Give it a Rest!
I'm rubbish at resting. If I'm not working, cleaning the house, cooking dinner or walking the dog, I seize the chance to go and paint. I rarely sit down with a book and I can't remember the last time I watched a movie.I think it's because I only got serious about making art later in life. Perhaps if I was 30, I'd feel I had time to cruise, but at 55, it feels like I need to make every moment count.So it came as a surprise to me this last week, that I actually took a bit of a break - from my day job and from painting.My work calendar is usually jam-packed, but there was a rare lull last week. Also, I am just coming to the end of a series of 15 paintings that I started in April.
I prepped new boards, but I didn't feel ready to start back in right away.On Monday I felt guilty ("you're being lazy! Time's a wasting!"), but by mid-week, I had settled into the idea that I would just take a breather, refocus and return to my studio next week with new energy.That doesn't mean I actually rested (good grief no!), but I did accomplish some other things that felt good.
- I weeded and tidied up my garden, which was in desperate need of attention.
- I baked for the first time in ages (ginger, oatmeal and dark chocolate cookies - they were amazing).
- I redesigned my website (which meant battling Wordpress to accomplish what I wanted).
- I did a fun interview about blogging with Nicholas Wilton of Art2Life.
- I had some nice long walks with my dog.
- I did some sketching.
- I watched lots of inspirational videos on YouTube and the Art2LifeAcademy.
- And - most exciting of all - I came up with a new art-related business idea that I will be fleshing out in the coming weeks.
The 7-day break was a good reminder to me that I don't have to paint every time I have a spare moment. That, in fact, it's important to also move away from my art and give myself time to breathe.The fact is, we paint life. If we don't have one, there's nothing to paint!Do you find it's important to take breaks from painting? If so, what do you find is the ideal length of time for you?