I often delay reading the fine words of wisdom I find in the Robert Genn newsletters that come into my inbox twice each week. But when I do find time to sit and read a few, coffee cup in hand and occasional smile on my lips, I find very informative words that often seem to be written just for me. For example, I read this from Mr. Genn in his July 24th letter called Managing Delay:
"Creative delay is when you look at your work-in-progress and are unable to decide what to do next. While audacity and "seizing the day" can be valuable, also acknowledge times for prolonged reflection and consideration. During this delay the mind subconsciously continues to sort options and devise ploys. A few hours--or days or weeks--can be needed to disclose a solution. The beauty of delay is that solutions are often simpler than you originally thought, making it possible for direct and cursive flourishes that often triumph over unsure noodling."
I used to panic when I wasn't producing - or at least painting - every single day. I no longer do that. Now, I just consider that life is interrupting my painting time, but I'll get back to it refreshed and ready to take on something new, or finish something undone and waiting for me.
What do you do when life takes you away from your painting or sketching? Perhaps considering it "Creative Delay" is a good way to take the pressure off yourself?
Sweetie and I drove down to Atlanta, Georgia Sunday (an 8-hour drive) and returned Wednesday night. We had a great time - and, of course, there are photos to come from the trip to the Georgia Aquarium where Sweetie swam with the whale sharks and manta rays; and the High Art Museum where I saw some beautiful works in a gorgeous architectural setting; and Stone Mountain, Georgia where you take a tram up to the top and timidly (for me) look over and around the mountain.
Top photo = looking left, this was the view outside our 9th floor window at the Hilton (right across the street from the Georgia Aquarium) in the morning.
Bottom photo = looking right, the view again, in the evening.
We'll need to download all of the photos, sort the best, and share a few of the best photos later. Today is another Creative Delay day for me with other things to do.
Have a great weekend! It's supposed to be cooler this weekend - YAY!
"Creative delay is when you look at your work-in-progress and are unable to decide what to do next. While audacity and "seizing the day" can be valuable, also acknowledge times for prolonged reflection and consideration. During this delay the mind subconsciously continues to sort options and devise ploys. A few hours--or days or weeks--can be needed to disclose a solution. The beauty of delay is that solutions are often simpler than you originally thought, making it possible for direct and cursive flourishes that often triumph over unsure noodling."
I used to panic when I wasn't producing - or at least painting - every single day. I no longer do that. Now, I just consider that life is interrupting my painting time, but I'll get back to it refreshed and ready to take on something new, or finish something undone and waiting for me.
What do you do when life takes you away from your painting or sketching? Perhaps considering it "Creative Delay" is a good way to take the pressure off yourself?
Sweetie and I drove down to Atlanta, Georgia Sunday (an 8-hour drive) and returned Wednesday night. We had a great time - and, of course, there are photos to come from the trip to the Georgia Aquarium where Sweetie swam with the whale sharks and manta rays; and the High Art Museum where I saw some beautiful works in a gorgeous architectural setting; and Stone Mountain, Georgia where you take a tram up to the top and timidly (for me) look over and around the mountain.
Top photo = looking left, this was the view outside our 9th floor window at the Hilton (right across the street from the Georgia Aquarium) in the morning.
Bottom photo = looking right, the view again, in the evening.
We'll need to download all of the photos, sort the best, and share a few of the best photos later. Today is another Creative Delay day for me with other things to do.
Have a great weekend! It's supposed to be cooler this weekend - YAY!
8 comments:
Rhonda, these photos of ATL are really good!
Mornin' Rhonda, thanks for sharing that. I too have learned to go with the flow when things are getting in the way of my painting efforts....then again, should painting really be an effort???
Rhonda, I hope you enjoy your "creative delay", and come back refreshed.
I'll tell Sweetie - he took them from the window :) It was a beautiful sight at night when all the lights were on and it was a bit cloudy. We got a city view room so it was a nice night light when we went to bed :)
Carol, yes, it's hard to make oneself say, "It's ok to do it later!" But painting should always be fun and challenging - not a chore like waxing the floors! ha ha
Kathryn, thanks - I know I will. Just so much going on that when I get a minute, I just sit and try to rest. I am enjoying your portraits and hope you're feeling better :)
Hi Rhonda. "Everything in moderation" is my thinking. If I paint too much, I create over-worked disasters and get fustrated. If I don't do enough I lose the knack so something in the middle is my way of doing things for me. It leaves me hankering more too so I'm eager next time. So enjoy your creative delay day and your weekend too. :)
HI Rhonda, glad you got a day to rest and enjoy. Beautiful Photos. have a great weekend,love,Diana
Life is so good, Rhonda, and I enjoy knowing you have so much fun with Jerry. I agree with Robert on the creative delays. I've lots of them.
Hello Rhonda:) Glad you take the pressure off! Painting has to be fun and nothing else:)! I'm sure we alle recognize those feelings!
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