New Year's resolutions

Start 2022 in a creative way with our suggestions for simple artistic goals

1 Quit your favourite colour

When you are mixing paint, do you always find yourself reaching for the same few tubes of colour? Choose a favourite colour and ban yourself from using it on your next painting. This will force you into mixing up the same hues in different ways, which in turn will help you learn more about the properties of the lesser-used colours on your palette.

2 Get in good habits

Art is a lot like exercise; you need to practise regularly to improve. There isn’t always time to settle down to complete a painting either, so resolve instead to do little and often. Carry a sketchbook with you and find 15 minutes every day to draw from life.

If you’re busy, sketch people on your commute or during your lunch break – any chance to stretch those artistic muscles.

3 Give yourself space

To be truly creative, you need to find a comfortable space in which to work. Try to establish a corner of a room that you can devote to your art. Arrange materials in an easily accessible way. Let nothing stand in your way of just picking up a brush or pencil whenever the mood takes you.

4 Put yourself out there

If you’re lacking in self-confidence, the prospect of other people seeing your work can be mortifying. It is easy to overlook the benefits though. Share work on social media and be proud of what you have made, the feedback can be encouraging. Set yourself the goal of entering an art competition – you’d be surprised how many award-winning artists say they almost didn’t enter…

5 Take a class

While Artists & Illustrators makes a great companion to creativity, nothing beats some in-person tuition. Book yourself a workshop in the New Year to focus your creativity. Go with an open mind, listen to your tutor, and ask questions at an appropriate point if you don’t understand. Talking to fellow students can also prove useful – and fun.