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I do like William Whitaker's advice too. When I want a portrait to be really, really top notch, like a recent one I finished for my portfolio, I am not happy with the finished product. I see in my head what I want and I can't pull it off yet...
but then, yesterday I decided to do a portrait of my father for Father's Day of a pic I have of him from his Navy days sixty-one years ago. All day it was shear pleasure, I was in the zone, it sang it's way out of me and at day's end I had a great start to a drawing I know he will love. So, yesterday was an act of love all day. But, the past three weeks have been a struggle to accomplish a goal. I suppose both experiences are worthwhile as ANY art we do is towards better work.
But that "TIME's running out" thing is what often gets in my way. It is a pressure only I put on myself. Who else does it really matter to whether or not I accomplish great paintings?
Where do you and other professionals draw the line on family obligations, like graduation parties, birthday parties, showers, weddings, reunions. It seems this summer is full of these obligations, all of which I want to make excuses for and stay at home to paint . . .
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