Still at It

WIP

Colored Pencil Drawing

12 x 16"

I am still working on this piece and feel like I am struggling with it. Most of the time, I have a distinct vision of what I am working toward; other times the vision is a little blurry and the end result begins to emerge as I work. This is definitely one of those "emergence pieces". I will know when it's finished - not there yet, but very close.

My time spent making art has been eroded lately due to tending to the business side of my work. It's not the fun stuff, but I do know that if I want any kind of success, these are things I must take care of and can't ignore. This side of the business should be taught in art school so that it's not a complete surprise when you really begin to work out in the real world. (Thank goodness I had many years of experience in corporate America!) Here's just a sampling of what I've been doing:

• Inventory and catalog my work
• Take new work to the framer
• Spend time with the printer, proof and order prints
• Design and order new marketing materials
• Keep track of financial matters
• Schedule commissions
• Prepare and package prints for resale
• Package and mail e-bay orders
• Constantly pursue and follow up on new opportunities to display my work

And that's just the basics. There's so much to do and many of us spend 30 to 50% of our time on this stuff. Not fun, but necessary.

Nevertheless, it is all worth it when I get to spend hours and hours making art. It's the best job I've ever had and I love it!

Back to Work

WIP

Colored Pencil Drawing

12 x 16"

My youngest son (and the last one at home) was invited to travel with his very good friend and family to Pittsburgh for a few days. This was a surprise and unexpected, but said friend was not happy about travelling without a friend in tow (many 9-year old little boys have a tendency to feel this way).

With mixed feelings, I allowed him to go, not because I do not trust the family, on the contrary, that was not a problem at all. It's just that knowing my youngest is beginning to move out into the world without his parents brings up some bittersweet feelings.

I jotted down a quote I found the other day, presumably to pass on to my dear friends who are taking their children to college soon. But I think I needed to have it around for me, as well.

"Your children are not your children, they are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. They come through you but are not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you." - Kahlil Gibran.

So, while both missing my son and revelling in the time alone, I worked all day yesterday (until about 1 a.m.!) on this rather large piece. I hope to finish it very soon. He goes back to school next week; so surley by then.....

New Work In Progress

I have been very busy working on a new colored pencil drawing which measures 12 x 16". I am using a light warm gray colored matboard for this piece.

My computer has been down for a couple of days with a drastic case of BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). Michael, our Super Computer Guy, made a housecall today and set it right. Whew....

But, having no access to my computer (which can be as you all know, a HUGE distraction from making art) has allowed me to really breeze along on this piece. Expect it to slow down a little now that I am up again!