Obsessive compulsive?

[Kathryn Wilson]

I have to laugh - if you visited everyone who has invited you to come clean their studio, you would be in deep trouble!

Yes, I think we all go through periods of non-painting, although we are thinking about what to paint next or going through photos or buying another set of pastels. It's all good!

[Ruthie57]

Originally Posted by chewie

yup, do this all the time. part of my hang up is when I get going on art, I dont' want to stop--let the kids starve, the house go to the dogs, hubs can wear dirty clothes and who knows who fed the critters?? its almost, in a weird way, painful to stop. so then I swing the other way, telling myself that when the house is spotless and dinner's fixed, and allll the other things that need done, then I will have the rest of the day/week for my art. and of course you know how this is going!!!

so either the house is clean or the paintings are stacking up, somehow it evades me on how to have a happy medium of both!! so sometimes I know I avoid art to avoid the painful 're-entering' of the real world, or avoid comign out of the studio knowing I'll loose my mojo, and who wants to walk into a mess and a pile of laundry!?? argh!

Oh I can certainly relate to this! I spend my life being torn between the things I must do, the things I should do, the things I want to do even....and painting!! Painting mostly wins but the post painting guilt comes often!
If there are things I must do I must do them before I go to the studio or they simply will not get done that day

[Dcam]

Jason; I hear ya buddy.

Robert, Been there, San Fran is fabulous. I have lots of photos that I plan to use in paintings. Thanks for the invite .

Kat; Ok, ok, I'll come and do your studio as well.

I also sing and play keyboards in a band, so lots of things get in the way of that easel. ooooops have to run off and do my honeydo list. Yardwork!

Derek

[adventureartist]

I'm with Chewie...but I call it "avoidance techniques". There is so much to do on a ranch, cleaning, laundry, cooking, fixing well pressure switches (the well went down today, and guess who fixed it?), my garden, greenhouse, dogs, cats, getting packed and unpacked for expeditions. And the dog hair still insists on gathering in corners to my horror (I just vacuumed yesterday!!)....and then the ultimate avoidance techniques....playing with art supplies, perusing Pastel Journal and shopping on the internet! And I still haven't taken photos of the paintings I have completed for my neglected websites! So I came up with a list of people I need so I can just paint, night and day and not do anything else! Hey I can dream can't I?

1. Book keeper
2. Webpage Maintainer
3. Graphic Artist
4. Professional Photographer
5. Framer
6. Shipper
7. Data Base Maintainer
8. Inventory
9. Correspondance
10. Building Maintenance Person (we have six buildings here)
11. Cook
12. Maid
13. Groundskeeper

The only way I have been able to overcome this is to force myself to be regular, once a day (if possible) driving out to paint plein air, AFTER the chores are done....takes a LOT of discipline. After looking at my list...it's a wonder I have any time to paint, eat or go to the bathroom....

[Colorix]

14. Studio assistant
15. Librarian
16. Nanny
17. Marketing expert

Better get rich real quick!

[SherryC]

Chris thanks so much. If mental activity counts then I have some Monets here, even some Picassos.

Originally Posted by allydoodle

Derek,

I do count thinking about painting, and painting in my mind as part of the process. I've actually got some pretty good finished works in my brain, whodathunkit ? The trick is to get those paintings out of my brain and on my easel, not always easy....... Rumination, yes, something I'm all too familiar with..... You are with like minds here Derek, we've all done this, and are doing it right now........ Thanks about the avatar , I got over my shyness I guess....

[sketchZ1ol]

hello
there may be a few things left out ,
but that comes after the chores are done .
Best Easter wishes .

Ed :}

[sketchZ1ol]

i will add one point tho :

if the art puts food on the table ,
pays the bills , etc.
that's job one .

even if not , it's a way to keep your head straight and open .
- sketches are visual notes/summary of drifting thoughts ...
>> make it clear to everybody/anybody that it's part of You .
>>> there need be no justification nor defense
if you are sincerely sure .
-> some time with art can make each day a better day .
( and the lousy sketches can save a lot of time later )

Ed :}

[Turpintine45]

Lynne next time I am up to see my kids we will have to get together. ( after Derek has cleaned though)
I have no studio just the kitchen table or my lap so the list of things to do before I can be guilt free enough to paint at home is enormous. Fortunately I go to art group twice a week where that is what you are supposed to do. Art so guilt free. Unfortunately my art teacher is in her final journey of cancer and in the hospital for the last time so that option might not be available soon. We are going to try and keep it going though.
But yes you are not alone!

[Dcam]

OK ladies: I'll be over ASAP.

Derek

[Colorix]

LOL! We'll have to set up a schedule for ya, Derek! And, when you come, we want to see a smile on that face!

[Ruthie57]

Derek Domino, please put me on your list too!

[Dcam]

I only fly first class, food and lodging, and a hired car. (Jaguar please).

[Turpintine45]

Might be worth it to get the house cleaned (be sure and get in the corners) and have a painting buddy!

[equinespirit]

Aaaw, this is great, I suddenly feel all normal