When I stop painting for too long I lose momentum. It seems to take a while to get thru the resistance that comes up when I start again. I have found that ideas flow, and more work is produced by showing up to the studio consistently. Focus and creativity build on a daily basis.
Of course, taking breaks or getting away from the work has its place. So when is it time to break away from the studio? For me its usually after creating a body of work for a show or open studio. Burn out can also show up, and let me know I need to take some time off to fill the well of creativity. Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way” has many tools that deal with this.
Currently the Sausalito Art Festival has my focus and energies, and is happening in a little over a month. Labor Day Weekend September 5-7. Lots of art to see, plus music, food and wine. I’m in booth #805. Come by to say hello and see what I’ve been creating over the summer.
I love this portrait Chris. ‘Thoughts of Red’ has such rich color it is powerful and inviting to the eye, yet is so perfectly balanced with softer hues that is is not overpowering. In some ways “thoughts of red” perfectly defines love, passion, and as you stated in your post, time and energy. I would love to surprise you Labor Day weekend and ‘stroll on by’ booth #805, but for now I hope a stroll down memory lane and a surprise post will bring a smile. Best to you always, nancy