We interrupt regular programming...

to bring you a short break.

I've run out of steam, which is very common after a long stretch of producing art. Its important to pay attention to your mind and body when they tell you they need  its time to review and renew.  With a hectic schedule of work, commissions sitting on my table and proposals being finalized, my ideas are a bit fuzzy right now and words are not worth sharing with you.

My mind slides into non productive mode and my body needs a rest, so I'm taking a couple of days off blogging to rejuvenate, find some new inspiration and to complete some pieces that need attention.

Meanwhile this peacock will keep you company, painted on a hand made ink stained sketchbook in watercolour.

As artists, we must learn to be self nourishing. We must become alert enough to consciously replenish our creative resources as we draw on them – to restock the trout pond, so to speak. (Julia Cameron)

Final update

 
I'm calling this portrait complete, more or less.  There are still some areas that need darkening and refining but it was just a  fun drawing so I'm not worrying it to death and I'm sure people get tired of seeing the same thing 3 days in a row!

I have a grant application finalized and ready to go into the mail tomorrow.  There is always a degree of stress with any application, checking and doubling checking to make sure I have all the necessary forms and documents and support materials in place. 

Of course applying for a grant, or more so getting awarded a grant, brings yet another set of stresses. I have to actually produce the work then!  But that would be a good thing.  Deadlines and some pressure really do help push me forward, otherwise I can procrastinate and suddenly the time is up.

Whether I get the grant or not is immaterial as the work that I have planned will still be completed, just not quite as much perhaps and the framing may put me in the poorhouse for awhile. But I'm hoping it will be worth it.

Punk Rocker update

Just a small update on the portrait.  I haven't had much time to draw tonight.  People, packing paintings and the telephone keep me away.

I've started putting down some layers for the hair and building the fine hairs on the shaved section of the head.  I've noticed that my drawing is off here.  The ear is too far back, making the head elongated.  But as this isn't a commission and just something for fun, I'm letting it slide for now.

I'm finding the shade of paper very difficult to capture.  Its a blue that looks almost greenish under artificial light.  This is more what it looks like in the current lighting, but daylight give a much bluer cast to the paper.