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How often do you find yourself making a New Years Resolution only to fall flat after a few months, weeks, or even days later? I've been there!

I was just thinking about a goal for the new year, and today I took some simple steps to help ensure I can actually fulfill that goal. My resolution is to paint more. Simple enough, right?

Easy said, but when it comes down to it, if I'm not prepared, I find myself procrastinating and the task just doesn't get done. I decided to do a little planning ahead...Here's what I suggest:

First, take an account of how many paintings you accomplished the previous year, and set a number higher than that.

Then, spend some time a few days before the New Year actually going through your photos that you'd like to paint; organize  them all into one folder on your iPad/computer so they are easy to find, and put grids on all of them (or crop/prepare them however it helps you). *(I use an app called Jackson's Art Grid which makes it so much easier!)

Jackson's Art Grid

To take it even a step further, figure out what size or proportion each painting will be, and started stocking up on painting surfaces.

It's also very important to have a space where your supplies and easel are set up and ready to go.  That way, as soon as you enter into your studio/art space, you can go into your folder, select a pre-gridded photo and dive right in!

A little preparation can be applied to other goals as well...I'd love to hear what your resolutions are and how you prepare so you can be successful. Let me know in the comments below!

I think one of the hardest parts about painting is just getting started. How many times have you sat down to paint, staring at a blank canvas with a little fear and trepidation, only to walk away and put it off until "later" because you don't know how to begin?

I've been there! All you need is a little guidance and some practical tips to help you jump right into your painting. If you have a consistent process and routine, it makes it so much easier to dive in and paint. In this video, I will show you 3 steps that I use every time I start a painting. I believe if you implement these steps (or come up with a consistent process of your own), it will remove the fear factor of staring at the blank canvas!