“Painting is a funny business”. J.M.W. Turner
As artist we all long for people to validate our work. We are constantly looking for places to show our work, new opportunities to share what we do. The past 7 months have been that for me. They been an exciting, rewarding, and profitable. But as I am approaching the end of all my extra commitments, I realize how over extended I have become. It’s not so much the events which in themselves can be time consuming, but the preparation, and the need to interact with social media to make it successful. My body and mind are telling me to take a break.
I do want to thank all the people who have supported me these past months: the friends that have shown up for three opening, numerous art talks, demonstrations, classes, workshops, and a studio tour. It is rewarding to know that I have a support system and friends that have my back. Thank you to all who enjoyed my work enough to purchase it, and those who took the time to look, comment, and keep I touch. I truly appreciate your support.
I had a great class this season. They were a wonderful group, each sharing their knowledge and being supportive of each other’s efforts. I will miss them, as they mostly leave to return to their primary residences. They give me so much in the short time they are here. I learn so much from them. They are great motivators, and I look forward to next January when we can all be together again.
As my body was telling me to take a break, I forced myself out of my studio leaving behind a lot of starts and unfinished pieces. I went to that place that takes the angst and tension from my life…the garden. The weeds got pulled, new plants were put in. The herbs got harvested and are drying in the laundry room and I replaced the winter ones with warm weather ones. The bird feeders were filled, and I was rewarded this morning by cheery bird songs. Spring is a new beginning and I am looking forward to it being a little less hectic.
There is an important message here. We all need to take a break! It refreshes our inner being and when we return to our regular routine, we come back with new eyes. I have said that I am a happy painter because I leave the daily world and any personal problems out of my studio. Those, “Mother Nature” takes from me when I work in the garden. For me the art making process is a form of meditation. My studio is a place of peace where nature motivates what I do, and I hope the work I do there pays homage to it. Creativity can be so many different things to each one who expresses that side of themselves. That will be the topic of next week’s blog. If you are stuck or over whelmed, take a break and renew yourself.
Geologic Time Acrylic on Textured Surface
“I can’t understand how anyone is able to paint with out optimism. Despite the general pessimistic attitude in the world today, I am nothing but an optimist.” Hans Hofmann
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