5 Ways to Beat Creative Burnout

Suffering from creative burn out after the rush of the holiday season is just part of the job. This year has been no exception. It is nothing to worry about it.

These are sure fire ways to get those visions of sugar plums out of your head, and get the visions of art back in.

1. Clean and make improvements to studio space
2. Spend quality time with a shovel or any other manual labor preferably outdoors
3. Take very long walks
4. Scrub floors with a scrub brush
5. Spend the day with grand kids and horses (my favorite)

This year I have been finishing and texturing sheet rock in my new space. It didn't take long for the ideas and visions to start filling my mind.  I am sketching them daily and already raring to get back to work in the studio.



But I will wait.

 I hope to be ready to move into my new space next week/ next year.

Merry Christmas Wishes and a Song

We wish you all the special happiness the Christmas Season brings filled with peace, love and joy.

And some special Holiday music for you.

A Feeling of Accomplishment

The portrait of Max for his human that misses him so.

I have a feeling of accomplishment.
This has replaced the rush and near panic that has been with me since the first of November and the start of the construction project.
And my usual mode of operation I either call "chasing my tail" or "running in the family hamster wheel".

It just happened and came out of no where.
 Calm, peace and a deep sense that I have managed to keep all the balls in the air.
 Or something.
I make an effort to recognize goals when I reach them and give myself a little pat on the back, but it usually something I have to remember to do. (One more thing)

But this time was different. I have been wondering why...

The Willie Nelson Concert

Woo Hoo! It was awesome! No zoom here yall I had the camera sitting right up there on the stage.
I don't hardly go to concerts or anywhere else for that matter any more. Don't like big crowds or driving in cities. I'm thinking sweet Willie knew that about me and played this very small sold out concert in Mountain Home Arkansas. There was only about 1000 people . Willie and the band were sooo good. He sang all my favorite songs and signed autographs after the show. When he sang "Me and Paul" he changed the lyric from "almost busted in Laredo" to "busted in Laredo". The crowd went absolutely wild.

This is from my seat.

Saw the infamous tour bus, but the security guys couldn't be bribed with a check. :(

Had a 60 mile trip through mountain roads to get home and saw more deer than cars, but didn't even hit one.

Peek in the Studio

Sometimes I see photos people post of their studios. I am always green with envy. My studio never looks like that....and then there are days like Sunday. After working on packing, framing and last touches on portraits....OMG

Warning: Photos may be disturbing to some viewers. (especially me)

But I got to the post office and it's better now. (but not much)
Every year it is like this with the last minute portraits and all the shipping to do for Christmas. I have finished the last four portraits. Two of them were these adorable kids. I am so glad to have them finished and all the shipping done.
 

I am thankful for all my customers and the great number of sales
and anxious to get to work on the new space.
 
Does your studio get neck deep around the holidays?