Stamina - Page 3

Heidi Maiers · 04-25-2004, 01:27 AM

I think that most people on this forum would agree that to them, making portraits is not a hobby, or something that they feel obligated to make time for, but rather it is a deep rooted need.

Although it is not my main job, I make time for it because if I don't, I am miserable. I had a 7-year stretch a while back where I was working from 7PM to 7AM and slept while the kids were in school. I didn't make time to make any art at all mistakenly thinking I couldn't do both. Those were the worst 7 years of my life (which possibly begs the chicken and the egg question?). I think I read a post from you Michele that you had an unhappy 7-year absence from your art yourself.

It's easy not to set up a disciplined schedule for working when your studio is part of your home and it is also easy to fall into the procrastination trap thinking that you have plenty of time left and will just do "such and such" first. Before you know it, time's up for the day. If at all possible, I would suggest renting out some studio space or cheap loft somewhere apart from your main home. That way, you can drop off your kids and go to "work" without any other distractions or interruptions until your "shift" is up for the day. If you want, you'll have the freedom to plan one day per week as an errand day to schedule appointments, etc., that are only open during business hours. You are indeed lucky to be able to stay home and take care of things there while working on building a career as a portrait artist. Make the most of it and good luck!

Geary Wootten · 04-25-2004, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Toboika

Working as a subcontractor (freelance) at Billboard pictorials,

Hi Carl....nice to see yet another sign painter here! I'm in my 32nd year as a sign man....crossing over into studio painting, as well. I spent half of those years as a BB guy and Walldog. Loved it! Eller Outdoor, Foster & Kleiser, Gannett Outdoor, then on my own a few times with a small central Cal shop.

On my hours in the studio.....Michele....I too find I can not only stand no more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. Reasons are physical pain (neck, back, hands, legs falling asleep) and also the visual/mental burnout from looking at stuff too long and doing stuff that is not too smart sometimes. Ha! Then I come back and have to sand and paint over.

Geary

Kimberly Dow · 04-25-2004, 02:12 PM

I found it a lot easier to stay on a painting schedule when I got the studio that is open to the public. I have other artists work hanging and that makes me responsible to keep the doors open certain hours - just like any secretary or banker that has to be to work at a certain time.

The house is messier, the kids have had to step up and help more - as well as my husband, but it is well worth it. If I do have to be gone then I try and make it up at night. I'll take a couple nights a week that I tell my husband (who complains, but I dont care) that he has dinner and baths and homework duty. He does all the 3 kids and I take off for the studio as soon as he gets home. Then I paint til 10:30 at night. I find that even if I am tired it is so nice to be painting that I dont need dinner or anything.

If you dont make time for it above the laundry and regular chores then you cant expect your family to take it seriously either. I learned that the hard way. I would complain and complain that I did everything here at home and still worked full time. The complaining did no good - when I just shut up and stopped doing it when it was time for me to paint they all stepped up to the plate and helped. They complain, but I just calmly tell them - too bad. We are family - not a group with a mother-slave - we all have to work to make it run smoothly. After all - if I am gone to the studio and they dont have clothes to wear the next day - then they will HAVE to do a load of laundry.

Geary Wootten · 04-25-2004, 03:44 PM

Ya, Kimberly, when my wife started working...I think we finally learned that lesson of ...."oh, need clean clothes and dishes?......then DO 'em!".....when I was about 40-something....the kids were like 20-something. It took us about a decade or so to catch on. So.....I'm no help at all here.

See.....the problem is, y'all are just so dang GOOD at what you do that....................

G......preparing for flak

Julie Deane · 04-26-2004, 07:37 AM

I can sure relate to this topic. I too work full-time. It's currently the busiest season in my schoolwork. In the past, I did no artwork and was miserable. This year it's different. For example, I went to the park and spent most of the day sketching the scenery and the bystanders. It was wonderful! I wasn't at home to get sucked in to doing the laundry, and I felt happy and recharged. Making the time even when it seems like there is no time works. The main housework still got done and the rest can wait.

Kimberly Dow · 04-26-2004, 08:50 AM

Gaery-

You wont hear any flak from me - I am too busy to try and train someone else's husband. I have all I can handle here trying to train mine.

Geary Wootten · 04-26-2004, 02:15 PM

Kim,

Thanks for sparing me my much deserved volly of fire! LOL....

The better news being here is that we are all doing what is necessary to have the "stamina" to continue painting....no matter what lies in the path to try and stumble us.

One of the things I've been doing lately, as a recovering heart patient, is to eat healthfully and exercise. I'm really getting into Juicing veggies and eating more fruit. I'm also drinking this stuff called Green Magma