What makes a good art day?

Thoughts on being very busy and not getting anything "done". And not having an answer.

I’m so lucky that my job is making art., I get to surround myself with color and paint every day. This is exactly where I want to be. Over the last few weeks, I have been busy working on a bunch of collaborations that will be very lovely products once they are released. (More on those another time). Because of all that is happening in my life right now, I am so happy to have a focus right now that is clear-cut and has a deadline. I have been running down to Florida every few weeks to see my Mom, and I have lots to do every day helping with her admin. This takes a lot of energy and attention. It is also distracting and sad and overwhelming and makes the concentration I need for my painting explorations almost impossible.

But I struggle with this, there is a nagging in me that is saying I am not getting anything done. I feel like I’m not being creative and innovative enough. Is it not a “good” day when I don’t create anything new? If I paint at all, isn’t that good enough? Why does every day need to be groundbreaking? That sounds like piling on the impossible.

I painted this floral this week for our Patreon, It is a recording where I babble along as I paint, you can hear my thought process throughout.

You can join Patreon here to see this.

But painting this didn’t feel like something I do that makes for that “good” day. The kind of day that fills me up. I’ve done these types of florals a million times so it’s easy for me. I’m lucky that way I guess. I love to do them but it’s not what I’m striving for. Maybe the good day comes from a struggle and a breakthrough, Or just the struggle and the promise of something new appearing. Of course, I know that those days will come back. Maybe it’s best not to be hard on myself and things will come as they come. I mean, I am so lucky I get to paint every day. So what makes a good day? Maybe it’s just conquering the overwhelm.

What is your good art day?

I am excited to be prepping for the new class that @gaylekabaker and I have on May 11th “People and Gardens” We both dig deep to find what we want to paint with you, We do many studies, color trials, and paintings. It’s really important to us to know our subject so as we pass it along to you we are completely prepared and sure of what we are doing. There is no winging it for us in class.

This is a donation-only class and everyone who signs up has access to the the recording.

Here are some of the quick studies I’ve been working on so far to prepare.

Playing with poses for the people. I got them from vintage photos.

Here is one of the poses painted out.

I’m leaning toward one of these more formal gardens but I need to work out the people. Join us!!

If you missed any of our classes, the recordings are available for purchase here.

Sneak peek! I have a new large scarf coming out very soon.

This is 44x44” 100% cotton lawn. It will be in my shop shortly, I’m waiting for the delivery. There will be a pink colorway too. I can’t wait to wear them!

Have a great week!

xx,

Jennifer