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| My family and I at my opening. Cute bunch, right? |
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The show included works from the last 10 years. |
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I know it's been a while since I've written. Let's see--the last time was just when I got back from my summer vacation. And now it's....November?!? My, how time flies.
Well, I've been a bit busy. I'm happy to tell you that the project that has been consuming all of my working hours, and much of my personal time, is now on view. My oil painting art is the subject of a solo museum exhibition, Myths and Individuals, at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art. The show opened on October 21, 2011 and will be on view in St. Louis until December 23rd. The show will then travel to The Forbes Galleries in New York City from February 17 - April 23, 2012. There are thirty oil paintings in the show, both portraits and figures, spanning the past 10 years of my career.
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The catalog cover for the show. |
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Now that the dust has settled after the opening, I am looking around for all the other balls I have dropped in the past few months. So, I thought I'd write a post that muses on the crucial work-life balance and the ever-elusive goal of being a successful parent and a successful oil painting artist. Can I have it all? Do it all? Simply, no. I can't. At least, not all at the same time. And here's my point--it all takes time and lots of it--and usually a lot more than you think. For everyone striving to balance family and personal life and growth with career, we must learn certain wisdoms along the journey. Lessons that I've been reminded of recently.
First, patience: One of the skills that needs to be mastered is the ability to pace yourself, deal with short term issues, but all the while maintaining your focus on long term goals and the big picture. We all have to deal with the small stuff--but keep your eye on the prize, no matter what. I have a note pinned to my studio wall that says "Don't quit!" It's the mantra of an artist juggling all the things that can fill our lives.
Next, a friend mine reminded me to "celebrate small victories." The plans and dreams you have may take a bit longer to achieve, so celebrate small victories to mark the way along the road to larger accomplishments. Pat yourself on the back, raise a glass with friends, and take a moment to say "good job" to yourself.
Last, gratitude: Have you told your friend, partner, kids, parents, siblings, or close friends how glad you are that they support you and love you? Take a moment and send them an email. Go ahead. (Ok, now you're back, keep reading.) Even in the middle of a serious uphill slog, gratitude can be found all around if you remember to look for it. It will give you the energy and peace to keep pushing through.
So remember, artists--be patient, reward yourself for small accomplishments, say "thank you," and DON'T QUIT!
~Patricia
For more painting instruction from Patricia, check out her latest DVD, Figure Painting: Realistic Skin Tone.