Can I have advice please? I work full time, during the day think "tonight I will..." and by the time I have travelled home and eaten it is 7.30. There is no space to leave painting/pastel/drawing equipment out and ready. So I do nothing. And next day I am cross with myself for having done nothing - again! I have done a little bit of watercolour painting, I have pastels and paper paper, and pencils. I just need a bit of a push really. (And I know really the answer is, just do it!).

Val

HI Valerie - rather a late response - sorry. You are right really what you have to do is just do it as you say. However there are afew things you can do to help along the way. Even when you don't get time to paint, you can think like a painter every minute of every day.... how would I mix that colour (as you look at a passing car) how could a capture that mood (as you look at a sunset) how can I re-create that texture (as you look at your pile of ironing) - every thing you look at can help you with your painting, even if you don't get as far as opening up your sketchbook. With regards space -why not have a large tray that you keep all your painting things on, so you just lift the tray to one side when not in use rather than packing everything away completely.
Hope this helps a bit.

Hi Chandy

Yes, thanks, that is a help. I find it is just too easy to say "well if only I didn't have to.....I'd have painted a masterpiece this evening".I've got loads of books, but I know rather than read about it I should just be doing it. Thanks again.

Regards

Val

Valerie. I suffered the same until I treated myself to a stack of plastic lidded storage boxes on castors in which I store all my paint, brushes and equipment with work in progress sitting on top. It stands in corner of room out of way when not in use ready to wheel out of an evening and away I go.
I too bought lots of books but only use one, The Paint Mixer's Bible which has page of page of what colours to mix with what to obtain required colour.
Best of luck and get to it. Best hobby I ever took up.

Sylvie
(visit my gallery www.kit-domino.com)

Hi Valerie

Painting & drawing for most of our members is regarded as a hobby, it’s done when life permits. You share a strong enthusiasm for art which niggles at you when not pursued. This is understandable during the week when you have work but why not paint at the weekend?

If I was you I would make Friday evenings your time to paint. Painting on a Friday is a good idea because you feel the most positive as everybody enjoys the weekend. Don’t let anybody bother you and take the phone out of the wall. This is your time to be creative other people should respect that.

I hope this helps

Stewart Scott
Membership Coordinator