Hello! I just turned to a new page on the calendar. Unbelievably, it’s now October!
The last three month chunk of the year is here (already). Days are rushing by too fast for me. If only there was a way to slow them down and appreciate every second. Instead, they’re over before I’ve even got a handle on them. I know I’m always on about this. In fact, writing here has made me realise just how much I’m obsessed with the passing of time…but, there’s no stopping it.
Hurting my back on Monday has given me no option but to slow down this week. It was one of those ridiculous middle-aged injuries you get from doing virtually nothing, like stepping off the pavement, or putting your pants on awkwardly, or in this case twisting ever so gently, to rearrange the contents of my bag before putting it in the swimming-pool locker. I thought being in the water might help. It loosened up enough for me to swim a few lengths and enjoy the ripples and reflections dancing around the clear blue water, but the effect didn’t last, and by the time I got home I was stooping and shuffling, and struggling to get in and out of my chair.
There’s been improvement every day since then. Keeping moving has helped, so has not over doing it. I’ve been sitting down to work no longer than 30 mins a time, and alternating that with standing up tasks. So, painting or writing for half an hour, followed by 30 mins washing dishes, cleaning the toilet or emptying the compost caddy. Oh, the glamorous life of an artist, revealed!
As you can imagine, working this way, progress feels impossibly slow, but I’m still getting things done; I’ve written this blog, finished a painting, listed a different painting in my shop, and scored a big red line through several life admin jobs.
The brief painting sessions have been the most fun. Knowing there’s not much time makes me more decisive and spontaneous. I’ve enjoyed creating more texture by adding painted papers, and using water soluble oil paints - they have a much thicker, creamier consistency than acrylics, so make it easier to build up brushstrokes. They also make it possible to mix more subtle colours. Having said that, these new pink and orange paints I’ve bought are anything but subtle! Will I be able to show restraint…? Watch this space!
In Other News
Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year is back on TV. It’s must see telly for me. I love that everyone’s approach to painting is so different. I was surprised that my favourite painter in the first episode was also selected by the judges to go through to the next heat. I’m not always so in tune with them. Watch it on Freeview at 8 pm on Wednesdays, or Sky if you have it.
Thanks for reading! I’ll be back soon with more tales from the studio.
Best wishes, Julia
Another great blog, I feel like I write that each time. Your posts are so comforting and relatable. Conversational too - you are a good writer and I am impressed with how much you managed while recovering. I think short painting bursts are really valuable and really beat the alternative of not painting.