Attention Span

I've been thinking all day about the differences in the way
artists work. When I was a student my art teachers
encouraged me to sit, sometimes for as much as half
an hour just looking at the model. It was great advice,
but it isn't the way I work anymore. Now I take in my
information in 10 to 15 minute sessions, and that seems
to be how I work the best. That doesn't mean that I never
sit, or stand for an hour or two at the easel, or at a table
drawing. It just means getting away from the work gives
me a space, to both think about the next step, and consider
my direction.

The training probably started when I worked with art
models in a group. They are smart enough to take a break
every 20 minutes or so. This forces the passionate artists
to stand back and consider what's happening, then everyone
goes and gets a cup of tea, talks about something else, and
comes back at the end of the break with renewed vigour.

I did some work on my little painting today.
The light parts will change and become
more interesting. It is still in the
blocking in stage.
acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches

Many artists need long, private hours to produce their
work. Perhaps because raising a family I have always
had distractions, and other obligations, I've learned
not just to work around them, but to need the escape
from what I'm doing, so I can get back to it.

Speaking of which -- thanks for being here, and teaching
me so much.

Have a getting-back-to-it-happily day