Here's to 2009

I have been challenged to decide what was the best thing I did in 2009 regarding my art life...It was to paint on a regular basis. Painting daily was not always possible, so I accepted Lori Woodward's challenge on Twitter to paint at least 20 hrs a week. This was more doable and yet a great challenge. I often surpassed those hours in spite of my son's wedding here, guests, managing my husband's business, serving as President of WAOW, and running the house.
I learned to be more focused and my painting improved. I also painted in larger formats and began a series of historical paintings...all have been great learning experiences.
I was surprised how many hrs I did paint...more than 20 per week on average.

My word of the year for 2010 is "Change"...so I will see what happens...
Happy New Year!

Left: "Aspen Dance", oil, 18"x24", Amy Evans

Balance

Painting from my deck...6:45 am Wed. The mts were there for the painting...then clouds rolled in.

I have been participating in the 20 hrs a week painting challenge. I have made and exceeded my goals for the past 2 weeks.
This week will be different...life stuff..such as my son's wedding here.

Women artists especially have to deal with "life stuff", such as home maintenance, children, etc. In my case I also handle my husband's business in addition to our personal bills. I also do all the business end of my art. I no longer have children at home, but when I did I also had their needs to deal with.

It is a balancing act...some weeks more art is created, some weeks there is life interruptions. I try to keep myself organized and stick to a schedule, but there are times when that is not working too.

The important thing I have learned from this so far is that 2o hrs of painting a week is usually doable. When other things take precedent then I don't stress out about not getting in my painting. I just get back to my routine asap. Painting 24/7 would not be healthy...doing other things keeps me in touch with life, which adds to my painting.