Begin: the practicalities

My entire art process is set up around lowering the barrier to begin. I am not interested in resolving to make art. The only way this works is to make it easy and pleasant. Here are 11 most practical things that work for me:

• Make it a pleasure. Keep a chocolate bar on your sketchbook. Replenish frequently.
• I keep all my art supplies where I am the most. It's always been tempting to the clean out a corner or a room somewhere that feels like "mine" and to set up a dedicated art space. Even when I've had the option to do this, I keep all my go-to supplies in the living room, between the kitchen and the TV. They are within arm's reach of the couch and the table. I see them all the time. I can always collect up my supplies and take them to a private oasis if I have the time. But if they are where I am, they can become part of the life I already have.