How Blogging Has Made Me a Better Painter

'Wildwood Days'              8x10             pastel             ©Karen Margulis
available for purchase $145

10 years ago I discovered pastels. It was instant love. But it wasn't instant gratification. My paintings did not match the visions in my head. I knew what I wanted them to look like but the results were far from my vision. I took on the challenge of getting better. I knew it would take a lot of work. I was motivated but was I disciplined enough?

Fortunately 10 years ago I also started blogging. It was the best thing I ever did for my art. Not only did it improve my paintings but the blog has given me so much more.

summer memories of a day at the beach

Working on my blog and creating posts became my best teacher. It was there to remind me to paint. If I didn't paint I would have nothing to post. The blog got me into the studio more frequently. The more I painted the closer my paintings came to matching the visions in my head. I was encouraged to paint even more. It became a cycle of painting and posting with each activity helping the other.

It was like being on a good diet and exercise program. When you see the pounds come off and you start feeling healthier you are encouraged to stick with it....and when it becomes a life changing habit there is no greater feeling in the world. My blog has done the same for me! Now if only I could stick with the exercise program!

8x10 pastel from July 2005

July was the 10th anniversary of my blog. I looked back at the very first painting I posted (above) and decided to paint it again. (top image) It was fun to revisit this subject after 10 years!

Blogging has the potential to help everyone no matter how big or small their art goals are. I encourage everyone to try a blog. I will be sharing my Low Cost, Low Tech and Low Maintenance approach to blogging in my 3 hour seminar at the next IAPS convention. If you are going to IAPS consider taking my seminar! Registration will be closing soon so be sure to register as soon as possible! Visit the IAPS website here to register

Three Tips for Collecting Blog Post Ideas

'Crossing Over'           16x20            pastel                ©Karen Margulis
painting available $250

 Sometimes the painting inspires the blog post. Sometimes a blog post inspires a painting. Sometimes I am stumped. I am at a loss for a blog post idea.  I sit in front of my computer staring at my daily painting on the screen and wonder what I will write. The wheels turn but nothing comes to mind. I am dry.

It can be a challenge to come up with interesting blog topics especially when I am committed to posting to my blog every day! Fortunately I find the 'Dry Days' to be few and far between. It is actually quite easy to come up with blog topics.  Here are three simple tips that help me generate new topic ideas.

demo painting before finishing touches

• Keep a list of blog ideas. I keep mine on a dry erase board. When I get an idea I write it down. I refer to these ideas on those 'dry days'. The important thing is to write down the idea as soon as it occurs to you. I find if I wait I will have forgotten it.

• Listen to feedback and comments not only on your blog but on others you may read. Comments and questions always lead to ideas for future posts. Write them down! I also get several art related daily email newsletters and they always provide food for thought and give me ideas for potential blog posts.

• Ask your readers what they would like to read about! There is no better way to be sure your readers find your blog interesting and useful than by asking them what they want!

I love the 3rd tip. It is something I haven't done in awhile so here is your chance. What would you like for me to blog about?  Share your requests in the comment section below. And thanks for following my blog!