Mull it Over Monday: My Top 5 Blogging Tips for Daily Painters

Turquoise and Lime Oil on wood 8" x 8" 

1) Post true to life pictures. Daily painters frequently photograph work when it's still wet. This presents a challenge. Dark passages will appear streaked with gray or white--where the light reflects off the wet paint ridges. A photo tent, the "macro" setting on your camera and a tripod go a long way towards good photographs.

2) Don't trash talk your own work. When I first started posting my daily paintings, I always had the urge to explain what I knew I could have painted better. The thought of someone else calling me out on my various perceived errors was agonizing. The truth is: It's a total buzzkill to like somebody's painting and then read about how much they would like to change it. Do the best you can and let the chips fall where they may.

3) Keep your text brief and sweet. Now folks, there are some exceptionally good writers out there who also blog paintings... But it's my list, so here goes. Share your lovely painting, write a few meaningful lines about it and then call it a day. Have a martini and enjoy the sunset. Part of the joy of blogging is receiving comments, if you obligate people to read three paragraphs of marginally related text before they can comment on your work--you risk losing them to the "next" button.

4) Keep projects that haven't happened yet under your hat.  Sooner or later, someone will make promises they can't keep and you may pin hopes on a project or an idea that never actually materializes. Most artists experience this...  A daily painting blog is great place for announcements about your art and your visitors will rejoice upon hearing your news-- Your blog also makes it easy to over-share!  If your next "big thing" isn't an absolute sure thing, it's a good idea to wait and make sure things pan out first.

5) Post clear contact infomation: There are opinions you need, questions un-answered and opportunities begging to be explored-- but if people can't shoot you a quick email to tell you about 'em, what's the point?
I hope these are helpful. If you care to add to 'em or comment, I'd love to hear from you!