How to make time for painting
It should be simple to make time for painting. After all this is something that you choose to do, something that you love to do, something that makes you feel good. So why is it so difficult to find time for something that you enjoy doing so much?
Set the stage and have your paints, canvas and brushes ready.
I’ve asked myself this many times since I returned to my passion of painting. There has got to be a way to carve out time in the weekly schedule for doing something that you want to do. That thing that fulfills you, that thing that completes you. The alternative is feeling like something is missing, that feeling of never doing that one thing that you love.
It sucks. I know because I’ve gone long periods of time in that exact state. Days, weeks, months and yes even years!
Stop making Excuses
I have one day off in the middle of the week. What I have found is that I’m often re-energizing on that day. Oh, also there’s another part-time job that often fills some of that day, or household chores, or numerous other demands on my time. Ok, so basically I’m always coming up with excuses and go off in other directions!
It’s time to consider the positive effects of time spent painting: the personal satisfaction, the stress relief, not to mention the end result: a painting that you can be proud of and that others will also enjoy, something to hang in a gallery or even sell.
Set your Personal Goal
If painting is an important personal goal, then it only follows that you should be able to create that time and space in your schedule. This is your own personal time and you should treat it as an investment in yourself. Make it a priority!
Here’s an idea: perhaps setting a special project that really motivates you and gets you excited will help you make the time. Like painting a favorite place, a pet or your grandchildren’s portraits. Hmmm, I like that one!
Manage your Time
Managing your time differently will take some imagination. Can you delegate some chores? Can you rearrange your schedule? It’s all about strategy!
Set a timer to control the amount of time you spend on other things. Need to do housework? Only spend a half hour at it and leave more time for painting.
There are those things in your schedule that you have to do. You can’t change that. You could perhaps spend less time at preparing and eating meals for example. I have a part-time job that helps pay my bills and I am committed to certain hours on certain days.
Maybe you’ll have to get up extra early on some times to find the time, if you have a full and busy schedule.
If you keep a calendar, it’s a good idea to actually block off the time and even send yourself a reminder. You only have yourself to answer to if you don’t honor that time.
Set a Schedule
What is needed is to set up a schedule and stick to it. No excuses, no interruptions, no intrusions! This is a time set aside and needs to be honored! You choose exactly how much time you will spend on painting. Maybe you have to cut some time from other time commitments. Make that day the day you order take out, go out for dinner or have your partner do the cooking that day. Now you’ve saved time to put toward painting!
Set up the time as though it was a class you were attending. Create post-it notes to remind yourself of the time you’ve set aside and stick them on where you’ll notice them: on the fridge, bathroom mirror, computer screen, etc.
Set the Stage
Create that physical space in your home where you can go and close the door. Set up your paints, easel and brushes so that the scene is set, like setting a table. Just waiting for you!
I truly believe that if you feel strongly about setting a goal, then following with a set schedule, you can create that time to paint that you long for!
Sandy Point
Life is always better at the beach. – anonymous We made our way by canoe to Sandy Point on Elliot Lake. Actually, we were on our way to a wonderful sandy beach across the lake that I remember going to with my family when I was a kid. Well, I later found out that we overshot it by quite a piece. But ending up at this lovely spot was pretty nice too. There was a fire pit, so we made a fire, roasted some hot dogs and marshmallows and had a nice break there. Nothing soothes the soul more than a walk along a sandy beach.
read moreSummer Berries in Northern Ontario
14 x 18 Acrylic Summertime is berry picking time in Northern Ontario. Blackberries, chokecherries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and blueberries grow freely behind our cottage on Lake Lauzon. But most often it was the wild blueberries my mother was after. She would enlist our entire family to spend a good part of a day high up on the rocks surrounding the lake. As kids, we would think it was fun for a little while, then start eating them, and finally drop the whole thing altogether and start playing. My mother wouldn’t be satisfied until we had filled a couple of gallon pails with blueberries. And this would take hours. It’s a good thing my father was a patient man and picked faithfully. She would then freeze many that would later be enjoyed as jams and pies. But a lot of them would be eaten fresh with a little sugar and maybe some milk or cream poured over. Delicious! To this day blueberry pie is my absolute favorite. The blackberries were plentiful as well, though harder to pick due to the thorny bushes and the wasps that joined in. They were also not as sweet, but they made a lovely jam and jelly. I painted this during the month of March when the ground was still very frozen and covered with a crusty blanket of snow. Painting these lovely green leaves and popping ripe berries sure got me dreaming about the summer. It became a detailed study of this tangly bush I hope to visit again someday soon. cost:...
read moreWinter Woods
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass 12” x 24” acrylic on canvas I love nothing better than walking along a trail in the woods after a fresh snowfall. I love the way the snow covers everything like a soft blanket, leaving nothing uncovered. Only Mother Nature can be so meticulous and thorough. I love the way the snow crunches underfoot on an extremely cold crisp winter day. This is the winter of my youth, the northern Ontario winter. Come March though, I know I’ll be longing for spring!...
read moreOctober on the Lake
Last October, we were blessed with some beautiful sunny days and we didn’t hesitate to take advantage of them including some family hiking, canoeing and walks down to the lake. This was our first fall in Elliot Lake, a time I had eagerly looked forward to. It had been at least 40 years since I had experienced a northern autumn and I looked forward to the brilliant reds that we didn’t see as much in Southern Ontario. Many Elliot Lakers were disappointed in the lack of intensity and brilliance of the fall colors this year. It was blamed on the long and rainy summer and the warm fall weather that didn’t include the usual amount of frosty mornings and cool overnight temperatures. Despite that, the fall was a wonderful time, and we can’t be happier in our new home in Elliot Lake. I’ve been happily rediscovering this lovely city and the natural beauty that surrounds it. I think growing up here, I took so much of its beauty for granted. I plan to continue exploring all the area has to offer. I’m excited too, to be showing this painting and offering it for sale in the Elliot Lake Arts Club Annual Christmas Show & Sale, along with my blank note cards. It’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more!...
read moreWait for me!
“Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life”- Pablo Picasso I’m taking a break from packing chaos and a home that has become a sea of boxes to share my most recent painting of some kayakers on Lake Huron which I’ve titled: “Wait For Me!” The inspiration came from a photo a friend had shared a couple of years ago and I knew immediately when I saw it, that I would paint it one day. My thought was to paint it as a tribute to Canada in celebration of this great country’s 150th. It holds so much more meaning now, being so consumed with the anticipation and preparation of our upcoming move up north. Dreams of being near the lake—kayaking, swimming, painting, and fishing. Memories of a childhood growing up in beautiful Elliot Lake come flooding back. I can really say “I’m going home”....
read moreGirl on the Beach
There is a really cute, smart, funny, adorable little girl and her name is Klara. I am so lucky to be her grandmother. Klara is really lucky too because she has 2 awesome parents who love to travel. So Klara has visited more countries in her 3 young years than many adults have in their entire lives. In this painting, she is standing in a weathered old wooden boat along the shore of a beach in Greece. She was only 2 at the time, though I’ve captured an older Klara in my painting. She has the brightest smile and eyes that twinkle and light up the world. I must confess that I painted her face at least 8 times before I was satisfied that it was Klara. There were times when I considered giving up. But a dedicated artist does not give up. Portraits are a true test for an artist. You have to capture what you see, so there is an amazing amount of concentration. And the ultimate thrill when you’re...
read moreSeptember Blooms or My Happiness Project
Black-eyed Susans are particularly striking in late summer when so many other flowering plants have gone to seed. They have held a special place in the gardens of each home we have lived in, and have become a favorite flower of my husband. These beauties were transplanted from our former home’s flower bed, and some might argue that they are a weed. We were really pleased how well they have taken to their new spot. Easy to grow, and easy to enjoy! 12 x 12 Acrylic Painting these flowers just made me happy, and I hope they bring a smile to others as...
read moreCute little boy in the grass
I took my own advice on inspirations for paintings and looked no further than one of my grandsons. Carter is just over a year old in this painting where he is sitting in the grass and looking cute as he always does! A photo taken by his dad, Andy was just perfect to work from. NFS.
read moreHealth to all in Altea, Spain
I’ve never been to Spain, but I hear it’s kind of warm there…
I painted this street scene in Altea, Spain for my mother-in-law. I was commissioned to paint it by my sister-in-law Terry, who wanted to give it to her as gift and in turn it was also a gift for me since it got me back in the studio after several month’s absence! So we both say thanks to Terry! NFS.
read moreHeading to calmer waters
This painting takes me to a time when I’m on vacation and spending time with family, when life slows down, and takes me to those calmer waters. It’s a nice memory. SOLD.
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