A real crisis

[Patricia Joyce]

So nice to know i am in great company and to realize that what i have experienced is really, normal. Painting all this coming week and looking forward to it. My new goal is to paint more hours than draw even if it is just "playing" on paintings that don't "matter". I know as with drawing, it all matters because we are always learning and evolving...

[Ngaire Winwood]

Hi Patricia

Please be thankful you are drawing and having the odd chance to paint.

I would love to be a full time artist, even to afford to be a part time one.

I dearly miss practicing my art and just can't even get the energy to pick up a pencil nowadays, as I am always so tired. I have concentrated on academic studies the last few years, so that I could gain a higher paying job that would allow me the money to be an artist. I tried it a few years ago with a part time job but working with inferior quality materials is so depressing. I started my uni degree in 2008 and I have never stopped thinking of taking time off to at least draw even for an hour, but time does not allow me this privilege studying two subjects and working full time. I only have time to eat, work, study and sleep every day of the week and on weekends, it is housework and working on assignments that always seem to be due yesterday.

I would love to have your problem of having the time to draw and the occasional attempts at painting. I yearn and ache for this experience, a few times every day when I can allow my mind to wander. I try to remind myself that one day I will have the time and privilege to be an artist. I am trying to save any tit bits left after the bills for my art life. With the struggles most days, all I feel like doing is throwing in the towel with my studies and going back to where I was a few years ago with the seat out of pants, but at least pencil was in my hand and not much else.

Hang in there, be kinder to yourself and let your mind just freely wander. You just might surprise yourself with the outcome.

[Patricia Joyce]

Ngaire,
Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your deep deep desire to return to your art when you are at a time it is not possible. I too, had to put my passion on a shelf when I was raising my children, so I do know how you feel. You will get there again, passion never ever diminished, in fact it grows wether you are drawing or not. YOu will be back in the saddle before you know it!

Just a follow up, I did finally paint that portrait which I started and abandoned four times. Here is the finished painting. I am delivering it today and and very happy with it. Attending Marvin's workshop was the key to approaching this painting for the fifth time.

I watched Marvin paint like a hawk on his shoulder. And I soaked up, AGAIN, every piece of knowledge he dispensed. It made all the difference.

And, if anyone is as determined as I have been these years to become a professional painter, Marvin will be back in Cleveland next year for two more weeks in June. Let me know if you are interested and I will put you on a student list to keep you posted as we get closer to June 4, 2012!

Thank you for looking.

[Ngaire Winwood]

Thanks Joyce for your kind words and thoughts, they really touched me.

Your finished painting feels so vibrant and I can feel the inspiration you gained from your shoulder perch on Marvin's shoulder. Don't lose that this feeling of confidence that inspired you in this painting. You have tapped into the 'real' energy of creativity. It is amazing what a change of mood inspiration can bring to one's art.

I remember in 2007, I was fortunate enough to attend a David Kassan's, workshop, his confidence inspired me for months.

Keep up the great work, I look forward to seeing more of your accomplishments.

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Well done, Patty!! That's really lovely.

And yes, as one who is in the thick of child rearing ... I just keep telling myself the same thing about a "season for everything." Although I do get to plod along here and there, so I can't complain too much. I love painting so I die a little if it goes too long between spurts.

[Karine Monaco]

Patricia, this portrait is lovely.
Looks like you had fun. I can also feel the pleasure of color that you might have experienced on this piece.
Congratulations !

[Julie Deane]

lovely, Patty!