How do you compare yourself to others in your field?

It snowed here today.  It isn't a skif, but 6 glorious inches with it still falling.  It will be perfect if the sun comes out, to go run around and grab material shots.  I have been looking at pictures that some of my peers have been posting of their recent work and I will admit a slight feeling of resentment.  I want to paint those things too.  I have places I go where friends send me pictures to use but it is always best to get your own material.  The other side of that is that you need the right situation to get the good shots.

It is alright to be envious, it's normal.  Besides, it isn't how you feel about something; it's about how you react.  I am really happy for them, my peers that is.  It shows me where I want to be and when I am honest with myself, I know I am the one holding myself back.  I have to look back at what I have done and keep sight of where I want to be.  I've said that too in earlier blogs.  That is why I follow my friends, it pushes me to look at my self and what I am not doing to get me where I want to be.

This is the perfect time of year to look at my old plans and make new goals.  I am again, applying to new shows and considering new directions to go in.  I am going to also consider adding to my goals.  These last 2 years have made things interesting (albiet frustrating). I no longer work through sore throats but call to re-shedule appointments and commitments.  I do that out of respect for all of those who I work with.  Again, I keep putting one foot in front of another.  I don't want to do anything else and if my friends can make it, I think I can too.

Tax season is coming up and that always helps me understand what I accomplished financially and gives me a new challenge.  Do better than I did the last year as well as working to be a better artist than I was last year. That is why I will be out slogging through wet soggy snow to get those really special shots.  I want to create amazing things like my friends are that are better than what I have done before.  Maybe I will do a really big one of snow this year.  I haven't done that in a couple of years and never a really great one with the sunlight on water and ice.

Enjoy the winter.  See you next week.