Maintaining self-discipline. 5 tips that work for me. And some recent artwork!

Work in progress - figuring out color scheme - not really glad with this one, I will probably redone it :)

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. 

Frank A. Clark

Discipline. More accurately: self-discipline. My lack of it made me thought about creating one. As soon as possible. I don't know how many of us will go to some kind of art school, but there is one real advantage of attending to one. Yes, discipline. Since, I can't really afford going to that kind of school I have to make something out from what I already have. And I have time. So, you may ask, what's the problem? Sit, draw, make progress. There is a little problem in consistency of resources and task management. You probably also felt that way. Not really sure what to type-in into search engine to make you feel going through right path. Should I focus on anatomy? Or maybe composition? And that's where start to doubt in things and slow down. But I'm not really going to complain whole the time. Let's see what I can do about it.

Portrait - 2h - Photoshop and Painter

What I found the most challenging and, at the same time - effective - I tried to make into this little list. But you have to be aware of this: "The reason they call it SELF-discipline is because you create it yourSELF. No amount of outside advice, suggestion, nagging, pushing, or even encouragement, will make you do what you need to do. If someone else is being your consistent authority, what happens when that consistent authority isn't there?" This is words by Tim Paul, who I talked with about this topic recently express everything...

Step by step made so far.

1. ...you really have to want to do what you want to do.

Maybe it sounds silly, but ask yourself that question: is it really what I want? Probably the problem will resolve itself. If I want so much to become professional artist why do I make so much excuses? Cut them off. Be brutal about it.

Trying out watercolors - 1h

2. Take small steps.

When you are at that point where there is no doubt in your goal focus on here and now. What kind of problem do I have? What do I have to do better? Is it my linework/anatomy/understanding of form? Brake up your problem into manageable parts and deal with it. For example: I try to improve my composition skills - set a goal - I will do two master studies a day. And do it. Very important: do not set irrational goals, you may be thrilled or exited, but think: will I really manage to do that? So, be realistic. It's better to do less, but frequently than doing fifty composition studies for one day and quiting after two days. Make it your little habit.

Something technical. I should make more industrial stuff for sure,

3. Set a schedule (more on that topic in this post)

Just write down your plan. Make it for the following week. That will give a strong sense of movement and won't overwhelm you with abstract terms. I felt that many times: I had two hours dedicated for painting and I was just wasting that time being distracted or was working in my comfort-zone, because I was really thinking in terms of 'becoming an artist' (which is really pure abstraction) instead of sticking to the set up path and for example: drawing heads for two hours and moving to another exercise. That's really more effective approach. Try it yourself.

Composition thumnails...

4. Stay inspired.

That will be straight forward. Feed yourself with an amazing art by your fellow artists. Try to connect them on facebook, twitter or any social media. Make your own list of blogs (through Google Reader) and visit them frequently whenever you need an inspiration. Go outside. Visit museum, gallery or art show. Read books, try to understand world around you. Experience it. All these thing create really strong response in you, which won't fly away that easy. Once you got it, you can translate it into visual form.This really works for me.

... and composition thumnails :D Will take one of them and make it a finish piece.

5. Finish something.

Simple. Just get something done. It's the best motivational experience ever, really. 

Now. Get to work. Make things happen. Cut the excuses off and move on. I will be glad to hear from you in the comments!

I have also updated Resources page :) Check it out, the list of useful links is growing :)

Fus