Creating Time To Create

“Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.”
― Salvador Dalí

So often we need to break down our surroundings to rebuild them anew. Last year I started a series and set out to create roughly 20 paintings. Twenty seemed like a good number to substantially display my concept and capture the minds of viewers long enough to force a fight between ones’ attention span and deep thought.

When I started this series I decided that I would no longer paint works of anything but this series until it is finished. Furthermore, I would not produce commissioned work of any type to ensure my creative authenticities.

As 2016 passed I began to realize just how excellent my decision was. It has totally changed my work for the better, and allowed me time to create art without limitations and deadlines.

At the beginning of 2017 I began to see how long my work was taking. I sit currently without a completed series. Truthfully, not even close to 20 paintings.

I find that I need to create more time to focus on my work. If you are like me, you understand how I feel when I say “Sitting around and being tired from the day will never land me in front of my easel”.

Helpful ideas to bridge the gap between maybe I’ll get some work in today, and setting up to get down-

• Sticking to a schedule-

Setting aside a specific time to create will allow your body and mind to prepare subconsciously for focusing on your work. I am usually only able to get anything done after my kids go to bed. Thus, I create at night. By Picking the days I plan to work on my art ahead of time, I am ready to create when the evening arrives.

• Set realistic goals-

When I sit down to paint it generally takes me one to two hours to get out the layers and colors I want on canvas. Understanding the time you would like to spend on your work will help prepare you avoid any unwanted interruptions.

• Employ Constructive Alternatives

During the week I work 10 hour days and don’t always have tons of free time to spend getting lost painting. I find that it’s important not to totally shut down your creative side for an extended period of time.

Personally, I have started a drawing series to avoid creative shut down. It’s small in comparison to my painting, but it allows me to draw for 20 – 45 minuets at a time. This allows work to be created on days that I would not normally be producing art. Not only does it keep me thinking creatively, but it also increases my inventory in the art department.

My best advice for creating time to create… Get some coffee rolling and never forget there is always right now.

Bradley-