Erin Morey 04 Aug 2008

I feel do great in the beginning, but once all the initial stuff is done, sketch, comp, etc....then I start lagging. If I can get through the middle, then usually I don't have a problem. My studio is filled with a bunch of great ideas and slightly started pieces.

K Jacobs 05 Aug 2008

You know what Erin?If you and I became 1 person we would solve both our problems!!!

Susan Epps Oliver 05 Aug 2008

Have to split my answer into two..........one for digital stuff and one for "paint" stuff.

On the digital side of things, it's much easier to get started because I spend such a lot of time sitting in front of this screen anyway.

As it happens, I got panicked recently because I realised that so little of my work was backed up and so I've been going through images ( hundreds and hundreds of them ) deciding which are worth keeping and which not. That's a kind of chastening process in itself ( boy, there is some crap there....I mean, REAL crap ) but other things were not so bad and triggered off ideas for improvement/alteration/tweaking etc.....some are done.....some are in a folder waiting to be done when I have time. They WILL get done because that folder will be constantly in my face and telling me to get moving.

The non-digital side is different.....like you, Sean, I find it tough to actually pick up the brush, pen or whatever. I carry the idea around in my head for days, weeks, months......quietly planning.....but never actually doing anything.

Thing is, I've realised I actually enjoy that planning in my head ! It's a very tidy method of creating....if I make a mistake, I can put it right in a second and there's no mess to clean up, no brushes to clean. If pushed, I'll put a few lines or scribbled words into a sketchbook so I don't lose the thought.

The urge to actually do the work comes suddenly and from nowhere.....and I'll work hard until it's finished....and, I HAVE to finish it. Don't ask me why because I don't know :)

Once it's done, it kind of goes off my mental radar. I never go back to it.....unless it might be saleable lol.....and it joins its friends in a bulging portfolio that I rarely look at.

jim rownd 05 Aug 2008

I hate looking at white paper or a blank screen. to the point I will start to procrastinate, find something else to do like ummm....go spend some time on a website forum.

Erin Morey 05 Aug 2008

Hmmmm...trying to imagine what Sean and I would look like as one person....scary!

H.E. Drew 05 Aug 2008

What some call tedium, I call disassociation. those long hours of detailing, shading and texturing I learned prior to my teen years and are similar to my native language. Television, music, the kids fighting, and conversation does not distract while I am in the middle of a project. Drawing like most, is my foundation and what fascinates me is how this foundation can be applied to most other traditional and non-traditional art-forms. The proccesses of painting, printing, sculpting(digital & tradition) hard core realistic graphical implementations as well as sub-conscience surrealistic compositions intrigue and inspire. Mostly in reaction to some psychological and or sociological trigger observed results in an attempt to encapsulate the observation is the reason behind my work.

With all this said, the discouraging aspect of the creation process is TIME. Life and obligation to family and friends always supercedes loved work and finding a balance between the 2 is where my frustration resides. taking on sub-projects and assembling them into a master-project is one way I have dealt with this frustration. always having several master-planned projects in my head keeps me going forward. for most of what you see relative to my attempts at art is simply a part of something under design/construction, while there are several finished works too. When a work is finished this is the low point of the entire process for that particular journey is over....

05 Aug 2008

K Jacobs 05 Aug 2008

We would look fab Erin!!!

K Jacobs 05 Aug 2008

JR my friend...That is a very,very relevant point.How in the world do people find time to do art when they spend extremely large amounts of time...Internet hopping.

K Jacobs 05 Aug 2008

Well,time is a factor for me for sure.But even when I have time...9 out of 10 times,I will find something else to do besides start an art project.Unless,someone I know is bugging the crap out of me to do something for them...:D

Anyways,like I said,I dont really enjoy the start part,but I do enjoy the middle to end part.

chris newbrook 06 Aug 2008

I think a deadline is definitely the main factor for me in getting a painting completed. Necessity is the mother of invention as the saying goes, and if a commision has a deadline then this pushes me into a higher gear and gets me into the zone quicker.

If it wasnt for deadlines i would procrastinate and be forever indecisive about a composition. I find the first 3rd of starting a painting the most tedious, then the editing process of scraping down and reapplying layers of paint is the most exciting part for me.

I believe that quality work can only be produced out of hard work and dedication. I dont believe in this artistic 'Angst' and lack of inspiration that many artists put themselves through. Even if i live to be 150 there still wouldnt be enough years for all the paintings i want to do.

I agree with everything you say Minerva, many artists have many responsibilities outside of their creativity and art can be a blessing when there is time to devote to it. And also we need to connect our artistic lives with our daily lives, which as you say will benifit the soul and nourish it.

K Jacobs 06 Aug 2008

Hi Chris!Yeah,I have never really understood the "artist angst" thing either.I have never,ever run out of ideas.I may not get to them all till I'm 150 like you said,but I've never really quite understood when someone says they have "artist block"...err

You also bring up another topic...Working artists.You mentioned "deadlines"...So for the working artist,folks that make a living at it,well the tedious parts have to be endured...but that doesnt mean a person enjoys that part of the creative process.What it means is...If it's not done on time you don't get paid,and if you can't be relied upon...People will be hesitant to hire you.

Thank the powers that be...I don't do art for a living!!!

So many variables...So little time.

Time...Is obviously the constant in most of the replies.

You are a working artist,I am not by choice...But we seem to have relative thoughts on...The first 3rd or (half) of the process, is not all that enjoyable.

06 Aug 2008

K Jacobs 06 Aug 2008

"sane or crazier"...Yep,that sounds like an artist to me!!!!...;)I'm sure I fit somewhere between that!

Susan Epps Oliver 06 Aug 2008

I have one idea for a painting in my head that's been there since 1994.

I take it out and polish it now and then.....and even did a sketch once.

That's not procrastination....I think I'm just plain lazy. One day.......you see, it would only look good if it was really big and I don't have a canvas that large....and.....and.....

K Jacobs 06 Aug 2008

Susan!!!...1994...hehehe,I was still a young man!

Well,maybe not lazy,but you are saving the best for last!!!!

Susan Epps Oliver 06 Aug 2008

I was a precocious child lol !!

bari titen 06 Aug 2008

...it almost sounds like a motivation issue...i get those all the time....i get all excited about a piece i am drawing or painting...then i take a day off of working on it and it takes a week or so to get back into it... ...for me, it is hard to start something, the middle, sometimes i get on a roll and can't put it down, then the end...i never know when i am finished with it....

vivian sellers 06 Aug 2008

I get excited by new projects ,,am working on a 20x30 mural on commission right now ,,,but as soon as I get into it,about half way,, becomes a drag , start wishing I could do something else...this usually only happens when I am woriking on a painting that I can't change to suit myself,, have to please the client...but if it is something I am passionate about I usually can keep up the good vibes throughout!!!

K Jacobs 07 Aug 2008

Hi Bari,thanks!Well its not really a motivation issue for me,its more like...Too many other interests,not enough time for all.So,art usually gets put on the backburner.If I enjoyed the start up of a project more,I'm sure I would do more art.But alas...I just don't.