"Front Range Fall"Oil on Panel
16x20"
2008
(Wow - this painting looks sort of atrocious on my blog background. Sorry about that. I don't think it looks this contrasty in person?)
Well, I was at the Governor's Show for all of five minutes the other night when my friend Sallie asked me if I was pregnant. I was kind of hoping I could keep it a secret for a while, but apparently not!! So, there you have it - my excuse for only finishing one - yes ONE - painting in the past month and a half.
I'm three months pregnant (due Oct 29th), and I think I've been sick for about six weeks straight now. I didn't really have this with Aspen, so I've been kind of a wimp about it. It's been hard to do anything requiring movement without gagging, so standing at the easel hasn't really seemed appealing most days. I did finish a 30x24" painting the other day. The only reason I even got that one done is that I needed something decent on the easel for a photo session I had for an article in a local magazine. Once I started it, I had to finish it, so I managed to get it done.
I'm trying not to be too hard on myself, but not really succeeding. When I was pregnant with Aspen, I was working fulltime and painting for a new gallery, and even though I was tired I was getting things done. This time around, I feel like a sloth. My main priority has been to use what energy I have to be a decent mom to Aspen, so my art has really taken a back seat. I'm in a position where it's okay, since this is a slow time of year for my galleries, and the economy is slowing things down too. I have a decent number of paintings in my studio and in my galleries, but I just feel guilty for not putting out the number of paintings I did last year.
So, here's hoping that I feel better now that I'm nearing the end of my first trimester, and that I can get productive soon! I'm really digging for images to post on this blog (this one's old), so I know it's time to get to work.
Anyhow, assuming the weather folks in Denver are wrong and there is no blizzard tonight as forecasted, I'll be heading down to Phoenix with Nate tomorrow morning for a long weekend of laying by the pool reading and relaxing. Hopefully I'll get enough sleep that I'll return refreshed and motivated (and hopefully with less gagging) and ready to paint next week!
Your artwork is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new baby-to-be. I commend you for putting your family first. As much as I like art, I think it should always take a back seat to family.
ReplyDeleteThis painting is very wonderful. I especially like the cross compliments (between the trees and sky/mountains), they make the trees almost vibrate.
Stacey,
ReplyDeletePlease take into consideration that the way you feel right now is temporary, and it doesn't erase or diminish the value of the work you've already finished in past years.
There are other things in life that become more important than painting from time to time, and that's OK. Enjoy your rest, and know that when you are feeling more energetic, you'll return to your easel with renewed vision.
Lori
Get some rest and just relax- the easel will always be there when you feel better. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Rest and relaxation will be the best way to be ready to do whatever you need to do in the upcoming months.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Rest - feel better - paint later.
ReplyDeleteI see nothing atrocious on your page, by the way. It's all looking great to me.
Congrats again.
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to what you are saying. We think we are super moms and can do everything - it's a shock when that doesn't always work out.
Finding the balance between self/art and family isn't easy - but it makes life rich.
And unless something changes all you'll have are wet roads tomorrow - enjoy your vacation.
I remember my days as a freelance designer with a newborn. Mom was at work and I was finishing my degree. It was tough to juggle at times. Now that my newborn is 21 years old, it is all coming back around. He is a Computer Mediated Communication major at Colorado State University learning to many of the things I have done in my career. Your profession in art will have a profound impact on your kids in a very positive way. Wait and see!
ReplyDeleteIf you desire to look your memorable flicks any long days with upstream quality, then definitely canvas photo prints must be your choice. With
ReplyDeletebetter portability, durability and quality standards, canvas photo prints are always preferred as the right choice to canvas photo most customers.
Hi from Spain!! really veru good painting!! like it very much!! and i like too trees on the other post, shows this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone - thanks so much for the kind words and reassurance. I know this is only a phase, and that my family is more important than my art - it's just so hard to switch gears after being so focused on producivity last year!! Anyhow, thanks a bunch =)
ReplyDeleteA new masterpiece coming to the Peterson gallery, so exciting, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I visit I'm at a loss for words. You do the most exquisite landscapes. There are not many that paint as subtley and well as you. Beautiful piece!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful painting. And don't feel guilty for not producing as much art, (although I know how you feel) you are just creating in another form.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Congrats, Stacey! Hope you had a great vacation, too.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! Reading your post brought me right back to my second pregnancy...but it did end. It's nice to listen to your body and rest when you can. These days go by so quickly - my oldest is turning 15 shortly and my youngest is almost 10 and it's gone by in the blink of an eye. By the way, the piece looks stunning, even with the contrasting background.
ReplyDeleteVery nice painting. Sometimes when you have a low period in producing numbers paint wise, you end up creating some real beauties.
ReplyDeleteNice color scheme as well.
Yeah pregnancy!!!!!
ReplyDelete[Insert some intelligent art talk here]
Yah baby!!! Miss you tons!!
[Insert something about color and contrast]
When can I see you??? Yah baby!!!!!
[Insert comment that sounds more knowledgeable than, "Geez I just love your stuff so much."]
love you!
bess