As we near the end of 2024, I want to thank everyone who is a part of our Pastel Today community — from our wonderful subscribers to the fantastic artists who share their knowledge through demos, advice, and inspiring stories. I’ve enjoyed going on this journey with all of you this year.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of you at the annual Plein Air Convention or through our Pastel Live online events. Together we’ve celebrated top pastel society shows, congratulated winners of big prizes, and grieved the loss of community members, including Terry Ludwig.
As we move into 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on your creative life for the past year and to make goals for the next. What is the next step on your art journey? To take a workshop, attend an event, study with one of your favorite artists, or simply prioritize your painting time? In the spirit of the season, I’d like to give you some handy links that can help you kickstart or revitalize your commitment to your craft in the new year.
Ideas for Art Goals: Helpful Links
1. Attend a painting event such as the Plein Air Convention & Expo, or Pastel Live if you can’t join us in person.
2. Learn from a favorite artist. We have more than 700 step-by-step art video workshops available at PaintTube.tv, where you can learn from home and at your own pace.
3. On a budget right now? We understand. Take a free dive into the library of Art School Live, and then invest in your art education when you’re able.
Other ideas are to explore new subject matter, complete a specific number of works in a given time period, or focus on a “basic” element such as value or composition. When it comes to prioritizing your time for art, be firm but flexible. At the start of every week, look at your calendar and reserve space for art — whether that’s flipping through your favorite art books, visiting your local museum, doing a quick sketch, or setting aside a block of time for serious studio work, and then protect it. That includes turning off your phone. 😉
Please share your 2025 art goals with us in the comments section of this post so we can cheer you on!
Best wishes, and happy new year!
Kelly Kane, Pastel Today editor
