The Luxury of time

NEVER BLUE by Sea Dean 6” x 6” Canvas
Currently in my Mothers’ Day Sale for only $54

One of the things I keep reading and hearing about this enforced isolation, is how much people are enjoying the time off. Sure, it’s difficult to be stuck inside and there are mental challenges whether you are single and completely alone like me, or cooped up with your loved ones.

But, back to the positive ....
These are some of the comments I’ve been hearing about the pluses of lockdown

Time to think
Time with family and loved ones
Home cooked meals
Decluttering
Catching up on the list
Fresher air
Less noise pollution
Learning to grow organic food
Learning to bake bread
Less advertising (emails)
Letting go of the unimportant
Finding joy in small things

For the past 50 years or so, time has been a real luxury. The world has been moving at a faster and faster pace as people try to get ahead and gain advantage over the competition. In February/March 2020, as the world ground to a halt, people collectively experienced an “aha” moment. I think it will cause many to reassess and head in a different direction.

With retirement looming in mid year, I had already started to make plans for a change of lifestyle. It remains to be seen if it will all be available when the dust settles. First Brexit came along and messed with my retirement dreams and now this. Some things I’m managing to act on a bit earlier than I planned, like my victory garden. Others have been put on hold indefinitely.

I’ve been trying to grasp what the effect of Covid19 has had on my life and just now it came into focus; it’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Very, very slow motion, because the carriages haven't yet come to rest and they wont for a very long time. At least I now have the time to enjoy watching the transition.

Oh well! Onwards and upwards.

LA VIE EN ROSE - ACEO Series and A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

LA VIE EN ROSE
ORIGINAL ACEO BY SEA DEAN
2.5" x 3.5"
Currently on Auction at Daily Paintworks

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view ALL my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.

La Vie en Rose or A life of Roses is a semi-abstract study for a larger work. It packs a massive punch for such a small miniature, with lovely violet interference paint highlighting the petals and signature as I have tried to capture in the last photo. Interference paint gives a sort of petrol on water effect with the colour only visible some of the time according to lighting conditions and where you stand to view the painting. Other times the colour is completely invisible, unlike Iridescent paint which is always visible but sometimes shines. 


A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

I bet this is something you haven´t thought about. You may have purchased cotton sheets or organic fabric and thought that was a solution but there is so much more to a healthy bedroom environment and there are many silent health risks lurking in the place where you spend a third of your life. I´m quite an environmentally conscious person and I was shocked when I read this article.

Sleep Happier and Healthier in a Toxin-Free Bedroom

WHY DO I GET HUNGRY WHEN I PAINT? and APRIL SALE

I read my fair share of art blogs and it's amazing how many mention calorie laden snacks like chocolate, donuts and the like. I also see still life artists on Daily Paintworks painting their snacks, cup cakes, macaron, cookies, bread, etc.

I too, have noticed a marked rise in hunger after a few hours of painting, so much so that I lose concentration and I have to get up and make tea. I have often wondered if this was because the paints give off some kind of chemical which triggers hunger. Problem solved, I have the answer from another blogger, Daniel Amen of "The Amen Solution" fame.

"Even though your brain makes up only 2 percent of your body's weight--about 3 pounds--it uses 20-30 percent of the calories you consume. It is the most energy-hungry organ in your body." Read more here.

People who are not artists often have the opinion that painting comes naturally and all an artist has to do is get out a canvas and splash around some paint and voila, a painting magically appears. Perhaps that is so, in a few cases, but most artists spend hours sketching, photographing, doing layouts, planning colour schemes and composition before they even pick up a brush. All this thinking, as we have now learned, burns a lot of calories and not surprisingly you become hungry. If all you have on hand is chocolate and donuts, guess what you'll grab in a hurry when your brain is craving a reload?

For a good part of my life I was in hospitality, and also sales which turned me into a big coffee drinker: Something to do with all those late nights and early starts and the need for a regular boost. When I decided to limit my intake to 2 cups of coffee a day max, I started searching for a substitute. It was then I discovered flavoured green tea. This is a perfect no calorie choice for an energy boost. I am a bit of a workaholic but I do is force myself to take a break occasionally and spend time with nature, especially if its sunny. This works wonders to reduce tension and stress and recharge my batteries. Even 5 minutes makes a big difference to how I feel.

I would be most interested in what you use for a low calorie energy booster. Please leave a comment.

Just a quick reminder that my Miniature Masterpieces are currently on auction at Daily Paintworks at the hugely reduced starting price of $49. Once the auction is over the winning bidder can choose any of the below paintings. Then the bidding starts again for the next painting until the end of April. The three roses in the center, bottom row are Minis and can be purchased for $25 each by contacting me.

PAINT TILL YOU'RE 100 AND GLOW AT OPENINGS - CALL BLUE

Artists are not known for their good physical health. However, with very minor effort and a few adjustments you can improve your well being immensely. The northern hemisphere is slowly heading into Spring so now is a good time to get started. Read on for tips and inspiration.

CALLA BLUE
ORIGINAL

6" x 4" OSWOA Postcard
To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. If there is no current bid you may contact me for the "Buy Now" price. Larger originals or prints may be available.


Paint till you're 100 and glow at openings

1. Eat healthy. There are no excuses now supermarkets clean wash, chop and package everything for you! Eat more fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains.
 
2. Nibblies. Take comfort from your Art, not saturated fat and empty calories. Cut out a little every few months and try not to binge. If you feel like cake or chocolate head to the studio and get involved in your work. If you have a fridge where you work, fill it with healthy snacks.
 
3. Go for a walk - 30 mins or 15 mins twice daily. Take your camera and sketch book. Ankle weights for more weight-bearing to strengthen bone and muscle - (your heart's a muscle). No time? Yeah yeah! Standing burns 30% more calories than sitting so stand and sit several times as a mini exercise while checking social media, email or talking on the phone. Consider standing at the easel rather than sitting.
 
4. Take care of your eyes. Step away from the easel and computer screen and get out in the fresh air. Looking into the distance has been proven to help with eye strain. They say blue and green has a very healing effect. Nature and Sunshine do wonders for the soul.

5. Still not feeling up to par? Sluggish bowels make you look pasty, tired and encourage disease. Even a little exercise really helps here. I take a teaspoon of bulk Psyllium every day for improved function.
 
6. Now you have a healthy glow, improve your facial and bone structure with supplements.
Calcium 1,200 milligrams (mg) a day, at least a 600 mg supplement plus calcium rich food.
Vitamin D3 for bones to absorb calcium 1,000 international units (IU) a day - 1,200 IU after 60.
Magnesium 400 to 500 mg per day prevents constipation.
I also swear by a glycolic face wash which has kept me looking young for my age.


Here are some state of the art, fun gadgets to help you keep on track.

Enjoy feeling terrific and let me know how it goes.

Cat # 13086 Calla Blue

ORGANDY ACEO

Day 30 - 30 in 30

ORGANDY
ORIGINAL ART ACEO 2.5" x 3.5"
Ask about larger Originals in the same series or Prints of this ACEO. To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks.

This painting is SOLD but I'm happy to take a commission for a similar work. Contact me to inquire about prints and Art cards. 

This signature "Essence" painting induces relaxation and peace. 

Organdy is closer to abstract/ impressionism than most of my florals. I called it "Organdy" because the multiple layers give the effect of a ball gown with many layers of transparent fabric. I've added silver and bronze iridescent paint to enhance the impression of floating on air.

This painting is for day 30 of Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days. However, as I started a few days late I also painted "Love is in the Air" which will publish on February 1st and "Evermore" which will publish on the February 2nd, so I can truly say I completed the challenge in the allotted time.

I am also sending out another blog today with a fantastic opportunity and challenge for Artists so "Follow by Email" on the right  to read the exciting news. 

Tip: To get this effect allow the acrylic to dry between layers. Use the colours like watercolour washes.

I welcome comments below. If you have a challenge posting use Anonymous but please put your byline.

LINKS TO BLOG ARCHIVE
How many paintings does it take to become a professional Artist?
The importance of Statistics
"Every Painting should have a hint of red"
Where will your painting find a home?
A fascination for Miniatures - ATC, ACEO, OOAK etc  
"I would rather die of passion than of boredom"
 
(Cat # 13029 - posted as # 6 on Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30)

OUT

Day 27 - 30 in 30

OUT
ORIGINAL ART ACEO 2.5" x 3.5"
Ask about larger Originals in the same series or Prints of this ACEO. To view my Gallery please visit Daily Paintworks. 

This painting is SOLD but I'm happy to take a commission for a similar work. Contact me to inquire about prints and Art cards.

When a cat sleeps they seem to be able to completely detach themselves from the world. They are "out". It's so relaxing to watch that absolute dedication to rest. I often wish I had the ability to instantly disconnect myself from the rest of the world and attain an instant alpha state.  

Cats also seem to have the ability reconnect in a flash if they sense something. When they are alert, they fully engage in whatever is happening. I suppose that's the Zen of kittydom or somesuch philosophy.

Tip: Backgrounds are crucial and worth spending time on. Here I chose to balance the bright fur colour with some abstract flashes of bronze but it took several attempts to get the right effect.
 

Two of my original works are now on auction for Hurricane Sandy relief. Low starting bid but reverting to regular price soon. To bid click on photo.

Let me know what you think. I welcome comments below. If you have a challenge posting use Anonymous but please put your byline.


LINKS TO BLOG ARCHIVE
How many paintings does it take to become a professional Artist?
The importance of Statistics
"Every Painting should have a hint of red"
Where will your painting find a home?
A fascination for Miniatures - ATC, ACEO, OOAK etc  
"I would rather die of passion than of boredom"
 
(Cat # 13026 - posted as # 7 on Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30)