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I have formed a new theory about myself: I don't work well under pressure. I have a solo show coming up, in July, at the Wally Workman Gallery in Austin, TX. What with my workshop schedule and my 3-yr-old I only have 35 full painting days until then. And I need about 30 decent paintings. Ahhhh!!! Yesterday, really feeling the pressure for the first time, I freaked out. And apparently when I freak out my creative side shuts down. Duh. I did the above painting the day before (that's water in the cup), and the pig (a commission) late last night after 3 complete wipe-offs. Today ... today involved some tears but in the end (my husband graciously watched Jacob for the whole evening) I did 2 largish paintings that I'm pretty sure I will still like in the morning. Yay!
16 comments:
Hi Carol. I'm in the same place at the moment, big show coming and nothing but a lot of wiped canvases to hang.
I had to drop you a note though to say how amazing it is that you manage to paint, run a business and be a mother! There are so few women painters with small children at home. Every time I hear about one (like you) it gives me hope (I've got a 4-year old at home). I know this doesn't help you get the paintings done that you need to do but know that there's another artist/mother out there that gets how overwhelming it can be. Hang in there, I'm cheering for you!
I knew that was water in the cup and I'm sending you cool vibrations to mellow you out. And an at- a-boy to your husband.
Enjoy the process, Carol. You have everything you need in the creativity, skill and understanding departments. You will do great...I just want you to HAVE FUN doing great. That's what radiates in your work so consistently. Wishing you lots of zone-time with pride in your product! I hope I can get to the show in July.
Your postings just lift my spirits every morning when I check all the art sites that I've bookmarked. What a blessing to get to see your work. Thank you for sharing so much with so many.
Carol,
I found that I don't do pressure so well,either, and I know some who do! The best trick I ever came up with was to divide my time in small bits. Like say your 35 days of painting time is really six hours a day for 35 days. That's 210 hours of painting time, divided by 30 and that's seven hours for each and every painting. And you paint faster than that, and what if you have twenty paintings you really like, and not 30, so you have even more hours for each painting. I know this is just tricks but sometimes tricks are for kids, and adults,too. You do great work! Phoebe
I agree with Mark. No question about the water in the cup. A marvelous example of painting. I am retired and I still can't manage a painting as often as you, so give yourself a big pat on the back!!! Like Phoebe said, enjoy the process. Perhaps your goals need to include time for fun. Take five to ten minutes a day just to maybe swing on a swing. It will reconnect you to you little one. Honor
I just wanted to say that I really appreciate your honesty when you talk about wiping down paintings and getting stressed and feeling like you forgot how to paint. I see your success (many sales and shows and workshops) and could easily convince myself that it all comes easily for you or that you are always confident. But because of your honesty I know that you aren't that different than me, and that motivates me during my times of struggle. So thank you!! And I hope you find your groove and can forget the pressure. :)
By the way, I love the colors in Water Break and that piggy is darn cute!
Hi Carol,
Maybe that should be Wine !! in the cup,with the cup being full at the start of the Painting.
Happy painting,LOL.
Pete,Theartbrush
Satisfying to climb into bed after you have completed a painting you are pleased with doesn't it?
As someone who sometimes finds themselves with too much travel and too much work, I've got to say, I'm amazed at the schedule you keep up. Enjoy it, but don't let it make you crazy!
I love that you share the 'hard' stuff too, and I know that amazing things are going to come out of this too! btw - i swear i have that same mug and try to paint it all the time and am never happy with it - you make it look so easy!!
Hi Carol, LOVE your work....the shadows and play of light are something that truely interest me and I find your skill very inspiring. Thanks!
when I think of how productive you are and you're a mother of a toddler as well....I feel like a slacker ;)
I LOVE this pig!!
I am a longtime lurker of this wonderful blog of yours.
It is surprising how no matter our skills level and no matter our experiences and objective knowledge we all doubt ourselves at some point.
The only recommendation that I have had that helped me, is that tomorrow is another day, full of surprises, we just have to go to bed and wake up next day ready to face it, knowing that we will win.
Gorgeous green!!
I love this, especially the way you combined the hard edges with the soft "cuteness" of the piggy. This reminds me of the piggy banks my mom made for us as kids. She was (is) a fabulous artist. Thanks for the little memory.
that's the cutest painting ever!!!
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