All artists want to make the best work we possibly can. There are some really simple things that you can do that will have a big impact on how it feels to make your art and the work you create. The life of an artist is not all bohemian fun and creativity, sometimes you just need to have a good old tidy it is a good way to improve your art process. It may sound a bit mundane but it’s essential to realise the impact it has on your work.

Just look at my studio, what a mess. When it gets to the point where I can’t find anything this becomes unproductive. When I’m painting I make a big mess and I don’t just mean with paint, but with paper, brushes, rags, pastels, pens etc etc. I’ve never been very good at tidying everything away at the end of the day, I wish I could but it’s just not me. So, every now and again I have to put the painting away and sort everything out. So that’s what I did today.

I wrapped and put away all this finished work neatly in boxes to protect them.

Then I put away all of my paints and mixed media materials. I even put labels on the boxes so I know what’s in them! This was my daughter’s suggestion, don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. I wanted to decorate the labels, but that would have taken longer so I resisted. Don’t they look cool!

Whilst this kind of house-keeping is a bit mundane I’m really pleased I took the time to do it. It is all part of setting myself up for success, making my life easier and therefore more enjoyable. I’m really looking forward to going into the studio tomorrow and painting again. Everything is to hand and I can see my work bench.

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