July 02, 2007

Down Time...

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Way - Tara - 24" sq - recently completed

I won't complain, this is natural and normal. Been here many times before and know that I'm just passing through. To be expected after a year of enthused painting, two shows delivered and everything else going on in life. I've tried all the tricks, feigned enthusiasm for one thing or another but I walk into the studio and just move paint around without purpose, totally dead ended.

Was a bit down about an incident concerning my last show (which sold well enough) but all seems in order now. Perhaps I'll be producing wonderful works with enthusiasm again soon. But it could be just seasonal doldrums... or the erratic busyness of summer which has no respect for routine. Lots of family coming and going in July and Aug... and that's a good thing. Might as well just close up shop for awhile... maybe spend spare time clearing debris out of corners and at least feeling like I'm accomplishing something. Hope this isn't more feigned enthusiasm... would love to have a few orderly corners!

And talk about distractions... we're caretaking our g-dog while her girls are at Disney World. Daisy is a people pooch and doesn't leave my side. Still a pup in training, we have need of many outside visits... another excuse for not focusing? Probably... but she sure is cute!

The above paintings were recently completed though the first has already had more paint applied so will have to retake the photo. It's the big ones that are causing the clog. Something about knowing the size of inventory already out there makes one wonder what the rush is.

11 comments:

meno said...

Your granddog sure is cute. Enjoy the time off.

Olga Norris said...

The real question is why do you paint? It is sometimes difficult to answer.

Karen Jacobs said...

"Why?" is always a good question, Olga. I'm not a romantic so my answer usually has to do with maintaining momentum rather than some deep seated need for fulfillment. I think I reached the fill mark some time ago.

Meno... I think I will kick back and enjoy... the muse will return in her own good time.

Walker said...

what a great dog pic! Enjoy! R

Martha Marshall said...

Cute pup!

Well I saw a priceless quote somewhere yesterday that went something like, "It's not art until it sells. Up until then, it's a storage problem."

I'm tempted to steal that one.

Annette Bush said...

Hum, the linear aspect is at work in 'Way'-- lots of joyous lines there. A

Karen Jacobs said...

Wish I could say I took the photo, but my daughter's got the equipment and talent in that dept, Robin.

Love the quote, Martha... way too close to true!

Annette, that wobbly line has been around for awhile, just not paid much attention to it. That example was painted before I blogged about line... but still did a double take after spotting it.

Tracy Helgeson said...

Karen we have parallel lives! A puppy in the house here too and I am feeling a bit stuck with my work.

p said...

I love your honesty and yes, courage to write about this stuff. I look up to you and to read that you go through this relieves me somewhat.
As for the post above, I find it fascinating that you are more energized by clues like size and style...something the client likes. I find it restrictive to try to do what I think someone wants. It intrigues me how different we all are as artists. Scary and freeing to know creativity is elusive.
Enjoy your summer...your work is beautiful and I'm sure not done :)

Karen Jacobs said...

Paula, talk to me 20/30 years from now and see if you don't need an occasional kick start to motivate the muse. Sometimes decisions like size, color and style are heaven sent when made for you. I can take it from there. The honesty comment is curious to me... I've heard it before more than a few times. I can't imagine writing a blog real thoughts aren't expressed. A gallery rep said the same thing after a chatty visit... made me wonder what I said that might have been overly honest!

p said...

good point, guess I'm too green to have thought that far ahead!
The honesty thing is just the non-pomp naturalness of saying where you are at right now. You manage not to sound overly important, dramatic etc. With your history and background that is refreshing.