artists_logo.gif Artist's Marketplacee
  Your interactive artists' community
Monday, September 08, 2008 Register | Login
     
 
Artists Network
Subject: Multiple projects sitting on the shelf?

You are not authorized to post a reply.   
Author Messages
vikingwife

Posts:851

11/03/2007 5:11 PM Alert 
Does anyone else have this problem?? I feel like a art scatterbrain sometimes because I have so many ideas floating around in my head.......and the result is usually 3-4 unfinished projects sitting on the shelf. I currently have a colored pencil pic (60% done), a watercolor (30% done) and an oil pastel that I just started today(30% done). Does ANYONE else do this or is it just me? Jess
Kim
Posts:368

11/03/2007 5:39 PM Alert 

Jess, I think it's the creative minds at work here. 

As for incomplete projects, something that I have made work for me is looking ahead to the finished project.  I keep telling myself that I won't have work to put on a website (I've almost got enough to at least start one) if I don't finish.  I've even started enjoying having several pieces going at the same time so that after work when I go to my space, I have something to suit my mood.  Sometimes I have the energy to work on the project that is more difficult.  Sometimes I need the no-brainer one.  But my goal is to work on something every day, or at least every other day.  What I usually find is that they all get completed about the same time.  And then it's time to get some more going.  Today I finished some sunflowers for my next door neighbor (see oil forum); currently I have a pencil drawing started and a small oil that I'm afraid to work on because it's totally a new subject (fear makes me procrastinate).  And, I'm making notes and sketches on how to do an abstract for a friend that is 3'x5'.  Talk about variety!  It's great!  Often for me the motivation is the reward that comes at the end when that special piece is complete.

Jess, you're very talented and you've mentioned you have children that keep you hoppin' (I remember those days!  I had three 2 years apart).  You may take longer to finish than some, but you've been posting, so don't be hard on yourself.  It may take time to find your rhythm.  Something else that I discovered about myself - I didn't paint, draw, or whatever on a regular basis until I made a committment and designated me a permanent place in the house.  I also set aside Saturday as my creative day - no other responsibilities are expected of me.  It's made all of the difference in the world.  You just have to find what works for you - maybe you can get a couple of half days and swap kids with a friend.

I hope that I have encouraged you. I always anticipate getting to see your next drawing.  You're very good.

vikingwife

Posts:851

11/03/2007 6:10 PM Alert 
WOW! You made my evening! I think you hit my problem right on the head....."fear makes me procrastinate"! I usually dive right into a project. But as soon as I hit a part that has the potential to be difficult....I put the project aside....sometimes for weeks!!! And by that time....my attention has turned to something else.

I like your suggestion about finding "my spot" in the house to work. I've actually been thinking about that a lot lately. Been thinking about reorganizing the livingroom so I could fit an table and cabinet for all my art stuff. As for time....it has been better lately....my daughter has afternoon kindergarten and my son has an afternoon nap. So I actually have about 2 hours to myself every day.

Thanks so much for responding Kim....sometimes I just get overwhelmed and feel like I have artistic attention deficit disorder. I'm glad I'm not the only one with multiple projects on the shelf.

Jess
idlewild
Posts:24

11/03/2007 9:30 PM Alert 
Jess, I read somewhere that multiple unfinished art projects were a sign of a right brainer, its just your creative juices flowing!

"you don't realize what you have until you transform it"
DaleSmith

Posts:44

11/10/2007 8:35 PM Alert 
I find this to work for me. Put all your projects out on the floor. Now put them in a stack against the wall with the one you feel the most passion for in the front and the next in order of passion. Don't go to the next until you finish the first.
You are not authorized to post a reply.
Forums > Join the Discussion > Artists' Lounge > Multiple projects sitting on the shelf?



ActiveForums 3.6