Sunday, March 22, 2009

Self Portrait; a Wee Bit More To Do


I cannot wait to be finished with this! There are so many things in my studio and head that are calling me, but this is a priority. I'd say about four more hours on the hands, and...voila!! Yesterday I spent thirteen hours in my chair without lying down for awhile, I think that's a record for me. All of that time was in the studio, and then when I got in bed I couldn't sleep and I sat there sketching some new ideas for paintings, and I woke up at 4am and almost got up to start painting....I had to tell myself to slow down and get more sleep. Now I've been working all day and I hate to even stop to fix dinner, but I'm hungry. Has this ever happened to any of you? Have you been in the zone for days on end, and nights, too? Tell me what you did about it. Thanks :-)

14 comments:

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

I've enjoyed your blog posts, love your passion about your art!!

Uta said...

Yes I'm in the zone now. I just force myself to do the things that are good for me like exercise and eating correctly. I tell myself I can accomplish so much more art if I do the right things. With the things swimming around in my head I journal everyday. I write every morning and that puts things on the page and out of my head. Go with the flow and enjoy but look after yourself.

Unknown said...

Good advice, Uta. I remember you saying you write every morning, like you read in The Artist's Way, I think. That sounds like a very good solution to keeping track of all the good ideas. Thanks

Richard Klekociuk said...

I am interested in the symbolism in your portrait Deborah. Is it "a bird in the hand is worth a butterfly in the other"? I'm sure it has a more personal meaning!
Regards, Richard

Unknown said...

Hi Richard, scroll down to the March 15 post to explain the symbolism. I'm going to take a peek at your blog now.

Michelle said...

Hi Deborah! This is so cool! Hands are so difficult for me, but you've done a wonderful job on them.

But I know that feeling when your sooo ready to be finished. I also get into the daydreamy zone. I feel full of ideas and I want to jump from one project to the next. Of course then I never get anything done!

David Larson Evans said...

I really like this its simple and direct..good job

Unknown said...

Wow! I followed the breadcrumbs from Art for Shelter Animals to your blog. Deborah you are so gifted and for you to offer your participation, I am honored and so grateful.

Please email me if you have any questions on how to approach shelter folks or the project! HUGS!

aoitombo@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Oh... regarding the "zone." I believe it a sign of pure passion. Go with the flow until your work [or your home life] starts to be affected negatively. Inspiration, passion and the semi-manic energy is so fleeting, I just grab the horse by the mane and ride it through.

Bella Sinclair said...

Hello, Deborah! Oh, I'm so glad we found each other again. It's been a while since I've been here, and I mus say...WOW! You're doing MUCH more painting now, and they're all so beautiful! And not only that, collages, too. So many new things! I love your self-portrait and the butterflies. This is gorgeous, and so is your new avatar. And pish on the gentleman who told you not to bother with reflections. I think those reflections are awesome and just as interesting as the real thing. I think the last time I saw you, you were questioning your art. But you are definitely in the zone now and enjoying it to the hilt. That makes me so happy! Keep going, keep going, keep going!

Ascender Rises Above said...

Enjoying your self portrait; always enjoy looking at artists self portrait as they are the most difficult to proceed with. We are all so hard on ourselves!
Like you I have many things waiting in the wings to finish (and piling up for years). yesterday I spent four hours digging through 3 crates of stashed images getting rid of half of them and recycling the other half as I have determined them a project that I will never have time to get to. The results: aching hands in the middle of the night; up at 4 in the morning to take some meds; wanting to finish my most recent rendering; which of course I will get in the middle of and then get hit by hypoglycemia and want to eat the wallpaper.
ummm; yeah - it happens. ;-)
(Visiting from circling my head as I could identify with your experience you mentioned there)

Dithi said...

Bonjour Deborah! Love all the portraits that you have posted here, beautiful! Thank you for leaving me a note, am glad to have found your blog. Will hop back in here often for sure. Cheers! d.

Susan Carlin said...

What a terrific portrait! I love the whole idea of it. Well done!

Gwen Bell said...

What a powerful painting! Not to compare...but it brings to mind Freida Kahlo's complex yet simply beautiful self portraits. Great composition! I'm so glad I found your blog! I didn't have a lot of time but from what I read I love your posts as well and will be back to read more of your thoughts and insights.