Sunday, February 24, 2008

Still painting - tulips





Well, it has been a slow last 2 weeks as far as painting goes. Last weekend, My husband and I took a trip to visit with my father-in-law, who is quite ill, and this week has been very busy with work - so I didn't get to work on this piece as much I would have liked. However, after putting in many hours this weekend, I feel it is getting a lot closer to being finished. This has been quite an experience to tackle a very large piece, but it has taken me a LOOOOONG time to get this one done with all that life brings and a full time job! Do any of you face similar challenges? 

Hope each of you has a wonderful week with happy days filled with painting!



17 comments:

Cheryl McCarley said...

Hi Joanne,
I totally know what you're feeling! I haven't painted for 3 days now. Your tulips are looking wonderful! I kind of like painters block...makes me rethink what exactly what I want! Good luck!! Best Wishes,
Cheryl

Michelle Wiebe said...

Wow - I'm glad you posted an update on this. It really is starting to come together.

I can hardly wait to see the finished piece!!! Hopefully it will be a week with lots of painting time so we can see is nice and soon!

Jean Victory said...

Hi Joanne,
You're beginning to sound like me. It's taking my forever to finish my Hamilton Beach mixer. It's been hard because some days I have other things that pop up and there is no time to paint. Keep up the good work...it's looking great!!

Alvin Richard said...

Hi Joanne,
Your painting is shaping up to be quite a beauty. The reds and greens make for a striking combination color burst.

Life is quite a balancing act to be honest with you. If I could clone myself I would. There is always a curve ball coming in an unexpected direction. But the fact that we are able to scamble an hour here and there to paint is often enough to keep alive that flame that burns inside .

Hoping your father-in-law's health is improving.

Thanks for your kind words on my latest.

Unknown said...

Hey Cheryl,
Isn't it hard to WANT to paint and be unable to get to it? There are days when I just long to be home, enjoying my studio and the smell of paints and sizing of watercolor paper - weird I know, but totally what an artist feels sometimes! Thanks for stopping by - I've been enjoying your blog lately too. Talk to you again soon!

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your encouragement. I hope too that I can get some time in this week on this piece, but also start a couple of others. I am ready to tackle some new ideas... and sticking with this piece for so long has me chomping at the bit so to speak to begin something new. Looking forward to seeing your next posting!

Unknown said...

Jean,
I love your mixer so far. It is going to be a fabulous painting - I can already tell from the parts you have posted. For me, I "get in the flow" and then returning a week later makes it more difficult to get back into the spirit of the work. (Not impossible - just more difficult!) I suppose the only remedy for that is to leave my job, which I am not ready to do... sigh! So, we work when we can, and are glad of understanding friends who relate to our grumblings! :-) Thanks for your words of encouragement, Jean!

Unknown said...

Alvin,
You understand perfectly - the curve balls sometimes come fast and furious, but they cannot extinguish that passion for painting.

Unfortunately, my father-in-law has Parkinson's, from which he will not recover. He also just had emergency surgery to have a pacemaker put in, so he has had quite a rough go of it.

Your latest painting is wonderful. Those hours here and there have added up to something very special! Thanks for stopping by!

Alvin Richard said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alvin Richard said...

Hi Joanne,

Your father-in-law's condition is very much a reflection of my own mother's. During the last four years of her life she had a very rough time that also included Parkinson's, congestive heart failure / pacemaker, severe osteroporosis with fractures, Renaud's disease....you name it! But she was a real medal of courage and it is her strenght that I remember the most, above all else.

My thoughts are with you!

kim shields said...

My prayers are with your father-in-law. I know exactly what you mean when life keeps you from painting. I too wake up wanted to escape into my studio to paint but knowing I have to do other things. I love your tulips! I would love to see the painting at its true size. WOW!

Unknown said...

Oh Alvin! I am so sorry that your mother had to endure all of that... what an amazing woman she must have been! Thanks you for your kind words, and for sharing your story and support. I appreciate it more than you can know.

Unknown said...

Hi Kim,
Thank you for your prayers for my father-in-law. His name is Ben, and he is one of the most wonderful people you would ever want to meet. I am discovering that many artists have very compassionate hearts. I appreciate yours, and your support of my artistic endeavors! "Talk" to you again soon - either on your blog or mine. :-)

Anonymous said...

I love it, Mom. I think it's needless to say, but watching you paint for 15 years is my inspiration. You once told me that I was born to paint, but I think it's the other way around. I think that YOU were born to paint, and that your paintings are born of you. They are true creations, and I think that you must feel the pleasure of God as you paint, and that is why you have such a pull to the easel. God has placed this amazing talent (and desire to use it) in you, and when it is released on paper, it sparkles. Kind of like your eyes. I love you, Mom.

Unknown said...

Kimmy,
You are the most amazing daughter anyone could have! Thank you for the hours of talk, laughter and support that you willingly give to me. I am very touched by your comments... wish you were close enough for a hug! Love you too.
Mom

Frank Gardner said...

I'm glad to catch a glimpse of how this one is coming along Janne.
I know how you feel about distractions. I have a 5 year old that we love to spend lots of time with. A gallery that I run, and like Alvin said, there are always curveballs coming at us. I don't stress over it as much as I used to and just go with the flow.
If I stop working on a big piece for very long I need to get back into the groove by working on a new smaller painting to avoid messing up the big one. Once I feel loosened up I'll work on the other one.
Best wishes for your father in law and family.

Unknown said...

Hi Frank,

Thanks for that great suggestion of working on a smaller piece until I am in the flow of creativity before going back to the big painting. I love how you share your insights and experience so freely! You are a very busy person with all that is in your life - so I imagine it would be easy to get stressed. I need to be more like you and relax, go with the flow. That way, I know I will enjoy the creative moments so much more. I have another question for you - but I'll visit your blog to ask you there. Thanks for your words of wisdom!