I'm preparing for my annual painting trip to Maine

When weeks like this happen, I have so many things to get done before leaving that I begin to feel a bit overwhelmed. As many of you are aware, I shared two weeks ago that I am challenging myself to working 20 hours a week at my craft (being both writing for art publications and painting).

This is one of those weeks that is totally different... getting new tires on the car, packing (always a huge distraction)... well you get the idea.

I will be in Maine - painting plein air studies for almost 2 weeks and writing as well. I have no doubt that I'll get in 20 hours plus of work. This is easy to do once I have arrived at my painting location. I'll bring my laptop with me and post my accomplishments on Fridays... mostly, they'll be watermedia studies because I'm not essentially a plein air painter. I rather enjoy working larger paintings from my studies later in the studio.

As usual, I'll be working on my next article for Watercolor Magazine while in Maine as well, and also - will be taking long walks on the carriage roads and along the shore. Physical exercise in beautiful locations brightens my outlook, relaxes me and seems to get the creative juices flowing for new adventures as an artist.

But here's what I'd like you all to consider:

Although I may have gotten the 20 hour challenge started, Alyson Standfield and Clint Watson were the folks who passed it on to the greater world of artists. It's not up to me to keep the momentum going - it's up to you all as a group of dedicated artists.

So Carry the torch,

and if my names drops out of it, that's OK with me. What is important is that artists everywhere put their best efforts forward, continue to use social media to market their work and yet at the same time, not let that Social media take over their studio time. Yes, I realize that sometimes this can be difficult to do, and I'll be writing more in the future about living a balanced artistic life. Nope, I'm not the greatest example of someone who does it right - in fact, it's a constant struggle for me... the reason why I must challenge myself to do the right thing.

So Keep On Keeping On, artists! And remember, if we have no body of work, we have nothing to market.

Please take up the torch and share the challenge with your fellow workers - don't worry about reporting back to me - report and be accountable to each other, and you will live a happier and more productive life.

Sincerely,
Lori