it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You've given me some great ideas to meet my art goals.
So happy to hear that, Patricia!
2 & 4 will help me to make more art! Thanks
Awesome, Debra!