This new year, I have set more specific goals than I have in the past for my art business. I owe the accomplishment to Alyson Stanfield, author and coach at ArtBizBlog. I am happy to report that I have achieved my income goal for January.

One of the challenges will be to keep the momentum going through each month of the year. In thinking about how to do this, I have fallen back on using my calendar to make sure that I give enough time to all aspects of my art, from creation to teaching to marketing. If you need somewhere to write your goals, think about my art calendar: In the Studio with Ruth Armitage… the colorful paintings will make you want to check in daily!

The reviews are coming in from last weekend’s workshop. So far, all who have taken the survey were extremely satisfied. That makes me very happy 🙂 Here are some comments from participants:

“Thank you Ruth for a most enjoyable and informative workshop.  I know I came away with more to think about than I was actually able to execute – but I know these thoughts will be in my head the next time my brush hits paper! ” -Marcia

“Ruth- thank YOU for sharing your insights and knowledge with us in such an honest and helpful way.  Your metaphor of taking a journey was interestingly applicable and understandable. I especially benefit from your reminders to play , create, and push comfort zones.

You are a joyful artist who relishes the process and potential of painting. I have modified  my 2014 art goals to embrace that way of thinking. I’m excited to continue my tree series and finish what was started at your workshop. It was great to watch you paint and see how your painting progressed over time.

I appreciate all the effort and planning you did for the workshop – you’re a fabulous teacher and a warm generous spirit! ” – Jean

Putting goals on the calendar makes me realize how much time each task really takes, and keeps me accountable to myself. I also use this blog to review how far I’ve come in the past years.

I have never really been a journal keeper, but I do enjoy sharing my progress in art this way. It reminds me that though there have been peaks and valleys in my achievement, the general direction has been upward growth. If the goals were easy, we wouldn’t be as interested in achieving them, right?

I also look at putting things on the calendar as a sort of manifestation. It makes me realize that if I want something, I have to make it happen. That includes putting myself out there by asking for what I want, and analyzing the results. My friend Margaret has a great blog post this week about listening to feedback and tracking the progress of an individual painting here.

I saw the ask and receive theory come into practice this month when I approached my gallery for a solo show. I now have another new goal: I am working toward a showing of “Down on the Farm” paintings at Riversea Gallery in June!

A fellow artist and friend, Katherine Dunn, of Apifera Farm is also working toward her next goal. Katherine has a farm and studio near Yamhill, Oregon and her herd of Katahdin sheep is the origin of most of our ewes. Her illustrations and art are whimsical and dreamy, colorful depictions of life on the farm. Each June she celebrates with visits with her sweet donkeys and pie.

After the success of self-publishing her book Misfits of Love, she is setting out to publish another book entitled Donkey Dreams. You can help her achieve this goal by supporting her on Kickstarter. It is tough to put ones dreams up for support, and I admire her drive and tenacity! Go Katherine!

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