As I’ve had just over a month as a full time artist, I thought I’d share some insights into what I’ve learned and how the transition has gone.
I guess it’s worth saying that having worked continuously for over 30 years I fully expected to struggle with the transition. Particularly with the lack of structure. But I’ve found it remarkably easy. I’m still an early riser but fully embracing the opportunity to watch the morning news with a cuppa as the start of my day. Plus getting up early means I get to enjoy the sunrise.
Part of the reason for the smooth transition was down to the planning I have been working on since summer last year. To start, I wrote myself some lists – who doesn’t like a list! Rather than the usual ‘to do’s’ these lists were of things I thought I might have issues with. And then ideas in which I could mitigate any problems.
Problem Solving
Lack of structure was the first. To replace back to back meetings and project deadlines I started a studio time log. Each day I capture how much time I spend painting. Then log my weekly hours. My intention is to achieve a minimum of 20 hours a week painting time. So far with one exception I’ve hit this target. Having these small targets helps provide a motivational framework for me. And the log is also a great way to chart the ebbs and flows of creativity.
Another solution to the structure issue was to take part in an art challenge. In January and February I completed the insight creative 30 day sketchbook challenge. My last blog covered this experience so I won’t repeat myself. But I will say that the discipline of a daily art habit really helped me start on a positive note.
More Experimentation
When art was a weekend hobby one thing I was very conscious of was the urge inside to always have a satisfactory outcome for my time. This meant that whilst I might spend some time on experimentation, I couldn’t shake off that need to have something to show for my effort. This might not sound like a problem. But it really was. The pressure to ‘finish a piece’ meant that I often abandoned exploration just as it was starting to get interesting. Having more time has allowed me to push this further.
Over the past month I have been exploring how materials move. Looking at allowing paint to do its own thing – with a little encouragement!
Experimenting with the fluidity of paint has definitely helped me understand the medium better. It is something I intend to explore further over the next few months. Already it has created some interesting results….
Gathering Inspiration
Another issue with weekend art was that whenever I had a free day, I felt like I had to paint. Watching the Art2Life free workshops reminded me of the value of differences. It was the kick up the bum I needed to realise that I had some reframing to do. Art making is about the time you spend in the studio. But it is also about the time you spend out in the world collecting inspiration.
Last week when the sun was shining it was too a good an opportunity to miss. We headed up the coast and had a lovely day in Bamburgh and Seahouses, in Northumberland. Followed by a fab lunch in Amble.
The result – my photo feed is full of photos to use in my next coastal paintings.
New Series
That approach of experimentation has also taken me into a new space. Where I want to use colour to convey my mood.
I’m feeling so positive about this next stage in my life. So, I wanted my first paintings to reflect this optimism. I have started work on a new series ‘Beyond Paradise’ with a decidedly pink theme.
Watch this space to see how it develops!