“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -St. Francis of Assisi
My husband presented me with this quote at breakfast one morning recently, and I think I would do well to have it become my mantra. Even with part-time childcare, I can’t seem to get more than a few hours of weekly studio time right now. With a little baby at home, tending to the necessities of my daugther comes first, and that is as it should be.
Perhaps as I hit my stride as a mother, doing more as an artist will also become possilble.  At present, though, what used to come easily in the studio now feels like a real struggle. This painting is kind of crawling along in fits and starts. Here’s what I have so far:
Given that I am only getting about 2 hours of painting time in at any given session (which unfortunately still doesn’t occur all that often) I can’t really work alla prima (wet-into-wet) which has always been what I prefer. The canvas size is 30″x24″, and each time I return to the easel, the paint has dried pretty much completely. I feel like I am doing extra work at each session just to try and open it back up again.Â
It’s not as if every other painting I have ever done has been completed in one session, but for some reason, this multi-sessioned piece feels like more of a struggle. Maybe it is just the lack of continuity that has me stumped. Or maybe it’s the lack of decent sleep! But whatever it is, I feel a bit like an inattentive reader, who keeps having to read the same page over and over again because her mind keeps wandering. Â
Still, in spite of my difficulties, I do feel grateful that it’s possible to have a little time to paint again. Just starting something new and moving the paint around a bit feels good, even if finishing anything still sometimes feels like an impossibility!
Jennifer
Young; Vibrant LandscapesOil Paintings and Art Prints Online
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hi Jennifer,
i completely hear you! with a new baby, the first year of his/her life is an artistic write-off. so it was for me every time (i’m now mom of 3).
but, it does get easier! and time flies- and very soon you will be rested and refreshed enough to get a routine in again! just enjoy the ride- and have a blast- love your WIP!
Simone
Very beautiful oil painting. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jennifer – Mommy
Glad to see you get a little easel time! I can identify just a teeny bit with a new puppy who is taking a lot more time than I expected with house training and all the mommy stuff. Never had kids and I’m in awe of you Moms!!!! You will be back soon and this painting is looking good already! Happy Momaring.
A very belated thanks to you all. You’ve made me feel a bit better about my now reality. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! But it’s always nice to know I am not alone. Simone, hats off to you, mom of 3! And Marilyn- congrats on your new pup! My only advice is one I need to follow for my own little bundle of joy. Give ‘em lots of chew toys.