 |
| Rat Race |
How often do you wish for more hours in a day or even more days in the week?
It's not easy fitting everything into a busy life and making time to paint and be creative. We all have our obligations, family and other jobs. Sometimes I wonder how I will find time to paint at all.
Creative people naturally have projects, ideas, materials floating about...both in their heads and in the studio. We are easily distracted and the only way I can keep my head clear for new ideas is to be tidy ( just don't open any of my cupboard doors!)
I like to know where my materials are and where that lovely reference photo is filed on my computer. I keep a notebook or sketchbook handy to jot down anything I want to remember or ideas, that way I don't worry about forgetting something important.
To make time for actual painting in a hectic schedule is not easy. First you need to be organised (a horrible dirty word I know). I set myself a time limit for mundane tasks, I grab back a few minutes here and there, whenever I can then block off some creative time when possible.
It's useful to decide when your ideal time for painting is and try and work round that. Mine is in the afternoon which isn't easy when I'm working.
So then when you finally get to your easel, or studio...make sure everyone knows you don't want to be disturbed ....headphones are good for this. Ignore the phone, Facebook etc as much as you can (sorry to anyone who knows me!) Give yourself some time to get in the mood, look at some art or doodle in your sketchbook. It also helps to have some idea what you want to do before you start or you will waste precious art time looking for something to paint.
Does anyone else have some ideas for saving time or making time for art?
14 comments:
I like to have a routine - and that includes doing the housework every week. I ignore comments from friends that you can't be creative if you have a tidy house - I think that is just an excuse for laziness! I have a limit on time spent online - after dinner I write my blog, then catch up on my favourites - but at 8pm the laptop is switched off, and the knitting or sewing gets done.
Life is a juggling act. I am retired but am busier than when I was working. Making time to paint isn't easy and I have no magic formula that works for me. But because I go to a class and a club, I paint at least twice a week.When I am in painting mode the housework is left and I feel guilty but hard luck if anyone calls, if they don't like the dust don't come! ha ha
Thanks for the comments, it seems I managed to delete one by mistake (!) Sorry Judy.
I find despite a schedule or plan if life interferes with my head I cannot be creative.
Love your everyday sketches.
its been ages since I did any blogging, reading blogs or being very creative. I have decided I need to concentrate on the good things in life so I'm back here and your blog is the first one I came to and what an appropriate post.
I still have your picture of the pebbles, it is hanging on my wall
Nice to hear from you Jill, I hope you have fun creating!
I have been putting painting off lately because there are other things that "need" to be done--so I gave in to impulse the other night and started a painting at 10:00 at night! Worked for an hour, went to bed, and got up the next morning (which was fortunately a late-start day for me at work) and finished it. It was so satisfying that it has made me decide to work at night more, which I have not previously done (my preferred locale/time is daylight on my patio).
nice illustrations!
artisoo
That´s right. Times passes so quickly and it´s not easy to fit it all in. It´s a real rat-race that´s for sure!
This post should be published in a little picture book for grownups! I love the artwork and your writing both. Cathy, your paintings have a crisp, pleasing charm to them, that reflects your positive outlook and the way you see the beauty in everything.
Thank you for the comments, I appreciate them all!
Now if only I just had a little extra time I could write a blog post..aarghh
Hello Cathy.
Great blog. Can you believe I never seem to have time to do anything (mind you, I am having a crafty peek at your blog right now so I did find some time).
Mmm..I should be painting shouldn't I? The problem I have found with oil paint is the setting-up and then the cleaning of palettes, brushes...etc.
Oh well...tis all jolly fun!
Stew.
Great post Cathy. I have been trying to be more efficient with time too. One way is to cut down on PC time. Hence my lateness in getting here sorry. Anyway popped in to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. xx
Post a Comment