Wednesday, September 17, 2008

When You're Right, You're Right


Horizon Lines (Seven), 2008, Oil on Panel, 4x4

Doug has told me more than a few times in the last few months that maybe the reason I have been feeling "off" lately is because I derive a good part of my daily energy from painting (I have done very little painting since early July). I scoffed at this observation at first, thinking that a. he was nuts and b. surely I should be able to function properly and with enthusiasm, WITHOUT painting all the time. After all, I did that for years while I was having babies.

Finally, yesterday, after he made his point yet again, I decided to prove him wrong. I scrounged up a bunch of small panels for a project that I am thinking about (more on that later) and spent the afternoon doing underpaintings. Mostly landscapes, along with a few barns, and in a bit of a looser style than I usually begin with. It was blissful getting my hands in the paint again and losing myself in the process. I can't believe I almost forgot about all that.

Today, I woke up feeling really enthused about everything, working in my studio as well as finishing up some of the other things I have going on such as painting the new living room/old studio (more on that later too). I am looking forward to doing some more underpaintings this afternoon and have decided to get back to my previous painting schedule, even if I don't have events coming up. I need to get back to it and end this strange limbo I have been in. Even if I did enjoy it at first, somewhere along the line it took a turn and I lost the enjoyment of a more relaxed schedule.

So it turns out that my husband knows me pretty well after 20 years and I will be thanking him tonight for his astute observation;).

7 comments:

Melinda said...

Absolutely true! Paint or get sick--is my axiom. I'm so glad you listened to your husband. This is a magical piece.

Lisa Call said...

So true for me also. I've got to make art to keep motivated. My house is tiny and soon to be a wreck for the remodel but I will figure out a way to keep making art through it all.

Glad you got your motivation back! The world needs more of your art.

Kim Morin Weineck said...

good for you and yay to your husband :)

gary rith said...

nothing beats creatively working with your hands, esp. when the results are as rewarding as your work!

Natalya Khorover Aikens said...

smart husband you have there! i'm the same way - the more art i make, the better i feel... now if can just get into my studio....

Tracy Helgeson said...

Paint or get sick, I like that-we should start a group:)

I bet you will work through the entire remodel too, Lisa. i envy that about you-all that hubbub would be my first excuse to bail out on the studio....

Thanks Kim, yeah, my husband is pretty cool.

Thanks Gary, so nice to be back to it, just got to keep it up.

Natalya, yes, actually getting into to studio is the tough part.

Kari Gibson said...

Hey, clever hubby to notice that! I suppose it is that acknowledgement that we are happier doing what we are best at!