You gotta love a sense of completion!
For the past several weeks I’ve been chipping away at a watercolor group portrait commission that came out of the blue. Best done in steady, measured sessions, it has been the perfect mix of challenge and, in the end, satisfaction. Now that it is en route to its new owner, I’m relieved, excited and frankly a bit spent.
I’m sorry not to be able to share pictures with you here – at least for a while – as it’s meant to be a Christmas surprise.
But what I can share with you is the color test sheet I used along the way. It’s not exactly a thing of beauty but it still has a certain charm. If the paper hadn’t already had something on the back I would have squared it up and used it for the note I include when sending a piece off to its new owner. I guess that’s an idea I’ll have to remember for the future.
Now that the painting is out of the studio, I’ve been working around the edges of other business-y chores while getting back up to speed. And frankly, I’m glad for a bit of a break. For the most part I’ve been becoming reacquainted with my mat cutter, submitting to a couple of shows, and starting the planning process for 2022. Did you realize that there are only 6 weeks left this year?
©2021 Elizabeth Fram Walnut ink on paper, 5 x 8 inches While Quinn may be the one who’s actually logging the zzzz’s, taking some time with my sketchbook makes for a relaxing and satisfying mid-day break from the computer for me.
I know this is not the stuff of which inspiring posts are written, but I think it’s worth sharing all the same. There is much that goes on “behind-the-curtain” in any studio — necessary tasks that aren’t glamorous, but which need regular time and attention and are just as crucial as the drawing and the stitching. Plus, I think it’s important to recognize how necessary it can be to regroup before jumping back into the making again.
See this for more resources on artistic business practices.
✷
While I haven’t had much time to explore it yet, Sarah Homfray’s YouTube embroidery channel looks like a wonderful place to learn — whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Sometimes it is the small, simple things and the moment of rest or sigh of relief at the end of the day that make all the difference. Here’s to you dear friend, who like me, takes a deep breath of relief and silently sings with joy at the first snowfall. Looking toward winter’s quiet plodding pace.. reflecting on and putting to rest the year past while simultaneously gathering dreams and planting seeds for the year ahead. Love the Quinn picture…I can almost hear the gentle snores.
Adriana, you are always so kind and thoughtful in your comments – thank you. I agree, a change of pace is a gift. BTW, she’s under my desk, snoring away right now
So good to think of you there doing the simple work needed. And, YES, “I guess that’s an idea I’ll have to remember for the future” is definitely an idea to play with. I always love Liz’s “scraps” of printing and just yesterday I cut a big photo into three smaller ones that are just wonderful. Thank you for sharing your Self and your processes with us.
Always lovely to hear from you. I hope you are enjoying this snowy day. I was also thinking the scraps would make good bookmarks. I bet Liz is way ahead of me.