Hi, I wondered if anyone has any tips on how to be organised to actually make time for art. I love art but find I’m not managing to organise my time to experiment. I just wondered if anyone else finds this and maybe ways to help? Also i can’t decide what to draw/paint so don’t do anything! Thankyou 
Mandy x
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Depending on your job, if you can take a sketchbook to work and draw a little when it is slow that’s something I have done, I am a massage therapist though so that helps lol.
Perhaps instead of chilling with TV shows or scrolling do art? We do tend to spend a lot more time on our phones than we realize.
Sketch for 40 mins before bed?
Make it part of your schedule so if you’re a person that does time blocking put it in your calendar and then treat it as just important to do as a Drs visit or other errand.
A lot of writers schedule time and then remove all distractions and they either write or sit there until an idea hits but they’re not allowed to do anything else during that time.
As far as what to draw? If you have nothing specific grab an image off the net or a photo you have taken and go. You would be surprised how starting with one image can snowball ideas into others.
Hope this helps.
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I go through the same thing. The minute I sit at my art table set up to paint, it just automatically happens. An idea come in my head and I start to paint something I do abstract art. Just relax and take it slow. It will come sooner than you think
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Thank you so much for your suggestions thats very helpful
Hi @mand
Welcome back to the forum. I see it’s been a while since you posted last. If you’re a member of The Virtual Instructor, I suggest you pick a media that interests you, and then look at the lessons for that media. That way Matt will give you the reference photo and you will be engaged in the process because of what you’re learning.
Another thought is to pick a Live Lesson that appeals to you whether you watch them live or prefer the recorded lessons. Then you will have a goal of completing a lesson every week. I find giving myself a goal/deadline is useful in keeping me motivated. And you start by picking the lesson / subject matter that appeals to you.
Hope this helps. Please keep posting here and show use what you are working on. We will cheer you on.
Terri
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Thank you so much Terri thats incredibly helpful. I think thats the key, keeping motivated. I am recently retired and have lots more time but it is filled with other things. I am definitely going to make time now for art!! I find Matts lessons so interesting to watch so I need to do them too ! Yes i shall keep posting and thank you for taking the time to reply
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Glad to help! Looking forward to seeing some sketches from you!
Hello Mandy,
I know what you mean about having a lot of time. I too have too much time. I am on disability and also find artwork theraputical.
I think that you have received excellent suggestions here.
One thing that I do is have more than one project at the same time. Because of disability I can’t really just decide so this gives me options.
If you are a member Terri’s suggestions are really good. that is what I do. When just wanting to chill I will choose a lesson, sometimes the older ones and will watch it multiple times when not feeling good.
Also I will think of something I am interested in drawing and search on Pixabay for that p[articular reference. I consider doing this help me feel like I am doing a part of the process of doing artwork.
Also I find specific projects that have a purpose. Like making cards. gifts, etc. This way I can feel like I am not just creating everything to go into a drawer. It is also motivating to post artwork here or elsewhere to share with others and to look at the artwork of others.
If you are a member also I find the members really helpful. It is once a week and repeats some of the most important things we need to apply yo our artwork.
Sometimes with too much time it is difficult to organize when to sit down and do artwork. Another thing Matt suggests is to get a sketchbook and look around the hous and take about 20 minutes to draw anything you see. Like a cup of coffee, a blanket just thrown on a chair, a piece of fruit, a book, your phone, etc.
This helps to get into the habit of doing something daily. i find that dating my sketchbook is a reminder when a few days go by and I do nothing it motivates me to be more consistent
One last idea is if watching TV I sometimes will work on a piece of artwork that I am in the middle of, graphite, ink colored pencils, etc. and work on a part that is easy to work on.
I hope this is helpful. I don’t get on here much but try to follow a thread I have responded too.
Teri (w 1r)
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Thank you so much Teri, your suggestions are amazingly helpful
I sometimes feel like I am creating art work just to put in a drawer so that rang true.
I shall definitely try sketching each day as that may inspire me to get on with a project! Its odd how when you have time you dont know what to do with it or there is too much to fit in! 
I need to have a word with myself and get organised 
Many thanks for your wise words and I shall start my new regime tomorrow 
Take care and thank you for taking the time to reply x
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@mand Mandy - thank you for posting your question. I am too having similar challenges and likewise you and Teri, I am in (early) retirement. So your question helped me out too.
“Dating my sketchbook” - @TLP Teri - what a wonderful expression.
So I am gonna set up a fresh brewed coffee, grab my sketchbook and stay curious.
Thanks, Buddy
Hi Buddy, Im so glad my question helped you out. I shall refer to the invaluable advice given by the kind community often to inspire me to keep going!
I have started sketching every day even for 10 mins if time is a bit short! I saw an artist on the One Show yesterday that was a retired painter/decorater. He loved painting whales just for fun using decoraters paint and makes a living from it now. He was so chilled and didn’t have any expectations, just painted for fun. I shall take a leaf out of his book and relax and just go with the flow.
All the very best x
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@mand Mandy,
I am happy to take the time. i look forward to seeing some of your artwork here. I don’t come on much but will keep an eye out for posts from you.
Teri
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Buddy, I think that we could fill a sketchbook of our cup of coffee, tea, lemon water, etc. It would be important to use differen mugs/cups though. LOL
Off to make my cup of coffee and work on trees and bushes - Lesson 4 of the Pastel Landscape course. I took three try’s at the sky - lol! All three on different colors and all three turned out very different but it was good practice on clouds.
Those organic objects that should be easy are so very hard!
@mand Mandy, Do you drink coffee?
signing off…Teri
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@Mand What a wonderful story about the artist. Thanks for sharing and I am happy that you are getting sketchy, Mandy.
@TLP Teri, I am in and do have a full cup board ready for sketching. Will you share your pastel journey in the forum? Happy little clouds are very unhappy with my approaches to capture them.
Buddy