Six days without that "outside" connection was much harder to bear than I ever expected. It wasn't just not being able to check my bank balance, email, pay bills, sell on ebay and communicate with customers, but I felt so isolated. Usually I spend some time most days checking on the art community family on line. Having made so many connections, I have the sense of being part of an artist colony walking in and out of artist's and friend's studios and sharing in our work. It was pure painful withdrawal that I felt this last week being cut off from all the inspiration, encouragement and knowledge that I gain from you all. It's great to be back!
I haven't accomplished too much in the way of painting this last week. Below you will see the one painting I did finish, a commission to paint another "Tarzan and Mary Jane" piece. It was commissioned by an ebay collector that missed winning the original painting. I think this is the first "re-paint" I've done and was more difficult than I thought it would be. The client wanted it to be as close as possible to the first painting, so concentrating on a likeness proved contrary to staying loose and spontaneous with brushwork. I pulled it off, but it wasn't as "fun" as painting the first painting. The process of this assignment felt familiarly like my past illustration work in which all art is commissioned. I learned to appreciate my current freedom to paint those things that inspire me day to day. What a great joy and privilege!!!
6"x 8" Oil on gessoed board.
Commissioned work - sold
5 comments:
Marilyn, Welcome back :) I can't imagine what I would do without the internet for one day, let alone 6!! Thanks for sharing your experience, It's given me a renewed appreciation for all the enjoyment I get from visiting blogs, emailing, ebaying, and hearing from other artists daily. Also, great job on the painting!
Marilyn,
Glad to hear you'll not have to deal with any more Internet withdrawals (I hope!). I know exactly what you mean about being hooked. I used to be SO hooked that I think I got a bit burned out! I went from hooked to nearly unplugged for a while (though mine was on purpose) and still I'm searching for that happy medium.
You've done another fine job on this piece. I can relate to what you're saying about not feeling quite as spontaneous. However, you carried it off well. May I return the very kind compliment you left on my blog by saying how impressed I am with your work's progress over the past year? You already had talent, but your work now shows a superb new level depth and skill. No wonder there fightin' over it in the auctions! :-)
How kind you both are and good friends! Thanks for your continued support and encouragement! I need every bit.
Whew-glad I'm not the only one feeling that my DSL line is my umbilical cord. lol! My verizon connection keeps quitting, and each time I have a feeling of panic that it won't reconnect.
My hat's off to you for being able to repaint this so beautifully. I think it's one of the toughest things to do.
welcome back online. I love your description of the online community as like visiting other's artists studios. It really is!
Boy do I ever understand your withdrawal from "being connected"!!! And your lack of excitement over your commission painting....it's hard to "paint for others." But, you did just as great a job the second time! Glad we are both back "on track" with our art and blogging and staying connected....whew! I'm soooo sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. I'll be praying for both of you.
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