Now what?

I created this art several years ago. I painted it for me. I had left my job as an assistant gallery director and was venturing out on my own, full time as an artist. How exciting. How terrifying.

How paralyzing.

It has been a great journey. The first year was a bit rough but we knew it would be. I had money saved for the lean months, there were plenty, and pretty soon I had a steady, sufficient income.

Now I feel a bit in the chair again. True, my book is doing well. I have a list of commissioned paintings waiting for my attention and I have money in my checking account. However, I have no shows planned. No great ideas and statements to make with art. When my clients ask me, "What's next?" I don't really have an answer. It's that pesky question mark tapping on me!

So I decided there doesn't have to be a 'what's next'. I gave the question mark a few months off. Imagine if I booked myself so solid that I missed some spectacularly fun opportunity. What if I kept myself so scheduled that my creativity took a huge plunge? I think a little breathing room will feel nice.

What's that you asked? What's next? I'll let you know.