Essential questions to ask at New Year
This is what you nee to do to improve your art this New Year.
Welcome to the first day of 2026 — a time of hope and new possibilities.
I wish you a year filled with creativity and joy in your art.
The New Year is a moment to reflect: to learn from the past year and decide what to carry forward.
Reflection
I use this quiet studio time to lay out my 2025 work and take stock. It’s not easy to reflect without being overly critical, but it’s essential. Reflection helps us move forward with clarity and intention.
Consider these two questions:
- What do you want to change?
The parts of your work that no longer serve you and need changing. - What do you want to keep?
The parts of your work you enjoyed, works well, and you wish to keep.
A Helping Hand
Its easy to review your work and daydream, fooling yourself into thinking this will be useful! It’s not easy. Thankfully, there is a better way. Use the Art Elements> to guide your reflection. For each piece, ask:
Note: ‘It’ means each of the Art Elements listed below
- Did you enjoy making it?
- Does it express what you intended?
- Is the accuracy right?
- Which three Art Elements dominate?
- Do they work well together?
The Art Elements:
- Line / mark-making
- Tone
- Form (depth)
- Shape
- Colour
- Texture
- Pattern
This approach helps you review your 2025 work positively and move into 2026 with a clear plan of action.
Want to know more?
To learn how the Art Elements shape your work, join our 10-week Art Elements course > (Wednesdays, evenings). You’ll learn key fundamentals essential to improving your artwork, and complete four creative projects, exploring abstract, semi-abstract, and realistic styles.
We also offer:
We’re here to support your creative journey and look forward to working with you throughout 2026.
Happy New Year
