[bbbaldie]

I've cranked out probably 150 salable (good enough to offer to the public for sale) pieces in the last two years. I've been forcing myself to put my nose to the grindstone on regular occasions, and have been rewarded by inventory and a wonderful feeling. I painted my sailing ship trilogy in a week! Each piece 18" x 24".

After a disappointing turnout at our town visitor center last Saturday (we had a major film festival in town and thousands of visitors, but very few of them came by), I felt a need to withdraw from art. Yesterday, I broke down my watercolor table and gave my office the good cleaning it's been needing, and most significantly left the table in the closet!

I'm headed back to the visitor center on Saturday, the normal farmer's market traffic actually seems to generate better traffic there, according to the gal running it.

I'm not too concerned about my need for escape. I took a month and a half or so off last year in a similar fashion. I have the weekend Art Walk coming up in a month, I'm hoping I get back in the studio frame of mind before then, I can always use more inventory. But if not, I have plenty.

No seeking of advice or the like, just letting all know that you may reach "need to stop" phase. If so, then stop! Wait for the desire to create to return. Don't worry, it will, as long as you don't push too deeply past the point of needing a break.

 

[dickhutchings]

I know exactly what your saying, but when I take time off I usually revert to one of my other hobbies. I'm hoping that doesn't happen with art. If I can ever get some inventory built up and actually start selling, I think I'll be hooked for good.

 

[TerryCurley]

I've cranked out probably 150 salable (good enough to offer to the public for sale) pieces in the last two years. I've been forcing myself to put my nose to the grindstone on regular occasions, and have been rewarded by inventory and a wonderful feeling. I painted my sailing ship trilogy in a week! Each piece 18" x 24".

After a disappointing turnout at our town visitor center last Saturday (we had a major film festival in town and thousands of visitors, but very few of them came by), I felt a need to withdraw from art. Yesterday, I broke down my watercolor table and gave my office the good cleaning it's been needing, and most significantly left the table in the closet!

I'm headed back to the visitor center on Saturday, the normal farmer's market traffic actually seems to generate better traffic there, according to the gal running it.

I'm not too concerned about my need for escape. I took a month and a half or so off last year in a similar fashion. I have the weekend Art Walk coming up in a month, I'm hoping I get back in the studio frame of mind before then, I can always use more inventory. But if not, I have plenty.

No seeking of advice or the like, just letting all know that you may reach "need to stop" phase. If so, then stop! Wait for the desire to create to return. Don't worry, it will, as long as you don't push too deeply past the point of needing a break.

Sure hope you keep posting during your break. You are one of the joys of being on this forum.

It's been 2 years now since I started painting and in that time I've produced just about as many as you have. Now I've decided no more quickies. I'm going to do detailed pictures that take a long time. But that's what I say now.....it could change tomorrow....it's great to be free to choose.

 

[Mel_Robertson]

I've been forcing myself to put my nose to the grindstone

hey you know what you should do after a few days into your break?
you should PAINT :biggrin: I bet you'd create something better than you ever could with the pressure of money, I do my best artwork when there's no money involved (sorry I know blah blah blah same old same old lol) but it's true!
I also hope you keep posting

 

[bbbaldie]

Sure hope you keep posting during your break. You are one of the joys of being on this forum.

It's been 2 years now since I started painting and in that time I've produced just about as many as you have. Now I've decided no more quickies. I'm going to do detailed pictures that take a long time. But that's what I say now.....it could change tomorrow....it's great to be free to choose.

I've honored by that, thank you.

I'm still hawking art, so it'll still be on my mind.