Painting Parent- Ricky Mujica

How many children do you have? What are their ages?

I have a daughter who is nine and a son who is two.

How did your artistic career begin?

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.

What is your Parenting/work/art situation?

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.
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.
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.

When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?

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.

Do your children get involved with your art?

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.

Do they inspire aspects of your art?

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.

How has having children changed your artwork?

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.

How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?

Ha ha! The other household tasks never get done and as a result my wife is always annoyed with me!

Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?

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!).

How do you encourage your children to be artistic?

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.

Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?

No.

Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?

Yes. Many times when I pull out a sketchpad to draw, my daughter and my son will do it as well.

In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?

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.

Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?

I haven't noticed.

Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?

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.

Painting Parent - Casey Childs

Today Painting Parent Casey Childs 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.



"Flight" 20x30 Oil

How many children do you have? What are their ages?

We have 3 boys, ages 9, 7, and 3.

How did your artistic career begin?

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.

"Afternoon Repose" 30x24oil

What is your Parenting/work/art situation?

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.

When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?

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.

 

Do your children get involved with your art?

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.”

"Playlist" 30x20 Oil

Do they inspire aspects of your art?

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.

How has having children changed your artwork?

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.

How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?

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.

Light and Shadow 16x10 Oil

Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?

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.

How do you encourage your children to be artistic?

I think just by letting them express themselves, but that doesn't necessarily mean painting or drawing.  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.

Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?

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.

"The Bookstore"24x15

In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?

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.

Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?

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.

"Fallen" 21x11

www.caseychilds.com

 

Find Casey on

facebook.com/clc.childs  |  twitter.com/caseychildsart  |  vimeo.com/caseychilds

Painting Parent- Aynslee Moon Smithee

How many children do you have? What are their ages?  I have one child, a daughter, s
he is six months old.

How did your artistic career begin?  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.

What is your Parenting/work/art situation?   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.

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? 
 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.

Do your children get involved with your art? 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.

Do they inspire aspects of your art?  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. 

How has having children changed your artwork? 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.

How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?  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.  

How do you encourage your children to be artistic?  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!

Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?  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.

In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?  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.

Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?  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’.

Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share? 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.

Painting Parent- Jamie Lindholm

How many children do you have? What are their ages?

One son, 12 years old

How did your artistic career begin?

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.  Up to that point, I read everything I could on drawing and painting – trying to educate myself.   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.  I first attended MICA, but because of my desire for a realistic, old master style foundation, I quickly found myself looking for another teacher.  I first studied with David Zuccarini (a graduate of the Corcoran School and then a graduate of MICA as a student of Joseph Sheppard) .

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.

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.

What is your Parenting/work/art situation?

I am married and have a studio outside the home in a commercial building about a half mile from our house.  At one point, I had almost 40 students teaching only basic foundational studies.  However, as my personal commissions and commitments grew, I started scaling back.

We started homeschooling our son last year.  This forced me to get very creative in order to get my painting time in.  Often, I will go to the studio and paint in the evenings and on weekends when my husband is home.  We remain flexible and have started plans for a studio in our back yard.

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?

From 1983 – 2004 I worked full time and painted every other available moment.  When Erik was born in 2004, we made the decision that I would stay home and paint full time.  Because I painted the entire time I was employed, many of my coworkers and company management were familiar with my work.  One of my biggest commissions was from my former employer to the International Securities Exchange as a gift.

When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?

I find time every day to do either a drawing or work on a painting.  Now that life is a little more crazy, I often will work either very early or later in the evening.  I still have regular studio time for students on Sundays, Monday evenings and Wednesdays.

Do your children get involved with your art?

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.

Do they inspire aspects of your art?

He often inspires …sometimes in his expressions, sometimes just the way he’s sitting or looking at something.  I also try to do a portrait of him every year or so as he grows.

How has having children changed your artwork?

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.   I feel my work is getting deeper in its message as I paint with a lot of allegory and metaphor.

How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?

Hahaha…well, I certainly could do more loads of laundry if I wanted.  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.  We live fairly simply so it makes it easier to stay on top of.  I definitely get help when I need it though!

Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?

It’s certainly easier to make time for artwork as Erik gets older.  I can put him on task for an assignment or a project and we can often work together in the studio.  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.

How do you encourage your children to be artistic?

I encourage Erik to be open to all kinds of ideas and artistic expressions.  This is pretty easy as he is a very, very “out of the box” thinker.  Right now, he’s creating his own computer games and the graphics to go with them.

Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?

No.  I encourage him to listen to his own voice in terms of creative  expression in whatever form it takes.

Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?

Yes actually.  He sees how I come up with ideas and sketch them, and then they turn into a painting or large drawing.  This has taught him how to follow through with an idea to fruition and to have patience.

In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?

Well, as an artist I’ve been taught and encouraged to “see”.  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.  As a parent, being open and creative and aware of him makes it a little bit easier.  Still, parenting is the most challenging job I’ve ever had.

Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?

Good question….I have no idea.  I guess others would have to answer that one. J

Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?  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.

Painting Parent - Diane Reeves

From Diane Reeves – Portrait and Still Life Painter

Introspection

1. How many children do you have? What are their ages?
I have two wonderful children - they are 25 and 30 now!

2. How did your artistic career begin?
In high school, my social studies teacher, Mr. Kelly, gave me my first paid commission - to
create a copy of Picasso’s Don Quixote. Mr. Kelly’s confidence in me, a fledgling artist, was very
powerful. He planted the seed, but it would be several years before I returned to art. College,
grad school, marriage and kids came along. Finally, when our youngest was seventeen, I
attended Rose Frantzen’s workshop in Iowa – and those five days literally changed my life. I
went full time as a painter three years ago, and it’s been lots of fun challenges and enjoyment
ever since! Another milestone occurred when Kristin Hoerth, the editor of Southwest Art
magazine selected a detail image from one of my paintings for her “From the Editor” page in
December 2015, it was an unexpected and very exciting confirmation that my work was of a
quality that attracts the attention of editors, collectors and galleries.

Burst of Spring Detail

3. What is your parenting/work/art situation?
I squeeze in as much painting as I can between my classes and workshops. Since our children
are now grown and living elsewhere, I have much more time for creating art.

4. Do you now or have you ever worked other jobs while pursuing your art?
Yes, I taught for many years – both elementary and middle school, as well as college – and I
loved it. My last four years, I taught middle school students art, which was icing on the cake!

5. How do you preserve time and energy for your art?
I make painting a true priority – by organizing my studio, my home and my life to allow me to
make the most of my time at the easel. Conversely, forcing myself to pull away from the easel
to get sufficient sleep and exercise is also key! I handle the business side of painting in the
evenings (entering competitions, preparing for a show, shipping art, social media, etc.).

Three Rosebuds

6. Are there ways that your art benefits from your other job?
My painting, drawing and workshop students frequently remark how well I explain and
demonstrate concepts and skills, and how patient and encouraging I am – I’m sure those are
benefits from my previous teaching career!

7. When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?
Yes! I find routine is key! On painting days, I wake early, down two cups of tea/coffee, grab a
protein bar and get going as quickly as I can. I take a short lunch break to put my feet up, then I
return with renewed energy to my studio and wrap up around dinner time. After dinner, I
sketch at my drawing table, which is in the family room – so I can still visit with my husband. On
teaching days, I rush home to paint while it’s still light!

8. Do your children get involved with your art?
As teenagers, they critiqued my art – and as you can imagine, they were quite honest. “Hey
Mom, the statue looks awesome, but the grapes are terrible.” Their honesty was a huge
blessing, I will be forever grateful they didn’t hold back!

Ana, portrait sketch

9. Do they inspire aspects of your art?
When I first began portrait work, I painted each of my children – the paintings aren’t nearly as
developed as my work is today, but they are still very special to me!

10. How has having children changed your artwork?
I found (at least for me) being a mom and a teacher required the greater portion of my time
and energy. Fortunately, during those years I read countless art magazines, discovered Sargent
and other amazing artists, collected mountains of paints and bushels of brushes, visited
wonderful museums, viewed excellent painting videos, and dreamed of the time ahead!

11. How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?
I find simplicity is key – and my husband is very willing to pitch in, so it’s manageable.

Exquisite 16x20

12. Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which
ways?
I loved every age my kids went through – and each had certain pulls on my time. Sports, drama
rehearsals, club events and dude ranch weekends filled my time. I figured one day I’d get back
to my art, and I finally did when my youngest was in high school.

13. How do you encourage your children to be artistic?
We had kazoodles of art materials, for two and three dimensional creations. Both our children
loved to come up with crazy inventions, new games, and occasionally even some great art.
Though neither chose art as a career, they’re both very innovative in their thinking and problem
solving, and both have artistic skills.

14. Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?
Not at all. Every child has unique gifts, and although it would have been fun to have one or
both of our kids choose an art-related path, we’re glad they’ve chosen paths that allow them to
use their gifts, pursue their passions, and fulfill their desire to help others.

15. Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?
Indirectly, yes. They’ve seen me stretch and grow in my desire to achieve a dream – in my case,
as a professional artist. They’re very proud of their mom – and I believe they take notice of my
example as they pursue their own dreams.

16. In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?
For me, it made it easier, because I could help my kids get their creative ideas going (for
homework projects, story writing, science fair projects, bored Saturday afternoons, etc.).

17. Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?
Not that I’ve noticed.

18. Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?
As much as we enjoy creating art, I believe we need to understand there are MANY other kinds
of gifts that are tiny seeds in young children. If we search for those seeds, keeping in mind they
may be different from our own, we can nurture THEIR unique interests, talents and abilities –
and in turn bring fulfillment and joy into our children’s lives.

Website: www.diane-reeves.artistwebsites.com
Blog: www.dianereevesfineart.blogspot.com

Just Paint

Many 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

In it all I find I can truly feel satisfied when I find time to JUST PAINT.

Detail of a commission in progress. (photo was taken at night with the crappy lights)

Painting Parent - Christine Miller

How many children do you have? What are their ages?

My son Donny who is 5 yrs old.        

 

How did your artistic career begin?

My Grandpa, F. J Miller, was a painter.  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.  He believed in me.  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.  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.  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.

 

What is your Parenting/work/art situation?

 

I am a single mom. Currently I paint about 2 or 3 days a week when my son is with his father.  This past year since I’ve started my business in portraiture, I’ve had steady commissions and still have done my own work.

When do you make time to do your art and do you have a regular art routine?

It is a more regular schedule now that my son started kindergarten this fall.

 

Do your children get involved with your art?

Yes, my son is the best critic of my work, especially portraits of himself.  He reminds me how important emotion is in the painting.  His first reaction is what he feels, what he thinks the person in the portrait is feeling.  I’ve learned a lot from him that’s been preparing me for the future.

 

Do they inspire aspects of your art?

Yes, I’ve done so many portraits of him.  My son’s best friend and cousin, autumn, I painted recently and titled ‘Princess’.  I’ve also painted the teddy bears they each had when they were born.  I hope my paintings speak to the value of children.  The faith, honesty and wonder in the eyes of a child are indescribable.  Jesus says ‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven’.  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’.  Check my website blog for more info http://www.cmillerportraits.com/blog

 

How has having children changed your artwork?

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.

 

How does making time for artwork influence other household tasks?

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.

 

Have different ages of your children been more difficult to make time for artwork and in which ways?

When he was a baby and slept a lot I used to stay up late and do a lot of work.  As he got older, I didn’t stay up as late.  I needed my sleep for all his energy during the day.  So I work during the day now mostly and when he’s with his father.

 

How do you encourage your children to be artistic?

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.  I encourage the importance of an artist’s skill to help in any direction he takes in life.

 

Do you feel extra pressure as an artist to raise your children to be artistic?

No, but I think Art is where learning begins as a child.  Drawing everything can help them grow in memory for learning and help them in many different ways.  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.

Have you seen your children take inspiration from your artwork?

Yes in ways I didn’t expect.  My son seems to have a photographic memory and he is good with math, which I am not good with.  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.  He picks up a lot from my artwork like being concerned with light and shadow when he’s painting and mixing colors.  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.  He is very unique, driven, creative, caring and smart little man.  It’s a struggle with the public school, which encourages a different approach.  I know he will do great things in his future.

 

In what ways does being an artist make being a parent harder or easier?

It’s harder and better at the same time.  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.  I rely on God to help me as a parent and as an artist.  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.  My son and our life inspire my work and our work inspires him, love and life.

Do you think being a parent affects the way you are perceived as an artist?

Some think I am too busy because I am a parent, but I don’t understand what the problem is.  I love the parenting part as well as the painting.  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.  I don’t try to please everyone, but to please God and give Him the glory. 

 

Are there any other things about Balancing Painting and Parenting that you would like to share?

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.  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.  Everything happens for a reason and He makes it a continuous joy.