Spring Art Frenzy: Finding My Mojo (or At Least a Paintbrush)

Ah, springtime! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and my to-do list for the upcoming art shows is giving me side-eye. Yep, it’s that time of year when I stare at my unfinished projects and ask, “Who started all these, and why didn’t they finish them?” Spoiler: It was me.

But you know what? Instead of panicking, I’m embracing the chaos. Here’s how I’m finding my mojo to get ready for the season:

1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)Forget about “finishing” projects for a minute. Today, my big accomplishment was sharpening a pencil. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll sketch something. Baby steps, people.

Swatching. My go-to block-breaker.

A REAL good method of block-breaking: Morning continuous line story-telling. The Oatmeal and The Coffee Cup in whatever media that's within my immediate vicinity.

2. Shake Things Up

When in doubt, change your view. I took my sketchbook outside yesterday, and while the dog trampled my paints, it was... invigorating. Highly recommend.

Another, slow-down-the-car-and-oogle-at-the-architecture house on Court St. Fortunately, there's a convenient parking lot across the street for a park-n-sketch.

1007 Court St., Lynchburg, VA James W. Watts house. It was getting dark so I figured I'd finish this sketch from the comfort of home studio. I've yet to find that round-to-it.

3. Celebrate the Quirks

Not everything has to be perfect. That wonky watercolor chicken I painted? She’s got personality. And let’s be honest—quirky sells.

I'm using a specific palette for sketches and so am attempting to reach the level of the energy of this sprightly hen with these colors. Not so sure I can reach it here.

4. Share the Struggle

Posting progress pics is my secret weapon. It keeps me motivated, and let’s face it, people love seeing the messy middle. Plus, who doesn’t want to bond over spilled paint and crooked lines?

So, if you’re also staring down a mountain of projects, take a deep breath. Let’s laugh at the chaos, find the fun, and get (mostly) ready for spring shows. Remember: Done is better than perfect, and quirky is always in style.