Happy 2014, dA!
As usual, I'm here to take my annual oath to do better than the year before. This post is more a contract with myself than anything, but here's my list of art-related resolutions and other goals for 2014.
Resolutions:
1) Update my gallery at least once a month (again).
I did it once before and I can do it again. Ideally this will urge me to create and, perhaps more importantly, to actually complete things as opposed to starting stuff and then letting it sit around unfinished for eons (*cough* still not done that Catherine Tate portrait *cough*).
2) Weekly sketchbook trade with
Esespi!
(Yes I'm enlisting you in one of my resolutions, you have no say in the matter
) We've been doing this for a while already but I'd like to keep the habit going - accountability is helpful! We show each other a page in our sketchbooks every Sunday to prove we've been doing stuff and to encourage each other in our art. Realistically we'll probably slack a little here and there, but as long as it remains a thing/doesn't fade out of existence entirely, I'll be pleased.
3) Complete at least 10 traditional portraits.
Pretty much exactly what it says on the tin... I want to complete at least 10 traditional portraits in 2014, hopefully using a variety of materials and not just pencil. I feel like I'm getting more comfortable with this skill and I want to develop it more and do different things with it - take more risks with style and permanent lines. Ideally this will push me to explore a bit (and, again, to finish things).
Other goals:
- Use colour more! Especially in portraits, I want to improve my understanding of colour.
- Start learning digital painting. Like properly learning, not just messing around and hoping for success. Do a few tutorials.
- Improve my watercolour abilities and learn/explore new techniques with watercolour pencils.
- Go on a photography expedition around my city, actually bringing my Canon instead of just using my phone.
- Diversify portraits - practice male faces, as well as different ages and skin tones.
So that's my list for now, though I'm sure other things will come to mind along the way. The first three are the main things to focus on, since they're more specifically measurable and things I want to be able to check off my list at the end of the year. Wish me luck