Sunday, November 16, 2008

Stuck

A week? Where am I .......
Well, it's been a combination of catching up with real life (I'm still not done with my laundry) and my frame shop business, sorting out thousands of photographs I've taken in the past few months and frankly, being stuck. I experimented with several different ground colors on paintings, failed on four different pieces, then started a new painting that involves a complex and awesome painting by Thomas Hart Benton. Yikes.

Some weeks have no flow. It happens. I've come to realize it means I'm overwhelmed. Today I'll clean up my studio, finish my laundry and tackle the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle - and hopefully I'll feel that rhythm return tomorrow.

Happy Sunday.
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15 comments:

  1. Camille LaRue OlsenNovember 16, 2008 at 11:44 AM

    Whew, I can't tell you how much better it makes me feel to hear you are human, too! Thanks for telling that all these things happen to you, too. Seriously, it makes me feel very encouraged to keep plugging ahead and that sidetracking and stuckness can and do happen to any of us. You just probably need a little refueling time.

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  2. Jerry PointsNovember 16, 2008 at 12:23 PM

    Karin...as I'm sure you have heard, creativity is not an 8-5 happening. There are times when nothing seems to work and other moments when a painting takes off and paints itself and we can hardly keep up with it.. The best action, you have discovered, is to get away from the easel and do something else and come back with a fresh approach. Take a break and enjoy the change of pace.

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  3. AnonymousNovember 16, 2008 at 1:16 PM

    I agree with Camille.
    It is good to know that others get hit by LIFE occasionally

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  4. Paintings by Irit BourlaNovember 16, 2008 at 1:56 PM

    As long you are healthy..You need some refueling time.

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  5. AnonymousNovember 16, 2008 at 2:24 PM

    I know all about this. I think most artists do. I just hope I don't run into it, or it into me, for the next 90 days or so. I promised myself I would do 100 small paintings in 100 days. We'll see if I make it!

    (It might not actually be in 100 days. I reserve the right to do several in one day! I can just post them over 100 days.) ;)

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  6. AnonymousNovember 16, 2008 at 2:34 PM

    Uh, make that several on "different days." :)

    Oh, great. The word verifcation I am currently seeing is, believe it or not, "burst." Well, it will be either that or bust! ;)

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  7. Alice ThompsonNovember 16, 2008 at 3:37 PM

    Karin, I don't know how to "tackle" any crossword puzzles, I would be "stuck" and quit before I began. That sort of thing takes a special mind. I noticed "Map Quest" dissapeared(you didn't). Also you should know that you did not "fail", you are experimenting and learning using new techniques.
    Put on some groovy music.

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  8. Karin JurickNovember 16, 2008 at 4:16 PM

    To explain, the painting 'Mapquest' was removed because I reworked it the next morning. Something I rarely do, but couldn't get on with my life until it was done. I'm much happier with it now. In fact, I'm giving it to a friend.

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  9. davehNovember 16, 2008 at 5:48 PM

    like your work

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  10. Carol Schiff Daily PaintingNovember 16, 2008 at 7:11 PM

    Caught you! You were supposed to be doing crossword puzzles today, but obviously you are monitoring your blog! Don't know how to relax, huh?

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  11. conorNovember 17, 2008 at 7:56 AM

    Oh! You're human! I've been wondering where on earth you get all your energy! Take some 'down' time and relax! It's good to do that! We'll just look forward to seeing what you come up with when you're rested!

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  12. UnknownNovember 17, 2008 at 4:15 PM

    I know how you feel!

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  13. JEANNE BAUERNovember 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM

    I always turn to the NY Times. It never seems like an excuse to read the world news, take some downtime.
    I have just reached the age of "I love a nap!" which comes after "Nothing you do will shock me!"
    dishes and laundry are such a comfort sometimes...everything is right with the world when the kitchen is done.
    Why do women feel like a break is not acceptable? jb

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  14. laine leaNovember 19, 2008 at 6:01 PM

    Hi Karin.....good to take a break on occasion!!! Life does happen doesn't it!
    Your time in doing the Differnt Sttokes is so appreciated....this weeks comments make me have to ask if you have had to correct any of my images. Unfortunately, have a huge blind spot in one eye and frequently it causes me difficulty.....not complaining but I work diligently to compensate for it. Once you returned an image to me & I thank you but I want to make sure you've not had to correct any. Thanks!

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  15. Barbara MuirNovember 23, 2008 at 9:36 PM

    Hi Karin,

    I can't imagine you stuck, but I admire your courage and kindness in letting us know it happens. Of course it does. You are such a
    superb painter, and you've produced so much work, I would think that every now and then you need a bit of a break to think about what's next.

    Take care,

    Barbara

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