There are some days when getting started in the studio is like trying to get excited about going to the dentist. Today was one of those days. I must be a terrible person for comparing my work in the studio to going to the dentist! Or perhaps I should apologize to the dentist – he really is a nice guy….
I kicked around the studio, stared at my canvases and accomplished absolutely nothing. I didn’t even mix any paint. These kinds of days fill me with guilt about what I am not doing and consequently make it even harder to do anything. So I filled my afternoon with distractions and decided to try to forgive myself for my lack of productivity. I shoveled snow, got the mail (I made an event out of it), toured a few fellow blogger’s sites, ate too many cookies, did not clean the kitchen (although I am eyeing it now) and stared at the clouds as they moved across the window. The sky is dark now, so I am back in front of the computer. I am still not painting!!!
Sometimes, it is the atmosphere that is lacking. I am an emotional painter, even though my work is not expressionist. I love landscape. The mood or atmosphere of the land, water and sky are a visual symphony of feeling. Of late, there has been a sombre beauty to this place. The continuous string of dull days has dampened my spirit and, despite the pleasant temperatures they have brought, I ache for a cold, crisp sunny day where the light might whisper to me again. If the Weather Network is to be trusted, it should be Sunday….
Working on that forgiveness…. Ah well, tomorrow is another day….and I am feeling more inspired already!
Here is a link to a wonderful writer I came across during my blog tour today. David Bale has the skill to create short stories in 299 words with tonnes of atmosphere….Very Short Novels
Hello, dear Michelle,
We’ve all had those days. For writers, the physical act of typing gets the process started. Describe your last haircut and before you know it, you’re WRITING! For painters, I don’t know. Maybe dip your brush in solvent and “wipe it” on a handy canvas. Move your arm. See what happens.
I’ve done my own musing about the dentist. Consider this poor fellow’s situation:
http://davidbdale.wordpress.com/2007/08/15/fear/
You know David, sometimes if I can’t paint, I write. But even that was a struggle yesterday! LOL!
Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Great post – and we have all been there on our different journeys. For me, as a runner, there are those days I don’t feel like doing it, and those days I simply can’t. And all those times make the days when everything seems to go so right just that much more enjoyable. Sometimes just being in a studio, listening to ourselves, and sometimes just “being,” is what we need.
Phil – that is the absolute truth!
Thanks for that…. 🙂
Michelle:
Thank you for your comments over at B-Cat.
Your paintings are lovely.I am endeavoring to do with a camera what you do with a brush. I call it “camera painting”. Monet is my muse.
I know just what you mean about those “days”. I have days when I go out searching that I just can’t get in the zone. Lucky for me, the worst that happens is I get some great excercise and the house work always is a step child!
Kinsey – My house work gets way too much love when the ‘zone’ eludes me… LOL!
This is one of those days.
I should be painting but I’m reading Blogs!
Just checked out your work.
Very nice!
I had better get to work myself.
Hi John –
Sometimes that is where the inspiration comes from. Other artists can be a huge inspiration for me.
Thanks for the compliments! 🙂