Choosing Simplicity and NOT Stressing About Goals
Happy New Year, Friends!
I've always loved the possibilities of a new yearβa blank canvas. Usually I pour myself into goal setting at the beginning of the year, but this year I'm keeping things simple. In fact, rather than having goals, I have chosen SIMPLE as my overarching theme for the year. I'll be using this word to guide my decision-making in art, business, and life.
Pouring myself some rest, ease, and calm.
2022 was a big year of exploration for me. Running the Creative Blend Art Program has taken me in many different directions and deepened my art practice. As I head into 2023, I will be looking to focus on the areas that bring me the most joy and settle back into a rhythm and style of painting.
I don't want to say too much about the business side of things. For most of this year, I felt like I was throwing stuff at the wall to see what stuck. I dabbled in YouTube, Blogging, Adverts, Reels, Pinterest, Podcasting (okay, only 2 episodes, but I tried), and probably a few other things I have forgotten. This year, I want to simplify and choose just one or two things to be consistent with. What do you love most? YouTube, Reels/TikTok, Podcasts, or Blogs?
Are you also pondering possibilities? Be gentle with yourself as you reflect on the year past and dream about the future. I didn't reach any of my business goals in 2022, but I DID reignite my love and passion for mixed-media, return to large-scale painting, and start selling original work online again.
Original paintings that have been given their wings! Thank you to my collectors.
Some of you may have seen that I released a new class yesterday, and it is on a BIG canvas! It felt so good to end 2022 and begin 2023 by painting big. It's so easy to make yourself and your art small, especially when there is a lot of noise around you and the doubts creep in.
The painting in the class went through many changes and was actually filmed over several months. In every stage, I was able to find something I loved while also covering up things. This was less about the painting and more about the mindset I'd developed over the past year of consistent art making. If I were to sum it up in one word, I would call it FREEDOM.
If you want to take a peek at the class, click below.
Painting Big is on sale for the month of January. Save 20% with the code NEWYEAR and get the class for only $29.60 USD.
It's packed with value, click the button below for all the details.
While I haven't been setting specific goals, I have been clearing out the clutter and reorganising my home studio to improve flow. I don't know much about Feng Shui, but the way I have the furniture and supplies arranged feels so much better. The tour and organisational tips are included in the PAINTING BIG class as a bonus video.
Right now my body is saying rest, so I am going to listen to that and take some time to decompress after Christmas and the New Year.
I am so grateful to all of you for your continued support and encouragement. I hope 2023 brings you plenty of light, love, and creativity. Thanks for being here.
Warmly,
Laura