You’re probably wondering why I’ve not posted the finished drawing that I’ve been working on. I pretty much ruined it. Its not even salvageable; I made a critical mistake in my original line drawing that I didn’t notice until it was too late to do anything about. I’m thinking it’s a by-product of the fits-and-starts method of working that I’ve been employing of late. I’m certain that if I were of a more dedicated mindset that I would have caught the error earlier…and now I’m just burned out because of it. To be fair, I was already feeling somewhat burned out and forcing myself to work…this mistake just pushed me over the edge.
I think I’m going to take the rest of the year off. I hate to end 2008 with a crap drawing, but I’m just not feeling it right now. I’m going to ruminate on some changes to my style and subject matter during what’s left of 2008 and start fresh in 2009.
See you in a few weeks!
7 responses so far ↓
1 Rose Welty // Dec 10, 2008 at 10:15 am
Steve,
What a shame! I know that feeling though – you are probably right, a break is what you need, a chance to step back and look at your art and your life and how it all fits together best.
I hope it’s a good break and that you come back chomping at the bit to pick up a pencil or brush again!
Honestly, it’s a bad time of year to get much artwork done…I think most artists slow up during this period, certainly the web traffic does.
2 Carolyn // Dec 10, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I understand how you feel, and it is discouraging. I am fully confident that you will recharge and come back in 2009 with some really awesome work. If you’re thinking about breaking out into some new stuff, why not keep a little sketchbook just for fun? An idea book, if you will. And no need to post it, just for yourself. I started keeping a private sketchbook a few weeks ago, and I really love it. The idea that it’s off limits from the internet makes me willing to take risks that I wouldn’t ordinarily take.
3 Teresa Mallen // Dec 11, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Sorry to hear about the ‘crap drawing’. But hey, there is definitely a silver lining here. Congratulations on giving yourself permission to take a break, congratulations on daring to seek new possibilities and a big congratulations on grabbing the opportunity for a fresh start. We all need one now and again. A wonderful gift to give yourself and a fantastic way to start a fresh new year. I wish you all the best in 2009!
4 S.G. Chipman // Dec 14, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Thanks guys!
@Carolyn – Thank for the advice! I picked up a Moleskine on Friday and have started playing around in it – I think I like this “no-pressure” drawing
5 Maureen Mitchell // Dec 17, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Just happened upon your blog, searching for colored pencil sites. What gorgeous work! Your post on taking a break really hit home…I just recently added a new puppy to our family… forcing me to take a break after completing a very large scale and time-consuming colored pencil portrait. Perfect timing! After a month and a half “break”, I have returned to work in a couple of new mediums; pastel and printmaking and having fun with both. (Fun is good.)
Wishing you the best while you recharge.
6 Holly Hardwick // Dec 21, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I just happened upon your site. I am a self taught artist and am studying where ever I can. Your paintings are sooo beautiful. I thank you for posting your stuff step by step. Beautiful. Hopefully I can learn from you and make my own paintings come alive too.
We all need to step back and recharge. Hang in there.
7 Paulette // Dec 22, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Can’t wait to see what you came back with. Enjoy your break and your family.
Paulette
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