Maybe it's the promise of a clean slate, a shiny new beginning, but I've always loved the new start and freshness that a new year promises. I like the introspection of looking at the past year and considering new resolutions and goals and bucket lists. Yes please!
I set up goals every year: artistic, business and personal. I get all giddy thinking about listing my goals, books I want to read this year, movies I want to see, places to travel to... Setting goals helps me clarify for myself what priorities I want to pursue; it helps me organize my days, and strive towards finish lines. They help me define my next steps.
Below are some of my goals for art & business goals for 2018. If you like to set goals too, please share them!
Art Goals
I have signed up for a challenging, year long course on botanical art: observing, drawing, and painting nature.
I have had a story line and illustrations for a children’s book rattling around in my heart and head for over 20 years. This year, I will put it to paper!
I will have a solo exhibit at Tsuga Fine Art. I have a lot of new paintings to create!
Business Goals
Now that the art and yoga classes are established and growing at my art school, I will launch a writing program in 2018! Stay tuned.
I want to bring in a few new teachers to add to our already amazing group of teachers. New teachers and new media: wood cuts, color pencil, and acrylics to name a few!
Cloud 9 Art School will have an open house on our one year anniversary, September 5. Which also happens to be my 9 year wedding anniversary. So much to celebrate!
Books I want to read this year
The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds by John Muir Laws
Writing Children's Books For Dummies by Lisa Rojany Buccieri and Peter Economy
Interpreting the Figure in Watercolor by Don Andrews
When Wanderers Cease to Roam: A Traveler's Journal of Staying Put by Vivian Swift
Travel Goals
Portland, Oregon three day getaway to explore the city and see the Wyeth Three Generations exhibit at the Portland Museum.
Sailing in Sardegna
Taos, New Mexico for an artist retreat
Verona, Italy to spend Christmas with family and friends
So this is how I love to start each year. Setting goals and coming up with a plan to put them into motion. I understand that this approach is not for everyone. You have your own temperament. Figure out what you would love to do this year and then figure out your own plan for getting closer to those dreams. Get better, get closer, get happier.
Happy 2018 to you all!