When I'm getting ready for a show, it takes a while to build the momentum required to work all day, everyday (well maybe not the whole weekend). When it happens, its hard work, but the routine of working becomes enjoyable. Its being totally immersed in something that is difficult, challenging, sometimes rewarding, and often enjoyable. I like being in this place. I have a saying that works for me, but not every artist. I am either working, or I'm not. I either come into the studio and work, or I get sidetracked. I have no in between. Some people can work that way. They can take some time for coffee and shopping and get back in. If I escape, I get into another world where painting doesn't happen. I often wonder how other artists work. Watching shows about Picasso, one would assume that he drank and partyed all day, and produced at night. Hard to believe.
My son sometimes calls me a Troll (term of endearment) and says that I must get away from my studio cave. I'm happy here with my dog at my side, or under my feet.Time to get back at it.
This scene features reflected light from glass high rise towers and a streetcar and beck taxi in shadow.
My son sometimes calls me a Troll (term of endearment) and says that I must get away from my studio cave. I'm happy here with my dog at my side, or under my feet.Time to get back at it.
This scene features reflected light from glass high rise towers and a streetcar and beck taxi in shadow.
5 comments:
Catherine - I can relate. I hold down a full time job as a Project Manager for Banking Software with demanding clients, so I have to squeeze my painting and sketching in around that. I have two zones (guess left brain/right brain) that I have to switch between. Painting and Project Management are complete opposites. I like to be able to get into a painting and "zone-in" with no interruptions and I believe my best artwork work comes in this way. However; I don't usually get that luxury, and only get short stretches of painting at a time. So I now have to break my painting into steps that I can complete independently. I don't like this as I lose momentum and creative thought.
I also relate the the "Troll" aspect and the studio cave, but have a cat at my side or under my feet.
Anyway, you seem to be managing well and producing some interesting pieces. Good luck with your show.
Dave (Vancouver, BC)
Cyberdave
PS: I am a Toronto transplant that spent 35 years living there before moving to Vancouver. It is so great to see your views of Toronto.
I enjoy your painting style and loose freshness. I tend to be too controlling (get it is the PM in me :-) ) so I envy you abilities. Yeah... I also do't do well with oils.. my last attempt resulted in my white cat looking like something out of Alice in Wonderland, and tracked paint around the apartment LOL.
Cheers
Dave
(CyberDave)
Beautiful painting. I have undiagnosed ADHD. I paint in spurts, escape for a coffee and my book, and return. But I am disciplined. All of this happens on a timer!
Love your work. XOXO Barbara
Thanks for your interesting comments regarding painting regimens. Dave, I agree that it is difficult to do a full time job and find time to paint. I like your idea of starting things that can be finished at a single sitting, but I know that can be frustrating.
Barbara, I envy your ability to be able to get away and then come back...the timer is a great touch though! I'm not sure I would have the discipline to listen to it thugh!
I love the way the windscreens have been painted. And of course, the wonderful light in the foreground!
When I start painting, I finish 4 to 5 paintings in a stretch (1 painting a day). Not that I don't like to continue, but something happens, like family commitments, payment of bills, going out etc, due to which I get a break automatically for a few days and then get to painting again!
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