What a timely read. I'm preparing to make a big move in the new year. I'll be leaving Kansas City which has been home since college and moving to our cabin near the town of Centennial, Wyoming... population 283. So many things will be different, at least at first. Being around my partner of 33 years all day, every day, will be an adjustment. Similar to you having a hubs around after years of working separately. We'll all have to figure it out.
But being with our two dogs, all day, every day, will be a joy. They, like Colin, much prefer to be in the mountains. I guess I'm moving to keep the family intact. And I do already have a wonderful studio out there, separate from the cabin.
Trading the city traffic for country roads is a no-brainer. As is being able to live among the wildlife... mule deer, red foxes, moose and the occasional bear.
Take it slow. We recently transitioned from Hawaii after 25 years Big Island to Port Charlotte, FL. My expectations were too high. I guess I thought I had a magic wand. But time, thinking, being balanced the best. I miss my home Hawaii but this next adventure will be good. Just time to get out there. Be safe.☮️🇺🇸❤️
Thanks, Susan, for sharing your experience. I tend to have high expectations, too. Finding the new balance, over time, will be my goal. You helped me put that into words... a mantra, of sorts.
Love the emotional arc you mapped out here - overwhelm to thumbnails to meditation. The thumbnails phase is where everything clicks, and its underrated how much relief comes from just seeing the problem visualized instead of swimming in abstract task lists. The parallel between project uncertainty and life uncertainty (like retirement) is spot-on. Both need some kind of sketch or rough structure to make the unknow less scary. Paris sounds like the perfect transitional space - low stakes exploration before setteling into new routines.
You sounds just like me, but I was, and am still, too afraid to take any art classes. The only art class I ever took was in adult ed. The first day some nice extrovert came and hovered over me and asked what I was creating. I never went back! Trying to get over this by trying to doing sketches in public spaces, trying to get over this. Nice people stopping to ask what I am up to makes me so nervous, I cover my sketchbook and say I am just messing around! Your newsletter always inspires. Love your work so much!
Thanks, Stacey. I draw a lot out and about, and I've noticed that most people don't even notice. So rarely does anyone even look over, much less come over. Most people are very much looking at thier phones! But that's a good answer anyway!
Jennifer, your post was so encouraging to me. I have been stuck on finishing a project for months. You named the problem so perfectly and hearing you talk about the confidence you get when you can see where you’re going helped me to envision a way forward. Thank you! Enjoy Paris!
Thanks for the great post, Jennifer! You are very inspiring! I feel the same way when starting a new project. Your paintings are fabulous and you are a great teacher. I'm looking forward to planning compositions, using pattern and hopefully improving my landscapes the next time I learn with you in Morocco! Every day I make art now, I incorporate things I learned from you in Greece.
Love how this reframes the overwhelm phase as part of the process rather than a problem to solve. The thumbnail sketching as a way to materialize abstract anxieties is so practical, it transforms vague uncertainty into specific visual problems. The paralell between project cycles and life transitions like retirement is well-drawn, both requrie that same willingness to sit with not-knowing befor the pattern emerges.
It's so uncomfortable, but it's always there. Figuring out how to work through it is hard, but I find it's all a pattern that you can find if you look closely.
Me too!!!! My mother would make me sometimes, and it took me hours. So scary!! I still procrastinate, but now I can do it; I still might put it off for days though.
Hi Jennifer! I Thank you for putting into words your creative process - a lot like mine, but you describe it thoroughly and poetically. Do you think our RISD background had an influence on our styles of working?
I almost always work on an assignment in my head before actually drawing, which is usually - but not always! - successful. Do you ever find yourself freezing up or procrastinating before finally drawing?
I also wanted to say that I really admire your work and am so proud of your success. At my son‘s rehearsal dinner last fall, I wore your gorgeous, birds-on-black scarf over my shoulders with a rich magenta dressbut I’d pinned it on a prominent wall for a month before that!
Hi Liz, It's so nice to hear from you!! Congratulations on your son's wedding, mine got married last month. That sounds beautiful with a magenta dress.
I hadn't thought about if RISD informed any of the process. I feel like I was so naive and somewhat lost then, it took me years to figure this out. But old ways of learning have a way of popping back in later in life. It's interesting. And procrastinating? YES!! on a lot of things.
this is such a lovely piece, almost like a mini memoir, so open and honest about your fears and your childhood – – brave and thoughtful especially for someone who used to avoid parties
Yes, putting art and writing out into the world is hard. I think doing hard things is good for me. Also, getting older, I just feel like I can be more true to me. Thanks Susan!
What a timely read. I'm preparing to make a big move in the new year. I'll be leaving Kansas City which has been home since college and moving to our cabin near the town of Centennial, Wyoming... population 283. So many things will be different, at least at first. Being around my partner of 33 years all day, every day, will be an adjustment. Similar to you having a hubs around after years of working separately. We'll all have to figure it out.
But being with our two dogs, all day, every day, will be a joy. They, like Colin, much prefer to be in the mountains. I guess I'm moving to keep the family intact. And I do already have a wonderful studio out there, separate from the cabin.
Trading the city traffic for country roads is a no-brainer. As is being able to live among the wildlife... mule deer, red foxes, moose and the occasional bear.
That sounds so beautiful, John, but it is a big change. It all takes a lot of adjustments and being open to new experiences. Best wishes to you!
Funny, I keep using the word "adjusting" over and over again. And haven't even made the move yet!
Take it slow. We recently transitioned from Hawaii after 25 years Big Island to Port Charlotte, FL. My expectations were too high. I guess I thought I had a magic wand. But time, thinking, being balanced the best. I miss my home Hawaii but this next adventure will be good. Just time to get out there. Be safe.☮️🇺🇸❤️
Thanks, Susan, for sharing your experience. I tend to have high expectations, too. Finding the new balance, over time, will be my goal. You helped me put that into words... a mantra, of sorts.
Will you be doing this in 2027?🤞🤞🤞🤞
Hi Nancy, What are you referring to? I'm not sure I understand.
Lovely story, so close to home. Thank you. Merry Christmas…🎄
so true. I have the same struggles!! in the end it always comes together in some form or another:)
Exactly, it takes patience and trust I guess!
Love the emotional arc you mapped out here - overwhelm to thumbnails to meditation. The thumbnails phase is where everything clicks, and its underrated how much relief comes from just seeing the problem visualized instead of swimming in abstract task lists. The parallel between project uncertainty and life uncertainty (like retirement) is spot-on. Both need some kind of sketch or rough structure to make the unknow less scary. Paris sounds like the perfect transitional space - low stakes exploration before setteling into new routines.
What a beautiful, concise synopsis. Thank you!!
You sounds just like me, but I was, and am still, too afraid to take any art classes. The only art class I ever took was in adult ed. The first day some nice extrovert came and hovered over me and asked what I was creating. I never went back! Trying to get over this by trying to doing sketches in public spaces, trying to get over this. Nice people stopping to ask what I am up to makes me so nervous, I cover my sketchbook and say I am just messing around! Your newsletter always inspires. Love your work so much!
Thanks, Stacey. I draw a lot out and about, and I've noticed that most people don't even notice. So rarely does anyone even look over, much less come over. Most people are very much looking at thier phones! But that's a good answer anyway!
Jennifer, your post was so encouraging to me. I have been stuck on finishing a project for months. You named the problem so perfectly and hearing you talk about the confidence you get when you can see where you’re going helped me to envision a way forward. Thank you! Enjoy Paris!
I'm so glad it was clear and helped! Break it down into steps. Good luck!!
Thanks for the great post, Jennifer! You are very inspiring! I feel the same way when starting a new project. Your paintings are fabulous and you are a great teacher. I'm looking forward to planning compositions, using pattern and hopefully improving my landscapes the next time I learn with you in Morocco! Every day I make art now, I incorporate things I learned from you in Greece.
That's amazing, Amy, I can't wait to spend another week with you and see where you take it. Thank you!!
Love how this reframes the overwhelm phase as part of the process rather than a problem to solve. The thumbnail sketching as a way to materialize abstract anxieties is so practical, it transforms vague uncertainty into specific visual problems. The paralell between project cycles and life transitions like retirement is well-drawn, both requrie that same willingness to sit with not-knowing befor the pattern emerges.
It's so uncomfortable, but it's always there. Figuring out how to work through it is hard, but I find it's all a pattern that you can find if you look closely.
I love reading your posts. It’s inspiring to learn of another artist’s process. Thank you for sharing.
I also share your bundled-up-ness inside the home! I’m in PA so we share much of the same weather.
Also I’m comforted to know someone else feared making phone calls when they were younger! I couldn’t even call to order pizza!! 🙃
Me too!!!! My mother would make me sometimes, and it took me hours. So scary!! I still procrastinate, but now I can do it; I still might put it off for days though.
Enjoy Paris! It's one city that I always return to & never get tired of because I find inspiration everywhere!
That's why I chose it. and fewer tourists in January. Thanks Jessica. Let me know if you have any secret fav spots.
I just love that illustration of you all bundled up in that fabulous coat 😍 Makes me inspired to dress up for days in my studio!
This coat was my Mom's, I took a lot of her clothes when she died so it's extra special to wear, keeping warm and remembering. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer! I Thank you for putting into words your creative process - a lot like mine, but you describe it thoroughly and poetically. Do you think our RISD background had an influence on our styles of working?
I almost always work on an assignment in my head before actually drawing, which is usually - but not always! - successful. Do you ever find yourself freezing up or procrastinating before finally drawing?
I also wanted to say that I really admire your work and am so proud of your success. At my son‘s rehearsal dinner last fall, I wore your gorgeous, birds-on-black scarf over my shoulders with a rich magenta dressbut I’d pinned it on a prominent wall for a month before that!
Hi Liz, It's so nice to hear from you!! Congratulations on your son's wedding, mine got married last month. That sounds beautiful with a magenta dress.
I hadn't thought about if RISD informed any of the process. I feel like I was so naive and somewhat lost then, it took me years to figure this out. But old ways of learning have a way of popping back in later in life. It's interesting. And procrastinating? YES!! on a lot of things.
Thanks for this lovely note.
Jut gotta say how much I love the paintings in this post! I wish you well as you and your husband navigate his retirement!!
Thanks Sharon, I kept switching out which ones I wanted to post. It took a while. Glad you like them!
this is such a lovely piece, almost like a mini memoir, so open and honest about your fears and your childhood – – brave and thoughtful especially for someone who used to avoid parties
Yes, putting art and writing out into the world is hard. I think doing hard things is good for me. Also, getting older, I just feel like I can be more true to me. Thanks Susan!
So many unknowns but also what keeps things exciting. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. And I’m excited about our museum day!!
True, the work brings new things and excitement. I love hearing the perspectives I don’t even think about! Yes, the museum day will be so great.