tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82008510255279518182024-03-13T02:35:09.143-07:00Is It time to Color? Painting ParentsExploring the challenges and joys of combining an art career with raising a family.Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-89724828311380281842018-03-12T09:57:00.004-07:002018-03-12T09:57:30.394-07:00Painting Parent - Molly Johnson<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoRSe9UN38pQQfGeutszkQ0ffPOLwWcncLvxMNFmVf5pfiEprKdVfIisx7iAPHyj4faOJgJJpkmz7cYCUCPAPKdys3SxMAX5zAM3SnkIeCg_Q_6qxda4Lav00hLV7NNLYMLjFERmMvaQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1109" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoRSe9UN38pQQfGeutszkQ0ffPOLwWcncLvxMNFmVf5pfiEprKdVfIisx7iAPHyj4faOJgJJpkmz7cYCUCPAPKdys3SxMAX5zAM3SnkIeCg_Q_6qxda4Lav00hLV7NNLYMLjFERmMvaQ/s400/2.jpg" width="276" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">How many children do you have? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We have 5 children and 5 grandchildren ( equally important because I am prime babysitter for one of them and available when needed for 4 of them)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">What are their ages?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">29, 27, 25, 23, 21; 9, 5, 4, 2, 1</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">How did your artistic career begin? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I always loved drawing and painting as a child so it seemed natural that I would pursue that as my career. After graduation from The American Academy of Art, Chicago I worked in art departments doing small renderings for grocery ads and machine magazines while doing some side commissions of architectural renderings. My husband and I married at the age of 22 and wanted to begin our family right away so we chose for me to be a stay at home mom. I was so busy taking care of children and the house that it never bothered me to only have limited time to pursue my work. The older woman next door kept telling me, “ In a blink of an eye your children will be grown, cherish these hectic times.” (Boy was she right!) During the next 10 years I did some freelance work but mostly did personal paintings for my family and lots and lots of kids projects. I enjoyed being home with the kids and knew that my time would come to jump back into the art world. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">My five children are now grown and on their own but I am the prime babysitter for my 5 year old grandson. My daughter is a single mother and they live with us. I walk him to and from school each day and he is at my school/studio until 5pm when we close each evening. I own and operate The Academy of Fine Art, an Art Renewal Center approved Academy here in Wisconsin. We are a full time academy/atelier. I am one of the instructors, the administrator, groundskeeper and the janitor because I also own the large grain mill that houses the school, my studio, a small gallery space and my husband's machine shop. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs0HglP6zvxxk0gTI3ZcpmUkUCQDCGi-yc480SuQmaObma7XahQoMibvxT0nFuRP3Fk45AHnXRl01LuhpirIplDNexT1wszbs27T4RwgFB_-QgToEN6m4wJyk_t3xNjaxA6v6XZOzS0E/s1600/The+tea+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs0HglP6zvxxk0gTI3ZcpmUkUCQDCGi-yc480SuQmaObma7XahQoMibvxT0nFuRP3Fk45AHnXRl01LuhpirIplDNexT1wszbs27T4RwgFB_-QgToEN6m4wJyk_t3xNjaxA6v6XZOzS0E/s320/The+tea+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing your art. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I was strictly a stay at home mom until my youngest was 2, it was then I started teaching art classes at a small grade school. They let me bring him with me when I taught which worked out great because all my other children were enrolled in the school. When my youngest turned 10 and the need for me to be available all the time lessened, I started diving back into my art career with a huge amount of passion. So, yes, since my son was 2 I have always had another job outside of my house and studio. I have been the art teacher for grade schools, high schools, tech colleges, art centers and private lessons and I also ran the office of a family business. Many times I held two or three of these at once. I always had my schedule set that I would be home to make supper and help with homework. Because most of my jobs were art related I felt as though I was creating all day everyday. About that office job, not sure why the family chose my right sided brain to run the office, but I did gain many business skills that are helpful in my art career now. And I found out that I am able to tap into my left side when necessary.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">How to you preserve time and energy for your art. Are there ways that your art benefits from your other job? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I profit from scheduled studio time. I often announce to the family ahead so that they know of my plans. I am lucky that my job is in the art field because I learn so much from the students, but with that also comes the frustration of wanting to be in my own studio working on my own projects and commissions. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I try to arrange a full day a week for my studio, (preferably a week day when my grandson is in kindergarten) and I work in my studio on mornings that the school is running efficiently and I am not needed and also on afternoons when another instructor is scheduled to teach. As I get older, I can sense when I am too tired to be in my studio. I need a fresh day, a day where I wasn't behind the computer all morning or teaching a class. On days that I am tired, I will spend time in my studio putting ideas together for my next piece, framing, or going through art books. Just spending time in the studio energizes my spirit.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do your children get involved with your art?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">When the children were small, they wanted to have their hands in everything I did. That usually meant that I put my things away and we did art projects at their level. I do the same with my grandchildren, I do not want to spoil their desire but I want to keep it at their level for them and for me. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">As grown-ups they have never had a desire to join me in my studio. I do have one son that loves to be creative with drawing and hands on art such as wood carving and jewelry. My children and grandchildren do model for me and for the school, sometimes under duress, but I usually win.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Yes, my children and grandchildren are huge inspiration for my pieces. Maybe because I am surrounded by them so much I just want to capture each moment of time before they grow up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAXSSwfScgAZdaFk_SxyGVipY8bkq9t1NE5UwKX4TeKIQWQ6o7546pqUytp1oG_onWMIkkrFKQs4YPWeQiKfayfRSu1GkilcgrAQZrPms6wJWeTKNtx4V-Eegkziz0C6UfyyDv5CYDmc/s1600/montana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAXSSwfScgAZdaFk_SxyGVipY8bkq9t1NE5UwKX4TeKIQWQ6o7546pqUytp1oG_onWMIkkrFKQs4YPWeQiKfayfRSu1GkilcgrAQZrPms6wJWeTKNtx4V-Eegkziz0C6UfyyDv5CYDmc/s320/montana2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">How has having children changed your artwork? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Everyday I wake up I am thankful for my family. The innocence of the little ones playing and the beauty of the older ones becoming adults often set the stage for many of my pieces. Maybe having children has forced me to sit back and observe more because I do not have the luxury of painting on a whim. And when I paint them, I am painting what I know. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I am super tidy, probably to a fault. I like my house in order before I go to the studio. I feel more energized if I know there are not tasks waiting for me at home. I try to straighten the house every morning before I come to the school/studio. And before I return home for the evening, my studio is straightened up and ready for the next day. Is my house perfect? Absolutely not, but I know that I can work with it the way it is. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I think the grade school age to 16 was the hardest. When they were babies it was easier in the evening or nap time to create, after 16 they could drive and had friends to hang out with and were not needing me as much. But in grade school there was homework, extra curricular activities and lots of cooking and cleaning. I did not have as much time for my studio, but because I was teaching and doing demonstrating most days, I felt lucky to at least have that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We have always had art projects going on in the house; tie-dyed clothing, Batik, basket weaving, Pysanky eggs, wood burning, sewing, birdhouse making etc. My goal was to let them find creative outlets that they enjoyed. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Nope. My father is a civil engineer and my mother is a nurse and they were not disappointed that I didn’t follow their careers, to each his own. My motto is, “ You can be what ever you want to be, but do your best at it. “</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-d47d835b-1b21-604f-b648-1da73d075efe" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">My children have taken my hardworking entrepreneurial spirit to heart. They watched me go back to art school full time in my 40s with 5 teenagers at home and hold a 30 hour per week job and love every minute of it. They saw my husband kick it up a notch and do cooking and cleaning so that his wife could pursue her dreams. I see them succeed in their jobs now and know that I played a role in shaping these awesome humans. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KfUovDf_N8CTQyKfs-MrfBnvDUWZo0Mn78O6_Y11QnBZO5DXAkI2Epk7bBL2tfOOjm7eID52cYB0s_vy6k4dHcw1uDzjndm7gO1h8VHJNxgZtVTxgjd35SOvDKkWUnRRUL0sIK1rzgg/s1600/40+x+40+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KfUovDf_N8CTQyKfs-MrfBnvDUWZo0Mn78O6_Y11QnBZO5DXAkI2Epk7bBL2tfOOjm7eID52cYB0s_vy6k4dHcw1uDzjndm7gO1h8VHJNxgZtVTxgjd35SOvDKkWUnRRUL0sIK1rzgg/s320/40+x+40+Oil.jpg" width="318" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">With any passion you hold as an adult, being a parent can be difficult if you have to now schedule time to do your favorite things. But you cannot replace those times with your children. They are more important than anything and in a blink of an eye they will be grown. Trust me. I do not regret putting away my supplies and playing with my children. Did it hold my career back? Oh, I am sure it did but it was worth it. The memories of camping trips and lazy summer days with the kids will outweigh any sold painting I may have created. Having to wait for my career to begin fired the passion within me when the time came.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do you think it effects men and women differently, being an artist and a parent? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I do not know if I can answer this one. I have seen so many scenarios. Dad working and mom creating; Mom working, dad creating; both working and creating as a team. Bottom line is that someone has to bring home the bacon and someone has to take care of the children. Your hope is that your spouse and children will see your dreams and help you make them come true, no matter what your passions are, and as a family you can make it happen together. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: maroon; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Only positively. Many of my successful friends that have decided not have children to pursue their careers praise my husband and myself for making it work. Again, I know that I may not be now or ever as far in my career as those who have been working hard at it for longer, but I am OK with that. My friends know that with me family always comes first. </span></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-13386373748937077462017-04-27T19:03:00.003-07:002017-04-27T19:04:44.040-07:00Painting Parent Chris Benavides<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How many children do you have? What are their ages?</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My wife
Tina and I have 2 grown boys. Their ages are 28 and 24.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ay4IDgaXl4LPXS7II2YPHcZiTibKjNeG5rTJlmGEjf_MtU56wD2uJD8ccFEWTQtEj31ralHAjtrN4mt86FeVbEr9Pb8I3iRsB-ulINVGBZKzzjpuG5MRjni6-jjQmQCDmOpJDJZDeww/s1600/image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ay4IDgaXl4LPXS7II2YPHcZiTibKjNeG5rTJlmGEjf_MtU56wD2uJD8ccFEWTQtEj31ralHAjtrN4mt86FeVbEr9Pb8I3iRsB-ulINVGBZKzzjpuG5MRjni6-jjQmQCDmOpJDJZDeww/s640/image+3.jpg" width="474" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How did your artistic career begin?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ve
actually had 2 artistic careers. I currently have a day job as an Illustrator
for the American Greetings Corporation in Westlake, Ohio. I’ve been working for
the same company for nearly 40 years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">What you
might call my second artistic career in painting began in earnest only about 4
years ago. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I
was in art school I dabbled in oil paints and I liked it a lot. But being young
and inexperienced I couldn’t conceive of an actual job that would pay you to
paint in oils. My actual major was fashion illustration. I chose fashion
illustration not because I loved fashion so much, but because I loved drawing
the figure. Most decent sized cities then had one or 2 newspapers with a
fashion department that needed someone that could draw the figure in that long,
elegant style as well as render accessories. The idea that I could actually get
a job drawing the figure sounded great to me. As newspapers started closing
down (for various reasons) fashion illustration kind of died as a possible
career path, except for in some very large cities. There are still some great
fashion illustrators out there, but they are much fewer. The other option for
someone who could draw the figure well, at least locally that I knew of, was
the greeting card company, American Greetings. At that time they were always
interested in someone who could perform this skill. Growing up we also had a
family friend who worked there and who became a kind of art mentor/big
sister/angel to me. She always encouraged and supported me to pursue my
artistic abilities and actually even offered to pay for me to take my first series
of Saturday morning life drawing classes for kids at the Cleveland Institute of
Art. Her job always seemed like a dream job to me so right after graduating I
applied there and was hired in 1977 at 20 years of age.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My wife
and I met and both worked at American Greetings and maintained our careers
(more on that later) while raising our boys. It wasn’t always easy and I’m sure
we made lots of parenting mistakes, but they survived (and we did as
well---barely, lol). And they actually still kind of like us and don’t mind
doing things with us so I guess we weren’t so awfully terrible.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo2MT02ffKDuTGuryDmf5znSAFi5q3fYovxwFbF6SgUeXCsm4ZNaC50FJTJ0FhJ7RF7Z7hXysljpnrLKaLm8shvCunjLuVJEUlU8g9aBy6KgbKxjf1pTb0Y3PfASNtouVT879F_8-wnQ/s1600/image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo2MT02ffKDuTGuryDmf5znSAFi5q3fYovxwFbF6SgUeXCsm4ZNaC50FJTJ0FhJ7RF7Z7hXysljpnrLKaLm8shvCunjLuVJEUlU8g9aBy6KgbKxjf1pTb0Y3PfASNtouVT879F_8-wnQ/s400/image+1.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing
your art. How do you preserve time and energy for your art. Are there ways that
your art benefits from your other job?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At this
stage of my career I find the pull to fine art to be very strong. So strong in
fact that I’ve decided to take an early retirement from my job as a commercial
illustrator so I can pursue my fine art objectives with more consistency. The
fact that I’ve been an illustrator in a creative company, surrounded by lots of
creative people and inspiration certainly hasn’t hurt. It’s meant that as
someone thinking about painting seriously, I haven’t had to start from zero in
terms of experience with things like color, composition and certain aesthetic
sensibilities the way perhaps a hobbyist might. During the time that I have
worked and tried to improve as a painter I’ve had to force myself to go down to
my basement studio even when tired. It’s not always been easy, but I’ve found
that even when I’ve practically had to drag myself off the sofa after work and dinner,
usually around 9pm or so, I would get a second wind and am able to paint until
around midnight, meaning around 3 hrs per night, usually around 3-4 times per
week. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I would
also add that although I didn’t attempt this when my kids were in their very
needy years, I did during those times have other interests that helped me
retain my sanity. I’ve also been blessed with a very supportive wife, who is
very talented herself, and without whom I don’t know if I would have been able
to commit myself to my art the way I have.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do your children get involved with your art?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My boys
have only gotten involved in my art by way of modeling for me on occasion. We
did try over the years to expose them to art as much as possible and our oldest
son has some talent. Our youngest son never really showed much interest or
aptitude for the visual arts, but does have musical ability.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do they inspire aspects of your art?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I would
say they inspire my art indirectly rather than directly. I can’t say that I
consciously pull from my experiences and memories of them growing up and try to
infuse it into my art in some way. But I am conscious of being dedicated and
persevering as an example to them that you can accomplish dreams you may have
if you’re willing to do the work. And I have to admit that it doesn’t feel
terrible when they express their pride in my work or accomplishments to their
friends when they come around.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How has having children changed your artwork?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can’t
say that having children has changed my artwork, because I’m really very young,
in a fine art sense, and started painting seriously again after they were done
with high school and needed me a lot less. Even though they are basically
adults now I am conscious of how my kids perceive my art. I don’t ever want to
create anything that will embarrass either them or myself. Although I strive to
be an all-around painter, my favorite subject matter is mostly figurative. And
even though I’m not opposed to nudity when done in good taste or in a proper
context, I’m essentially a fairly modest person and would like my paintings to
reflect an uplifting ethos that would speak to their sense of the more positive
virtues. I guess what I might be trying to say is that I don’t want to reflect
in my art anything which is contrary to who they know me as, if that makes
sense. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At the
present time household tasks actually take priority over my personal artwork.
It varies some, but usually when I come home from work it’s do some chores
until dinner, a short breather, maybe some more chores, then hopefully painting
in the evenings with whatever time remains.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I always try for at least 2 hours straight painting time. Three is good.
More than three means I’m up too late and will be tired at work and not
functioning well the next day. If I find that I can’t get in 2 hours of
painting then I often like to go down to my studio and just putz around, clean,
straighten up, organize, and maybe just think about what I want to paint next.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Like I
said, I wasn’t really thinking about doing my own personal art as they were
growing up. It was fulfilling and satisfying enough then for me to do the
artwork I was doing at my day job as an illustrator.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When they
were little, mostly by doing and letting them watch. My wife would sometimes do
freelance or some other project when they were very small and she might have
one of them in a high chair with some paper and crayons and just let them go at
it. If one of them showed an interest we might let them go to a summer art camp
for a week just for fun.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I never
felt pressure to make them into artists. We always just wanted them to find
their own way. If they ever showed an interest or aptitude in an artistic
direction we would encourage them and help them. But we tried to round them out
as people and so they also did things like play sports and learn musical
instruments, basically in order to experience different things that might
possibly click for them. I feel like the life of an artist, whether commercial
or fine art is not really an easy one. People don’t think of art as competitive
but in many ways it is. There are lots of very talented people out there and if
you are not driven and dedicated to whatever craft you choose, then you’d
better find something else to make a living at, because there is surely someone
else out there that is managing to do so and putting in the time, and that
person will either take the job you were hoping for or the gallery space that
you wanted to get into. I hope this isn’t discouraging to anyone that might
read this, but I don’t believe we do people a kindness when we give them false
hope. That said, each person has to decide for themselves how far they hope to
go and what they are willing to sacrifice to get there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I think
being an artist can make life fun for kids. The projects, the imagination, and
just seeing the world in interesting and unique ways. Kids love those things.
But it can also make it harder because as artists we’re not typically gifted
with left-brain strengths. So for example, we stopped being useful in helping
our kids with things like math assignments somewhere around the third grade. </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you think it effects men and women differently, being an
artist and a parent?</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In our
case, I think our male and female differences are pretty common to most people.
But it’s hard to say if it affects us differently as parents because my wife
and I are both artists. Also our situation was probably a little unique to many
marriages in that my wife was the major breadwinner in our family and was more
career-oriented.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you think being a
parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can’t
say I’m even sure how I may be perceived as an artist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In my
opinion you may never perfectly balance parenting and your personal
artwork/career. In my way of thinking our children had to come first. I made a
choice to make art my career. They didn’t choose to be born. They never had a
say in my career choice. If art is your chosen career path then you may have to
suffer the same things that non-artists do. Things like pangs of regret or
guilt over the time your kids get from you. I think if the route you’d like to
pursue is that of full-time artist and parent you will need to be extremely
disciplined and allot your time carefully. One thing I didn’t mention before
that I’ll share is that when our kids were very small we were never completely
sold on the day care route, even though we did it for a while. It came to a
point that we decided that we wanted to have greater influence over our kids
lives than a stranger and so we both inquired about part-time options at work.
As it turned out, that option was not open to my wife, but it was open to me
and so I took it so that as parents we could be more available to our kids. It
doesn’t sound like a huge sacrifice, but that choice kept me from advancing in
my career the way other full-time co-workers did. Not to mention that the
expectation was practically the same as that of a full-time employee, so it
wasn’t easy. But I felt like the sacrifice was worth it. It was never an issue
for me because they mattered much more and I would do it all again. But every
situation is different and each person must make their own choices as to what
is best for their family. I understand that times can be tough economically for
many of us and dual income families seem to be pretty much the norm. But if you
can at all swing it, I would encourage parents to make sacrifices that matter
for their kids. Painting will still be there when they are moved out and that
time comes very quickly. I’m proof that pursuing your personal art goals later
in life is still meaningful and fulfilling. Heck, I recently turned 60 (did I
just say that?) and pursuing my personal art goals now gets me to feel very
engaged, enthused, and energized. </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-42328446997112574562016-07-21T09:30:00.001-07:002016-07-21T09:30:23.868-07:00Painting Parent -Tina Garrett<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMzeYGEcDX8tj37l1UGc3eS-gNVAunzUjBuACD3kA6kjzvhJUFJqEnDKiNHI_JZEhDdtli32oxuBlElfNep4VyRNr9nKWONcFdRSYTAyGqPGPFoy1IyjCXkMJ34IbdGtwZAf7tKviYDo/s1600/13555892_1073711256042045_916202557_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMzeYGEcDX8tj37l1UGc3eS-gNVAunzUjBuACD3kA6kjzvhJUFJqEnDKiNHI_JZEhDdtli32oxuBlElfNep4VyRNr9nKWONcFdRSYTAyGqPGPFoy1IyjCXkMJ34IbdGtwZAf7tKviYDo/s640/13555892_1073711256042045_916202557_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>How many children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I have two
really lovely children. They’re just great people and I’m a little partial to
them. My son is 16 and my daughter is 14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did your artistic career begin?</div>
<span style="color: #1f497d;">My artistic
career began as a graphic designer and illustrator in 1994. I had always wanted
to make great paintings but my parents pressed me to go to a college near
relatives so I could live with them during my two-year college experience, so I
went to the Colorado Art Institute, which taught me QuarkXPress and
Photoshop.</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Immediately
after college, I began work as at the Kansas City Star laying out ads on the
night shift. Within 6 months I was
working as a graphic designer/Illustrator at a local not for profit. Just two
weeks before my first child was born in 2000, I began working from home on a
freelance basis for a local woman-owned PR firm and by 2001 I had several
clients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I was able
to work for myself as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator for over 10
years with my largest client being the children’s curriculum and music
divisions of Nazarene Publishing House. It was around 2010 that I saw a serious
drop in the work from the publishing house. By 2011 the work was essentially
gone. Children’s workbooks and crayons had been replaced with iPads and Ipods.
Though I was successful at creating a few animated videos and apps for the
company, I let the work go. I didn’t feel like an artist anymore. I felt like a
computer programmer. Faced with the decision to either go back to school to be
competitive in something I didn’t love doing, go back to school to learn a
completely non-artistic career or finally peruse my life long dream of painting
like the masters, I took an incredible leap of faith and applied for a
scholarship to the Scottsdale Artist’s School. In 2012, they gave me the first
of two scholarships and I began learning how to oil paint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is your Parenting/work/art situation? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I’ve always
worked at home throughout my child raising years. Many hours have been spent at
the computer or drawing table with a baby or two on my lap. Today it is second
nature to my children. I taught them from a very early age to respect my
privacy when I was on the phone or in a meeting, just as they would want me to not
interrupt them if they had a play date over. Just the other day my 16 year old
left my studio saying, “I know, I know, I won’t bother you unless we’re both on
fire.” (A saying I coined when they were young…my husband is a full time fire
fighter.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing
your art. How to you preserve time and energy for your art. Are there ways that
your art benefits from your other job?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">No,
fortunately, since I was the breadwinner in my freelance years, my family
easily respected and supported my switch to fine art. My husband worked three
jobs at one point so I could have the space and time I needed to learn how to
paint. In the few short years since I began oil painting, I’ve pursued it
tenaciously and with the intention of making a living. If you are intending to
make a living with your art, there isn’t any confusion about how many hours you
work or how much attention your work gets, it’s your work. If it isn’t your
work, it’s a hobby and hobbies are always negotiable, second place and even
eligible to be dropped all together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6gjSPr8v0GSPCHPRtACCw7VKyjWUwc35H6XJmqz6CNeULDH5z5V2qpcpJEmXV0MBS94XVhLJ5pDs3giDjTajLmFLWEBTLifuOaXxjfIH0dZJ6CymTwibu3ER0pFeMdlSAWH6El394oc/s1600/13570228_1073711459375358_1945180888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6gjSPr8v0GSPCHPRtACCw7VKyjWUwc35H6XJmqz6CNeULDH5z5V2qpcpJEmXV0MBS94XVhLJ5pDs3giDjTajLmFLWEBTLifuOaXxjfIH0dZJ6CymTwibu3ER0pFeMdlSAWH6El394oc/s640/13570228_1073711459375358_1945180888_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I plan my
week out on Sunday and aim to use Monday and Tuesday for any administrative
work, errands, framing, private lessons, promoting my work, etc. I try to
reserve Wed-Friday for painting. This is my framework, but if a client can only
meet on a Friday, I may have to be flexible. Or, if I’m feeling the groove on a
particular painting, I’ll paint on Monday and Tuesday and stop for a private
lesson, but not to run errands. My calendar is set for a year in advance for
workshops, open studio events and reminders are set for competition dates and
shipping dates. This is my job, so I’m not only the Creative Manager/painter
but also an Office Manager, PR Director and Sales Manager…I leave the
accounting to someone who can actually operate a calculator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do your children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Yes, both
my children have posed for me during workshops and private lessons or just to
make a painting that I’ve dreamt up. They’ve been super-supportive from the
beginning! They both pass the kitchen to enter my studio and cheer me on all
the time. They’ll happily go to art openings when food is involved and the
whole family is traveling to Maui next month for my 3-Day workshop and family
vacation. In April 2017, my daughter will travel with me to Limoux, France as
my model for my 10 day Painting the Figure in the Landscape workshop. She’s
thrilled since she’s been studying French for three years. I’m happy to have a
model I know can do the work beautifully and has to show up, we’re staying in
the same boutique hotel after all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do they inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">My daughter
in particular has been a great inspiration in my work. Her coming of age years
have touched a special chord in my work and recording her changing body and the
growth of her spirit through oil painting has been a priceless experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How has having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Many times
over the years when I was illustrating, I’d lamented over the choices I had
made that kept me from being a professional painter. Now that I’ve actually
made that leap I can see that it never was ‘having children’ that kept me from
being the artist I wanted to be. It was my own lack of courage. You see I never
would have taken the leap to becoming a professional fine artist had the
children’s publishing industry not imploded…had my income not depended upon it.
I was complicit in my dreams just staying dreams. I imagined the life of a
‘painter’ meant you had to live aloof, alone and in some small apartment in NY
or Paris, eating paint and take out. Ha! That is such a lie. Real, successful
women painters have beautiful full lives as parents and spouses. We cook, and
clean our own houses and we even have friends we get to have coffee and see
movies with once a week!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Okay, I
have to admit…I did just hire a housekeeper two weeks ago to come twice a month
and clean the things I am clearly not addressing. It’s not as expensive as
you’d think, and it has really eased a little guilt for me in the “I’m supposed
to have that done.” department. The fact of the matter is, as a businesswoman
who works more than full time hours, it is okay to hire help with anything that
needs to be done which I simply cannot get to. Next on my list is to hire an
intern to keep my palette and brushes clean. Just kidding!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">No, as I
said, my children have been raised to behave in a disciplined manner around my
working schedule. In reality, I’ve been far more available to them working from
home all these years than any other parents we know. They’ve never done day
care aside from camps and moms day out stuff, and they’ve both told me that
seeing me work from home makes them proud and inspired. I wouldn’t do a single
thing differently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I really
haven’t encouraged my children to be artistic per se. I’ve always want them to
be who they are and follow their own passions so I paid close attention to them
when they were young. They both gravitated to the dress up clothes and puppets
much more than the crayons and watercolors so I followed their lead and
enrolled them in children’s theater and took them to plays at an early age. They
are both gifted musicians and actors and public speakers. The benefits of art,
the calming, focus and ability to be in tune with your self are true across all
artistic endeavors. I love that me kids participate in theater and music. I
don’t have an ego that drives me to push them to be visual artists just because
that’s what I am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I receive a
lot of questions about it, but I don’t consider it pressure. My husband and I
are confident in our parenting together mostly because we have wonderful
mentors (friends with older children) from whom we receive advice and direction
from often. And so far, we’ve raised truly beautiful people, which is what is
important to me most as a parent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">My children
are so involved in their own work, acting, debate, travel and school. They are
both very creative and funny people. They are charming and ambitious and we are
often complimented as parents, which always feels great. They have expressed
their pride in me, and inspiration by me, but I think that comes more from
seeing me be happy and persevere as a professional than specific to my artwork.
So I haven’t’ seen them mimic my artwork as much as emulate my example of how
to make their own dreams come true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I
definitely claim space for myself that perhaps other working parents aren’t as
finite about. My door may be shut for hours and my music may be loud enough to
drive another person in the house crazy, but that’s what headphones are for. I
imagine any parent working from home, artist or otherwise, has to have a
similar boundary. I wouldn’t say being an artist makes it harder, though, it’s
just different. There are jobs that would be much harder to be a parent while
doing that job, like a soldier overseas. Parenting as an artist is cheesecake
compared to that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty9c-zQ3Fa41BU0mHKpN7B-uT5Aj1goEs-fcd6reCUoYB0VdVu9buhIiUS6ufi3gtTdbG1jNPryXuKwaQ3ihwMy4P4w98F3rYNj8Qx2s3ZqDkIQIuvdyJLHbVCK2BLjdbH5A0Nim6K9g/s1600/13569815_1073710922708745_2051750696_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty9c-zQ3Fa41BU0mHKpN7B-uT5Aj1goEs-fcd6reCUoYB0VdVu9buhIiUS6ufi3gtTdbG1jNPryXuKwaQ3ihwMy4P4w98F3rYNj8Qx2s3ZqDkIQIuvdyJLHbVCK2BLjdbH5A0Nim6K9g/s640/13569815_1073710922708745_2051750696_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Perhaps,
since I have painted my children, people may consider my being a parent when
they think of my work, but I would be saddened if their thoughts bent either
positive or negative about the fact. I want my work to stand on it’s own
merits, to be considered and appreciated and judged on it’s face, not by me, my
working methods, my materials, my life choices, marriage, children, pets. It
all seems irrelevant when one is faced with a great work, or a bad one. I stood
in front of Sargent’s “Madam X” last year at the MET and never once did it
cross my mind, “I wonder if he was a good parent”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Only that I
hope women painters in particular are not burdening themselves with undue
work/life/parenting questions, or letting anyone else place those burdens on
them. Parenting is difficult enough as it is, and 10 times more so if you don’t
have a loving partner and lots of support to raise your children with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">I wish for
all artists who are also moms, to give themselves permission to do both jobs
beautifully. Pull all the resources you have to give your kids beautiful
childhoods and give yourself the time and space you need to make the best work
you can make. Be unapologetic about your art if it is your work. Demand of
yourself and your environment the same standards any job from home requires. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">If painting
is your hobby, accept that hobbies are hobbies and they don’t and shouldn’t’
garner the respect that work does. I wouldn’t support my husband in racing
remote control cars for 20 hours a week, but I’m happy to see him enjoy the
hobby when he has time and I’d love to see him go to an RC Car Race Workshop
once a year so he can really hone his skills, meet up with some other RC Car
nerds and come home refreshed and excited about life! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">We should
all live the life of the kind of people we want our kids to become. Be happy,
productive and kind and your kids will be too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tina's bio and workshop info can be found at </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.tinagarrett.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.94px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">www.tinagarrett.com</a></span></h3>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-71060199205399507192016-07-01T20:40:00.002-07:002016-07-01T20:40:44.461-07:00Painting Parent - Rachel Alvarez
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIcK_BXhu8qBWI8TKjCHeVV1mjxjYBRyDediJ8oE7K0q4Oig-gpiDtSLEQDHbNRuHw4KE8ViRqXdp4F61qFCBR4TjluR-DGJZMqV1V4c3n8GPlAICyDErERD1cNgfJEXQQOfFsQsffG4/s1600/13518219_10157077777615215_169993212_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIcK_BXhu8qBWI8TKjCHeVV1mjxjYBRyDediJ8oE7K0q4Oig-gpiDtSLEQDHbNRuHw4KE8ViRqXdp4F61qFCBR4TjluR-DGJZMqV1V4c3n8GPlAICyDErERD1cNgfJEXQQOfFsQsffG4/s320/13518219_10157077777615215_169993212_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2, 3.5 and
1.5 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How did your artistic career begin?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I majored
in fine art, painting and photography in college, but it wasn’t until about a
year and a half ago, that I really got serious about painting as a career. I am
a SAHM but, thankfully, painting has turned into a wonderful part-time job for
me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Right now,
I paint only during nap times for my kids. I work on marketing, paperwork and
website things after they are in bed for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing
your art. How to you preserve time and energy for your art. Are there ways that
your art benefits from your other job?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have not
been working a traditional 9-5 job since pursuing my art, but I did have a long
career before becoming a SAHM. When I was working in that career, I always
looked for ways to be creative on the job. I worked retail management, so I was
able to do displays, web maintenance, product photography and promotional
events- all of those things provided an artistic outlet for me, which I definitely
need in order to be happy and productive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9t3VFjeBvdePuvI0ophe67fmQMqhSIBLQvvPbTKMUm2FE5ZENVL_uEKLJ9i17wrLso0OH_gjNEmCzrJ0hpPfbTcwQ-eZoIQmaIEBz7O77ozVawuiotWudny0EbuqtZjj_2aQ6SsGbhs/s1600/13493477_10157077776060215_1113876021_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9t3VFjeBvdePuvI0ophe67fmQMqhSIBLQvvPbTKMUm2FE5ZENVL_uEKLJ9i17wrLso0OH_gjNEmCzrJ0hpPfbTcwQ-eZoIQmaIEBz7O77ozVawuiotWudny0EbuqtZjj_2aQ6SsGbhs/s320/13493477_10157077776060215_1113876021_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I paint
nearly every single day; sometimes it’s for 1 hour -sometimes for 3, depending
on nap times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My 3 year
old son does. Earlier this year I did a series of watercolor food paintings
called “toddler snacks”. He helped me choose my next subject, photograph the
plate, and then gave me his opinion once the piece was completed. I don’t think
he minded one bit when we got to the donuts…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes. I am
painting with watercolor ONLY because of my lack of time. I usually work with
oils, but that is just not practical for me at this time. I got over my fears
of the medium, and now I really enjoy the challenge. I like to paint colorful,
lively things. This is a little way for me to celebrate the energy and joy that
my kids have brought to my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How has having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has
certainly inspired me to produce MORE. I am not as afraid of messing up as I
used to be. My subject matter has reflected them, of course. Before becoming a
mom, I wouldn’t have painting celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins on
top.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the
household chores, they just have to be done with help form the kids. I am glad
that they see me working in that way, and I’m happy that I have a way to
refresh myself while they are doing the same. If I didn’t paint, I would most
likely just be doing the dishes. Now, my son helps me with those things and we
make it fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPulZJzDjrfOE9TgyS1o0Hdo_r9S7r1AgPGjip9gE52Gh9ucDw80Y1Ya7MsFvsyDq03b6m8i9-fgFplk5sg2_ef743qXNNmmbz5Sry2SMOyGODSm4Y49YusiP7npcWhAjkOJ0VpvyhUw/s1600/13509404_10157077774470215_2058881774_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPulZJzDjrfOE9TgyS1o0Hdo_r9S7r1AgPGjip9gE52Gh9ucDw80Y1Ya7MsFvsyDq03b6m8i9-fgFplk5sg2_ef743qXNNmmbz5Sry2SMOyGODSm4Y49YusiP7npcWhAjkOJ0VpvyhUw/s320/13509404_10157077774470215_2058881774_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has
become more difficult to paint now that my youngest has started to walk and is
only taking one nap. I just have to be even more efficient in my paining, and
that’s probably a good exercise for me in the long run anyways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We sing,
color, and imagine together. I talk about my art and what I am doing with it-
eve if it’s just packaging something to be shipped. They see all aspects of
what being an artist means. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not really.
I feel like those interests develop. I was in 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade when I
really got into art. And, although my entire family is fully of professional
artists, I never felt pressure to be artistic. It became my own interest. I’d
like it to be that way for my kids, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think so.
My son loves to draw and use his imagination. My daughter loves to sing just like
me. It’s really great to see them excited about the things that I love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think
it’s sometimes harder because I have a real need to produce. Some of my parent
friends don’t have that need, and so they don’t feel unproductive, per se, if
they haven’t finished a project every day. I would feel so weird if I didn’t
try to complete something art-related every day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It might,
but I try to celebrate my motherhood in my art. My etsy shop, for instance, is
called TheNapTimeArtist. It’s an upfront reality that I am an artist and a mom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love both
and don’t get upset when one has to be put on hold for the other. It’s a real
balancing act.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-44606403987916165582016-06-06T19:23:00.000-07:002016-06-06T19:23:19.623-07:00Beth de Loiselle and Hans Guerin - Painting Parents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z6YaD7k7nDK_EVWxSPvLjUdg3nCEHLKjeQ6jSns8HUHVmrqbmVCAI5qYrv3Eu7JCJ5l0x6t-mJ1VrK0tOoMt5cSbDgOf5pWZC8TvpmbJQ0ydIAiuLsJXt-MXp8mY16cGL6P30lLRiJ4/s1600/FullSizeRender-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z6YaD7k7nDK_EVWxSPvLjUdg3nCEHLKjeQ6jSns8HUHVmrqbmVCAI5qYrv3Eu7JCJ5l0x6t-mJ1VrK0tOoMt5cSbDgOf5pWZC8TvpmbJQ0ydIAiuLsJXt-MXp8mY16cGL6P30lLRiJ4/s640/FullSizeRender-6.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Love and Comfort" 16" x 12" Oil" By Hans Guerin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">How many children do you have? What are their ages?</span> One, 13 Months old<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How did your artistic career begin?</span> Members of my family (Hans) have been artists for 6 generations<br />
including my brother and me. Both of us, my brother and I, both went to college studying subjects other than art but we decided without coercion to study at our family atelier, The Schuler School of Fine Arts.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx89TaD5LPtaNLk57S-bcKOIkiBipGs86pOLYNd2nV26I52V03Gf50QqXh4plkGTUn6Vy4YyeZNOdb6XUBO8bV4nMNv5kAgUg78wacz22rOKSEYHpPJZ9cSghKBu-yudg00WG_X6cOX1g/s1600/Ornate+Magnolias+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx89TaD5LPtaNLk57S-bcKOIkiBipGs86pOLYNd2nV26I52V03Gf50QqXh4plkGTUn6Vy4YyeZNOdb6XUBO8bV4nMNv5kAgUg78wacz22rOKSEYHpPJZ9cSghKBu-yudg00WG_X6cOX1g/s320/Ornate+Magnolias+%25281%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ornate Magnolias by Beth de Loiselle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My wife, Beth, is the first of her family to endeavor to become an artist. She won a scholarship to the<br />
Schuler School’s summer program in 01, fell in love with the school and me and the rest is history.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</span> Right now we are still struggling to find studio time with<br />
trying to be very active in our little boy’s life. We arrange it so that if I’m not teaching I watch the little one so Beth can paint in the daytime. I paint at very late/early hours when I’m not catching up on otherwork for the house, our art business, or the Schuler School.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</span> Somewhat. The days we teach are scheduled. My time at night is available to me if I’m not too tired or don’t have very important duties to address. Beth paints when I am home unless we decide to do something else as a family.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Do your children get involved with your art?</span> Yes he doodles on pads of paper while we prevent him<br />
from putting the pencil into his eye or his mouth, the cats, the furniture, etc.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe7ezQMC1oh_stIOKSjfMavfyCJjgHJ5WSrgAjX0pKJu7mCS_5RMQ5Lct_NHbSkY3XsI7oBoYTXev5mEYfeJtGkhB0atLl9Jmi4Tj48uW2bP5nom9t8jrwDGPGzpm0tNV-AisXOWikdA/s1600/Mother+Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe7ezQMC1oh_stIOKSjfMavfyCJjgHJ5WSrgAjX0pKJu7mCS_5RMQ5Lct_NHbSkY3XsI7oBoYTXev5mEYfeJtGkhB0atLl9Jmi4Tj48uW2bP5nom9t8jrwDGPGzpm0tNV-AisXOWikdA/s320/Mother+Earth.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mother Earth", 48" x 36" Oil by Hans</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?</span> Yes, We both have ambitious compositions that involve him in some aspect but further, our paradigm of life has changed. We are more optimistic, nurturing and more outwardly expressive of love outside of our personal and very private lives together. That definitely comes through in our art<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How has having children changed your artwork?</span> A little early to tell, Beth has been painting mostly<br />
commissions and I have only produced a limited amount of artwork since his birth, most of which was already planned beforehand.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</span> The amount of work, non-art, has increased but we still make time to keep the house clean and maintained. I don’t sleep as much to help get it all done. The time for artwork has suffered, especially for me. It’s getting better as our boy is less fragile and we are finding better arrangements for others to watch him.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</span> Our Art is very much a part of who we are; it has to translate into the way we interact with him. We teach and play with him instinctually and things like color, composition, spacial relationships and attention to detail will come through. We make sure that events for him are well decorated and fun for him, like his Winnie the Pooh themed first birthday party and Christmas. Most of the people outside of us are also artists in some way; his artistic influence will come from many directions.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjqLG5VTOOaLz_QmuRxFUgNLU_oMWOHqLmbO8oRnRJGN5-J6A2if1y7SENx6SmZGNHUulEz_a_8E42Kz3feacJB1thxa6wr27vnWnK5MvHzfFxmIkz1Rvld0aVaDDsLkV2hwLt9YdnmI/s1600/Sentinel+of+Beauty+by+Beth+de+Loiselle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjqLG5VTOOaLz_QmuRxFUgNLU_oMWOHqLmbO8oRnRJGN5-J6A2if1y7SENx6SmZGNHUulEz_a_8E42Kz3feacJB1thxa6wr27vnWnK5MvHzfFxmIkz1Rvld0aVaDDsLkV2hwLt9YdnmI/s320/Sentinel+of+Beauty+by+Beth+de+Loiselle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sentinel of Beauty by Beth</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?</span> None at all. I was never<br />
pressured into the arts. My parents and Grandparents only encouraged us when we tried art but never<br />
pushed it on my brother and me; my wife and I will do the same for our boy.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?</span> A little early to say; my wife and I think he’s brilliant but he is very expressionist in his technique.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</span> Easier in that we can push and pull work hours to better accommodate his needs. Harder in that when we sacrifice time for our art we suffer financially and with our reputation/relevance. A household of both parents with a variable income is also difficult especially with planning for his future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrwmaoO5JgHRObI4pcYCLLTtorM975D6o2TxGRspv-mGB3dzZNm6dt29f2vKyh1U-iPsLQUtA-wJ2Zsz55NYJytFfO_vvGWn9E5z7pY605v4TlSk5WRc3F-o4QU_pEJBEYKsOYJBZ5i0/s1600/Nocturne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrwmaoO5JgHRObI4pcYCLLTtorM975D6o2TxGRspv-mGB3dzZNm6dt29f2vKyh1U-iPsLQUtA-wJ2Zsz55NYJytFfO_vvGWn9E5z7pY605v4TlSk5WRc3F-o4QU_pEJBEYKsOYJBZ5i0/s320/Nocturne.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nocturne, 24" x 16" Acrylic by Hans</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</span> I think so, artist have a<br />
stereotype of being daydreamers, slackers and leeches, making objects of beauty or treatises on<br />
humanity without the rigmarole of real world experience. Even though in reality that description doesn’t really apply to my wife and me, not even most of the other artists we know, being a parent can add relevancy and relatability. It also changes our artist’s perspective on life; caring for a child might make the artwork relate to the art-viewing public whether they know you are a parent or not.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?</span> I think there is a stigma against professional artists that don’t prioritize art over all and can’t put in a full time schedule. I think that dismissive attitude is bs. I prioritize my family over my artwork and feel whole doing it. My and Beth’s work remains relevant in that my recent work has been recognized and awarded; Beth has been killing it with commissions. The amount of work may have suffered and the quality would most likely be better with more time painting but life is more than that; an aspect that I appreciated before my son was born but reinforced since.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM-xdvpestzPEySTB4Upho8Fh4yDCALqjnWXgNvMzM8vrzZR3mwplqMT-OC5VTRYVQI54E8Zj-GCsWzOE7R3A3eaV0kyN7JjKT6ReokCK7D94tBl-ZQcqD66kcNnC_V9y8-DJfrtvpwM/s1600/Baker+Dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM-xdvpestzPEySTB4Upho8Fh4yDCALqjnWXgNvMzM8vrzZR3mwplqMT-OC5VTRYVQI54E8Zj-GCsWzOE7R3A3eaV0kyN7JjKT6ReokCK7D94tBl-ZQcqD66kcNnC_V9y8-DJfrtvpwM/s320/Baker+Dogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baker Dogs by Beth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKjGlEcWYVddWLLGiZ-jDAoOx9I1HFbsRhANzx55vo3E7M8MuEu0b4Ii-emt9KphWBDYjiTEIvEjzizg7Ahmabkozw_bIGdQhWN21wExf4SSxsHSFKDCr0ZWuRr3t_Aujc5o4QEHmzIc/s1600/Spotted+Great+Dane+Mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKjGlEcWYVddWLLGiZ-jDAoOx9I1HFbsRhANzx55vo3E7M8MuEu0b4Ii-emt9KphWBDYjiTEIvEjzizg7Ahmabkozw_bIGdQhWN21wExf4SSxsHSFKDCr0ZWuRr3t_Aujc5o4QEHmzIc/s320/Spotted+Great+Dane+Mini.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Great Dane Miniature by Beth<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHQsrXlBPDQVhXnFYg6bxmdqF2cgQ3V3-zuMo-AQ4Vqi56jvn8R5NPFo5Bof9yyyzMIPLPCNM0NtdhwDWl-VCrt6I_UgC8MBdAoOyt2KsW1rxqpOmanWka1ogiRPvO-AegjlXIIqCa0s/s1600/you-cant-take-it-with-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHQsrXlBPDQVhXnFYg6bxmdqF2cgQ3V3-zuMo-AQ4Vqi56jvn8R5NPFo5Bof9yyyzMIPLPCNM0NtdhwDWl-VCrt6I_UgC8MBdAoOyt2KsW1rxqpOmanWka1ogiRPvO-AegjlXIIqCa0s/s320/you-cant-take-it-with-you.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="workszoom-data-title">
You Can't Take it With You</div>
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<span class="workszoom-data-medium">Oil</span><span class="workszoom-data-substrate"> on Canvas Panel</span></div>
By Hans</td></tr>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://hansguerin.com&source=gmail&ust=1465350635228000&usg=AFQjCNGfy0iuEhcfY0PfvlG61pJrpXrUPw" href="http://hansguerin.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">hansguerin.com</span></a> <br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://bethdeloiselle.com&source=gmail&ust=1465350635228000&usg=AFQjCNEVty1NlAmtb76P45Z_erUnZh7QqA" href="http://bethdeloiselle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">bethdeloiselle.com</span></a><br />
<a class="workshops-link-url url" href="http://www.schulerschool.com/">Www.schulerschool.com</a><br />
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-33305997799313639892016-05-25T07:49:00.004-07:002016-05-30T15:17:01.277-07:00Painting Parents - Rob and Lina Liberace<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt4a9OSKLsUTRvvkQqcR63ujgkAkeD_XYJGTU_-DsdSlz37jr7JXsRPF9Pcjm2uAQ8Nnmf4U1cyA9LwVUruIFfuo2Oemi_7AgFVKnlerbJqvgVtShuBkvb03VJvoWhn8KZM_uRUJ-wg8/s1600/Ava+Watercolor+Feb2016066.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt4a9OSKLsUTRvvkQqcR63ujgkAkeD_XYJGTU_-DsdSlz37jr7JXsRPF9Pcjm2uAQ8Nnmf4U1cyA9LwVUruIFfuo2Oemi_7AgFVKnlerbJqvgVtShuBkvb03VJvoWhn8KZM_uRUJ-wg8/s640/Ava+Watercolor+Feb2016066.jpeg" width="465" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">A watercolor of Ava by Rob, 9”x12"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">How many children do you have? What are their ages?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Celia 15, Ava 13</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #ae1916;">How did your artistic career begin?</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">Rob received</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> a baseball scholarship to attend George Washington University and graduated with an art major then went on to get his Masters</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> there </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">as well. He was teaching even before he graduated and soon branched out from there with teaching, commissions and gallery work in the DC area. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I graduated with a marketing and art degree from Saint Joseph’s College in Indiana, then moved to DC and became a full time illustrator, working mainly for magazines at first, then doing both corporate Illustration and children’s books.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeS8pvwYnBTXPxlL7CL_JIC8-AIW9H8B3iw4nEXIVTq7chIpIhoQqiZqLhFj2GhfkfgV6A0-SHfdnxYQu-4R5Y36nYr2AdhjJbg_itMpLyKALvsyxFKY_fs3Cz4wg_FVeV1g-wUfRXlI/s1600/IMG_2466.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeS8pvwYnBTXPxlL7CL_JIC8-AIW9H8B3iw4nEXIVTq7chIpIhoQqiZqLhFj2GhfkfgV6A0-SHfdnxYQu-4R5Y36nYr2AdhjJbg_itMpLyKALvsyxFKY_fs3Cz4wg_FVeV1g-wUfRXlI/s400/IMG_2466.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Fortunately we both work from home when Rob is not teaching, which allows us to spend a lot of time with our kids. We both have studios here at the house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=26584a3ce4&view=fimg&th=154a19365e551004&attid=0.1.10&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ_uAiRo1lEsO8nDKIq59Gp9ZdLEkK0xIGWwiVE9af-D3odNpIkYFn-Ak4G53niBB-XVRFys5MUH15mxBFcPI5iJEDn-d9LurqL4_dPusrizGi_RtNILbOskIMU&sz=w960-h1280&ats=1464186660945&rm=154a19365e551004&zw&atsh=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"></span></span></a><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #cc0000;">In a Dual Art Career family how do you each support the other's artistic career? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">It helps to have a solid marriage where we both respect one another</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">’</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">s opinions as well as one another's artistic abilities. That and wanting the best for everyone goes a long way. We have always been super supportive and do what we can to help each other find the time for creativity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #ae1916;">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rob keeps busy with teaching and painting, but is very good at dividing his time between work and family, where he is very much a hands-on dad. I only illustrates occasionally these days, turning down bigger projects, and fit in sculpture and painting when possible. We tend to take on too many </span></span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "trebuchet ms";">extracurricular</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> projects (we’ve done three home renovations since we were married 19 years ago) so there is never enough time to do everything.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #cc0000;">Do you Lina, wish that there were more time for you to focus on art pursuits or do you feel content with the current balance?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">Like many </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">“</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">mom"</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;"> artists, I would definitely like more time to focus on art pursuits. It is not uncommon while raising a family and keeping the household going. However, I put the much of the blame on myself, since I seem to have too many interests! The good thing is that most of my interests involve creativity, and I am able to release much of that creative energy by doing things such as tiling a mosaic floor patterned after floors I’ve seen in old Italian churches, designing and building a playhouse or even creating a flower bed. While the artistic fulfillment might not be exactly the same as painting or sculpting, it seems to </span><span style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">satisfy that same need for creating things. I also tend to do a lot of the business side of things, which is the bane of </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">every artist!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-size: small;">FAMILY DRAWING NIGHT</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">Do your children get involved with your art? </span>We have always encouraged them to draw and work on their skills. It is inspiring to see them grow and their artwork progress.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">Do they inspire aspects of your art? </span>Rob has enjoyed using the girls as models from time to time since they were little. They are wonderful, natural models who seem to instinctively <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">know</span> how to pose. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">How has having children changed your artwork?</span> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Rob has an extensive amount of work which focuses on the girls and never ceases being inspired by the</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">m. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It got me off of the full-time illustration track, but I think was ready for that change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rob tries to keep to a routine of painting during daylight hours when possible, and then has his evening open. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">He is better at switching gears more easily than I am.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Most non-art related projects and work get done </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">on the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">weekends if possible. I tend to work intensely on projects and finish them quickly, but end up spacing them further apart then I</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">’</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">d </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">like</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> to</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">, with all that needs to be done with the house, kids and business.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">How do you make decisions about division of family, household responsibilities? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">I think</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;"> we </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">can safely say that we both give it our all. There are things he doesn’t do well and things I don’t do well so we compensate for one another and we both do what is needed. </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;">Rob tends to be the fixer and I tend to be the cleaner.</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px;"> I help the kids with their English and he helps with Math and Science. Rob will step in and make dinner any time I am obviously working hard on any project, artistic or not. By the same token, I try and lessen his burden when he is busy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can each be a bit scattered at times, but we figure that is the way artistic brains operate so we are very forgiving of one another when something gets overlooked (which happens more </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">than</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">’d like to admit!). Wouldn’t it be wonderful </span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">to have a secretary and housekeeper!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12.8px;">As the girls get older, they are more self sufficient and there is more time for artwork. But even though we’re no longer changing diapers, the years of slumber parties and rides have taken over, so it is still not easy to find large blocks of time to paint. It all still requires time and energy, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">but in different ways. We both feel that having spent so much time with our kids earlier is paying off now, in that </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: xx-small;">the</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: xx-small;">y both had a lot of love and a solid foundation. So while the teenage years certainly bring on new challenges, the ride so far is not as rough as it could be - knock on wood!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic? </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We encourage by example, although we have no need to try. Both girls seem to have it in their genes. They are always creating </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">something. We are a family of </span></span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "trebuchet ms";">mess makers!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic? I</span>t is a nice bonus that ours are artistic, but you never know when a child will be interested in art or have natural artistic ability. Our youngest made miniature models of all sorts of things when she was younger, and our oldest even made a dress out of newspaper one time. They are definitely self motivated. We are lucky that both our girls are natural artists so all we do is gently encourage them to develop their skills. We will have occasional family drawing sessions, which is always fun and inspiring. And, of course, Rob is a natural teacher, so his opinions are always in demand. We certainly do not feel pressured to do so. We have the philosophy that the girls should do what makes them happy, whether it is art or something else.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQPc6-Dy8SL3zbfKAZ3Lss3PjYCWFd43-G7m52cnF4yCWWAhNmKO17vaA1WeszsIiH9HiR6-KcjLzDf4Ce03mmxzagE17Ghxtk3kaQ6cfnlmanTlwQkgS_vje0Yf8cc9fAThfhJHKj2s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-11+at+4.10.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQPc6-Dy8SL3zbfKAZ3Lss3PjYCWFd43-G7m52cnF4yCWWAhNmKO17vaA1WeszsIiH9HiR6-KcjLzDf4Ce03mmxzagE17Ghxtk3kaQ6cfnlmanTlwQkgS_vje0Yf8cc9fAThfhJHKj2s/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-05-11+at+4.10.15+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ava’s copy of an illustration from the book “Giants</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?</span> </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Like </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">most artists,</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> our children are inspired by artwork, whether it is ours or from seeing art </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">on </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">the art museum trips we take each year. When they see something that pleases their eye, they want to emulate it. Or not… once we were at the MET and the Rob had the girls doing some drawing. Celia was busy sketching a copy of some 15th century great master’s drawing and Ava was sitting next to her finishing up a nice likeness of Spongebob Squarepants! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">In addition, both girls are asked to “illustrate” their assignments at school regularly (it seems to be stressed due to the fact that it helps children memorize the material) and take great care to do a high level of work, even if it is just illustrating cells for a science class. It has definitely helped them with good grades and certainly hones their skills. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Two of Celia’s self-styled outfits.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916; font-size: 12.8px;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rob is very good at dividing his time between work and family time. Lina has a more difficult in transitioning from one to another, so when she paints, which is not nearly so frequently, Rob will try and fill in to keep the household going. Being an artist is like any job in that it takes time. The good thing is that it is something we can do at home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iYuT_psjhIFuDwnglNKw1ZowZ_8L73Qzal2SkTu0vJkUc3py8jWuZnTejLxMcxbTCF2kRgfYh5ANxaVZKLxiN3HaP5MNoZdRj2Sw5sAqF3yBXmQMdTFDpgs9NsRoZUomnXCzgBtOAH4/s1600/IMG_1193.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iYuT_psjhIFuDwnglNKw1ZowZ_8L73Qzal2SkTu0vJkUc3py8jWuZnTejLxMcxbTCF2kRgfYh5ANxaVZKLxiN3HaP5MNoZdRj2Sw5sAqF3yBXmQMdTFDpgs9NsRoZUomnXCzgBtOAH4/s320/IMG_1193.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH_j-WV0QCAAEtKWlZWbiVIuW8xAKIH3bWguQb-q1eC-LIOOnuF2wDqALQoWpXgQJZ6SmWAPFXQUQBLDtFrLfMvkR6Y_h55Vr4uEVA3VQrhECgQ8oI2G3VAfFflaFHSfEYILWj_MAm08/s1600/IMG_3066.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH_j-WV0QCAAEtKWlZWbiVIuW8xAKIH3bWguQb-q1eC-LIOOnuF2wDqALQoWpXgQJZ6SmWAPFXQUQBLDtFrLfMvkR6Y_h55Vr4uEVA3VQrhECgQ8oI2G3VAfFflaFHSfEYILWj_MAm08/s320/IMG_3066.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #222222; line-height: 17.94px; text-align: center;">Some of Lina’s sculptural pieces.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #1d2129;"><span style="color: #cc0000; line-height: 17.94px;">How has having a spouse that is also an artist affected your career and also your daily life?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #1d2129;">I think it affects our connection to one another, our home and how we live. Our lives are rich and full, in no small part from our artistic vision.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Do you draw inspiration from each other in your personal work?</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"> Definitely. It would be pretty difficult not to be inspired by Rob’s work. He is always surprising us with beautiful paintings, inkings and watercolors. On the other hand, he recently painted a lovely watercolor after seeing something I was working on, saying he was inspired by the sensitivity of my drawing. He also saw the quick pace I had to keep for illustration jobs and realized he didn't need to take so long to finish a painting.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z3eENz0MKb7_hrnUTnoqr4PiVzXHoM3raqoQCDuR3rE7k0v7OOaFzJd6Lx92gcgTB8o4j-DaVp-YrfZdL3F690IKMA4KUX1S3GJ03WRyLM7EtSySaLQiGjQIBr8lqU7M7PeHwMYrl38/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z3eENz0MKb7_hrnUTnoqr4PiVzXHoM3raqoQCDuR3rE7k0v7OOaFzJd6Lx92gcgTB8o4j-DaVp-YrfZdL3F690IKMA4KUX1S3GJ03WRyLM7EtSySaLQiGjQIBr8lqU7M7PeHwMYrl38/s400/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lina's oil painting of a wren, 9”x12"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #ae1916;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an ar</span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916;">tist?</span> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our family life is first and foremost. Being good parents is more important than being successful artists to us. As intense as Rob is with his art, he is probably even a more intense and caring dad. If we go to any sort of art related function, we bring our kids with us if it is at all possible. This may or may not always be the ideal thing for people who invite us, but with us, if you want us, that often means the girls will be in tow. They have always been well behaved and at home among adult artists so it never seems to be a problem. We’ve had at least one overseas art trip with students each year for the past decade. I think we all (including the students) believe having the </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: xx-small;">kids</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> along enriches the trips.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">People who know us all often tell us that we have it all since we have a great family life but also the ability to work on our art. I think people respect the fact that we are putting so much of our energy towards our children, but still maintaining a balance.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #ae1916;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Are there any other things about </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">b</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">alancing </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">p</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">ainting and </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">p</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">arenting that you would like to share?</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"> In an earlier interview, I (Lina) said that “You can have it all but not all at once.” at least from the mom point of view. I still think that is mostly true, although as the kids get older, it gets easier to mix the two. All artists who are making their income from their art have to be able to juggle two very different elements - art and business. Having children just adds a third ingredient to the mix, which keeps us grounded in real life.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Vbz6R4aj_1rnTvJkG59qtq-Sgy-Wz5iYmKdBAMfNme0rKE9Y3q5gAHuwR_R3AmpOmHT8Ms4i2nlbUHRtUcenHOhpcvnIK1c_aW0PERxJ0YwUas5YrM3IIe4M_j68lUBfLRn3SYJ0es/s1600/Ava+Juggler+clown+Sept+2015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Vbz6R4aj_1rnTvJkG59qtq-Sgy-Wz5iYmKdBAMfNme0rKE9Y3q5gAHuwR_R3AmpOmHT8Ms4i2nlbUHRtUcenHOhpcvnIK1c_aW0PERxJ0YwUas5YrM3IIe4M_j68lUBfLRn3SYJ0es/s640/Ava+Juggler+clown+Sept+2015.jpeg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of several of Rob</span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span></span><span style="line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;">s paintings of Ava as a harlequin, 16x20</span></span></span></td></tr>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-69779291972576265502016-05-19T19:07:00.000-07:002016-05-20T05:48:26.647-07:00Painting Parent - Blair Updike<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaVaHc8k6U5bLzyKj-FGQk34zbFrda-JR1R5AZ_bSFvIhJu98LOEQmtjeeKnA4lsqedYHf0UzsO7mYsEhBsExAporJSEkbdrEvVS55jn60uoQnYEauE2dqAy9-kuSPipJEneISWO7Q-k/s1600/13211130_810474299084957_997653946_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaVaHc8k6U5bLzyKj-FGQk34zbFrda-JR1R5AZ_bSFvIhJu98LOEQmtjeeKnA4lsqedYHf0UzsO7mYsEhBsExAporJSEkbdrEvVS55jn60uoQnYEauE2dqAy9-kuSPipJEneISWO7Q-k/s320/13211130_810474299084957_997653946_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">How many children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have two girls, ages 4 and 6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">How did your artistic career begin?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Although I’ve painted on an off since I was about 17, I’d
say that the career/professional part only started 2 years ago. I hadn’t
painted much for about a 10 year period because I worked, and then I had
children. When my youngest was about 2 I decided to paint her. I enjoyed it so
much that I thought I’d enroll in a portrait drawing class at the local college
so that I would have some dedicated art time on a weekly basis. I started
watching David Leffel videos and attended The Art of the Portrait Conference
that spring and it just exploded out from there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj3s24eK9PZv-WS2V09WJVTdL6n1jIAw0MJ7qsAxUgrCqdrthN9OoxWWI4-bdvPrgiMdNsrFTQOwPt1EdIOnc5uglj4SLegrUu0agfxqV_X6BDfTdJJ3pXeufsgJXoFLNDPx4IByrSZE/s1600/13199331_810495275749526_1787930368_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj3s24eK9PZv-WS2V09WJVTdL6n1jIAw0MJ7qsAxUgrCqdrthN9OoxWWI4-bdvPrgiMdNsrFTQOwPt1EdIOnc5uglj4SLegrUu0agfxqV_X6BDfTdJJ3pXeufsgJXoFLNDPx4IByrSZE/s320/13199331_810495275749526_1787930368_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alla prima sketch I did of a friend's newborn. <br />
Suzy painted him also.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have the girls with me full time because we homeschool.
This is advantageous in terms of the big schedule because we can come and go as
we please, so it accommodates my erratic travel schedule, but it’s also
difficult in terms of the small schedule because there are really no extended
breaks in my day. We school at the studio every day, so I am in my space, but
there’s no chance that they’re going to leave me alone for any extended amount
of time so that I could focus enough to paint. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I may prep or do quick fixes on paintings during the day,
but I get most of my painting done at night. I drink tea or coffee before
dinner, so I’m committed because I won’t be able to sleep after that, and then
go paint after the kids are in bed. I like to start paintings on Sunday
afternoons and then work a couple of nights during the week. I try and make a
goal of getting home before the sprinklers come on at night, but I only make it
about 10% of the time, so then I have to dart through the freezing sprinklers
in the dark in order to get into my home. Last thing you want to do after a
hard night’s painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Do your children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I use my kids as models a lot. I’m more comfortable
practicing techniques or new ideas on my own kids than on a commissioned
portrait. I look forward to the days when they can act as studio assistants and
wash brushes for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNhHAZ63EPxggpNovZF8a2Tltax6zKu7tgjHwgC5k05VCM6U3gBcRLQKIyEyz-GF_U8v7HDYnly5NvRVdHcNyxP2EoT55Jeyixyr0B3YxywjSxN7Tf-_bqJlRJAX1bPz6a_kbAZHM1Kg/s1600/13214613_810472859085101_752648538_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNhHAZ63EPxggpNovZF8a2Tltax6zKu7tgjHwgC5k05VCM6U3gBcRLQKIyEyz-GF_U8v7HDYnly5NvRVdHcNyxP2EoT55Jeyixyr0B3YxywjSxN7Tf-_bqJlRJAX1bPz6a_kbAZHM1Kg/s320/13214613_810472859085101_752648538_o.jpg" width="255" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">They inspired me to start painting again, but beyond that
they reawakened my awe for the world as well as strengthening my empathy. I
think studying your own child with such love eventually turns you into a better
observer of people in general, so you catch the nuances of their character more
vividly and can hopefully bring that across in paint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">How has having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ve gone sappy. I absolutely love to paint children in
their element when they’re climbing, or splashing, or when they’re completely
enthralled by something as simple as a bucket of sand. I’m not naturally
someone who is drawn to either children or motherhood, but I’ve really
developed a joy for seeing them in their element and trying to capture those
sweet, free moments in paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaJkBeKRV3zx-Uj6l5fLGNVf4HzuDx1ou5AoPUg63MhRnn-aRghzx2LDSHCsH3sUKaPeHNJ7m-PizAZYGQyZMY3paJBd8Ap_rFamOI7GK0DDUYwtmG4UlVvVP2K5MYAl9EfxF-57VJ0o/s1600/13210959_810472809085106_2101257463_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaJkBeKRV3zx-Uj6l5fLGNVf4HzuDx1ou5AoPUg63MhRnn-aRghzx2LDSHCsH3sUKaPeHNJ7m-PizAZYGQyZMY3paJBd8Ap_rFamOI7GK0DDUYwtmG4UlVvVP2K5MYAl9EfxF-57VJ0o/s320/13210959_810472809085106_2101257463_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My house is constantly in a state of flux (but that’s partly
because it only takes my kids like 30 minutes to destroy 2 rooms). I often have
to choose between painting and a home cooked meal and painting usually wins.
Fortunately, I have a husband who considers my painting very important, so he’s
amazingly tolerant and accommodating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It’s only getting easier as the kids get less demanding. My
girls are already pretty self-sufficient and good at occupying themselves, but
I look forward to the days when they’ll be able to sit and read for a couple of
hours while I paint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTQoWCyZ9RVintfpgbH_ZHWsTUR0dejBsxRv4ckd4uiwLXLaM5Xl71V7kHU75XLZfjWtnjGcLAll4-2Fn2OG9BDvhUqeutMZKTm4V3wPIgJm_IPq6mlh8xqJozrJendFr7Gk1k7_Ms28/s1600/13225099_810494135749640_1974596661_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTQoWCyZ9RVintfpgbH_ZHWsTUR0dejBsxRv4ckd4uiwLXLaM5Xl71V7kHU75XLZfjWtnjGcLAll4-2Fn2OG9BDvhUqeutMZKTm4V3wPIgJm_IPq6mlh8xqJozrJendFr7Gk1k7_Ms28/s320/13225099_810494135749640_1974596661_o.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzy's first oil painting from when she was 5. <br />
I had a still life set up and she painted at the same time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I don’t believe in training small children or giving them
much direction when it comes to art. I haven’t really encouraged them beyond
making materials available. We keep pencils, pens, crayons, paints (all
washable) where they can get them whenever they want. We had to make a change
over to bound sketch books because my floor was constantly littered with the
reams of paper that they’d run through daily. They both draw for at least an
hour every day with no encouragement from me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I love the idea that we’re going to be like the Wyeth’s or
something, but I don’t feel any pressure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork?</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My oldest sometimes paints the same life models or still
life set ups that I use, but generally they’re on their own paths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXft-lFxrxA2akXtUE7tAs6mO1LhmSGob6Y8Dq6N2mAQkd44Lpo5cCZfC9o5Vk6tWlmvW5MJxUhGYy-C7EPXAb8k2iYFluz8MvBX1Yi1Po32ELhfAleeYJ_oadSFaOXCVAnIOsJn9P8w/s1600/13223434_810495902416130_1695591184_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXft-lFxrxA2akXtUE7tAs6mO1LhmSGob6Y8Dq6N2mAQkd44Lpo5cCZfC9o5Vk6tWlmvW5MJxUhGYy-C7EPXAb8k2iYFluz8MvBX1Yi1Po32ELhfAleeYJ_oadSFaOXCVAnIOsJn9P8w/s320/13223434_810495902416130_1695591184_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzy with her painting of the baby.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I think it makes parenting easier because we always have so
many interesting ideas floating about. We meet people, go to historical
reenactments, visit landscapes that I probably wouldn’t have touched had I been
in some other profession. Because I frequently have historical or cultural
subjects in my paintings there are so many other disciplines involved that my
children have the opportunity to learn as they come along with me, whether
we’re talking academic disciplines, or things or a more material nature like
sewing costumes, or making props.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIRkJrXIpwE6jsx2d57Yw4XjV-BGhl4_hbh3N7qyx_stgpv1rvf_mRMtccK_nJfOr4xo6D8N_iGltSFjCm3k28aTT3U6eoTWmSnziypcEMbtd2F4oyPGPNfQ-HEcY0r32zMxxPXnOLrA/s1600/13170656_810495069082880_722415453_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIRkJrXIpwE6jsx2d57Yw4XjV-BGhl4_hbh3N7qyx_stgpv1rvf_mRMtccK_nJfOr4xo6D8N_iGltSFjCm3k28aTT3U6eoTWmSnziypcEMbtd2F4oyPGPNfQ-HEcY0r32zMxxPXnOLrA/s320/13170656_810495069082880_722415453_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura's drawings. Age 4.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">People tell me all the time that they don’t understand how I
make time to do it, so obviously there is a perception that mothers have no
time for anything else. Hopefully my life as an artist helps people change the
way they perceive parenting. Having interests of your own is part setting an
example to your children, so parents need to find that time to invest in their
own development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Everyone’s going to jump on me for this, but I have to stick
up for the dads who paint. I hear a lot of women saying “I had to put my family
first and spend all my time taking care of children, so I couldn’t paint until
that was done, it’s so much easier being a man.” I think about what it must be
like having painting as the primary source of income with which to support a
family, and that does not sound easier at all. It sounds horribly stressful. I
also think about the men I know who work normal jobs and then come home and try
to find time to squeeze in for painting after family time. It’s not easier
being a father who paints. It’s just different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQv-SOZrF2lYgAJmstPjtZRtJNcYMg5L119KvglCGjOnzVn243FWB7NGcLawA4TOGlmw8C13mJ185Dt4URjoVk1_D_gzhHez8S2h7CW7OemWea8MQfRbYKahaEto-RbRjZObwlO0ifAs/s1600/13214748_810496092416111_1173797694_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQv-SOZrF2lYgAJmstPjtZRtJNcYMg5L119KvglCGjOnzVn243FWB7NGcLawA4TOGlmw8C13mJ185Dt4URjoVk1_D_gzhHez8S2h7CW7OemWea8MQfRbYKahaEto-RbRjZObwlO0ifAs/s320/13214748_810496092416111_1173797694_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because we homeschool, and I can just haul them wherever I go. I have a lot of freedom to attend events around the country. This was from a plein air competition in Marble Falls Texas. I was awarded 1st place and the girls got to enjoy the bluebonnets and adventure around Texas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbYZLOXnNv0JTSYctqQ55saQstugz_WcPEuWOlYx87bJw0c-yq01us4Iyqg-CLM3QXPJ5PWHfNyL3rmBRf6ndSPMVi-T_ppOUBYwiVPK4DXbTLGoOVKYYNAvUadXlpXEyR8jTzfPSDbc/s1600/13199496_810493852416335_1143174169_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbYZLOXnNv0JTSYctqQ55saQstugz_WcPEuWOlYx87bJw0c-yq01us4Iyqg-CLM3QXPJ5PWHfNyL3rmBRf6ndSPMVi-T_ppOUBYwiVPK4DXbTLGoOVKYYNAvUadXlpXEyR8jTzfPSDbc/s400/13199496_810493852416335_1143174169_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">A recent plein air study I did of the moon rise<br />
while the girls played on the lakeshore<br />
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-44685563209715072842016-05-14T04:30:00.000-07:002016-05-12T15:42:52.429-07:00Painting Parents - Anna Rose BainThis weeks Painting Parent is<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Anna Rose Bain</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.artworkbyannarose.com/">http://www.artworkbyannarose.com/</a><u></u></div>
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<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><a href="http://www.artworkbyannarose.com/">http://www.artworkbyannarose.blogspot.com/</a></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How many children do
you have? What are their ages?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have one daughter, Cecelia, 3 ½ months old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk08QaynXDrqBXsdzNRWgFg22VSfUznwVA-_ZKEoJw8CE7YSIEKJcT9Oc0sEBJPbcj6hpEuNeCbGlIXKcuHF27sHklKBaTkqaEfQzsKSBNoJfUsaFlhF5WUprdTWztn2TIHoKAacoVNo/s1600/10615919_10152428635754735_415581949_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk08QaynXDrqBXsdzNRWgFg22VSfUznwVA-_ZKEoJw8CE7YSIEKJcT9Oc0sEBJPbcj6hpEuNeCbGlIXKcuHF27sHklKBaTkqaEfQzsKSBNoJfUsaFlhF5WUprdTWztn2TIHoKAacoVNo/s1600/10615919_10152428635754735_415581949_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Wait and the Reward (30x30")</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did your artistic
career begin?</i> I sold my first portrait when I was twelve years old, so I
guess that’s when it began! I always knew I wanted to be a professional artist.
I was self-taught and focused entirely on drawing in graphite and colored
pencils, until entering college, majoring in art, and committing most of my
time to the discipline of oil painting. After getting married in 2008 and
moving from the Midwest to the Dallas area, my husband supported me in the
decision to pursue a full-time career in painting. It started slowly at first
(note the year: 2008!), but gradually took off as my name got out there and my
body of work grew and improved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is your
Parenting/work/art situation?</i> My husband and I both work at home. My
painting studio makes up 25% of our house and is the first room you walk into
when you enter our home. There are pros and cons to this situation, as I can
fully care for my daughter without paying a babysitter or daycare. I can also
teach out of my home studio and paint at whatever odd hours necessary to get the
job done. The cons are that I only get 20 minutes here, or an hour there, to
spend focused on my painting. This makes for slow progress, and it’s difficult
to get back into the “groove”, with so many interruptions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When do you make time
to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</i> My husband is able to
watch Cecelia during the evenings and weekends, so I get a little more time to
paint then. There is really no routine, otherwise. I paint whenever I can. I
walk past my easel every day. Sometimes I paint, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I
leave my palette and brushes out and make one or two strokes in passing—while
holding a baby—after noticing something that could be improved…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhuHntBV34_Sf_6fxz1ZkKaBmWzjBTvitqaQ8PS1kG0MIQdEwnweP7naREjFkEUTjVlmUO4dKkH6YNBoMcK__pl6-uGRK1Ow-I6KSbmijHZPiupHU-mhxy5VKj9ffSF1iUSmCmXG4jrM/s1600/10602638_10152428636514735_985225325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhuHntBV34_Sf_6fxz1ZkKaBmWzjBTvitqaQ8PS1kG0MIQdEwnweP7naREjFkEUTjVlmUO4dKkH6YNBoMcK__pl6-uGRK1Ow-I6KSbmijHZPiupHU-mhxy5VKj9ffSF1iUSmCmXG4jrM/s1600/10602638_10152428636514735_985225325_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cece at Three Weeks Old (6x8")"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do your children get
involved with your art?</i> Considering my daughter is only three months old,
YES – she has gotten very involved, by being my model several times already. It
was easiest when she was a newborn and would sleep for two hours at a time. Now
that she’s awake more during the day, I try to paint and sketch her whenever I
can, but it’s a lot harder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do they inspire
aspects of your art?</i> All the time. As a commissioned portrait artist, I
often paint children, but since having Cece, she has inspired a greater empathy
and depth of feeling in my paintings. She has also been the subject of numerous
alla prima studies, and I included her in a self portrait called “The Wait and
the Reward” that went completely viral on the social media sites. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYJY15KI4vuuiPCoiN5xipD8HVDbBqfoQvtOW99qDuFtx3ifiGH5n17O7Bzy_ANx7ZEsAKOGbHh0IT_6tnVkcc3xQApC0c_xCUVtOT6GjFCOan_d58tA9cIECUTZKg_V1HNzVXPs626o/s1600/10614039_10152428636389735_1859432004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYJY15KI4vuuiPCoiN5xipD8HVDbBqfoQvtOW99qDuFtx3ifiGH5n17O7Bzy_ANx7ZEsAKOGbHh0IT_6tnVkcc3xQApC0c_xCUVtOT6GjFCOan_d58tA9cIECUTZKg_V1HNzVXPs626o/s1600/10614039_10152428636389735_1859432004_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sharing Secrets (20x16")", </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How has having
children changed your artwork?</i> I feel like my work has gotten exponentially
better since becoming pregnant and having a baby. I can’t explain why, exactly,
but there is so much more love now than ever before. Art was my first love –
but now I have an overflowing love for this darling girl, and somehow it gets
transcribed into my paintings. She is a permanent part of my world now,
therefore, a permanent part of my art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How does making time
for artwork influence other household tasks?</i> Well, the house is usually a
mess. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> I
still manage to do dishes and a load of laundry here and there, but I’ve had to
let a lot of things slide that I’m normally on top of. It’s a small price to
pay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStp4djhxmg-qIFmyjrRl_XLj1xGjaZJOnwzbThyX4vjnQ_vdVY87wRK9hKFiH6QUbfb3FCYu5cXWIp7dg_BctbC2qGGO6iQ6CZxOMQOikfhwieEYaRpqxaDuX-we0VddmvwryNpicqnQ/s1600/10585182_10152428636129735_1248627844_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStp4djhxmg-qIFmyjrRl_XLj1xGjaZJOnwzbThyX4vjnQ_vdVY87wRK9hKFiH6QUbfb3FCYu5cXWIp7dg_BctbC2qGGO6iQ6CZxOMQOikfhwieEYaRpqxaDuX-we0VddmvwryNpicqnQ/s1600/10585182_10152428636129735_1248627844_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lullaby" (22x16")"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Have different ages of
your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?</i>
Since my daughter is so young, I can’t really say yet. It’s harder and easier
in different ways. For example, it was harder when she was a newborn because I
had no idea what she was doing… but easier because she slept more. It’s easier
now because she’s more predictable and I can read her cues, but harder because
she’s becoming more alert and awake during the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How do you encourage
your children to be artistic?</i> Cecelia sees my paintings every day. She sees
how much value art has in my life. She will be raised to appreciate art fully,
and if she is so inclined, she’ll be an artist too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do you feel extra
pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic</i>? No, not
necessarily. My husband is an engineer, so I feel that our family has a good
balance. She can be whatever she wants to be, and we will encourage her to
develop her talents, just as my parents encouraged me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In what ways does
being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</i> It’s hard because I
have a constant battle in my head. I love my daughter, but I also love my art.
I’m always wondering if I’m doing enough for Cecelia, but then again, wondering
the same thing about my art. In that sense, it makes being a parent harder
because I have to constantly check to make sure I’m giving enough of myself and
my time to my daughter, without letting the art take over my life and cause me
to become a neglectful parent! One good aspect of being an artist and parent…
I’ve learned how to be patient! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxKNJmZQcYfEHDgPWtuD9AgkXgAoJycatPheMTln2eM0laMJOXESUB4MqeQ6R95q6jfzs8Xd7imOQKDqQWnvf0yz2RDRP02m9CZvfUkkzHB7Ph0PEi4xGr9ijJV1H7AgWTOrBVGRKTQI/s1600/10581403_10152428636119735_496037763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxKNJmZQcYfEHDgPWtuD9AgkXgAoJycatPheMTln2eM0laMJOXESUB4MqeQ6R95q6jfzs8Xd7imOQKDqQWnvf0yz2RDRP02m9CZvfUkkzHB7Ph0PEi4xGr9ijJV1H7AgWTOrBVGRKTQI/s1600/10581403_10152428636119735_496037763_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Elegant Lines (22x28")"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do you think being a
parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</i> When I first got
pregnant, I was very worried about this. I thought that students would stop
coming to me, that my gallery would stop asking for work, and that collectors
would stop collecting, because suddenly I would become “just a mom.” But I have
found the reality to be completely opposite! My art has taken off, as students,
collectors, and commissioned portrait clients now have a new way to relate to
me. It’s like becoming a parent has made me more “real” and approachable. It’s
also made my work better, and people recognize that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-5988311680300683822016-05-13T12:02:00.000-07:002016-05-12T15:37:37.613-07:00Painting Parent- Ricky Mujica<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8I4-f7WuQLb2t-69oqCCW6GsIK3VqFlihBExl4_Won8XYnrtmwIyBTXeMU8ihfmpeVXH0LJKyOWlmlaLZ3CdNg-YOlQ9FRkqxU_tpi6YX-gXG9veZ0SaxyXZY0_uZu3SkDJ6Iy8TUe0/s1600/heather1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8I4-f7WuQLb2t-69oqCCW6GsIK3VqFlihBExl4_Won8XYnrtmwIyBTXeMU8ihfmpeVXH0LJKyOWlmlaLZ3CdNg-YOlQ9FRkqxU_tpi6YX-gXG9veZ0SaxyXZY0_uZu3SkDJ6Iy8TUe0/s320/heather1.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How many children do you have? What are their ages?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I have a daughter who is nine and a
son who is two.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How did your artistic career begin?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I began to get work in the field of
illustration toward the end of my senior year in college. My first big
assignment was for Reader's Digest. I did several paintings for a John Le Carré
short story, called the “Looking Glass War”. Those illustrations sadly, never
got published. But it got me started as a professional artist.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I have two children. During the
days, I'm “Daddy Day Care”. My wife gets home from work, we eat, we put the
children to bed, we talk a little, then I shoot off to my studio to get some
work done. Lately, that's been getting harder and harder to do that because my
little one is two years old, is full of energy, and is kicking my butt! I'm
cutting down on that schedule until my little one starts preschool. <br />
On Mondays, my sister in law takes care of the kids and I sometimes put in 20
hours on that one day. Sometimes I can pull myself away from my family and work
a full day on Saturdays. <br />
No art on Sundays. That is the sacred “family day”. My wife and children get my
undivided attention on Sundays and don't have to compete with a drawing pad for
my attention.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZiUd0HhhnPFsVeBxEphfZte5RfLbvyER2lToAGg3YO3bcGH-kmAjCuufkDBkWXXPEAKisYkB2hHPGcF6TEiUTZryGSNyyTJhYvZ2lElf1B2MZ8sYNLzxrDbAlxkDDoByMg2986RU60Y/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZiUd0HhhnPFsVeBxEphfZte5RfLbvyER2lToAGg3YO3bcGH-kmAjCuufkDBkWXXPEAKisYkB2hHPGcF6TEiUTZryGSNyyTJhYvZ2lElf1B2MZ8sYNLzxrDbAlxkDDoByMg2986RU60Y/s640/train.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I covered this in the previous
question. But I would also like to add that whenever I can, I like to draw or
paint my family members. I try to crash some of my friend's classes at least
once a week in order to paint from a live model. I also keep a sketch pad so I
can sketch constantly. I usually fill a sketchpad in about a month.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqjaX1CXjOifADqzvlvfrDnpXOKAUO1H6Q4gQl2c8fhTTKj2498ifdDZ0wQl7XBjl0vjV0a0QJ_JK61q0b8YZ1YYefv2rnyf7aeSbpny91gQuV24KmVDwTZrc8ts4xyoXJOv4Y-s3p8U/s1600/Mujica-Ricky_WildViolet_uncommissioned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqjaX1CXjOifADqzvlvfrDnpXOKAUO1H6Q4gQl2c8fhTTKj2498ifdDZ0wQl7XBjl0vjV0a0QJ_JK61q0b8YZ1YYefv2rnyf7aeSbpny91gQuV24KmVDwTZrc8ts4xyoXJOv4Y-s3p8U/s320/Mujica-Ricky_WildViolet_uncommissioned.jpg" width="318" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do your children get involved with your art?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">My daughter loves to draw and will
often pick up a drawing pad as a form of relaxation. She is nine years old and
really loves drawing cartoon characters. She has expressed interest in
developing her skills and I think I will start teaching her soon. She has
enjoyed museums since she was a baby and has been to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris
at least six times! My son on the other hand is too unruly to take to museums
at the moment. Funny how different they are from each other</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do they inspire aspects of your art?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Yes they do. The work I do as an
artist, (not my illustration work), is driven by empathy. I want to deal with
life and death, joy and pain, with the human condition. My wife and my children
constantly inspire me and even if they aren't in my painting, they are in my
thoughts as I paint.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How has having children changed your artwork?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Before I had children, I was
completely happy doing illustration. My children have inspired me to attempt to
make the paintings I want to make. I now want to tackle tougher subjects. I
want to talk about the human condition.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp-Bim5wYNc7Rcc1EeKqfFkruaCUkvAcji4mFQ8fa8ouNfXZBu2Hacc7CwoqMerlAGc8C9x2lHZWJrVrqHmtuEMgawakqP8ULcnK9qmpvKeaLPZrXbXrhj504bA1DdaKvZLTggJcGEKw/s1600/tiaAnaFoldingBabyClothes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp-Bim5wYNc7Rcc1EeKqfFkruaCUkvAcji4mFQ8fa8ouNfXZBu2Hacc7CwoqMerlAGc8C9x2lHZWJrVrqHmtuEMgawakqP8ULcnK9qmpvKeaLPZrXbXrhj504bA1DdaKvZLTggJcGEKw/s320/tiaAnaFoldingBabyClothes.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Ha ha! The other household tasks
never get done and as a result my wife is always annoyed with me!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">My daughter is nine and I was at
the point where I was getting in full days while she went to school. But now, I
have a two year old and painting during the day (except on Mondays when my
sister in law babysits), is hard! It's very, very difficult to get the work I
want to do done. That will change a little next year when he starts preschool (I
hope!).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<span style="color: blue;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I don't, I just like to take them
to museums and I like to draw in their presence as much as I can. That's as far
as I go for now. I want them to come to art on their own and not because I
pushed them to it. If they decide to become artists, fantastic. But if they
don't, I'm OK with that. I just want them to be happy.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85OOFqR0LIiqKAYP__Hxuxhr8WD_h1JQc50rJ-dL2dhYZ7DmfLmznZDlNT8Ue3x1DnBQzj3IzWm88XnhFngmpBRab_qcu8KWyefsXAKm3pZhtCcCkmtw0R8H2gdWKUAKShyphenhyphenwt23dYKVg/s1600/loss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85OOFqR0LIiqKAYP__Hxuxhr8WD_h1JQc50rJ-dL2dhYZ7DmfLmznZDlNT8Ue3x1DnBQzj3IzWm88XnhFngmpBRab_qcu8KWyefsXAKm3pZhtCcCkmtw0R8H2gdWKUAKShyphenhyphenwt23dYKVg/s320/loss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">No.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork? <span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">Yes. Many times when I pull out a
sketchpad to draw, my daughter and my son will do it as well.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">It's a tough thing to be completely
present when you are with your kids if you are constantly thinking about
painting. It's very difficult to pull myself away from my kids in order to go
down to my studio. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I haven't noticed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share? <span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;">I used to put
painting above everything else in my life and my relationships suffered for it.
Now, my family is first. I'm happy to drop my brushes anytime, anywhere, if my
family needs me. It's important to paint as much as I can, but if I have no one
to share the journey with, it just isn't worth it. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-25302927797909124062016-05-13T01:43:00.000-07:002016-05-12T15:39:11.764-07:00Painting Parent - Casey ChildsToday Painting Parent <span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Casey Childs</strong></span> talks about providing for family with his artwork. I met Casey and his wife at the Art of the Portrait Conference and they were both so nice. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9ilzIiMq350oNAuUf6Ya3fe6d8vVp1yoMRh_JWXwfCOFX5-rR0PqEB8MA_eE3Kk4rZkWgT1Uk7NXuVKcmXqRNarHnaC4Spk1P6_Y3mdPzfXsqy53WPzX4i3E8x3espOjYCA3AiwaewI/s1600/CaseyChilds_Flight_20x30_oil_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9ilzIiMq350oNAuUf6Ya3fe6d8vVp1yoMRh_JWXwfCOFX5-rR0PqEB8MA_eE3Kk4rZkWgT1Uk7NXuVKcmXqRNarHnaC4Spk1P6_Y3mdPzfXsqy53WPzX4i3E8x3espOjYCA3AiwaewI/s1600/CaseyChilds_Flight_20x30_oil_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Flight" 20x30 Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How many children do you have? What are their ages?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have 3 boys, ages 9, 7, and 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How did your artistic career begin?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All growing up I was known as the one who could draw, but
never considered painting as a career until I was in college. After college I
worked as a graphic designer for 11 years in an effort to have a “real job”
until I decided to take the plunge 5 years ago and paint full-time; that's when
my professional art career began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgoNnAv-kEelv3huSYmFCdXqra-m-bErUsmn0WkDrr6yEyKJZmqT9TUQSuwMeLb0ds172zmKK2lp6J8MHjGsoZYDzlAIjUz8xmid_IaMu3u9VrT9bcxgRMLPmeOUhY9i9S4FoqELNSRk/s1600/CaseyChilds_AfternoonRepose_30x24_oil_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgoNnAv-kEelv3huSYmFCdXqra-m-bErUsmn0WkDrr6yEyKJZmqT9TUQSuwMeLb0ds172zmKK2lp6J8MHjGsoZYDzlAIjUz8xmid_IaMu3u9VrT9bcxgRMLPmeOUhY9i9S4FoqELNSRk/s1600/CaseyChilds_AfternoonRepose_30x24_oil_web.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Afternoon Repose" 30x24oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I work out of the studio we built next to our home, and my
wife stays at home with our kids. This situation works out well in that the
studio is just far enough away from our house that I can step away and entirely
focus on painting, but close enough to allow me to be involved with the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My schedule is like any other full-time time job, I work
Monday-Friday with the weekends off. Sometimes I'll work weekends if I've got a
tight deadline. My daily routine is in the studio by 9am, a short break for
lunch, and stop painting around dinnertime to come in to spend time with the
family. Sometimes I'll head back out to the studio after the kids are in bed
for a couple more hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DQ9OiwOAEGiE7FQHFKhboi-R5NZp_Ft3dnFGh5-eBcIl9EBSKU3dX-KrnvhHab26zAvz5vXqQvrYRIkWWAabtWSyTWGFDcDwVZjUrCivvlb1OW3PsVsRJZGzAQQu0x-pIGNx3VAFxu4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DQ9OiwOAEGiE7FQHFKhboi-R5NZp_Ft3dnFGh5-eBcIl9EBSKU3dX-KrnvhHab26zAvz5vXqQvrYRIkWWAabtWSyTWGFDcDwVZjUrCivvlb1OW3PsVsRJZGzAQQu0x-pIGNx3VAFxu4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcer5FAPCabZEs3B1iqKeL62wqBNRO3_vhVwbleHdfQR17DQJaUPQf6OGrhWNc39S8fkRk2Erxvxj6gpiDnSRWqY0BnaXuxVVhIpBuUxp6c4aPhlvjN46JF-YvTki-rqjpuOcD7B8Uji0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcer5FAPCabZEs3B1iqKeL62wqBNRO3_vhVwbleHdfQR17DQJaUPQf6OGrhWNc39S8fkRk2Erxvxj6gpiDnSRWqY0BnaXuxVVhIpBuUxp6c4aPhlvjN46JF-YvTki-rqjpuOcD7B8Uji0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do your children get involved with your art?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">They're always around the studio and see me working and
they'll usually attend art shows/events with us. I show them what I'm working
on in the studio and things like that. Sometimes they'll give me an impromptu
critique, that usually sounds something like, “You still need to fill in that
area that doesn't have paint on it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVnUog8eSaHB-LqojvQBsdpgZ0ax0uONvjZQTvL82sTMfqwA52y6WI8uxikPMWBiOxt6aw2n-SjSXDs9M2QZFc33a4K8XjLKw5UgRKppYyyOmrHKbdpyDPZ1USsg6rMb8CIwqfinTv8E/s1600/CaseyChilds_Playlist_30x20_oil_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVnUog8eSaHB-LqojvQBsdpgZ0ax0uONvjZQTvL82sTMfqwA52y6WI8uxikPMWBiOxt6aw2n-SjSXDs9M2QZFc33a4K8XjLKw5UgRKppYyyOmrHKbdpyDPZ1USsg6rMb8CIwqfinTv8E/s1600/CaseyChilds_Playlist_30x20_oil_web.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Playlist" 30x20 Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do they inspire aspects of your art?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Of course! My painting ideas come from the experiences
around me. I've painted portraits of my boys and have used their activities as
inspiration for other works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How has having children changed your artwork?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Having to provide for my family affects several aspects of
my artwork: how much I produce, subject matter, and sometimes even how long I
work on a piece. I need to be willing to let them go in order to sell enough
work make a living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It's all about balance, but so is life. I try to make time
for other responsibilities around the home as well as get all the painting done
I need to do. And some days I'm better at it than others. It's a constant
struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LPvjZivdIuAwS8-ckfSzu3dlUGFzvLpZm8-_B-NtNcK5oxl69lIaQBPv0f0F03-gPkiUffX8tUZNmVj4HaILB1Ok43ytpsYTVjQ-TYBBiJx42iSaQAhaiPTTsdmIu5i5zJ_WJclz4BI/s1600/CaseyChilds_LightAndShadow_16x10_5_oil_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LPvjZivdIuAwS8-ckfSzu3dlUGFzvLpZm8-_B-NtNcK5oxl69lIaQBPv0f0F03-gPkiUffX8tUZNmVj4HaILB1Ok43ytpsYTVjQ-TYBBiJx42iSaQAhaiPTTsdmIu5i5zJ_WJclz4BI/s1600/CaseyChilds_LightAndShadow_16x10_5_oil_web.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light and Shadow 16x10 Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I'm very lucky that my wife has been very protective of my
time in the studio so I can get the work done that I need to do to provide for
the family. Now that my boys are getting older there's more activities, ball
games, karate, etc that takes me away from my work so I just have to focus more
when I'm in the studio to get everything done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I think just by letting them express themselves, but that
doesn't necessarily mean painting or drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If they have that artistic inclination in them, it will come out as they
are allowed a way to let it out. We go through lots of tape at our house. Lots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Not really. I want my boys to be whatever they want to be. I
always joke that I don't want my boys to be artists since we all know how tough
it is to succeed as an artist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyvFvzvr2iCepGbyUODljzP-EJbAWd365qGMAhNpDQNu5fXAjPfg9wS3JrPv7YGnj45w5pcsrzLR-00wsmNwL9Q2dss0TyCgHzUwCC7Nm7_DayZBZHuH6O9zQLVLqZ2CKO1KiaXxKNDE/s1600/CaseyChilds_TheBookstore_24x15_oil_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyvFvzvr2iCepGbyUODljzP-EJbAWd365qGMAhNpDQNu5fXAjPfg9wS3JrPv7YGnj45w5pcsrzLR-00wsmNwL9Q2dss0TyCgHzUwCC7Nm7_DayZBZHuH6O9zQLVLqZ2CKO1KiaXxKNDE/s1600/CaseyChilds_TheBookstore_24x15_oil_web.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Bookstore"24x15</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It's hard because you have to provide for your family and
that puts a lot of stress on you as an artist. And a lot of artistic decisions
have to be made with the almighty dollar in mind. I've been fortunate to be
able to do the work I want to do as well as provide. I think it's easier
because it can give you perspective--that painting isn't everything and all the
success/failures aren't as important as what happens within the walls of your
home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Being an artist, just by the nature of what's required to
succeed, is a very selfish pursuit. I think its sometimes implied by those in
the art field that you're not a true artist if you don't give up everything for
the craft.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4BdG4LE2mNx21KEpdhyphenhyphenwO6GADolf6z6D1ahyphenhyphenhZ6O5LBAuv9Qxokib7qRp5vd_d8MQZAqdIehT_VUhqehAtS1elrO9PXWPdhX3PBIpoEtd-oECZ6r1yLmu94Q61AFgCr9__AcmS3yqdw/s1600/CaseyChilds_Fallen_21x11-5_oil_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4BdG4LE2mNx21KEpdhyphenhyphenwO6GADolf6z6D1ahyphenhyphenhZ6O5LBAuv9Qxokib7qRp5vd_d8MQZAqdIehT_VUhqehAtS1elrO9PXWPdhX3PBIpoEtd-oECZ6r1yLmu94Q61AFgCr9__AcmS3yqdw/s1600/CaseyChilds_Fallen_21x11-5_oil_web.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Fallen" 21x11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-3542572131527684262016-05-12T15:28:00.000-07:002016-05-12T15:28:10.359-07:00Painting Parent- Aynslee Moon Smithee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84uonvCPaxgpcZeTzyie47hEQ2iafwBaMW2eVwa8umLpMumr0nljZ6QY7mZY2h-guNj_LEf_qBhCkFvXJ51arzp-7BZ7saHKUqgIBytOTiuN4EKWgakcsb9WPkSlOpf1TuXWNyQ5e8pc/s1600/13162364_10102254814335856_1031679748_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84uonvCPaxgpcZeTzyie47hEQ2iafwBaMW2eVwa8umLpMumr0nljZ6QY7mZY2h-guNj_LEf_qBhCkFvXJ51arzp-7BZ7saHKUqgIBytOTiuN4EKWgakcsb9WPkSlOpf1TuXWNyQ5e8pc/s320/13162364_10102254814335856_1031679748_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: red;">How many children do you have? What are their ages?</span> I have one child, a daughter, s<br />
he is six months old. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How did your artistic career begin?</span> I always loved to draw. I grew up making drawings of images I found in National Geographic magazine; I would also draw horses frequently because I wanted one but my family lived in town, not on a farm, so I couldn’t have a real one. Deep down I always wanted to be an artist, but I started out as a journalism major in college because I thought it was a more stable career path and I enjoyed writing. In my second year of college I discovered oil painting and changed my major to art. I have been painting ever since. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</span> Right now I am working on commissions, personal work, and teaching both private and group lessons out of my Lowe Mill studio. Sophie (my daughter) comes to the studio most of the time. When she was between one and four months old, it was very easy to get a lot of painting in when she was with me. She was mostly just eating and sleeping. Right now she is a couple of weeks away from being six months old, so she is very alert and active; she is rolling over, grabbing and looking at everything. She is also extremely vocal; she is already saying “Momma.” I love having her with me, caring for her, and getting to watch these developments, but it has become much more of a challenge to paint while she is with me. My husband is a big help though; we are working on arranging our schedules so that he takes the evening/nightly duties a few times a week. That way I can have some focused time to myself in the studio. I do manage to do a lot of painting, however, when she takes a really good nap at the studio. I have a Pack and Play set up and she is starting to get on a steady napping schedule. Painting while she naps has made me a faster, more proficient painter. “Nap” painting is teaching me to get the important compositional elements down first and to put greater value on the beginning of the painting. I think the environment at Lowe Mill is wonderful for Sophie as well, getting to watch art happen on a daily basis and being surrounded by such a variety of creative people. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing your art. How to you preserve time and energy for your art. Are there ways that your art benefits from your other job? When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</span> <br />
Since finishing my B.F.A. and M.F.A. I have taught at colleges in an adjunct capacity. Although the pay isn’t the best, the benefit to teaching part-time is that I can teach and still have a lot of time to paint, and of course now parent and paint. I don’t have many of the extra duties and pressures that come with being a full-time faculty member. My art definitely benefits from teaching art. I think that having the responsibility of teaching something makes it not just mine anymore, and that gives me greater purpose and more drive to improve myself in the subject so that I can better teach the students as well as push them to learn, explore, and keep moving towards their best selves and their best work. As far as a regular routine, I make it a point to be in the studio at least four days a week, but the actual paint time varies according to Sophie’s schedule. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Do your children get involved with your art?</span> I hope that when Sophie is old enough she loves to make art too; I plan on setting up a little area in my studio for her to make stuff. I would also love to make some collaborative pieces with her and do a show. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ejFLX-JaoVrv8UqNilCK29Mjw_Dv7E2CePOoE4EwDz8UuquSN4xGWkigshxcWpHuTw1mZABv7TBzNldu47owdRMQVVXxTMxtPcbkRZSw4WPGHsY5wCxqDyf5QhftF8aVJzirZ9ZCfQY/s1600/13220008_10102254813442646_1128393296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ejFLX-JaoVrv8UqNilCK29Mjw_Dv7E2CePOoE4EwDz8UuquSN4xGWkigshxcWpHuTw1mZABv7TBzNldu47owdRMQVVXxTMxtPcbkRZSw4WPGHsY5wCxqDyf5QhftF8aVJzirZ9ZCfQY/s320/13220008_10102254813442646_1128393296_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?</span> Definitely. I did a solo show at eight months pregnant called “The Strange Meditation of Waiting” and it was a beautifully introspective body of work about the subject of shifting and changing. The images were charcoal on panel with a few other mediums added here and there, and most of the images were of my body during my pregnancy. My current work focuses on the subject of motherhood. It is expressive of both the tenderness and wonder of motherhood and the daily struggles of learning to be more selfless and more patient than you ever thought you could. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How has having children changed your artwork?</span> Sophie is bringing a gentle quality into my work, infusing it with a fresh spirit. `I am making smaller work and I am painting in a more gestural manner. My goal is to enjoy it, do the most I can in the amount of time I have, and not over-analyze every step of the painting. I have a bad habit of over-complicating everything, and I get in my own way a lot. Having Sophie has actually helped me with that a great deal. She is teaching me to accept all of myself, and I think this is changing the way I think and paint in a wonderful way. There is a Bible verse in which God says to Moses “I am who I am.” As human beings we often have trouble accepting all of who we are. In painting as well, I have trouble accepting what I feel to be a less than perfect artwork. This has often resulted in me overworking paintings or not beginning paintings at all, or getting stuck in the middle due to being overly critical of myself or the work. With Sophie, there are times when I work on a painting for just an hour, and then she wakes up and cries and I have to look at the painting and say, “for today it is what it is.” And sometimes, that is enough and I have made a painting that day that says what it wants to. And if it is not yet enough, I am able to have faith that it will be, just not today. Sophie is teaching me about the art of being content in the midst of process. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0MSmE4MnESDRcIP6dsR9LNLX-W7GSDHgJTN3-wF_3mj_g8yoUAhbk0L9KE7mFKFmml8AAUbkMicHsfsMY9B_c_CNclZCS_mFEMCrceui7ytlyqdWmAXVRT_a5iYUYAn_yQa5oYeCTHc/s1600/13181010_10102255204129706_445088116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0MSmE4MnESDRcIP6dsR9LNLX-W7GSDHgJTN3-wF_3mj_g8yoUAhbk0L9KE7mFKFmml8AAUbkMicHsfsMY9B_c_CNclZCS_mFEMCrceui7ytlyqdWmAXVRT_a5iYUYAn_yQa5oYeCTHc/s320/13181010_10102255204129706_445088116_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: red;">How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</span> It has made me much quicker at household tasks, and sometimes I do household tasks at really odd hours. Sometimes I allow things to get a little messier than I used to. When it’s between dirty dishes being dirty for a few more hours or even overnight, and a solid painting session, I choose the painting session. I’ve also gotten better at asking for help when I need it. If I ask Jacob do some extra cleaning so I can go paint, he’s a sweetheart and he does it. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</span> By bringing her to the studio with me and taking her to openings. I also read her the book “Hailstones and Halibut Bones” by Mary O’Neill. It was my favorite childhood book; it is poetry about color and it has beautiful illustrations. I also read her “The Art Spirit,” one of my favorite art books, out loud. This way I get to reread it and while it isn’t a kid’s book, you never know what they’re absorbing so some early art theory can’t hurt! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?</span> I don’t. I hope that she loves art (in all forms) and maybe even becomes an artist herself. But her interests may be totally different from mine, and her father is an engineer so she may end up loving technology. I hope she ends up loving both art and technology, maybe combining the two in a really interesting, adventurous way. But mostly I hope to raise her to be faithful, courageous, smart, and kind. If she has a good heart and a good work ethic, then she will be wonderful at whatever it is she chooses to do. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</span> The most difficult thing for me is worrying about money. I worried about it before I became a parent but I worry about it more now. Even though I am married to a partner with a full-time job, I still worry about how much money I bring in. I want to be able to help Sophie with opportunities as much as possible until she is old enough to help herself, and so I sometimes stress about selling work or finding a tenure-track teaching position. As far as making being a parent easier; I have gotten to be with Sophie and watch her development; I haven’t had to put her in daycare full-time. As an artist, my time is flexible and I mostly work for myself, so I can set my own hours. I think this has been good for her and for me. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNsoB6NMRAAZ5QHsL5AHMkwmgM1inoLCvj6tQs_C3L5_VVPG34LZtXXfkl8lC5B6cuG2VRUvf8By8A0RttsWkvHfbc2T_hibONjUjCp7uvi1CGT4lJgkUfcqIt0vRiSopZc8ukpcqGfM/s1600/13219963_10102254814101326_176829461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNsoB6NMRAAZ5QHsL5AHMkwmgM1inoLCvj6tQs_C3L5_VVPG34LZtXXfkl8lC5B6cuG2VRUvf8By8A0RttsWkvHfbc2T_hibONjUjCp7uvi1CGT4lJgkUfcqIt0vRiSopZc8ukpcqGfM/s320/13219963_10102254814101326_176829461_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</span> I’m not sure yet on this one, but it may. I think becoming a parent has shifted my identity, adding a new dimension to it, so I think this must affect perception of myself and my work, from my point of view and that of others’. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?</span> My best advice is to take it day by day, and don’t get frustrated or be hard on yourself when both don’t go perfectly. On some days I’m an excellent parent and not a great painter. On other days I’m an excellent painter and not a great parent. There are some days when I don’t get to the studio at all but that’s okay, because parenting is everyday. On the days I don’t get to physically paint, I try to take note of the many emotional moments with my daughter, her smiles, her tears, when she sleeps and when she wakes, the way she wraps her arms around my neck. I think of these as artful moments in and of themselves. Life influences art and art influences life, so you can be devoted to painting and be devoted to your children. The key is that each is what it is for that day; it may not be perfect but it is enough. <br />
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-16839493605802836192016-05-10T17:08:00.000-07:002016-05-10T17:08:12.339-07:00Painting Parent- Jamie Lindholm
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many children do
you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">One son, 12 years old<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How did your artistic
career begin?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I colored and drew from a very early age, I was
also good at math and science so I didn’t study art formally until after
graduating from college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up to that
point, I read everything I could on drawing and painting – trying to educate
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After graduation, I moved to Baltimore
and, while I was starting to have some success with my work (winning
competitions and selling frequently), I decided to start formally
studying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first attended MICA, but
because of my desire for a realistic, old master style foundation, I quickly
found myself looking for another teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I first studied with David Zuccarini (a graduate of the Corcoran School
and then a graduate of MICA as a student of Joseph Sheppard) .<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I moved to New York and there studied at the Art Students
League and took as many workshops as I could there and at Studio Incamminati in
Philadelphia. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once my son was born, I stayed pretty close to home and
focused on my own body of work and the business of my art. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is your
Parenting/work/art situation? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am married and have a studio outside the home in a
commercial building about a half mile from our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, I had almost 40 students
teaching only basic foundational studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, as my personal commissions and commitments grew, I started scaling
back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We started homeschooling our son last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This forced me to get very creative in order
to get my painting time in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, I
will go to the studio and paint in the evenings and on weekends when my husband
is home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We remain flexible and have
started plans for a studio in our back yard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2D5Xs8zxZypBqpWrqIxrvYnhYa-c9nH2ouiabgAOgmsTAh9ptbXN40vUdwyDmPoJSYcQuK8Tx8O6VqFkwCgKF5g2u9z_-Gkt9Xs_wL9vDMYrBvd_QQCZGpGPehj3y4VZwUa-T1jFjik/s1600/13170707_10209516725302890_778554216_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2D5Xs8zxZypBqpWrqIxrvYnhYa-c9nH2ouiabgAOgmsTAh9ptbXN40vUdwyDmPoJSYcQuK8Tx8O6VqFkwCgKF5g2u9z_-Gkt9Xs_wL9vDMYrBvd_QQCZGpGPehj3y4VZwUa-T1jFjik/s320/13170707_10209516725302890_778554216_o.jpg" width="254" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you now or have
you ever worked other jobs while pursuing your art. How to you preserve time
and energy for your art. Are there ways that your art benefits from your other
job?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From 1983 – 2004 I worked full time and painted every
other available moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Erik was
born in 2004, we made the decision that I would stay home and paint full
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I painted the entire time
I was employed, many of my coworkers and company management were familiar with
my work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my biggest commissions
was from my former employer to the International Securities Exchange as a gift.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When do you make time
to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find time every day to do either a drawing or work on a
painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that life is a little more
crazy, I often will work either very early or later in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have regular studio time for students
on Sundays, Monday evenings and Wednesdays.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He loves to draw in a ‘graphic novel’ sort of way. He is
often in my paintings as he makes some spending money modeling for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He often inspires …sometimes in his expressions,
sometimes just the way he’s sitting or looking at something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also try to do a portrait of him every year
or so as he grows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How has having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, it certainly has expanded
my level of “life experience”…as with an actor, the more you experience, the
more you can express, and so I feel like I have more to say in my work after
having Erik. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel my work is getting
deeper in its message as I paint with a lot of allegory and metaphor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hahaha…well, I certainly could
do more loads of laundry if I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our house is not spotless, but my husband and I are a good team and when
I have a big deadline, he picks up the slack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We live fairly simply so it makes it easier to stay on top of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely get help when I need it though!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s certainly easier to make
time for artwork as Erik gets older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can put him on task for an assignment or a project and we can often work
together in the studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he was very
young, it was much more difficult and I would have a “mother’s helper” for when
my husband was traveling or not able to babysit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I encourage Erik to be open to
all kinds of ideas and artistic expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is pretty easy as he is a very, very “out of the box” thinker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, he’s creating his own computer
games and the graphics to go with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage him to listen to his own voice in
terms of creative<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>expression in whatever
form it takes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD8Xgyu8F1jTifYZtVtCQnvBskIqMw0A9B53cjhMLj90MZqJgKklRtBcu_JpFvJn_kJte9WBxwGy8liq0kYOkViRnU8VyJ2zjuvSidQaKmOOPkf3Z4z1rnlaiRefNkPIHQY1P4erfQE0/s1600/13162226_10209535662896318_1590174464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD8Xgyu8F1jTifYZtVtCQnvBskIqMw0A9B53cjhMLj90MZqJgKklRtBcu_JpFvJn_kJte9WBxwGy8liq0kYOkViRnU8VyJ2zjuvSidQaKmOOPkf3Z4z1rnlaiRefNkPIHQY1P4erfQE0/s320/13162226_10209535662896318_1590174464_n.jpg" width="170" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees how I come up with ideas and sketch
them, and then they turn into a painting or large drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has taught him how to follow through
with an idea to fruition and to have patience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, as an artist I’ve been
taught and encouraged to “see”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me,
this means actually seeing him…being present and identifying signs of sadness,
frustration, unanswered questions, etc. – whatever he may be feeling but
finding a hard time expressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
parent, being open and creative and aware of him makes it a little bit easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, parenting is the most challenging job
I’ve ever had.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good question….I have no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess others would have to answer that one.
</span></span><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #c00000;">Hmmmm….just take one day at a time – grab art time when
you can until they reach an age that gives you a bigger window.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-2468735621596276682016-04-25T19:05:00.001-07:002016-04-25T19:11:04.949-07:00Painting Parent - Diane ReevesFrom Diane Reeves – Portrait and Still Life Painter<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2705wvUa6bgl7HrPyaCphd6jzURoldsq3zrIbuvLhRwzG5UYyMHYHBYasW4PSQeHEHiP_Ll9oY5BP0arz1b8Cbxsmkdw0eV3-P5QuBHqZ7O4SpbaPulJyI73HcrHF7HCrroTkAiBrcU/s1600/Reeves.D.Introspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2705wvUa6bgl7HrPyaCphd6jzURoldsq3zrIbuvLhRwzG5UYyMHYHBYasW4PSQeHEHiP_Ll9oY5BP0arz1b8Cbxsmkdw0eV3-P5QuBHqZ7O4SpbaPulJyI73HcrHF7HCrroTkAiBrcU/s320/Reeves.D.Introspection.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introspection</td></tr>
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1. How many children do you have? What are their ages?<br />
I have two wonderful children - they are 25 and 30 now!<br />
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2. How did your artistic career begin?<br />
In high school, my social studies teacher, Mr. Kelly, gave me my first paid commission - to<br />
create a copy of Picasso’s Don Quixote. Mr. Kelly’s confidence in me, a fledgling artist, was very<br />
powerful. He planted the seed, but it would be several years before I returned to art. College,<br />
grad school, marriage and kids came along. Finally, when our youngest was seventeen, I<br />
attended Rose Frantzen’s workshop in Iowa – and those five days literally changed my life. I<br />
went full time as a painter three years ago, and it’s been lots of fun challenges and enjoyment<br />
ever since! Another milestone occurred when Kristin Hoerth, the editor of Southwest Art<br />
magazine selected a detail image from one of my paintings for her “From the Editor” page in<br />
December 2015, it was an unexpected and very exciting confirmation that my work was of a<br />
quality that attracts the attention of editors, collectors and galleries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlz5Mhyav95MTz9UdKk9vc04esRYTbCP7QNlD0rTwN0HJ9xjpt4VkIVYgGb9TU-BcgI8MbFyJvuWqcW2aDehdqIXPfu5IElRbrUDAlr9f8NWpAnl0oWuF5QlANqkb8RPv3LoRT3J3_nw/s1600/Burst+of+Spring+Detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlz5Mhyav95MTz9UdKk9vc04esRYTbCP7QNlD0rTwN0HJ9xjpt4VkIVYgGb9TU-BcgI8MbFyJvuWqcW2aDehdqIXPfu5IElRbrUDAlr9f8NWpAnl0oWuF5QlANqkb8RPv3LoRT3J3_nw/s320/Burst+of+Spring+Detail.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burst of Spring Detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. What is your parenting/work/art situation?<br />
I squeeze in as much painting as I can between my classes and workshops. Since our children<br />
are now grown and living elsewhere, I have much more time for creating art.<br />
<br />
4. Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing your art?<br />
Yes, I taught for many years – both elementary and middle school, as well as college – and I<br />
loved it. My last four years, I taught middle school students art, which was icing on the cake!<br />
<br />
5. How do you preserve time and energy for your art?<br />
I make painting a true priority – by organizing my studio, my home and my life to allow me to<br />
make the most of my time at the easel. Conversely, forcing myself to pull away from the easel<br />
to get sufficient sleep and exercise is also key! I handle the business side of painting in the<br />
evenings (entering competitions, preparing for a show, shipping art, social media, etc.).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h9phq10mdGlb5SnFdQ9RheRgZYDkZizY2bfJEijJnbWrlJ7b8ZjEGFiW8RdY4bUOAFIJOuWPHzIeWjP1hGFzi-iZ7yd7QVXl4JB2dfbP_0Ygta35CFa9vckNx9wLEM7yqOiLJ97ABwI/s1600/Three+Rosebuds+by+Diane+Reeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h9phq10mdGlb5SnFdQ9RheRgZYDkZizY2bfJEijJnbWrlJ7b8ZjEGFiW8RdY4bUOAFIJOuWPHzIeWjP1hGFzi-iZ7yd7QVXl4JB2dfbP_0Ygta35CFa9vckNx9wLEM7yqOiLJ97ABwI/s320/Three+Rosebuds+by+Diane+Reeves.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Rosebuds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Are there ways that your art benefits from your other job?<br />
My painting, drawing and workshop students frequently remark how well I explain and<br />
demonstrate concepts and skills, and how patient and encouraging I am – I’m sure those are<br />
benefits from my previous teaching career!<br />
<br />
7. When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?<br />
Yes! I find routine is key! On painting days, I wake early, down two cups of tea/coffee, grab a<br />
protein bar and get going as quickly as I can. I take a short lunch break to put my feet up, then I<br />
return with renewed energy to my studio and wrap up around dinner time. After dinner, I<br />
sketch at my drawing table, which is in the family room – so I can still visit with my husband. On<br />
teaching days, I rush home to paint while it’s still light!<br />
<br />
8. Do your children get involved with your art?<br />
As teenagers, they critiqued my art – and as you can imagine, they were quite honest. “Hey<br />
Mom, the statue looks awesome, but the grapes are terrible.” Their honesty was a huge<br />
blessing, I will be forever grateful they didn’t hold back!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghT7J42vJrFjDiHxLDhFTbhpqwJ3RawudkPAebNVDKdIPHlHMIesaHI5gYgiECR0GFPJbuUz3czE6rRS7orASjAVYaWIcAtfQi4fRNF89FM6JFLOlWTTqFjQlxpMfjP6FDC0oAq7yw3Pk/s1600/Ana+-+Portrait+Sketch+by+Diane+Reeves+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghT7J42vJrFjDiHxLDhFTbhpqwJ3RawudkPAebNVDKdIPHlHMIesaHI5gYgiECR0GFPJbuUz3czE6rRS7orASjAVYaWIcAtfQi4fRNF89FM6JFLOlWTTqFjQlxpMfjP6FDC0oAq7yw3Pk/s320/Ana+-+Portrait+Sketch+by+Diane+Reeves+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ana, portrait sketch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
9. Do they inspire aspects of your art?<br />
When I first began portrait work, I painted each of my children – the paintings aren’t nearly as<br />
developed as my work is today, but they are still very special to me!<br />
<br />
10. How has having children changed your artwork?<br />
I found (at least for me) being a mom and a teacher required the greater portion of my time<br />
and energy. Fortunately, during those years I read countless art magazines, discovered Sargent<br />
and other amazing artists, collected mountains of paints and bushels of brushes, visited<br />
wonderful museums, viewed excellent painting videos, and dreamed of the time ahead!<br />
<br />
11. How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?<br />
I find simplicity is key – and my husband is very willing to pitch in, so it’s manageable.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EIGI2sSLEQwZogLGFE2Rwox4yJp20-3J7AiDX29ZOJDK4z1MS79k9zYwlLsEBNObnynFgl0yEqI11zFBgexSUOSpze4jNO2fHKaqZ8OtPp6kO9zGuzmVAdx2623jF0MHdItFWHP6OME/s1600/Exquisite+-+16+x+20+by+Diane+Reeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EIGI2sSLEQwZogLGFE2Rwox4yJp20-3J7AiDX29ZOJDK4z1MS79k9zYwlLsEBNObnynFgl0yEqI11zFBgexSUOSpze4jNO2fHKaqZ8OtPp6kO9zGuzmVAdx2623jF0MHdItFWHP6OME/s320/Exquisite+-+16+x+20+by+Diane+Reeves.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exquisite 16x20</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
12. Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which<br />
ways?<br />
I loved every age my kids went through – and each had certain pulls on my time. Sports, drama<br />
rehearsals, club events and dude ranch weekends filled my time. I figured one day I’d get back<br />
to my art, and I finally did when my youngest was in high school.<br />
<br />
13. How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<br />
We had kazoodles of art materials, for two and three dimensional creations. Both our children<br />
loved to come up with crazy inventions, new games, and occasionally even some great art.<br />
Though neither chose art as a career, they’re both very innovative in their thinking and problem<br />
solving, and both have artistic skills.<br />
<br />
14. Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?<br />
Not at all. Every child has unique gifts, and although it would have been fun to have one or<br />
both of our kids choose an art-related path, we’re glad they’ve chosen paths that allow them to<br />
use their gifts, pursue their passions, and fulfill their desire to help others.<br />
<br />
15. Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?<br />
Indirectly, yes. They’ve seen me stretch and grow in my desire to achieve a dream – in my case,<br />
as a professional artist. They’re very proud of their mom – and I believe they take notice of my<br />
example as they pursue their own dreams.<br />
<br />
16. In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?<br />
For me, it made it easier, because I could help my kids get their creative ideas going (for<br />
homework projects, story writing, science fair projects, bored Saturday afternoons, etc.).<br />
<br />
17. Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?<br />
Not that I’ve noticed.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ohATq8-224Uh1aQKrT7VJ08g6dkWhbF_fxCBjKj1eR_sUXq4l9mhNB72C7RUPKGoOzFudLTEw_EOCf1K5W7ApidDG7yIK-o2F72ZLB6ewgjjQ2SgTFqTdyGgtqw_Wv4XNEIYWU2P_-8/s1600/13089990_10209683506591367_1431112161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ohATq8-224Uh1aQKrT7VJ08g6dkWhbF_fxCBjKj1eR_sUXq4l9mhNB72C7RUPKGoOzFudLTEw_EOCf1K5W7ApidDG7yIK-o2F72ZLB6ewgjjQ2SgTFqTdyGgtqw_Wv4XNEIYWU2P_-8/s400/13089990_10209683506591367_1431112161_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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18. Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?<br />
As much as we enjoy creating art, I believe we need to understand there are MANY other kinds<br />
of gifts that are tiny seeds in young children. If we search for those seeds, keeping in mind they<br />
may be different from our own, we can nurture THEIR unique interests, talents and abilities –<br />
and in turn bring fulfillment and joy into our children’s lives.<br />
<br />
Website: <a href="http://www.diane-reeves.artistwebsites.com/">www.diane-reeves.artistwebsites.com</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://www.dianereevesfineart.blogspot.com/">www.dianereevesfineart.blogspot.com</a>Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-12816706062587703132015-12-04T19:54:00.002-08:002015-12-04T19:57:16.308-08:00Just PaintMany artists talk about the importance of painting from life. They say you have to paint from life. Only by painting from life can you really capture the form and the colors. They even seem to suggest that if you do not paint from life you just shouldn't waste your time. <br />
<br />
While I agree that painting from life if the best way to paint and that many important things can only be learned from working from a model in front of you, I just have to disagree that anything else is a waste of time. <br />
<br />
You see I did not start my painting career until I was pregnant with my third child. In fact I had only done a handful of paintings before that time and had never had the opportunity to paint from a model. I had been focusing on my Architecture career and only painted as a delightful diversion while working on my Architecture major. <br />
<br />
With two kids at home and very soon after another on the way, and my Husband's crazy work schedule it was impossible to go to model session to practice my painting. I painted at night once every one else was in bed. I painted with crappy lights and from photographs. I painted in the only quiet moments available. <br />
<br />
And that is what is most important to improving your painting, JUST PAINT. Paint whenever you can even if the situation is not ideal. Because believe me in my life the situation is never ideal. I paint when I am exhausted and there are piles of laundry and dishes to be done. I paint when I have to chase kids back to their beds multiple times. I paint in the weekend moments I can capture. And while I still have a lot to learn that I am sure would benefit from being in front of a model, I have come a long way baby!<br />
<br />
I also take every opportunity to paint from life in my head. I may not have moments with my easel and my paints where I can observe the way light plays over a face but I can certainly study it and think about how I would paint it. <br />
<br />
These days I am constantly painting, but often it is all in my head. I think about what colors I would use to capture my co worker's hair or the way to glaze a mist over the hills on my way to work in the morning. I plan my paintings for hours while commuting back and forth. <br />
<br />
I am still getting to the canvas at nights but not quite as often, it is a hard transition to go back to work after staying at home with my kiddos for 5 years. I am also studying for my Architecture license exam, coping with my husband's new crazy work schedule, and loving on my three precious kids. I am enjoying everything individually but the balancing act is a struggle.<br />
<br />
In it all I find I can truly feel satisfied when I find time to JUST PAINT. <br />
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Detail of a commission in progress. (photo was taken at night with the crappy lights)</div>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-61973854606928516602015-11-12T18:42:00.003-08:002015-11-12T18:42:43.085-08:00Painting Parent - Christine Miller
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXHqLXlLPpChvRarz8GIxanyuujERPKl-Bw72qTeepS3D_XaSp03i8ovFvHLAWCq1f_pYZMYb-VQKWorRGLgHsnpouOz6ds0UNiLF58lNKyjCL2eAmxXL0gk8kAAPEw0E0sRvns-n1qs/s1600/%2527Donny+4+Blue%2527+12x16+Oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXHqLXlLPpChvRarz8GIxanyuujERPKl-Bw72qTeepS3D_XaSp03i8ovFvHLAWCq1f_pYZMYb-VQKWorRGLgHsnpouOz6ds0UNiLF58lNKyjCL2eAmxXL0gk8kAAPEw0E0sRvns-n1qs/s320/%2527Donny+4+Blue%2527+12x16+Oil.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My son Donny who is 5 yrs old.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How did your artistic career begin?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Grandpa, F. J Miller, was a painter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember running into his house, straight
to his studio to see what he was painting, then asking him to make room for me
to work on something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed in
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember being amazed at the
possibility of drawing something that looked real; I was always motivated to
reach this goal, since I was a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although I was going to College for Painting, my gift really began when I
gave my life to God, during that time my son was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fortunate to have come across an
amazing teacher, Constance Payne who told me drawing what I loved; my son would
be the greatest teaching tool and motivation towards excellence in painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Yr2OVWBGYy7jrWDfHXkDRvTiSl4L0PMms1KsVO0tZoZTfd_AZn-f47Tg9zJN4j-QvC_plR4obBEMZzJtlVo1IQB2IK2MK7GEwgeJPdZNV05F03Cf72-hs_A6noLTS3kyLG-sM4MRVKQ/s1600/%2527Gift+from+God%2527+16x20%252C+Pastel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Yr2OVWBGYy7jrWDfHXkDRvTiSl4L0PMms1KsVO0tZoZTfd_AZn-f47Tg9zJN4j-QvC_plR4obBEMZzJtlVo1IQB2IK2MK7GEwgeJPdZNV05F03Cf72-hs_A6noLTS3kyLG-sM4MRVKQ/s320/%2527Gift+from+God%2527+16x20%252C+Pastel.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is your Parenting/work/art situation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqby8N4QBxVZpQYARB6mn80_Fi2Ji87TwKkMu5u9mMEOIL7_cDdy2rgQCu3LTdRdQ2rf4ZTX674oZDsXQfjv6L7S3MEAi7s91Ma-Is0F-ZtDXaleqgSU9cdNJd2ckDmMeUQM6TweWPOh8/s1600/%2527Love+you+More%2527+16x20%252C+Oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a single mom. Currently I paint about 2 or 3 days a
week when my son is with his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
past year since I’ve started my business in portraiture, I’ve had steady commissions
and still have done my own work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a more regular schedule now that my son started kindergarten
this fall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, my son is the best critic of my work, especially
portraits of himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reminds me how
important emotion is in the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His first reaction is what he feels, what he thinks the person in the
portrait is feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned a lot
from him that’s been preparing me for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17AEO_R0HsSpmcVsLEZn824e17ntwoAcIO_1_CzOAjfpgJ6dOMG8vJlFYsykLzNsDU8bvSg62iMwVAOar9ZY_g6hQQ1l_F6LuAqJDbzoTlYIIPsJUm-Fn3PwNO0XoIR2Pbr8qRp2Hqs/s1600/Princess+unveiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia17AEO_R0HsSpmcVsLEZn824e17ntwoAcIO_1_CzOAjfpgJ6dOMG8vJlFYsykLzNsDU8bvSg62iMwVAOar9ZY_g6hQQ1l_F6LuAqJDbzoTlYIIPsJUm-Fn3PwNO0XoIR2Pbr8qRp2Hqs/s320/Princess+unveiling.JPG" width="305" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTtbTRyXbyf_dwnscMpCN4tmdVCsZh9plATo_6berZKiwSBxaH1zp6qPqV65R-pOm8Aw0-2LgwzN0detiD9rjXyhmkPJmMt27pBh8X6yEkCEbHQ2njSAOcgrOf3eVCYEw0SU8PoL44Ho/s1600/%2527Princess%2527+24x30%252C+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTtbTRyXbyf_dwnscMpCN4tmdVCsZh9plATo_6berZKiwSBxaH1zp6qPqV65R-pOm8Aw0-2LgwzN0detiD9rjXyhmkPJmMt27pBh8X6yEkCEbHQ2njSAOcgrOf3eVCYEw0SU8PoL44Ho/s320/%2527Princess%2527+24x30%252C+Oil.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do they inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I’ve done so many portraits of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son’s best friend and cousin, autumn, I
painted recently and titled ‘Princess’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve also painted the teddy bears they each had when they were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope my paintings speak to the value of
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The faith, honesty and wonder
in the eyes of a child are indescribable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus says ‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son spends a lot of time with his cousins
who call me Aunt ‘Tine’, which also inspired me now to sign my work as ‘Tine’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check my website blog for more info http://www.cmillerportraits.com/blog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CJKONfrmVb1zOyoRSTbqdXXbHPjo411bXE16jvFOVGKNGIMuo-BBVDnYrbOcMKbFk2XGE_aMPbOp28xEDEepHgKDA9dbryMV_cFVuWFqwb2TRmfHRkZ6O6msRTnHifFI2LEpBqAYPEM/s1600/Donny+4yrs%2527%252C+11x14%252CPastel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CJKONfrmVb1zOyoRSTbqdXXbHPjo411bXE16jvFOVGKNGIMuo-BBVDnYrbOcMKbFk2XGE_aMPbOp28xEDEepHgKDA9dbryMV_cFVuWFqwb2TRmfHRkZ6O6msRTnHifFI2LEpBqAYPEM/s320/Donny+4yrs%2527%252C+11x14%252CPastel.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How has having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe my son, a gift from God, is why I am doing
portraits today. If it weren’t for him and the Lord, I would not have continued
to paint and grow with such motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m always prioritizing to be most efficient and productive
with the time I have, balancing time for my son, my work but most of all open
to the unexpected, remembering God’s plan always prevails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When he was a baby and slept a lot I used to stay up late
and do a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he got older, I
didn’t stay up as late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed my
sleep for all his energy during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I work during the day now mostly and when he’s with his father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQPEM1yxOD6mnh9X1OpjhVB5H23RLVXPRRRihYDXk2AQkbrv9Zp_ngVqUKIofkOdcA9ld7APJtyzjUSRxWWfypA4FKw96JNtjHdSxxqbJAX9_oMtxHrYLwVjQ0EHE6Z9bdCS5qTahyphenhyphenZk/s1600/PaintingImaginationLand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQPEM1yxOD6mnh9X1OpjhVB5H23RLVXPRRRihYDXk2AQkbrv9Zp_ngVqUKIofkOdcA9ld7APJtyzjUSRxWWfypA4FKw96JNtjHdSxxqbJAX9_oMtxHrYLwVjQ0EHE6Z9bdCS5qTahyphenhyphenZk/s320/PaintingImaginationLand.JPG" width="240" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you encourage your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I teach him how to draw things he’s interested in and I use
drawing, building, following instructions, understanding nature and appreciation
of Gods creation as teaching tools for his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage the importance of an artist’s
skill to help in any direction he takes in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No, but I think Art is where learning begins as a
child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drawing everything can help them
grow in memory for learning and help them in many different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Motivation, work ethic, knowledge and understanding
nature, humility and admiration before our creator, the joy of art in
expressing love and enjoying everyday life. I would not pressure him to be
specifically a visual artist, but I do believe we were created to be creative,
if we understand ourselves and value our individual qualities, they become
gifts from God and we can change the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbtuqW7cu467vnDh90mzsAcgCdyUIpTEIkGKoRVCWqMottTYHDmUfX7COkR26jMUd7kGkIe6_tq7ToJN0N2wwzZDH7x7aZkq98QWAXPxt9qbHhLK1eQ5Gisy2Rm5_eYEs3-c1dO6xjVs/s1600/PlaydoughDino.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbtuqW7cu467vnDh90mzsAcgCdyUIpTEIkGKoRVCWqMottTYHDmUfX7COkR26jMUd7kGkIe6_tq7ToJN0N2wwzZDH7x7aZkq98QWAXPxt9qbHhLK1eQ5Gisy2Rm5_eYEs3-c1dO6xjVs/s320/PlaydoughDino.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes in ways I didn’t expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My son seems to have a photographic memory and he is good with math,
which I am not good with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I
believe it has to do with how I teach him with images and drawing as clues for
his memory as he grows in learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
picks up a lot from my artwork like being concerned with light and shadow when
he’s painting and mixing colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even
goes painting plein air with me sometimes and he has incredible focus and
patience to work on something for hours whether drawing, painting or
building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is very unique, driven,
creative, caring and smart little man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a struggle with the public school, which encourages a different
approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he will do great things
in his future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiQhzMBKYn4EXwPaZyyCOe3OdQ8R79fhuQGvEMLkVRp4vSSZBxrjxecTzeLHjPKED0wL5S9N8PQXq2f0D-NVNpFlHewOdW5qMH3lim3wPeKit46U1uNNPh9B11xaKrWiZIIh2Oqzqqog/s1600/%2527Joy%2527+16x20+Pastel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiQhzMBKYn4EXwPaZyyCOe3OdQ8R79fhuQGvEMLkVRp4vSSZBxrjxecTzeLHjPKED0wL5S9N8PQXq2f0D-NVNpFlHewOdW5qMH3lim3wPeKit46U1uNNPh9B11xaKrWiZIIh2Oqzqqog/s320/%2527Joy%2527+16x20+Pastel.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s harder and better at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God at the center, I don’t become
obsessed with my work that I lose sight of my son or in the opposite case, lose
the motivation to paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rely on God
to help me as a parent and as an artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I only have one child, so it could be different with more but from my
perspective, it seems incredibly hard to do, but relying on the power of God,
It is a joy, you cant have one without the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son and our life inspire my work and our
work inspires him, love and life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XGwKz8ZtZ8JEsRG_EOX7Zz3WyWhZJ3-oKVZtiZH5xzMOdBv6gf_6WKU4cmGLqjW9mT_aOydaW3uDcx2CdGRWRafytlw1UvzbUvc3eH8B6ZFywGiEcwe1X0ZremVmg9O6Q_U2arxBpUg/s1600/%2527Donny+3yrs%2527%252C11x14%252C+Pastel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XGwKz8ZtZ8JEsRG_EOX7Zz3WyWhZJ3-oKVZtiZH5xzMOdBv6gf_6WKU4cmGLqjW9mT_aOydaW3uDcx2CdGRWRafytlw1UvzbUvc3eH8B6ZFywGiEcwe1X0ZremVmg9O6Q_U2arxBpUg/s320/%2527Donny+3yrs%2527%252C11x14%252C+Pastel.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some think I am too busy because I am a parent, but I don’t
understand what the problem is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the
parenting part as well as the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other people are surprised at how much work I’ve accomplished at my age,
as well as being a mom, but I didn’t do it alone but with the help and power of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t try to please everyone, but
to please God and give Him the glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and
Parenting that you would like to share? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqby8N4QBxVZpQYARB6mn80_Fi2Ji87TwKkMu5u9mMEOIL7_cDdy2rgQCu3LTdRdQ2rf4ZTX674oZDsXQfjv6L7S3MEAi7s91Ma-Is0F-ZtDXaleqgSU9cdNJd2ckDmMeUQM6TweWPOh8/s1600/%2527Love+you+More%2527+16x20%252C+Oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqby8N4QBxVZpQYARB6mn80_Fi2Ji87TwKkMu5u9mMEOIL7_cDdy2rgQCu3LTdRdQ2rf4ZTX674oZDsXQfjv6L7S3MEAi7s91Ma-Is0F-ZtDXaleqgSU9cdNJd2ckDmMeUQM6TweWPOh8/s320/%2527Love+you+More%2527+16x20%252C+Oil.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe this is the answer to the struggle and all life’s problems
when you put Gods expectations first, you strive to a higher level in your own
worth and in others, you know how to love your children through Gods eyes and
give God your struggles as an artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
artists our heart goes into it and when selling work it’s hard but if you’ve
done things for God first then you are not stopped by other rejection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything happens for a reason and He makes
it a continuous joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-28592477098400749102015-06-06T20:23:00.001-07:002015-06-06T20:23:25.148-07:00Painting Parent - TJ Cunningham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM-QkeB4lOjHTM4z6Byy-DwH6taPeCWEQf-2tXVpOW2TdLvuRc0njHryGJjQErvxS-w5vmth9aUBWM_ZnJLPqbtgPXFdvyOldvERHDKG5phNk_cjQAK5hy3qV207YRf-S0eACdy67_x4/s1600/John%2527s+Brook%252C+24+x+36+inches%252C+Oil+on+Linen%252C+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM-QkeB4lOjHTM4z6Byy-DwH6taPeCWEQf-2tXVpOW2TdLvuRc0njHryGJjQErvxS-w5vmth9aUBWM_ZnJLPqbtgPXFdvyOldvERHDKG5phNk_cjQAK5hy3qV207YRf-S0eACdy67_x4/s400/John%2527s+Brook%252C+24+x+36+inches%252C+Oil+on+Linen%252C+2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>How many children do you have? What are their ages?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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I have a sweet, little one year-old.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>How did your artistic career begin?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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A small gallery hosted a solo show the summer after I graduated from college. Those first few patrons have supported and promoted me since then. <u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghljZQsy5ByAiibGDvRHqf62wbFNy1vyQ1Iv4h6UrWUxe__I1b68ViSNCd1lBD_JK1Pgkkvo8Kn6ISB0Itqkg0ZJFMZTzwHMKWy3v2PfJrDYsQEKB_3XvHqNf3Sv6gLsmXWvi0Bn4MTQk/s1600/But+also+on+trees%252C+Graphite+on+Strathmore+400+Series+Bristol%252C+14+x+22+inches%252C+September%252C+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghljZQsy5ByAiibGDvRHqf62wbFNy1vyQ1Iv4h6UrWUxe__I1b68ViSNCd1lBD_JK1Pgkkvo8Kn6ISB0Itqkg0ZJFMZTzwHMKWy3v2PfJrDYsQEKB_3XvHqNf3Sv6gLsmXWvi0Bn4MTQk/s320/But+also+on+trees%252C+Graphite+on+Strathmore+400+Series+Bristol%252C+14+x+22+inches%252C+September%252C+2013.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<b>What is your Parenting/work/art situation?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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It is very important for me to spend the bulk of the day focused on my work. I am very thankful to my wife who shoulders most of our son’s care.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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These days I am starting in the studio around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_876271047" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">9AM</span></span></span> and painting until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_876271048" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">5PM</span></span></span>. I usually work after dinner as well.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnxt2Fj41bO6WNqS4pSKukGWe5a7v7fJqgQHn887S2vRrSX92EVQllg2W0goKvvcXAERL59G8RdDvlAZyUISPQlxgoBUlxUFDdHsgT-hnBBYrVwNiC8D_gPcTQjr_fUChbG8sCe8zM_Y/s1600/Dad%2527s+Tomatoes%252C+18+x+24+inches%252C+Oil+on+Claessens+%252313+Linen%252C+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnxt2Fj41bO6WNqS4pSKukGWe5a7v7fJqgQHn887S2vRrSX92EVQllg2W0goKvvcXAERL59G8RdDvlAZyUISPQlxgoBUlxUFDdHsgT-hnBBYrVwNiC8D_gPcTQjr_fUChbG8sCe8zM_Y/s320/Dad%2527s+Tomatoes%252C+18+x+24+inches%252C+Oil+on+Claessens+%252313+Linen%252C+2014.jpg" width="320" /></a><b></b></div>
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<b>Does your child get involved with your art?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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Not yet. He is still at the stage where he would be happier putting the paintbrushes in his mouth.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Does he inspire aspects of your art?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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Yes, he certainly does. Having a child has changed the way that I see things. In a way it has encouraged me to evoke my own childhood as I create.<u></u><u></u></div>
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I paint full-time, so I try to get the household tasks finished in the evening or on weekends.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>How do you encourage your child to be artistic?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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I would be happy if my son became interested in art, but I am much more eager to teach him to simply see and appreciate the world around him. He will grow up in an increasingly screen-focused world. I hope that he will see what millions miss. <u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngVLyS3K5X-l5sPGHHUSV9TCxf7J2FW8LYRNnqqfwfgaSn5r36t9wXlIOU0oWjcCF5QltnsIVAMLujS9KbSyL9SpzSQm5ZbuVFyXTXLExuvQPOL_jskpidYuPg_u2mglRtZGrp2NLXVY/s1600/Reluctance%252C+24+x+48+inches%252C+Oil+on+Claessens+%252313+Linen%252C+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngVLyS3K5X-l5sPGHHUSV9TCxf7J2FW8LYRNnqqfwfgaSn5r36t9wXlIOU0oWjcCF5QltnsIVAMLujS9KbSyL9SpzSQm5ZbuVFyXTXLExuvQPOL_jskpidYuPg_u2mglRtZGrp2NLXVY/s640/Reluctance%252C+24+x+48+inches%252C+Oil+on+Claessens+%252313+Linen%252C+2014.jpg" width="313" /></a><b>Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your child to be artistic?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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I really want him to be his own person without feeling pressure to follow in my footsteps. However, I would be delighted if he does show an interest.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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I think that the added pressure to provide has helped in many ways. My wife resigned her job to be a full time mom which means it’s up to me to sell enough work to take care of everyone. <u></u><u></u></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-46479219144069227012015-05-28T20:29:00.002-07:002015-05-28T20:36:52.421-07:00Painting Parent -Alia El-Bermani <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh281CSGgTU5JSG5r_LwO6Y6HwSWstePonHN46UrLAZpvedvTs863nU39iWT3JR6n-5JyvnlrQdX8_-V2p2zKtlmxTu-K008HYACbh6794XdtJvdT1pugg_6uSwQOFOulckc_34zM-q2vk/s1600/AliaEl-Bermani_Cygnet_30x20oval_OilOnPanel_2013_low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh281CSGgTU5JSG5r_LwO6Y6HwSWstePonHN46UrLAZpvedvTs863nU39iWT3JR6n-5JyvnlrQdX8_-V2p2zKtlmxTu-K008HYACbh6794XdtJvdT1pugg_6uSwQOFOulckc_34zM-q2vk/s400/AliaEl-Bermani_Cygnet_30x20oval_OilOnPanel_2013_low.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Cygnet </em></strong>30″ x 20″ oval<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">How many children do you have? What
are their ages?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have two
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter just turned 11 and
my son is about to turn 9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AZ7XmhsrCtW_XM8lkgaTPk8QdzVRpIN_gTYFJF_3XPbqt44zWslUVQY-I_v-zBZPqMwUQgYQd-Xidv6DaWpRoouusMJyfU5nlETZQXaECZXavkbEy_MTMN6d92ZPb_snfxTjajuqS_k/s1600/El-Bermani_Nest_8x8_2009-e1409266701904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AZ7XmhsrCtW_XM8lkgaTPk8QdzVRpIN_gTYFJF_3XPbqt44zWslUVQY-I_v-zBZPqMwUQgYQd-Xidv6DaWpRoouusMJyfU5nlETZQXaECZXavkbEy_MTMN6d92ZPb_snfxTjajuqS_k/s320/El-Bermani_Nest_8x8_2009-e1409266701904.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Nest </em></strong>8″ x 8″</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">How did your artistic career begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>My career started in California after
graduating from Laguna College of Art and Design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time I was working in a gallery
part-time to pay the bills, and keeping 4 days a week sacred for the
studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wonderful gallery in Santa
Barbara named Sullivan Goss Gallery took a chance on me by including my work in
a few group exhibitions which led to several solo exhibitions in the years to
follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I currently am represented by
Haynes Galleries in Nashville, TN and Thomaston, ME.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">What is your Parenting/work/art
situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Now that my kids are
older, I have more time than ever in my parenting life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They attend a year round public school –
which means they go to school 9 weeks and then have a 3 week break all year
round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very different than a
traditional calendar school year, but it works well for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of having a 2-3 month break over the
summer (which tends to be high season for getting works created for fall and
winter exhibitions, the breaks are spread out in more manageable chunks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, when they are “tracked out” on their
break, there are plenty of enrichment and care options within the community to
squeeze in more studio time if I need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So these days, I have about 6 hours a day in the studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJivAD2LSD0eJ3PCgMpioxKoYc5iEQyBat_zJyPX0Zz3hPzuZbnNQMIKbKBY5B-Qeoz8jJDhJinw3EH46kOUY9H8bUQ-aibyirLGTwngiMEaSQwJOJRpc5cWnFORBPxHfPhbaZ_tKM_rU/s1600/El-Bermani_Paige-at-Mirror_36x24_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJivAD2LSD0eJ3PCgMpioxKoYc5iEQyBat_zJyPX0Zz3hPzuZbnNQMIKbKBY5B-Qeoz8jJDhJinw3EH46kOUY9H8bUQ-aibyirLGTwngiMEaSQwJOJRpc5cWnFORBPxHfPhbaZ_tKM_rU/s640/El-Bermani_Paige-at-Mirror_36x24_2006.jpg" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Paige at Mirror </em></strong>36″ x 24″</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">When do you make time to do your art
and do you have a regular art routine? </span>I do have a regular routine – I
think that is key for me in finding balance and having a clear focus of how I
need to use each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesdays I
volunteer in my kid’s school for about 2 hours, so I have gotten in the habit
of making that day a business day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
return emails and phone calls, deal with packing/ shipping works and any other
computer heavy business on Tuesdays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Otherwise, the other days are for research and painting and that is all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All household chores are done at night or
early mornings before school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your children get involved with
your art?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they inspire aspects of
your art?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ffuHulWc5s7G_d4Nd1owS_a29mED_8mj0aGqQ8YSudrt2ltZk7Tw4j82ldUvhDfJPTvdsOqpHpeWr3hXgA_XgiVwwpXwd3u9WL6F6ZBjk2gsnv7iQQWBzSCjm1Tjvodp56KeVerD5Zc/s1600/El-Bermani_SiennaAsArcher_oilonpanel_48x36_Low-e1409245485990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ffuHulWc5s7G_d4Nd1owS_a29mED_8mj0aGqQ8YSudrt2ltZk7Tw4j82ldUvhDfJPTvdsOqpHpeWr3hXgA_XgiVwwpXwd3u9WL6F6ZBjk2gsnv7iQQWBzSCjm1Tjvodp56KeVerD5Zc/s320/El-Bermani_SiennaAsArcher_oilonpanel_48x36_Low-e1409245485990.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Sienna As Archer </em></strong>48″ x 36″</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both of my children have been wonderful subjects for me to
paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter is currently at this
awkward age of transition between childhood and adulthood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we are both using my art as a way to
explore and figure out this age of transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was a natural parent when they were wee ones and toddlers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an innate instinct about parenting
these young children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this
advancement towards teenage-hood seems daunting, uncharted and frankly, I have
payback coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Painting her in this age
has helped me better understand her and her current needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently did a painting of my daughter
Sienna as an archer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a
wonderful experience to see her gain confidence and empowerment as she saw the work
being created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a blog about the
experience which you can read here: </span><a href="http://www.aliafineart.blogspot.com/2014/03/sienna-as-archer.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.aliafineart.blogspot.com/2014/03/sienna-as-archer.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyBYL08N9OiHTzByePUudU5BdMX5mqzWaD4WhnlSjGnSjl-QXYEXZfSVC9DZPHYTpomERPif1mUIx0_gMVlb_w57M9hFR0PvWgcp7Air4kioVA71vfWTy8-sxN8hP2yXxRhrSQbvztgA/s1600/El-Bermani_Guardian_oilonpanl_48x36__2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyBYL08N9OiHTzByePUudU5BdMX5mqzWaD4WhnlSjGnSjl-QXYEXZfSVC9DZPHYTpomERPif1mUIx0_gMVlb_w57M9hFR0PvWgcp7Air4kioVA71vfWTy8-sxN8hP2yXxRhrSQbvztgA/s320/El-Bermani_Guardian_oilonpanl_48x36__2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Guardian </em></strong>48″ x 36″</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for my son… he had a very rocky start to his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a rough delivery which left him with
hemiplegic cerebral palsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those early
years of his life were the toughest years for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave up teaching at a college to devote my
time to his care and advocacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That in
itself was a full time job but I don’t regret a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At nights I would paint and I somehow managed
to keep my career as an artist alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though
the physical, occupational and later speech therapies seemed arduous and
unending, that diligent work quite literally changed his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His original diagnosis predicted that he
would never be able to run, or play on a jungle gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think now, the lay person would have no
idea that he had any issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
happily share that he is now a pretty mean, left back, defensive soccer player,
as well as talented hip hop dancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
that time in our lives and my feelings of inadequacy (at being able to do it
all, and be his best advocate) and the deep sense of loss of myself haunted me
for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those complicated feelings
all manifested in a painting of him titled Guardian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This work features him at about age 3 ½.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By that age, he had already overcome much,
but still you can see his tenuous right hand awkwardly being hidden and in his
left hand he holds a rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At his feet
is a flightless crow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears that
the crow has a broken wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You aren’t
sure if he caused an injury to the crow or if he is protecting the crow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then if you know something about crows,
you may know that they often will feign injury to lure predators away from
their young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is ambiguous who the
guardian in this unlikely relationship is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPIWgUt7FvHpFiUCQ2p53rSYSn8mLy8BVPfrOX3LZPhNIK4oFsRbDRYzaThrB0dywF6ZPSIE90oauPX37iVhkLC1XTJKTfec6Nubv6jV0mS-yoOywCUuOaXiPdWq8nsi87daHR1jTS9Q/s1600/El-Bermani-Mourning-Dove-Innocence-e1409323857681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPIWgUt7FvHpFiUCQ2p53rSYSn8mLy8BVPfrOX3LZPhNIK4oFsRbDRYzaThrB0dywF6ZPSIE90oauPX37iVhkLC1XTJKTfec6Nubv6jV0mS-yoOywCUuOaXiPdWq8nsi87daHR1jTS9Q/s320/El-Bermani-Mourning-Dove-Innocence-e1409323857681.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Mourning Dove, Innocence </em></strong>12″ x 9″</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">How has having children changed your
artwork?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Before children, I was
creating works that exploited the psychology of my sitters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seemed to be attracted to their angst or
neuroses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fashion to paint the
ugliest bits of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After having my
daughter, I almost immediately realized that I did not want to highlight that
part of our humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to shine
a light on the beautiful aspects of being human. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">How does making time for artwork
influence other household tasks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Our
home is a mess and I try to be ok with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All household tasks are secondary to art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband too is an artist and we both
understand and respect the urge to create over all other aspects of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will always be laundry and dishes, but
ideas are fleeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfRwHJPBvbD8xxifW8PHGXFf_UwdJ-eSGZhKvXajkGQ4etd1lvQC1XrrhZCJRXYHMDFQVN6iNUsSapUjffQjlz2QC_sDFnnRbNo3Cp4DZYj238Rwjzz-1kLbtG22na8hQGfdD3PdmLWI/s1600/El-Bermani_Becoming_oilonpanel_24x24_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfRwHJPBvbD8xxifW8PHGXFf_UwdJ-eSGZhKvXajkGQ4etd1lvQC1XrrhZCJRXYHMDFQVN6iNUsSapUjffQjlz2QC_sDFnnRbNo3Cp4DZYj238Rwjzz-1kLbtG22na8hQGfdD3PdmLWI/s320/El-Bermani_Becoming_oilonpanel_24x24_2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Becoming </em></strong>24″ x 24″</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Have different ages of your children
been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Yes indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I stated above, the young years of
especially my son and the special care that he needed was the most difficult
time to make time for my artwork – but I did have the dedication and drive to make
the time I needed to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">How do you encourage your children
to be artistic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>My children are
both naturally gifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter has
an incredible wrist and can draw amazingly realistic images from her
imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seems to understand
perspective better than most adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While, my son tends to be more sculptural and think and create in
3D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fascinating to watch their
development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tried to make
Sundays a studio day for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
daughter has taken to it well, learning how to draw from life in charcoal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son seems too loose interest pretty quick
though. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping this is more of an
age/ developmental thing than a real disinterest in learning from me. Really
though, I can’t blame him – most times I’d much rather be outside playing
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Do you feel extra pressure as an
artist to raise your children to be artistic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually have
purposefully resisted pushing them in any direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are their own people and my biggest goal
for them is to find their own happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If creating makes them happy, I am so ready to help them – but I have no
need to push them into it if it’s not in their heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Have you seen your children take
inspiration from your artwork?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>I
think I have seen my husband’s art actually influence my children more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a character designer for video games as
well as a comic artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my kids,
drawing monsters is way more appealing than painting another nude or still
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHH4C5bH4G0bst5SSXje1pIQgGm836lshKwo26NgENxsZ7wwIDFDUuqnURXjC87N3u9eykeAS6QDEFFftTUBs8UGBp30V-IxBFDPiRjGKtlHDvPX1UEbr6b4NjX-W_EVi6aIx1Rff93Q/s1600/El-Bermani_AsHeWorked_oilonpanel_12x9_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHH4C5bH4G0bst5SSXje1pIQgGm836lshKwo26NgENxsZ7wwIDFDUuqnURXjC87N3u9eykeAS6QDEFFftTUBs8UGBp30V-IxBFDPiRjGKtlHDvPX1UEbr6b4NjX-W_EVi6aIx1Rff93Q/s320/El-Bermani_AsHeWorked_oilonpanel_12x9_2014.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>As He Worked </em></strong>12″ x 9″</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">In what ways does being an artist
make being a parent harder or easier?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Financially
having both my husband and I as artists can be a disadvantage to
parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have made it a priority to
live well within our means so that we can afford to make art that is meaningful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often that means we have to say no to
birthday parties and the various activities they would like to participate
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in other ways, being an artist
means that we are creative problem solvers and can easily maneuver the varied
aspects life with children can throw at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are fun to do homework with, and dinner out always includes a
draw-off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Do you think being a parent affects
the way you are perceived as an artist?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>I’m
not sure how others perceive me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
maybe especially as a woman painting my children could be dangerous; could be
seen as merely a sentimental (and therefore less valid or worthy) act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t really give a hoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am living an honest and fulfilling life and
I am grateful for the beautiful family I have and the perspective it grants me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Are there any other things about
Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Well, back when I was in the midst of
the care for my young son, I wrote a blog about motherhood and Art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it I shared this quote by Andrew Wyeth. </span><span class="body"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“One's art goes as far and as deep as one's love goes.” I think that
‘love’ Wyeth is talking about is as much the love the artist has for her
subject and process as well as the love that’s put into the artist from those
around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having a loving family has
been a wonderful thing for my life as an artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Here is a link to that blog post in full: </span></span><a href="http://aliafineart.blogspot.com/2010/01/artist-and-mother.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://aliafineart.blogspot.com/2010/01/artist-and-mother.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="body"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNbTRL8ckPXP31_PhZqE560XjWCli33bi55x22bQxLT9i0kgjRlJR-bM2KOfgahCqGw3tjp7dzSpEoo8hxGrCpEaxUicVBQwUXCYh9Uw32MVkDxgKY0vbiJ4iLCsjOdmEdDfaLFzX1y4/s1600/El-Bermani_SpaceBetween_oilonpanel_36x48_2010_low1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNbTRL8ckPXP31_PhZqE560XjWCli33bi55x22bQxLT9i0kgjRlJR-bM2KOfgahCqGw3tjp7dzSpEoo8hxGrCpEaxUicVBQwUXCYh9Uw32MVkDxgKY0vbiJ4iLCsjOdmEdDfaLFzX1y4/s400/El-Bermani_SpaceBetween_oilonpanel_36x48_2010_low1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Space Between </em></strong>36″ x 48″</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-57840373698349066102015-03-21T13:32:00.004-07:002015-03-21T13:34:34.378-07:00Painting Parent- David Cunningham<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqxdsiPHDE6hrmsZDBegfx7n7uT9QHJSjq9O5LfBx6eKShx-MPCwHf73B2C4LsYqEjEpp2bJ3Srrml_pkd-NlVbeR8TNPtonodDsGIHodP52CjysfUa_pLSoTCmyHAVCVfIUdSSGNYQI/s1600/11028794_10153136488376151_1135034736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqxdsiPHDE6hrmsZDBegfx7n7uT9QHJSjq9O5LfBx6eKShx-MPCwHf73B2C4LsYqEjEpp2bJ3Srrml_pkd-NlVbeR8TNPtonodDsGIHodP52CjysfUa_pLSoTCmyHAVCVfIUdSSGNYQI/s1600/11028794_10153136488376151_1135034736_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How many children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4- 10, 8,5,4<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How did your artistic career begin?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I always loved to paint, draw and make things…I just never
stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What is your Parenting/work/art situation?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have my kids half of the time, so I do a lot of the work
on the “off” weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a professor too
so during the summer and breaks is when I am most productive.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nights after bedtime, but usually on my off weeks or during
the day over the summer<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do your children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They come
to openings and like to see what I am working on, but other than that not
really<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do they inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I do like to make work that they think is interesting.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtlI-ChxWgRjafj9QNs0VnY7rccyB8G_zScLIAYp4_XMeiBnR70f1Dr7w3tYv6cqrORiIGB73EqaX4-VTfyxaG5oPnBKQnTIGAPi5FPStbaHF10_f_7J-g5AAw5i1jLwR9RDkQo9xPqo/s1600/Origins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtlI-ChxWgRjafj9QNs0VnY7rccyB8G_zScLIAYp4_XMeiBnR70f1Dr7w3tYv6cqrORiIGB73EqaX4-VTfyxaG5oPnBKQnTIGAPi5FPStbaHF10_f_7J-g5AAw5i1jLwR9RDkQo9xPqo/s1600/Origins.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How has having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have had to let go of my perfectionism both in my work and
in my work schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just do the best
I can when I can…If I waited for the stars to all align to work and have to
have everything “perfect” I would never work/finish anything.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have an amazing partner that works part time and does a
majority of the housekeeping and cooking which frees me up to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a life saver.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Have different ages of your children been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems that the older my kids get the easier it is to make
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The baby years killed me in that
none of my kids slept through the night so when I got a break all I wanted to
do was get a quick nap in.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I draw with them…we draw on a dry erase board
together….and of course there are trips together to museums.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I battle this idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to encourage and equip them for their own dreams, but they do have
abilities…secretly I would love for them to want to do the hard work needed to
be really great but that hasn’t happened…yet </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E10jeXE5934ZxJ4wpLpbu6DyctlM3eRdr8ZwPJyH27w2Z2-Atrl8-ZtZ8YcHCom3JM4kMuwUDWxDsVF2Np7XtuTn2WBi4Pbtg5gtPwsLk1a9pmJSTqhrZmW_Lx0UZ-uwhawhr10kjM8/s1600/11025473_10153136485941151_106460349_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E10jeXE5934ZxJ4wpLpbu6DyctlM3eRdr8ZwPJyH27w2Z2-Atrl8-ZtZ8YcHCom3JM4kMuwUDWxDsVF2Np7XtuTn2WBi4Pbtg5gtPwsLk1a9pmJSTqhrZmW_Lx0UZ-uwhawhr10kjM8/s1600/11025473_10153136485941151_106460349_o.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Have you seen your children take inspiration from your
artwork?</em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They have copied some of the doodles I do…other than that
no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They like doing their own thing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think that for me I have two jobs…teaching and as an
artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really busy and sometimes I
am pretty distracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do you think being a parent affects the way you are
perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I do know that being a parent really has limited the
amount that I am perceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to
choose between time making work or promoting myself…making work wins most of
the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also passed up a number
of opportunities because of my responsibilities as a dad.<o:p></o:p></span>Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-41481036004878867232015-03-21T13:05:00.000-07:002015-03-21T14:08:55.175-07:00Losing Inspiration, and how to get it backThere seem to be triggers for me that cause me to lose track of my inspiration. When I was pregnant with my third daughter I felt a strain on my painting ability and applying for Architecture jobs has thrown me off track at least twice. My husband has been looking for a new job for over a year now and several times I have decided to send out resume's myself. <br />
<br />
It always leads to doubts and fears about my painting and parenting roles. Will I still be able to make time to paint if I get a full time job. Have I been wasting my time trying to pursue a portrait career? Will I work long hours and miss out on important things with my children? Any major change raises so many questions. When I get to this point it seems like I suddenly forget what I am doing when I try to paint. I cannot decide what to work on and when I do paint it does not come as naturally as it seems to at other times. I get frustrated and start to question every thing. <br />
<br />
The Question then is how do you get the feeling of inspiration back? The answer seems to be just show up and work on something. Even if it does not turn out to be my best painting ever or even if it is something I immediately wipe out and never let anyone see I have to do something, anything until it comes back.<br />
<br />
I am currently delving into my Bargue drawings since I know exactly what needs to be done even if I do not have the process perfected yet. It is developing the skills I need and challenging me without bringing the frustration of not having an idea or a project to work on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECdiFKhlqGiZMjLO79Oysc8ZQWi1aZ3xNK8vxhFi2zlDj6CE-RUPHz7qa46BN23YbuxEh7W-s95RxarK446YraFOs7g489bvhP3MgZiw7UQR_gEqjTOXJkYECQRHQE3IjL_hsf-nbOPE/s1600/IMG_8966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECdiFKhlqGiZMjLO79Oysc8ZQWi1aZ3xNK8vxhFi2zlDj6CE-RUPHz7qa46BN23YbuxEh7W-s95RxarK446YraFOs7g489bvhP3MgZiw7UQR_gEqjTOXJkYECQRHQE3IjL_hsf-nbOPE/s1600/IMG_8966.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am currently drawing in my Kitchen with dinner on the stove and surrounded by dishes that need washed and clothes piled in the laundry room that need folded. The kids have been pretending with Legos for hours on the dining room table. However the need to get back the feeling of knowing what I am doing is so strong that right now I just need to show up at my easel and wait for the inspiration to find me there. </div>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-25180653278183464752015-02-13T07:39:00.002-08:002015-02-13T07:39:47.007-08:00Painting Parent - Stephanie Deshpande <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9F7TvTP_oZlTPllNH-gC6AHbpE3rOHgdTKXiw73cQHPDfMUWkwUIiTJfc6dExrMYFwRnMvYUfmI96e7mlyqqlDSydcDA8MxyVwL_Vbv1hUYhyAThVJytui3RqZBvgSj3FiX_ak2Xym8/s1600/StephanieDeshpande_Solidifying_OilonLinen_30x24HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9F7TvTP_oZlTPllNH-gC6AHbpE3rOHgdTKXiw73cQHPDfMUWkwUIiTJfc6dExrMYFwRnMvYUfmI96e7mlyqqlDSydcDA8MxyVwL_Vbv1hUYhyAThVJytui3RqZBvgSj3FiX_ak2Xym8/s1600/StephanieDeshpande_Solidifying_OilonLinen_30x24HR.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Solidifying"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How many children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #943634;">I have one daughter, and she is
13 years old.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How did your artistic career begin?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #943634;">When I was young, my mother would
sign me up for art classes at the Danforth Museum in Massachusetts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed painting, and it came easily for
me. As a teenager I spent hours drawing and painting on my own. I painted self-portraits,
still lifes, landscapes, and copied reproductions of John Singer Sargent’s
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was time to decide what to
study in college, I thought that majoring in painting seemed too good to be
true; however, I figured, since it was what I did best, I would be most likely
to succeed in the face of competition and challenges.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What is your Parenting/work/art situation?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #943634;">Despite my optimism going into
college and graduate school, once I graduated I realized that the job
opportunities in New York City for an artist were limited. I found a job as a
graphic designer instead of the teaching position I had envisioned myself
doing. My daughter was born in 2001, and I continued to paint in my free time
for a few years. But in 2005 I took a four-year hiatus from painting after feeling
isolated from art world and not knowing what direction my art career would
take.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #943634;">What inspired me to start
painting again was the vibrant art community I discovered on Facebook. After discovering
all the talented artists whose work I admire, I realized I couldn't let go of
my passion. I currently work full time as a Production Manager at a financial
company, but this gives me the freedom to paint what I want and not worry about
making a living exclusively by selling my art.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>When do you make time to do your art and do you have a
regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #943634;">I paint approximately one
painting per month in addition to smaller alla prima studies. Since I juggle
many responsibilities being a single mother, I let my mood dictate what I work
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually work on a painting for a
week or two, devoting all my free time to it until it’s complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I’ll take a break from painting and focus
on my daughter, friends, and other interests.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyWK-qGUrOFUPFfFUbIGWbCOwEa6a4b3nAzVWKiy3yLhFtIvIKlxpKEWZOEeT8ebsRzXfDQe1ujzg6z3zcS8wtK673SxQai2uo3Djc1aeRloagGSQfNqIqKr6pAjEFW0MHYp_qx1X1fA/s1600/Stephanie_Deshpande_Sleeping_Child_30x24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyWK-qGUrOFUPFfFUbIGWbCOwEa6a4b3nAzVWKiy3yLhFtIvIKlxpKEWZOEeT8ebsRzXfDQe1ujzg6z3zcS8wtK673SxQai2uo3Djc1aeRloagGSQfNqIqKr6pAjEFW0MHYp_qx1X1fA/s1600/Stephanie_Deshpande_Sleeping_Child_30x24.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Child 30x24</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Does your child get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before 2005, I mostly painted my
friends in narrative compositions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have a few paintings of my daughter as a toddler, but it wasn't until 2010 that
she became my primary model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
nine years old at the time and had a knack for performance as well as a natural
ease posing for me. “Child Sleeping” was the first painting out of a series
where she is the main figure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: maroon;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<em>Does she inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My daughter has a great ability to
position herself in precisely the way I envisioned. Of course, being a child,
it was sometimes hard to keep her engaged while I fussed with perfecting the
setup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, however, I witnessed a
new change in our dynamic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she wants
to contribute her own ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
painting, “Let the Cards Fall,” I originally planned on having her sit at a
table holding cards in her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
photographed her, I could not get the composition to look the way I pictured in
my mind. So, we tried a few other ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then out of the blue she suggested letting the cards fall on her while
lying down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This couldn't have been more
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to have her
rebellious nature break some of the safe conventions I had been using.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnPLFDKq7mkp5PONkY5bbngyRice2Zx67UrwtGJbBg8R8sfZzWPRvMDkgD37LspQkwXeiKk_-A-eczNC8bV_-AmqOofoXCussz714AaIAqotXSNXHvTYXg-yQ_zflTxsdMI3FWqVDm0/s1600/LetTheCardsFall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnPLFDKq7mkp5PONkY5bbngyRice2Zx67UrwtGJbBg8R8sfZzWPRvMDkgD37LspQkwXeiKk_-A-eczNC8bV_-AmqOofoXCussz714AaIAqotXSNXHvTYXg-yQ_zflTxsdMI3FWqVDm0/s1600/LetTheCardsFall.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the Cards Fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How has having a child changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would have never thought to
paint children if I hadn't had my daughter. My paintings, however, are not
about children. The themes are about human pathos and derived largely from
personal experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How does making time for artwork influence other household
tasks?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since I only have a limited time
to focus on painting, I decided that I wasn't going to feel guilty about not
being actively involved in other activities. My priorities are establishing
myself as an artist and raising my daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although being more involved in my town or daughter's school would be
nice, I decided it really didn't matter in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love having an orderly home because when
everything is in order I feel more inclined to paint, but once I start working
on a painting, all my focus is on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Have different ages of your child been more difficult to
make time for artwork and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were many factors which
contributed to my 4-year break from painting that were not directly related to
being a parent; however, now that my daughter is 13, it is much easier for me
to paint since she doesn't need constant attention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>How do you encourage your child to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 97.9pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When she
was first born, I was determined to veer her talents away from art to math. I
would sit in the park and review a math workbook with her, hoping it would
increase her analytical skills. I thought it would be better for her to get
into a more lucrative field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She drew
very interesting pictures as a toddler, but without any interference from me, she
became more interested in gymnastics, singing, and performance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your
child to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pDvZWUPJ9YWnnPpfxNkuG7mu09eb3hKdlGjg8a9mCzm9nAu8GKFUvOVa_KSZ27V_MtcDzKnC-HBn8c-qz1r7DFrEQ1dxkG2jkWousWo4yR0eKhchTRN5et2qbtKznXQbfCtnt5IwiC0/s1600/Deshpande_Stephanie_03TheFall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pDvZWUPJ9YWnnPpfxNkuG7mu09eb3hKdlGjg8a9mCzm9nAu8GKFUvOVa_KSZ27V_MtcDzKnC-HBn8c-qz1r7DFrEQ1dxkG2jkWousWo4yR0eKhchTRN5et2qbtKznXQbfCtnt5IwiC0/s1600/Deshpande_Stephanie_03TheFall.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Fall"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since painting is my strength, I
did want to pass the skills I have on to her. A number of times, I encouraged
her to paint or draw, but she wasn't interested. She has a talent for drawing
cartoons and has a better imagination than I do, but she doesn't have the love
for fine art that I had when I was a kid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Have you seen your child take inspiration from your
artwork?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I once heard on the radio that in
a study of identical twins they found each twin developed unique skills despite
their similar genes and environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was hypothesized that when one twin was good at one skill the other twin felt
compelled to find his or her own path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since my daughter doesn't have any other siblings and we spend a lot of
time together, I feel like this dynamic is happening in our relationship as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sees painting as my activity,
and has never expressed interest in doing it herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has many talents and skills I don't have,
and I believe she will go in a direction that best suits her personality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder
or easier?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being an artist may make it harder
to be a parent because art is time consuming and often done in addition to
another job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inadvertently, one may not
focus on the child as much as a parent whose primary interest is raising
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope having my own goals and
ambitions allows my daughter to be self-reliant, and shows her the importance
of following her dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived
as an artist?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this point, most of my favorite
artists have children, so I don't think it affects one’s perception of the
artist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-4442807375936432112015-02-03T16:17:00.002-08:002015-02-04T07:19:55.504-08:00Painting Parent -Terry Moore Strickland<h2 align="LEFT">
</h2>
<h3 align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.terrystricklandart.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.terrystricklandart.com</span></a></h3>
<span class="null"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>matter deep publishing</strong> </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.matterdeeppublishing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.matterdeeppublishing.com/</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="null">
</span>
</span><b><span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS-Bold; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS-Bold; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How many children do you have? What are their ages?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kyle 28, Carly 25, Amy, daughter-in-law, 28, Will, future son-in-law, 26</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY8J01C8Nro1K7TzCIie7vrRDQa1UAWIbiRNl-Z5Yt2iz0Q6A3Ou8DF2F2ekm-f1u_Tti_OhnvZtiT6ZWa_0fRILzbi5Kuy1AGdWGNX5a9W3KbLg1fCpWRg317GAk8bHhGU3DKtLg0rA/s1600/10956390_10153040250720761_650840733_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTXFjlUZCDfP4tAQs4w0SXTtWnUFW0tAkZ8GPO4grn31_ZIfiHPyWMeVUzs5PH-GoKtF3nuJ6-TXU_fx_o5znWMBl3sNcgTf-bI7tDMxdzGpeSW2_63r8EzIsQDhKzyYNLPuzyk5gw54/s1600/10813611_10153040235980761_532881124_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTXFjlUZCDfP4tAQs4w0SXTtWnUFW0tAkZ8GPO4grn31_ZIfiHPyWMeVUzs5PH-GoKtF3nuJ6-TXU_fx_o5znWMBl3sNcgTf-bI7tDMxdzGpeSW2_63r8EzIsQDhKzyYNLPuzyk5gw54/s1600/10813611_10153040235980761_532881124_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy, Kyle, and Carly. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How did your artistic career begin?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was an illustrator/graphic designer with a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Central FL. My first career job was in the imprinted sportswear industry, think T-Shirt designs back in the heyday of screen printing, designing for zoos, surf shops, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, the Smithsonian, and many others. My last commercial job was for a publishing company that specialized in board games and books. I had some interesting jobs in between, including courtroom sketch artist for the Thomas Blanton, 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Turning forty made me reevaluate my life priorities. I attended the University of Alabama in Birmingham for three semesters, to refocus on fine art. I began making large figurative work, entering regional shows and devoting myself to painting full-time. By 2005, I’d given up my commercial work entirely and have never looked back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Did having young children influence when you made a career switch to being an artist?</strong> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfUezlKhqpuYunJK6jq_srpIvDwinWaIpkS9-wAerCysKmvY5L_SSf02bb9Grn33e8n5BmW5AXJPET21TlSQ8BueULdVze66swyayDJPGYghH6jcWiQ9QRQhyphenhypheniQXw_NATPyAQ0ePtHdU/s1600/10944374_10153040224865761_1875890976_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="318" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will as The Mariner </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a career choice to go into commercial art because I knew that when I had children I could go freelance and be able to work a round their schedule. I switched to painting full time more for self fulfillment. I had always painted on the side but knew I had more in me that needed to be expressed, and that I deserved the chance to see if I could make it painting. I honestly did not know if I would like doing it full time. but I love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We love our current parenting situation. Our kids are so cool! They are young adults and live nearby for now. We make the most of having them around by hosting a weekly family dinner night where we all get together, even the pets. Our dinner conversations are stimulating, touching on matters of art news, social issues, publishing, politics, feminism, pop culture and everyone’s latest project. In fact, in 2011, as a family we launched Matter Deep Publishing as a result of a dinner table conversation. We realized we had in the family elements of everything we needed for a publishing company, and we all had work we wanted to publish. Carly was graduating with an illustration degree, and Kyle had a professional writing degree, both from Savannah College of Art and Design. Amy, also a SCAD graduate, had written a young adult book, and I was working on The Incognito Project and wanted to do a book about it as the last element of the project. My husband, Dan is also a writer and we are about to publish his first novel. We’ve published Carly and Kyles’s children’s books, a novel by Kyle, and young adult novels and urban fiction by Amy. Will has written a children’s book; Carly has designed art show catalogs including from the Women Painting Women shows from the last few years.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjnJxPEqjq3pUYJ08I3su5QJEdsX8h9nJH2Vp-7R0HLEdLFgPw1tuWy-dVCI3faw1qSeRaBYqiqDno_l8WqXgmGS6LYk60FrbfLkVcp1LxPb9F22Pg7I77j66yDgT1HAIdUM92qk49i8/s1600/10954511_10153040223785761_549983495_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjnJxPEqjq3pUYJ08I3su5QJEdsX8h9nJH2Vp-7R0HLEdLFgPw1tuWy-dVCI3faw1qSeRaBYqiqDno_l8WqXgmGS6LYk60FrbfLkVcp1LxPb9F22Pg7I77j66yDgT1HAIdUM92qk49i8/s1600/10954511_10153040223785761_549983495_o.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy, as Athena </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I work every day, juggling the duties of a studio artist, gallery artist, painter of commissions, small business owner, teacher of two classes at Forstall Art Center, and Matter Deep Publishing CEO and editor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Do your children get involved with your art?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They are beyond supportive, I would call them, and Dan, integral to the process. They are amazing models and I have painted them many times. They have a great eye for art and I rely on their critiques for concepts and painting. They have definite ideas about what makes provocative work and feel free to share with me. They don’t know how to fix a problem but see things clearly so i can tackle it. We all work together on everyone’s projects. Dinner night frequently evolves into brainstorming sessions about everyone’s current projects, our individual ones as well as Matter Deep’s. With some families, this might be too much togetherness, but from the beginning we have encouraged everyone to have identities and interests that are separate from the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Do they inspire aspects of your art?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching them change and grow has inspired many paintings. I’ve done work about coming of age, choices made in life and the inevitability of turbulent change. These are all things present in my life and made clearer by my observations of their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How has having children changed your artwork?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being a mother has given me life experiences, strong emotions and much to think about. All of those things, the good, the bad and the ugly get translated in to work. Motherhood is the great joy of my life, and about so much more than changing diapers, braces and funding their college education. It’s about the relationships with my children and now our growing family with my daughter-in-law and future son-in-law.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BNliR_pq5ur0eJM5iams7IvkBuzul1b6wxRRXyYLkhc_SD3ZjoLIjMDLoo13IxllwXA7jvKKQSvOyvTTmneAxwL1xCzf24naZLX7KXpdpdPMGJgjI72AFF9iI1xJx5bMc14KwqVbjzQ/s1600/10958547_10153040227210761_741993154_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husband, Dan in Mad Science </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I delegate where I can, and make art a priority. I am in a sweet spot with the children grown as far as time to work on my career. I started seriously painting when they were in their teens, and they were thrilled to see me excited about the work. My husband has always been super supportive too and would take over kid stuff at night so I could work or take a class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course the baby stage is time consuming but finding good child care is always an option. I was a member of a baby sitting co-op when my kids were young. It included many mothers who worked freelance or part time, and to this day my best friend is someone I met through the co-op. Having a partner in parenting is crucial. I was lucky to have a husband that never thought spending time with the kids was babysitting. His good relationship with the kids is a testament to that attitude.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdCKyCRviTWke3iiM7K85iI_1bq943hCCzzRgTY8t1nq7od9XKkYXqI5M4jBUpE8CTPGq7-1GTefr3a41VjJCTbM7Nlh96627UBTOtOHh6og0dmNuweHk04oc2tJ9ij-yY9qetC0C2-0/s1600/10956550_10153040234275761_447431670_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle as a knight for The Incognito Project.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When they were young we did a lot of art projects with them, theater, writing, etc. We let them explore whatever they wanted to do. Now, with the publishing company we encourage the same thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No, we let them do their own thing, and encouraged them to be passionate in their pursuits. If anything, we know that being in an artistic field is a tough way to make a living but I think they are somehow hardwired with creativity, so maybe it was inevitable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, it is interesting to see threads from our conversations show up in the writing, in one ofmy paintings or one of Carly’s illustrations.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ofczanqjYWaoCubSUeLAPdg7ow51jT3K0gzBCbr1P7rX2i6d_9xvwcy_Z4L3OFnCribQQ4SOMNx7z1WcnH0h1oYbL9BNILq1sT-YEn0gtqKc5vvNj_PxVZ6s_MJyh8n9CDb9pB6RdO8/s1600/10922936_10153040269110761_1142934003_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ofczanqjYWaoCubSUeLAPdg7ow51jT3K0gzBCbr1P7rX2i6d_9xvwcy_Z4L3OFnCribQQ4SOMNx7z1WcnH0h1oYbL9BNILq1sT-YEn0gtqKc5vvNj_PxVZ6s_MJyh8n9CDb9pB6RdO8/s1600/10922936_10153040269110761_1142934003_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ofczanqjYWaoCubSUeLAPdg7ow51jT3K0gzBCbr1P7rX2i6d_9xvwcy_Z4L3OFnCribQQ4SOMNx7z1WcnH0h1oYbL9BNILq1sT-YEn0gtqKc5vvNj_PxVZ6s_MJyh8n9CDb9pB6RdO8/s1600/10922936_10153040269110761_1142934003_o.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s important to realize that we are in an age now where the younger generation is realizing that parenting is a a two person job. Men want to be part of the experience. I read Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg recently, and she brilliantly explained how it is doable for women and men to both have a career and have their lives enriched by children. Women can have children and not have to put their career life entirely on hold. For this to happen we must continue the important work for pay equality, healthcare for everyone, and family maternity leave for men and women. We must raise our boys to support the women in their lives, not solely as financial providers but supporting her choice of career. Girls need to be taught to expect and ask for those things as their equal right as a human. Being an artist is a difficult career, yes, from a financial aspect it’s tough. However, there is a flexibility in the life of an artist that lends itself to parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe, especially since I came to the fine art world late. Now however, I think the work speaks for itself and most people come to know me after knowing my work. I have had people tell me that they thought my work was done by a man. So maybe my gender is more surprising than my status as a parent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How have each of your children felt influenced by your artwork and what they have learned from watching you develop your career as a painter?</strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JIeRz2lTHAP0ANxY6rN2mkmlyRt50q9wR5s00UOA7UlB6PrN59aff9tBsWIierbzlk7BtU0WySJsCelvnezwDUPIIcP5GdmX8tKJQwdO-YDVLAY_4x0-tUPB4O7vwRkMKd-CDK3tvN0/s1600/10957219_10153040231650761_1552291970_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JIeRz2lTHAP0ANxY6rN2mkmlyRt50q9wR5s00UOA7UlB6PrN59aff9tBsWIierbzlk7BtU0WySJsCelvnezwDUPIIcP5GdmX8tKJQwdO-YDVLAY_4x0-tUPB4O7vwRkMKd-CDK3tvN0/s1600/10957219_10153040231650761_1552291970_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Carly as The Seamstress </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>From daughter Carly</em>: I think Mom's work itself has definitely influenced my own art. She tends towards realism and narrative work, and I think you can say that about my illustrations as well. I think the biggest influence on me though, was her willingness to make art *with* us when we were children. We'd sit at the kitchen table and paint one week, make clay sculptures the next. We'd talk and laugh and she'd teach us advanced techniques that we thought were super cool. It taught us that the act of creating is fun and collaborative. This is something I think we brought into adulthood with Matter Deep. Every project we make for the company has everyone's input and everyone makes their mark on it somehow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The main thing I've learned by watching her career develop is that no one can read your mind. If you want something, an opportunity, a gallery show, a learning opportunity, you've got to ask for it. Take the chances you have. You'll never regret trying an opportunity, but you might regret letting one go. </span><a href="http://www.carlystricklandart.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.carlystricklandart.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>From son Kyle:</em> That's a really hard question to answer. To get at how I was influenced by my mother's work would be to imagine life without her. Art has become such a huge part of who I am because of my mother. It has helped me with critical thinking, creativity, and overall my appreciation for the beautiful and the sublime. Without being raised by my mother, I would imagine the world as a really dreary place. ( a link to Kyle book Mars 01 </span><a href="http://www.matterdeeppublishing.com/book/mars-01"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.matterdeeppublishing.com/book/mars-01</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ) </span><a href="http://www.kylemstrickland.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.kylemstrickland.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>From daughter-in-law Amy:</em> From the first day Kyle showed me Terry's work, I was in awe. So seeing Carly and Kyle walk up to a painting in progress and go, "Nice. The eye is weird" and watching Terry give a frustrated groan and then set to fixing it—I think that has made it much easier to give and take critique as a family. If someone so talented can gracefully accept feedback and make changes, and Kyle and Carly are never hesitant to give it, then I know that our family is a safe space to bounce ideas around and become stronger together. </span><a href="http://www.amyleighstrickland.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.amyleighstrickland.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>From Will, our future son-in-law</em>:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrOLxNNB2CGKMdebJMLjZdE96YxaHmXKK8M4oI2QVfxeErPIZ_757jinGYrvvrk-1wpiQK2pEDNaqjjhJHoFhoXoZW-b8ZNmLkgvztjusJwOHjqiN-sRTiseKyTCtZLS1c8l2oMeElM4/s1600/10960629_10153046511210761_968776196_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrOLxNNB2CGKMdebJMLjZdE96YxaHmXKK8M4oI2QVfxeErPIZ_757jinGYrvvrk-1wpiQK2pEDNaqjjhJHoFhoXoZW-b8ZNmLkgvztjusJwOHjqiN-sRTiseKyTCtZLS1c8l2oMeElM4/s1600/10960629_10153046511210761_968776196_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The primary thing that strikes me about Terry's career is that she never stops thinking about it. She loves her work so much that when she's not in the studio, she's fantasizing about being back in the studio. Any topic of conversation will relate to her paintings somehow. In fact, she turns every experience into a learning opportunity to further her development as a painter. For example, she found some spiral nails while gardening, which fascinated her with their texture of rust and caked earth. Unsurprisingly, those nails showed up in her smaller studies, months later. That kind of single-minded dedication to her profession is her most inspiring quality. It is clear to me that she has chosen her work because she finds a greater appreciation for life through it's practice.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Children's Book by Carly Strickland </span></td></tr>
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<em>How did your artistic career begin?</em><br />
I am self-taught artist and began my career in college by turning my bedroom walls into a canvas. Inspired by impressionist masters, I decided to try my hand at painting a full-sized mural of an Italian seaside village, and with the encouragement of family and friends, expanded into painting walls across Northern Virginia. Over the years, I've switched to working almost exclusively in oils on canvas as a full-time artist.<br />
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<em>How has being pregnant affected your art making ability?</em><br />
I found out I was pregnant right before I had my first solo show (thankfully my brand new dress fit for the opening!), which was perfect timing as I had a large number of pieces stocked up. While I have been blessed to feel good enough to paint throughout the entire pregnancy, I took for granted how much physicality is required in the painting process. As a result, I've slightly reduced my actual painting hours, but in the meantime used that time to focus on organizing, researching, and creating a strategy for running a business with a baby! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgetown Skyline, oil on canvas, 24"x36"</td></tr>
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<em>When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</em><br />
Painting is my full-time job, and so I try to keep normal business hours (as normal as they can be running your own business). During the weekdays, I get up with my husband, we eat breakfast together, and when he leaves for work, I go up to the studio and start my day. Given that I maintain my studio in the home, I usually start dinner and wrap my day up in time for when he returns home. Of course, there are times when I am working on the weekend or attending art events in the evening hours, but I find it important to maintain a routine that mimics corporate world hours since I lived in that world for several years before quitting to run my art business full-time and therefore am accustomed to those hours.<br />
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<em>Has pregnancy affected your painting inspiration? Have you felt more or less inspired?</em><br />
To be honest, the whole idea of having a baby is exciting but very overwhelming at the same time, and a cluttered mind does not help the creative process. So there have been days when my inspiration to paint has been quite low. That said, I love Stephen King's quote “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” The same holds true for painting. Sometimes you just have to get up and start painting whether you want to or not, but on the flip side, the idea of showing my daughter that she can be a loving mom and wife and run her own business at the same time inspires me in incredible ways to get past any mental blocks.<br />
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<em>Have you made any changes to your painting process because of being pregnant?</em><br />
I tend to paint large pieces, so framing and moving pieces has become more cumbersome, as well as the things you don't think about like how using an air compressor and staple gun to stretch canvas isn't probably good for baby's developing ears. I may or may not have once strapped a pillow around my waist to muffle the noise! Thankfully there was no adjustment in the materials I felt comfortable using as I have only ever used non-toxic paints and mediums, so the only real change has been in my overall productivity levels due to the physical demands. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UFCRxBPkWzmFp7UgKj9yCkQwabvIJ_6FDMS9wYOfHmZnZTlyl5JD2FO7I9Nb-idH5-14qo-v2GcK2Z5jmUbOhG5NOP0a9VJZKraGUxkWwrJ1zLJDr7S8NMhPUf6OgwKeN1msUXEiiBY/s1600/10723449_10100830021781505_1274479713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UFCRxBPkWzmFp7UgKj9yCkQwabvIJ_6FDMS9wYOfHmZnZTlyl5JD2FO7I9Nb-idH5-14qo-v2GcK2Z5jmUbOhG5NOP0a9VJZKraGUxkWwrJ1zLJDr7S8NMhPUf6OgwKeN1msUXEiiBY/s1600/10723449_10100830021781505_1274479713_n.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitol Glow, oil on canvas, 24"x36"</td></tr>
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<em>How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</em><br />
It was a huge disappointment in realizing that just because I now worked from home did not mean that my house would automatically be pristine. Actually quite the opposite...being away from the home is the only sure fire way to not be creating a mess in it. That said, being pregnant has forced me to create the habit of spending more time keeping the house organized because I realize that a baby is the ultimate way to bring a house from order to disorder if you let it get away from you!<br />
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<em>In what ways do you think being an artist will make being a parent harder or easier?</em><br />
I think time will be the biggest factor in making things harder. Especially having a studio in my home, it will be harder to separate my work life from home life. That said, I think being a parent will be a great motivator in pushing myself since I want my daughter to be exposed to the art world and to see that it is possible for her to run her own business one day if that's what she feels called to do. My mom ran her own business for years from home and I grew up watching that and always admired it.<br />
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<em>How do you plan on working your art back into life after the baby is born?</em><br />
I have set goals for myself for the rest of the year based on creating realistic expectations in talking to other mothers. I am very blessed to have both my parents and in-laws very close to home, so have a lot of help if I need to meet deadlines as well. In the long term, since I'm due in October, I plan to address how to ramp up to full-time status again once the new year begins and I come up for air after getting out of the newborn phase! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villa Cipressi, oil on canvas, 24"x36"</td></tr>
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<em>Do you think being a parent will affect the way you are perceived as an artist?</em><br />
Yes and no. Being pregnant in and of itself has been interesting as it's made me realize who takes my career seriously and who thinks painting is a glorified hobby. It's amazing how some people will make somewhat hurtful remarks about how painting will become a distant memory, whereas you'd never hear them make a comment like that to someone whose plan is to go back to the corporate world after their maternity leave is up. That said, others have been incredibly supportive and have made the assumption that my studio will just be a little bit more full of baby things once she comes along! At the end of the day, I realize that with the support of my family and the direction of God, I forge my own path and cannot allow myself to care the way I'm perceived whether positive or negative. Painting is what I am called to do, and while my life won't look the same today as it will a year from now, I know that both my painting life and personal life </span></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-22376549817228736312015-01-20T20:33:00.002-08:002015-01-20T20:33:40.146-08:00Painting Parent - Alison Bell Belt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>How many children do you have? What are their ages?</em> I have three children, 8, 4 ½, and almost 2.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY9UprGfITMnjQyD-Xx547o5i8-vTe95TtuA-QbKRZXRU8PetgGcer_H2ZLvHLGEvb93LpWZfqAZ42exPaUbyK0f41rqLBHAEvgegloNDdU8mBhFyNCFPriz71GZxibbntGiN5gtDFdk/s1600/10821889_10205297749021279_1151512414_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY9UprGfITMnjQyD-Xx547o5i8-vTe95TtuA-QbKRZXRU8PetgGcer_H2ZLvHLGEvb93LpWZfqAZ42exPaUbyK0f41rqLBHAEvgegloNDdU8mBhFyNCFPriz71GZxibbntGiN5gtDFdk/s1600/10821889_10205297749021279_1151512414_o+(1).jpg" height="400" width="195" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>How did your artistic career begin?</em> I feel like I've always been an artist. I remember in third grade drawing a picture of myself as a “singing artist” because those are my two favorite things. I discovered my aptitude for sculpture when I was 21 and fooling around with some Sculpey a boyfriend had left at my house. It was an amazing moment for me .<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: F; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> I always wanted to have art be a large part of my
life but it wasn't until after my first year of college as an math major that I
realized that nothing else was a realistic option for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>What is your Parenting/work/art situation?</em> I'm a stay-at-home mom and I'm home schooling my 8 year-old. It's rather chaotic around here. When they were a bit younger, I could take them all to the studio with me, but it' too much now. I do most of my work at night now and am searching for an affordable, reliable babysitter for one or two afternoons a week so that I can get some more work done.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?</em> I used to go to the studio every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and I would like to get back to that. I also try to attend a Tuesday evening life class regularly. My husband stays with the children and I go to my studio at night as much as I can.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TdZ3-W-jptHDVc-7z__yN28IMUKGUxQtiwQNRsrzSiuegJzGa5sTYAgaJczm1A9Ae3etWA668NrSkte2WcsYBc4Y8eJ3kDTZfX6ugwVdhL8t3sy66_k7cFIgK-bRS9nZvY51mjsWSTc/s1600/10699251_10205297748941277_83654549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TdZ3-W-jptHDVc-7z__yN28IMUKGUxQtiwQNRsrzSiuegJzGa5sTYAgaJczm1A9Ae3etWA668NrSkte2WcsYBc4Y8eJ3kDTZfX6ugwVdhL8t3sy66_k7cFIgK-bRS9nZvY51mjsWSTc/s1600/10699251_10205297748941277_83654549_n.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<em>Do your children get involved with your art?</em> My boys love to play with my clay and my tools,<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">but it's mostly just
making shapes and smashing them at this point.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">My oldest son has done a few pieces that are a bit more finished.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">My middle son once made a “man” on an
armature that was amazing for his age, but he destroyed it before I got a
picture. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">They</span> also adore drawing, particularly my middle son. He can use up a ream of paper in less than two months. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Do they inspire aspects of your art?</em> I'm leaning more toward exploring children's portraiture and figures and my own feelings as a mother. I never understood why so many female artists tended to focus on those subjects when I was younger, so I find that funny.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>How has having children changed your artwork?</em> I actually have gotten more focused about it since I've had children, probably as a way to get time to myself and also because I see more immediately what little time we all have in our lives to accomplish things.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO34q1ItmXxp5U9JK1ivkYHQZ0ENaBRfWD5Pxkuj2tlB1yXZevt-_6UOTtCprHKVYdKdRRt_8vdhhKBLh-QzwafgVTmUeH4SsxBXJRQnOcsQ2j9BvldnU9mf_DSdONBfMgUr56K1bzmA/s1600/10799337_10205297747941252_270135187_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO34q1ItmXxp5U9JK1ivkYHQZ0ENaBRfWD5Pxkuj2tlB1yXZevt-_6UOTtCprHKVYdKdRRt_8vdhhKBLh-QzwafgVTmUeH4SsxBXJRQnOcsQ2j9BvldnU9mf_DSdONBfMgUr56K1bzmA/s1600/10799337_10205297747941252_270135187_n.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?</em> My house is usually a ridiculous mess. I'm not a very good housekeeper anyway, <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: F; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">but
I'm always behind now, especially when I have some sort of deadline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> I figure there will be time to have a neat house when the kids are older and not contributing to the chaos. My husband tries to pick up some of the slack as he can.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?</em> <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: F; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Before
I had my daughter and they boys were younger, I was able to go to my studio two
afternoons a week and take them with me without too much trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once my middle son started getting into stuff
and stopped taking an afternoon nap (around age two), it got trickier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my daughter was born, that situation
became untenable and I have to have a sitter or go at night when my husband can
take them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>As the boys have gotten older, they fight and bicker about toys and computer use more, which is obviously very distracting when I'm trying to work. That's the main reason for my no longer taking them all to the studio with me. I'm hoping in a year or two, they will have moved beyond that. My daughter is a much more laid-back child, so hopefully she'll get with the program. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOTXKWtzyHo5egwm1BUfyiiojthEKVBCJZxqRIBXg70FE5RVO-Jt0gtth6sZ39j1en9obS703AoJgha9cMQRrcSIvsCUHvngKz-oPK0cvbadYZ__Da9sy1YuLkk7ufq9YSpL08TBBq8Y/s1600/10822415_10205297748701271_139927951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOTXKWtzyHo5egwm1BUfyiiojthEKVBCJZxqRIBXg70FE5RVO-Jt0gtth6sZ39j1en9obS703AoJgha9cMQRrcSIvsCUHvngKz-oPK0cvbadYZ__Da9sy1YuLkk7ufq9YSpL08TBBq8Y/s1600/10822415_10205297748701271_139927951_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><em>How do you encourage your children to be artistic?</em> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I let them use as
much paper as their little hearts desire, which is a lot.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I also try to get them quality materials,
particularly brushes, and let them use some of my own tools so they don't
become frustrated with the process.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I
remember attempting to paint things with horrible brushes when I was a child
and being so angry with the outcome because I knew that it was because of the
brush, not me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<em>Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?</em> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">I feel more pressure
to nurture any ability they might have, only because I want to enable them to
fulfill their potential.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I worry about
pushing them too much and then conversely not doing enough.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I think that's a pretty typical “mom” feeling
though. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">I fe</span>el pressure to nurture them if they do have an artistic bent as it's so hard in this day and age. I don't feel like I was as supported as I could have been, although it definitely could have been far worse. If they don't show an aptitude for art, that's fine with me.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?</em> My middle son likes to make people out of clay. I don't know if that's directly from me or just a coincidence.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<em>In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg714I9S4c_NX6xV6eowUeTIdGcnBJy7NC2H3emx3Nax_Y-7w-ubAlOZmBAi_QdlU3AUcXA4aFoW-lXppFJttVetyv0vg6BjfhtXA_qzMZVT3tH6x1RwqYikFRSrecdwWA4uIyzJ8_jRNw/s1600/10815921_10205297747181233_293616232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg714I9S4c_NX6xV6eowUeTIdGcnBJy7NC2H3emx3Nax_Y-7w-ubAlOZmBAi_QdlU3AUcXA4aFoW-lXppFJttVetyv0vg6BjfhtXA_qzMZVT3tH6x1RwqYikFRSrecdwWA4uIyzJ8_jRNw/s1600/10815921_10205297747181233_293616232_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">I th</span>ink it makes it a bit harder in some ways because I think most people view it as a “hobby” instead of a job that's very important to me. I wonder if people think I'm being selfish or silly in attempting to be successful.<span style="font-size: small;">I tend to have artist's ADD, and things can get pretty chaotic around here.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I'm a creative thinker though, so it's fun to help them work through problems they might have and to watch them come up with novel solutions for things on their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?</em> I've not personally experienced that, although people always ask how I get anything done after they've met my brood. I used to take my daughter with me to the evening life classes until she started walking and got too disruptive and felt a lot of support for that. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?</em> I think it's very important for artists to make the time for themselves to do their art. I find I am a much more pleasant and capable mother when I have adequate time to do my art. I guess the desire festers and turns into resentment when it's not directed properly.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB79rQBPnp8Y_2XldSNh-7ZPAkyJMIvmxTmiHLQ-MHp1vunpCdnq-70yuVt2V-oloIzbmchkr8yCGiQ14OHKKYwT7IKKqv47zCWw0QkFpVFuLrbv7MLOigtBXyziJ7ZU8dBzgl_4rwAk/s1600/10822669_10205297748381263_598961824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB79rQBPnp8Y_2XldSNh-7ZPAkyJMIvmxTmiHLQ-MHp1vunpCdnq-70yuVt2V-oloIzbmchkr8yCGiQ14OHKKYwT7IKKqv47zCWw0QkFpVFuLrbv7MLOigtBXyziJ7ZU8dBzgl_4rwAk/s1600/10822669_10205297748381263_598961824_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br /></div>
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</b><br />Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-56554559025881302422015-01-08T13:03:00.000-08:002015-01-08T13:20:20.806-08:00Painting Parent - Brandon Douglas<a data-reactid=".5a.$mid=11420751960759=2627e483cd5206e6b64.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$range0:0" href="http://www.brandondouglas.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.brandondouglas.net</a><span data-reactid=".5a.$mid=11420751960759=2627e483cd5206e6b64.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many
children do you have? What are their ages?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One, three months, Beatrice Ruth Douglas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How did
your artistic career begin?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been drawing my whole life, but didn’t start painting
until about 7-8 years ago. My job affords me a lot of time off and painting was
a fun way for me to fill that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think my hobby began to turn down the career path in 2010 when I took a workshop
with Mia Bergeron and then really kicked into gear in 2012 when I started
painting with Seth Haverkamp. Having such amazing artists close at hand for
inspiration and guidance has been huge for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-63K7TxxEE6Q0FEgfTkmffvncZO1r_kJccF_7trp7fD1FDGDmTGPV4WBHec5ya13Rnt-dLu8vkZwapJndSyNWeNQg1oXVxBoRo_onyns_PVq3lZuWCpuUGTYzbz9sWVR68QiQ6PrmSk/s1600/Douglas+-+Red+Chuck.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-63K7TxxEE6Q0FEgfTkmffvncZO1r_kJccF_7trp7fD1FDGDmTGPV4WBHec5ya13Rnt-dLu8vkZwapJndSyNWeNQg1oXVxBoRo_onyns_PVq3lZuWCpuUGTYzbz9sWVR68QiQ6PrmSk/s1600/Douglas+-+Red+Chuck.jpeg" height="256" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is
your Parenting/work/art situation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been a firefighter for about 12 years now and a
parent for 3 months. Up until Beatrice was born I had tons of time to paint due
to my work schedule of 10 24-hour shifts a month. Now that the little one is
here, things have scaled back. My wife also works full time, which leave me
(happily) watching Bea all day on my weekdays off. But thanks to having such a
supportive and understanding spouse, I’m still getting in a few hours of
painting in the evenings after putting the kid down to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPuoc2xE7u4aHWxYyvBIXgHXvcygMURBJNudpZR8gehxCBb7rb-vD6PU0oXjsEmCHH-CNkpYAGfHh12DAPwkKThL7UfaOEuyrfWE9XcJ4SmEMNufKLvsuRYYT9GMUITH5TxsAswq6dGk/s1600/Douglas+-+Exsto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPuoc2xE7u4aHWxYyvBIXgHXvcygMURBJNudpZR8gehxCBb7rb-vD6PU0oXjsEmCHH-CNkpYAGfHh12DAPwkKThL7UfaOEuyrfWE9XcJ4SmEMNufKLvsuRYYT9GMUITH5TxsAswq6dGk/s1600/Douglas+-+Exsto.jpeg" height="320" width="160" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When do
you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My prime studio time these days is usually later in the
evenings, 4 or so nights a week, as well as all day on my Mondays off thanks to
my mother-in-law. However, I always keep a sketchbook with me and will
occasionally work on small paint sketches at work on a slow day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your
children get involved with your art?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Na, she’s doesn’t quite have the motor control to hold a
brush yet. But I count the days until she’s old enough to do all my grunt work,
priming panels and such ;) Actually, she’s inspired me to child proof my studio
out of fear of her getting too involved with my art. I’m stuck on using lead
paint and hazardous mediums, so I modified a locking work bench/tool box to
enable me to lock up my paints and brushes away when I’m not home. I even cut
holes in the tabletop portion for medium cups and turp jars to avoid accidental
spills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZbDMR4JGJK54NYe36QNHG5EhyphenhyphenHn_BavjOYWgf7f1MoY4jkWc3CGyYQujWMb6X7hSGBCP_xWuoG4Di3Qqj6XYKSU1Y6Jr-0lulNcMqf96yb_QdVHuGfK0H6RXR252jDzJHx6lh4dFb4k/s1600/Douglas+-+Still+Life+no+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZbDMR4JGJK54NYe36QNHG5EhyphenhyphenHn_BavjOYWgf7f1MoY4jkWc3CGyYQujWMb6X7hSGBCP_xWuoG4Di3Qqj6XYKSU1Y6Jr-0lulNcMqf96yb_QdVHuGfK0H6RXR252jDzJHx6lh4dFb4k/s1600/Douglas+-+Still+Life+no+3.jpeg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do they
inspire aspects of your art?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Absolutely<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;">.
</span>Seth has always said his favorite subjects to paint are his children and
I totally understand that now. I’ve just completed my first painted portrait of
her and am already working on the next. I have a Strathmore tan toned
sketchbook dedicated to little drawings of her sleeping and playing that I plan
to continue throughout her childhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How has
having children changed your artwork?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know that it has actually changed my artwork, aside
from giving me new subject matter, but it has definitely changed how I approach
creating work. Before Beatrice I could afford to tinker around with whatever
little thing I felt like, or allow myself to get lost on the internet on days
when I felt less than inspired. Now my studio time is more limited so I have to
make an effort to keep myself focused on what I’m working on and make the most
of my time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YpDsIpp4T8wlIYOQoJzqASoPzt1EIBxsPi4n9sPgXUS3noXJAsRxhMAjTjL1BEhyphenhyphenq8Dfna5_eYG_lfNGVB4gyS_q2BEwUVqMFH59o5dKOT_nXtJNx8X96DWDKvRXMqW8zGPPhS2BsB4/s1600/Douglas+-+Here+Come+the+Rooster.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YpDsIpp4T8wlIYOQoJzqASoPzt1EIBxsPi4n9sPgXUS3noXJAsRxhMAjTjL1BEhyphenhyphenq8Dfna5_eYG_lfNGVB4gyS_q2BEwUVqMFH59o5dKOT_nXtJNx8X96DWDKvRXMqW8zGPPhS2BsB4/s1600/Douglas+-+Here+Come+the+Rooster.jpeg" height="251" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How does
making time for artwork influence other household tasks?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spending my late teens/early twenties growing up in a
firehouse, I’ve always had the view that work comes before play. Even if, as in
this case, ‘play’ is work. I never go out to the studio when there are chores
still to be done. Before Bea maybe that was vacuuming or wiping down the
kitchen, now days its washing the day’s bottles and making tomorrow’s batch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have
different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork
and in which ways?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She’s only 3 months old so I don’t have much to analyze
here, but certainly her sleeping better has helped. The first few weeks I was
too tired to do anything but sleep when she slept. Now that she’s on a better
schedule and is (almost) sleeping through the night it has helped a lot with
getting studio time as well as a reasonable amount of sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do
you encourage your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I plan to encourage her to be herself. If she’s artistic,
great, if she’s athletic, that’s great too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you
feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only pressure I feel right now in relation to my life as
a parent and as an artist is continue to make time for my pursuits as an
artist. I feel that setting that kind of example while inspire her to chase
whatever dreams and goals she may have, artistic or not. If she decides she
wants to draw and paint I’ll certainly do whatever I can to gently encourage
her and give her whatever instruction and guidance I’m able to provide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxVzLqRCvW4OSJeof5bww2fYy94OL9VvRmGVDk_7CiMuSxxnWhvkxVG2bPr3wREBk1ep6gP-O7InAhCmdwIcyN6TYoPRzWz-kgzcyDUdbTunnSjz9Gbjq_j3BtMI0qm3eppmniwJYEHk/s1600/Douglas+-+Blue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxVzLqRCvW4OSJeof5bww2fYy94OL9VvRmGVDk_7CiMuSxxnWhvkxVG2bPr3wREBk1ep6gP-O7InAhCmdwIcyN6TYoPRzWz-kgzcyDUdbTunnSjz9Gbjq_j3BtMI0qm3eppmniwJYEHk/s1600/Douglas+-+Blue.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you
seen your children take inspiration from your artwork? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s a painting I did of my wife hanging in our house
that Beatrice loves to stare at, if that counts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In what
ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know that specifically being an artist has any
effect, but I believe any parent who is committed to something their passionate
about, be it painting, writing, woodworking, exercise, whatever, is going to
have a harder time as far as time management goes, especially those of us who’s
passions don’t pay the bills. However, I think that part of being a
well-rounded, happy human being is pursing the things that make us happy and
give us an outlet. And to be a happier human, I feel, makes one a better
parent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #4f81bd; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you
think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know. I don’t really know how I’m perceived as an
artist as it is. I don’t feel like I perceive other artists with kids any
differently than those without. My hope is that my work is what influences
people’s perception of me as an artist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200851025527951818.post-63405008628650277062015-01-04T19:29:00.001-08:002015-01-04T19:29:29.666-08:00A little Pallete cleansingI have recently finished up two portrait commissions and have two more that I need to get started on this week, along with a portrait sample for an auction to raise money for my son's school. I have not yet shown my clients their paintings so I do not want to post them on the blog yet but hopefully they will be available soon.<br />
<br />
This past week I ordered the book Daily Painting by Carol Marine because I have been feeling the need to so some quick paintings in order to loosen up and relax in between commissions. I is a great book that covers so many practical issues of painting including selling paintings. Basically paint small, paint often, paint a lot!<br />
<br />
So today I painted my evening snack. Please forgive the photograph as it is only a quick snapshot taken under poor lighting but I wanted to show you the nights work. It is done in one sitting, alla prima and is 6x6 inches. In all it took a little more than an hour to paint. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO_bSK5BFiksxswPhHKsKdta0Yx2TjqyHSMBlM7Fa7MRPeuRG3hVji_T53Q7co7l4phAyu_T420iQBco4MQEEhsHrIwf67NEevg5FSh9WT4E8RPMlJeH5hOnRWtjHr0Vi_mQvN9O3LfA/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO_bSK5BFiksxswPhHKsKdta0Yx2TjqyHSMBlM7Fa7MRPeuRG3hVji_T53Q7co7l4phAyu_T420iQBco4MQEEhsHrIwf67NEevg5FSh9WT4E8RPMlJeH5hOnRWtjHr0Vi_mQvN9O3LfA/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" height="382" width="400" /></a></div>
Debby Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068691085697729619noreply@blogger.com1