I spent an hour or so in my mobile garden this morning, tidying up the plants and assessing what I'd lost to the winter. It's something I "haven't had time for" so far this year and it reminded me that we have all the time in the world...we just have to make time to do the things we love doing.
This applies to art as well. I can get so caught up in the admin and marketing of my art that I don't make time to just create. Especially now that I have a part time job to have a regular income to pay the bills.
I applied this concept last weekend as well. I needed to go into town to see my son receive his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in the Top Scouts Ceremony. I decided to get into town early and spend an hour or so in the Laing Art Gallery sketching.
I particularly want to practise figures more so I picked a portrait to copy first. Although neither of the sketches looks like the lady in the painting, they both look like people so I was happy.
In the next room is one of my favourite paintings in the Laing Art Gallery. "Isabella and the Pot of Basil" by William Holman Hunt circa 1867. This painting has been here ever since I can remember and it has always stood out in my mind. I'm not sure if that's because it's almost life size or because I've always been drawn to the Pre-Raphaelite style of art. 
So the next time you think "I don't have time to sketch" or draw or spend time in the garden, stop and think "When can I make time?". You'll feel so much better afterwards and you'll feel glad that you made the time to do something that you enjoy.
I'm certainly glad I made time to do that gardening. The pots look so much better now!
1 comment
Thank you for this. I am so inspired to make more time for my own art. It’s so easy to prioritise other things yet it’s such an important part of us that is worthy of tlc. Best wishes Amanda