planning studio time

Why does it seem that most men artists have no problem getting to the studio to work? Is it because they have tunnel vision and don't get distracted? Is it because they are not usually responsible for cooking, cleaning,doing the laundry, taking care of the kids, etc on a daily basis?

I wonder if it is gender related that they can have such focus. I truly wish I knew the answer to that one.I am hoping by planning, that I can get more effective and productive studio time. I am working at eliminating some bad habits and trying to develop better ones; such as developing some "tunnel vision".

I dislike being able to be so easily distracted. Once I am 'in the zone', that rarely happens but there is so much preliminary work to be done before I can reach that zone. So today I decided to speed it up a little by using a set up for my oil painting series '30 paintings in 30 days', for my watercolor class.

It was wonderful! As I had already decided to keep it simple and use only three primary colors; New Gambouge, Permanent Rose and Antwerp Blue......it sped things up and I was able to get to 'the zone' fairly quickly. What fun! Now the sample for the class is done. It took SO much more time to get it all ready and type up the sign up sheet than to paint the painting! That is the part that I wished I could hire someone to do. I think I will have to brainstorm on that idea!

This was great fun to do in watercolor! It needed to be simple and quick.

 I am providing all the supplies for a 2 hour class...one fee....show up with enthusiasm and go home with a painting!

Now...................back to the studio!

Thanks for looking............good day, Ruth Ann

Shipping your art

I am catching up on things, gearing up for another burst of energy in the studio. One of those not planned, was our "baby", Sedona, a tri-colored cockapoo, wasn't feeling well and needed to see the vet. She is fine after some meds, but just couldn't get started on much today, as I was hovering over her, just like a worried mother does.

So I was able to get a painting to be shipped. I love this part! Trying to present it in the best way possible, so it is a real treat when they open it. This one is being shipped to a B & B, so I hope the owner   gets a look at it before the recipient leaves with it.

I had to make a new 'certificate of authenticity' today, since my old programs won't work on this laptop. All that work has to be done again! Computers...a love/hate relationship.

I did manage to get it done and packaged the painting up in special paper with a gold seal and tied with a delicate ribbon. I always include my bio and a couple of business cards. A thank you card is also usually included, featuring an image of the purchased painting. These little touches mean a lot and are great fun to do. Tomorrow it is off to the post office! I use USPS for the smaller ones and then UPS or FedX for larger pieces.

I will head to the studio tomorrow to start on a watercolor of the tulip that I did in oils. I will be teaching that one soon.I was also able to snap a few photos of the tulips today as the sun would peek out, sending wonderful shafts of colorful light through the stained glass windows in the dining room.

May the sunshine always shine on your face and may the wind always be at your back,,,,,,,,,

until tomorrow...........Ruth Ann