Ick

Between the Two, 2007, Oil on Panel, 8x10

Now that I am feeling really energetic about getting back to work, we are having really hot and humid weather. Our old house has no air conditioning and with the exception of a few days or so each summer, it doesn't need it. Except for when it's actually those few days. Which it is right now. I keep trying to get into the studio early each morning, while it is still relatively cool, but since the kids are home that is a challenge.

On Monday I had to do an underpainting on a 48x60 panel for a sort of commission* and on the big panels especially, that can be pretty strenuous. I have to cover the whole thing with oil paint using a rag, and than wipe off most of it, again with a rag. And then I had to have the studio lights on. Ugh. I actually had sweat dripping down my arms from underneath my latex gloves.

But on Tuesday I did manage to make some real progress on two paintings. And today is another day, that hopefully won't be quite so hot. Well, it probably will, but if I were to actually get myself up and off the computer right this minute, I could get some painting in before I feel like having a nap from the heat.....

*A sort of commission is my version of a commission. A client tells me what they'd like and so far I have mostly been asked to do another piece similar to one that has already been sold. I do the painting and if they like it, they buy it (through the gallery, of course). If not, I add it to the inventory of one of my galleries, which I can do because it's a piece that I would normally paint anyway. But I must admit that hasn't happened yet-all of my sort of commissions have sold. Anyway, the big difference here is that there is no formal agreement in place nor is there a deposit taken. Those things give me way too much stress!