Catch-Up

So it's been about two months now since I've blogged here. Time sure does fly! I wish I could say I've spent all this time painting, but unfortunately that is not the case. I have been working on several pieces, but nothing is finished yet.

The question on my mind these days is how to stay motivated to create when there are so many other things screaming for attention. How do you balance the everyday chores with the creative urges that, at least for me, seem to be in constant competition?  Do I mow the yard or work on the portrait I started several weeks ago? What about weeding, gardening, cleaning the house? I try to prioritize, but those darn weeds don't seem to get it.  It seems I am always struggling to find a balance between what I should be doing versus what I want to be doing. I know I'm not unique in that.  I've tried setting a schedule, but something always pops up that isn't in the schedule. So what works for you? Or does anything work? 

Well enough griping. Here's a piece I created awhile back. I got the inspiration one day while playing my dulcimer and spotting a painting by E. Hopper.  This is a watercolor collage.

Brush Dancing

What motivates you as a painter?  Something you see? Something you feel?  Often, for me, it's music. Maybe I'm an actor at heart, but when I'm listening to music, I am immediately transported to some imaginary place and I take on a character specific to the type of music I'm hearing.  And sometimes that translates into my painting. 

Music has always played an important role in my life. I love it. Everything from classical to jazz, rock and sometimes even rap. And yes, I often start dancing

while I'm painting. The two paintings  above resulted from my listening to Jimmy Buffet's "Desperation Samba ( Halloween in Tijuana)." And no, I wasn't drinking margaritas--although one or two might have helped!  My point is, there are all sorts of things that can get the creative juices flowing--music, a walk, or maybe just sitting quietly for a moment or two.  Whatever works, do it!

Meanwhile, here's what's on the canvas now--I love purple and these flowers in contrast with the white pitcher and lace just screamed "paint me!" Not finished yet, and I'm still working on the portrait of Charlie....but sometimes a little diversion is good for creativity too!  This is 8 x 10, in oils, using a reference photograph by Karen Barefoot, Holidaysburg, PA.