A Game-Changer
5 03 2010“How long did it take you to paint that?”
I think any artist who has been painting for a while has to have heard that question a million times. I always find it a little hard to answer, because the question seems to imply a kind of value judgement, such as “paintings that take longer are worth more” (which isn’t always the case.) But if I were to answer the question in regards to the painting below, I’d have to say that it’s taken about 3 months. More aptly put, 1 trimester.
Yes, that’s right…Back in early November we received some surprising and life-changing news. Turns out we’re expecting our first born, due in July of 2010! Having been married for 15 years with no expectations of having children, let’s just say we were happily surprised!
What it has meant for me professionally (at least in the short run) is that my painting came to a screeching halt for the rest of the last quarter and the early part of 2010. Not only did I feel oil painting (with solvents) to be not good for the developing fetus, but frankly I was so constantly nauseated and exhausted that I had no problem staying out of the studio altogether. Heck, even sitting at the computer for any amount of time gave me some serious vertigo, so I had no choice but to unplug for much of last quarter as well.
What it will mean for me in the future is a little unknown. I’ll still be an artist, but this one’s certainly a game-changer, at least in terms of the way I’ll play it. For sure there will be more periods of absenteeism once the baby makes her big debut. For now, I’m in my 2nd trimester and have both better stamina and the blessing of my obstetrician to get back to work, so I am finally tip-toeing back into the studio to have a go at painting again. Here’s my first attempt, after a “pregnant pause”; a painting of lovely Lake Como:
“Gilded Afternoon, Lake Como”
Oil on linen, 24″x20″
So…since it took me all these months to finish, do you think I can charge more? Nah….I’ll just price it as per usual. Mama needs a new nursery! 
Jennifer
Young; Vibrant LandscapesOil Paintings and Art Prints Online
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Congratulations Jennifer! I wondered how I was going to find time to paint when our daughter was born almost 3 years ago. I am not a full time painter yet, so I am juggling painting, a full time job, and my family life. You will find time to paint, it may just be in bursts instead of being in the studio daily.
Most of all, though you will be tired and exhausted, your life will be changed for the better! I can’t imagine life without my daughter since she was born! She is the joy of me and my wife’s life! Love the painting here too!
Most couples don’t have nearly that long to establish themselves as a couple and build such a strong foundation before they have children - you guys are going to have so much fun! Congratulations.
Thanks you two. I hope more parents will step forward and offer such encouragement…I’m all ears! Jennifer, I agree- We feel fortunate to have had quite a bit of time on our own to explore “us”, travel, etc. Not that this will end, but I do feel like we’re both more prepared to shift focus in this new direction now.
Justin, thanks for sharing your experience as a parent-painter. I feel a bit like I’ve been guided by some mysterious force now to have gotten the studio built on our property a year and a half ago! At least now when I can find opportunities to paint, I’ll be close to my family and my work will be all right there waiting for me rather than having to drive all the way across town.
For some reason I had a feeling that was the reason you had disappeared for awhile! Congraulations!!! My husband and I had five years before we became three it is a happy adjustment. That baby boy will be turning 21 in a couple of weeks!?! Time will take on a whole new meaning, with your passion and love for painting it will all work out. So nice that you do have your beautiful studio right at home now. Hopefully you are over some of the “yucky feelings” and can enjoy your new experiences.
Thanks Marty- Well, you have good instincts! Yes, knock on wood, most of the yucky/sick feelings have subsided and the energy is returning (though it’s still more limited than pre-pregnancy.) Thanks for your confidence in my ability to ultimately manage the painting in addition to motherhood. My husband seems to think likewise. I am grateful that I’ve had some time to learn a little about the ins and outs of an art career in the years leading up to this one. Hopefully that has prepared me somewhat, at least in respect to my painting. As for motherhood….that’s a whole new ball of wax! So mentally I’m trying to allow myself some leeway to just be a new mom at first so as to manage my expectations. Eventually (hopefully) we’ll all figure out a rythm that works. Hope you are well!
Postcards from Broken Dreams,
when you are happily washing dog fecal matter out of a two year old’s hair at 4 in the morning, think of them not as burdens, but rather,
“Les Barres De La Prison”
Oh, don’t you know? That’ll be Dave’s job.
Sincères félicitations,
Nous esperons vous revoir très vite aux pinceaux avec votre petit boutchou.
Un grand coucou de la Frace
A+
This is wonderful, Jennifer!!! You may be questioning this all but you will be so happy!!! I always wanted kids but it just never happened and now that I’m older, I’d love to have grandkids. You are very blessed and you and Dave will make great parents.
Glad you are feeling better and getting to paint some. This is beautiful!
Merci à tous!! We feel very blessed and excited. Lots to do before our little bundle arrives by stork though (if only delivery were that easy!) to get the house ready. There are things that have been on our “to do” list for a while that now take on a new urgency with a baby, but we’ll get at least the most important things taken care of, I’m sure.
Meanwhile, I *hope* to at least paint/post weekly, though I’m still finding that rhythm, apparently. Though I may not be as prolific, I hope to at least post something interesting (and art-centric) in the days leading up to the big event.
Hi Jennifer and congratulations! I have been an avid fan of your work and website for the past couple of years and was getting concerned after not seeing anything new since November but today I saw the wonderful news.
I hope you continue to delight us all with updates (painting and baby) and wish you well for the future!
Hi Amanda,
First of all, thanks for your congrats, and thanks for being such a longtime follower of my work! Yes, my long absence from posting was a little weird for me too. I actually got a few private emails about it–I think wondering if I were still alive! But I wanted to hold off posting an announcing anything until things were a little further along and more secure in my pregnancy AND I felt like I could actually post new work again. Along those lines, I should have another “something new” posted in the next few days. Thanks for bearing with me.
Congratulations!!!!! I’ve painted with a child on my lap many times. I know you will be a wonderful mommy. Best wishes from Austin, Texas.
Thank you Heather! I think I might be able to do something similar, once I catch up on my sleep
Love Austin…I have lots of family in and around your town.
Hi Jennifer,
Your paintings are beautiful. How long have you been painting with Walnut Oil?
I have just started using Walnut Oil with my Oil Paints. I love it. Yes, its expensive, but so is Odorless Thinner, and we know that is very harmful to us.
I bought 3 Walnut Oil cans at Ross clothing store for three dollars less than I normally pay in grocery stores. Haven’t found a site online yet thats less.
The www.paintingsbygeri.com website will be up and running in a couple of days. Am working on that.
It has been suggested to mix half thinner, half walnut oil. Haven’t tried this yet, but will try it soon.
Keep painting these beautiful paintings.
geri
Hi Geri,
Thanks so much for the compliments. I’ve actually just started with Walnut Oil. Can’t say that I love it yet, but I like that it is nontoxic. I think I just need more practice. At present, I can’t mix with thinner because I don’t want to be exposed to the extra toxins during my pregnancy. Yes, this oil is expensive. I haven’t found an inexpensive source for an artist grade walnut oil yet–have only bought it online. What is Walnut Oil doing at Ross clothing store? Is this the same as Ross Fashions? I’ve never been in there but can’t figure out why they’d carry such an item.
your paintings are really great. you did a great job. thanks for posting this. keep up.