February Goals Update

"Backlight in the Garden"
Oil on Panel
8x10"
2008

I can't believe it's already March! February came and went and it seems like I spent the entire month sick and in bed - not so fun. Anyhow, I've finally been feeling better and devoting some energy to my art, and despite the added distraction of getting our house ready to put on the market, I'm starting to feel productive again.

And since February is over, it's time for me to take a look at my goals again. I know it's only been two months, but knowing that I'm checking the status of my goals every month has really been effective at keeping me on track this year. So, here they are, again:

1. Get my work into three more galleries.

I didn't send out any packets this month, but I have been working on this and I'm feeling good about things.

2. Complete 100 paintings.

To meet this goal, I have to paint between 8 and 9 paintings per month. In February, I only managed four paintings, since I spent the first two and a half weeks of the month fighting the flu. I figure that's a decent excuse, so I'm not feeling too bad, but I'm definitely committed to getting some extra painting done this month to catch up! Anyhow, 13 done, 87 to go.

3. Sell enough work to pay our mortgage.

I'm actually on track here, which is great. I know that there's a bizarre stigma attached to art and making money, but I think that making it my intent to pay the bills with my art this year has been a really positive thing for me. I've been very focused on the quality of my work in addition to productivity, and I feel like I'm improving as a result.

4. Update painting database and financial records monthly.

So far, so good. I updated both this weekend to keep me on track, and I'm finding that this is extremely helpful in knowing where I stand with both my productivity and my financials. One unfortunate side effect is that it's also making me cheap - I can see every expense adding up in that spreadsheet, which keeps me from buying frames or art supplies just for fun!!

5. Race in a minimum of three 5k's.

Um, not so much. The flu really did a number on me this month - there were days when just sitting on the couch tired me out! I've gotten back into riding my bike on the trainer in the basement, so at least that's a bit of progress toward getting ready for a triathlon this summer. Guess I need to work harder here - after all, being healthy can have such a positive impact on the energy I bring to everything else.

So, overall not so bad, especially considering how sick I've been. We've got our house on the market now, so I'm really going to have to focus this month on not getting sidetracked by showings etc. If I have to paint every night after Aspen goes to bed, so be it!