Introducing myself

[Queen of my Castle]

Hello all! I didn't know this thread was here. I'm a painter- I've been working 'full time' since my son was born- I graduated from art school in 2004. Since then I've had 1 solo show, 1 solo booth at an art fair, 1 2-woman show and various group shows, and I"m preparing for my 2nd solo show in December. I paint in oils- large scale(life-size) of figures and landscapes (focus on abandoned buildings) and am represented by 2 local galleries.
I sort of have an old blog but my bro is setting up a pro website for me. In the meantime I am painting like crazy- with a 22 month ds and a house under constrction I'm a little busy!
Looking forward to having a look around in here-
A

[BelgianSheepDog]

Hi there! I'm still in school so it's always good to hear about moms who have been successful with their art.

[Starflower]

Queen - glad to "meet" you.

How do you do it? Do you have child care? I know I have some artist block issues going on, but sometimes I feel like I don't even have time to sleep. How do you get into your groove?

Please share! Also, I'd love to see some of your work!

Gotta go. DD's into something.

[Queen of my Castle]

Hi! Sorry I didn't see your message Starflower-
Well, so far with only one baby I paint when he naps. When I was pregnant with him I applied for a solo show at my local Public Arts and Crafts association, and got it! By the time he was born, it was 9 months away- so with a deadline I HAD to paint- I had a solo show!
From then on I've always 'overbooked' myself. I've committed to various shows; another solo, a 2-woman, a booth at a large outdoor art fair- and always HAD to paint- if I had no deadline I'd just leave it. Until recently, it was always when he napped. At 23 months, he does nap in the afternoon, but I have been having my sister come out in the mornings for an hour or two to watch him because I have a REALLY big show coming up.
With 2 I"m sure it will be different, and I may have to take some 'time off'(hoping for it) but at the same time I'm committed to it- it's my career and it supplements our income(so far all the shows have done really well).
Anyway- I just force myself to do it! There are always a million other things- and when I'm really busy they get neglected. I recently hired a housecleaner every 2 weeks- it really helps me keep things under control. I think it would be harder to start in the middle of a family- having a baby made me realize I had less time.
I encourage you to pursue it! Although- the block is problematic. However- sign up for something, put the pressure on yourself- and just do it!
(Mind you, ds has slept through the night from very early on- so I've had enough sleep since he was 4 months old)
A