March 01, 2017

Burning The Candle

Many people do not know that I’m not a “full-time” artist. I currently am employed as a graphic designer for a healthcare organization and paint when I can after-hours or on the weekends. Right now, it is the ideal solution to a steady paycheck and fulfilling my artistic passions. So, I have nights of working late or getting up at four to work on my art. Would I rather be a full-time fine artist with many hours of studio time awaiting me each day? Well, yes and no. ((Smile)). I live in a small town, which I absolutely love. I live in the country, surrounded by lush green pastures and abundant wildlife—right in my own backyard! I have no metropolis filled with hip galleries nearby, no cosmopolitan lifestyle… and that suits me just fine. However, without the metropolis, painting as a living, becomes a little harder. And, as a small town artist, I needed what I felt would be more stability: a weekly paycheck, 401K, benefits, etc. Security. A full-tuime living as a studio artist in a small town is a successful venture for some, but not me, not yet. Am I a sellout? Call me that if you like, but it works for me. It helps that I enjoy my full-time gig, and really like the people I work with every day. Plus, I have a job that still allows me to use my creativity and artistic talents daily, even if my “art” is commercial and on a pc. And until I retire, my dual life will be the best fit.

On the downside, my patrons hopefully will be understanding of the artist burning the candle at both ends. Commissions take a little longer. My painting sessions are sometimes spotty, some days I can paint for two or three days in a row, and sometimes maybe only once a week.

I do have that brass ring in mind for some day. Maybe I can retire a little early and begin that second career of being a full-time painter. Maybe I can go back to teaching; I really do miss it.
Until then, I’ll set my alarm for four a.m., drink a couple more cups of coffee when I wake up and paint a couple of hours until the sun comes up.

Pictured above right:
“Self-Portrait with a Palette”, c 1883, Marie Bashkirtseff (Ukranian-born French artist, 1858-1884)

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