For Wip Wednesday, I wanted to share these two Pastel artworks from a camping trip years ago. I don't often work in Pastel as we have a love/hate relationship. But these two artworks are a reminder that sometimes we need to do something different and how important it is for an artist to get out there and really study. To draw from life and practice observing details that are sometimes forgotten. That we are all just works in progress constantly growing and developing no matter our age.

For myself, I have been pushing myself to develop a healthier work/life balance in hopes of decreasing my que wait time and developing a routine that allows for both work and fun. As an artist who works in a variety of mediums, it has increased my turn around time and both expands and limits what type of art I can do. I work primarily on custom orders which means other projects I want to do, like my hand sewn books, get pushed to the side. And many artists who make a living from their art feel guilty when they take time to work on art for just themselves. 😔

However, it is important to always take time to create that healthier routine and it is essential for an artist to get out there and draw from life. 💚 I have been working hard the last two months to implement a new schedule. Giving myself time to not just work on commissions, but also to add in monthly Life Drawing sessions at a local art gallery, to get outside and draw from nature, and to take time to sketch just for fun to mess around and see what happens.❤️ It is through developing our observational and problem solving skills as well as our joy in creating that an artist can grow. These two pieces always remind me of the pleasure found in the challenge of creation. Get out there and draw from life. View the world around you and notice the details and shadows. The colors and highlights. It is ok to be a Work in Progress. Never stop learning.

❤️