Everyday things have been sort of overwhelming lately. Things as simple as laundry or dishes or even getting the daughter ready for school wear me out. Maybe it’s the rainy weather. Maybe it’s the struggle of working through back pain. Maybe it’s that I’ve started working out every day in the hopes of strengthening my back. …Maybe I’m just worn out from trying to keep all the plates spinning.
So I’ve been painting more tiny things. I like it because in just a few hours, I get to challenge myself to paint a person in a tiny little area. They don’t always turn out perfectly, but it’s a challenge for me to paint a face I like that small, and see if I can still make it look nice.
I struggle when people tell me who I should paint, because if I don’t have some weird little sense of love for the person (or at least for their face), I have trouble drawing them (not custom work–I find that a fun challenge). Someone suggested an actor that I don’t really care much for, and I didn’t even consider it. I have to WANT to draw it. It has to be fun for me, right?
And right now, they’re fun. They’re a fun little challenge, not too daunting…
And while I do have a few in my etsy shop, I find they’re also really fun to make as gifts. This little piece of artist Mab Graves is on its way to her, as a thank you for a package she just sent. I styled her after the King and Queen of the moon in Gilliam’s Baron Von Munchausen, and tried to make it a good blend of both.
So these tiny things have been helping me through a lack of motivation lately, because in just 2-4 hours, I can finish a tiny little face that might be fun to look at. Not a giant drawing, not an intimidating portrait. Just something simple and small, challenging and fun. I’m not sure why, but lately, that’s good enough for me…
Sometimes it’s the little things that help…you know?
busy mockingbird 
You are my favorite Blogger. Whenever I see I’ve got a post from you, I open it up first. It’s the combination of everything: your honesty, your gorgeous work, your humor, and the simplicity with which you share everything. You’re always an inspiration. Chronic pain is exhausting. I hope your strength work helps. Feel better!
Aww what a wonderful thing to hear, thank you so much! It may just be the PMS talkin but it made my eyes a little watery. I’ve been so…tired, and feeling sort of…unhelpful? Like I’m not doing as much as I can, despite how hard I try. So thank you so much–I needed that and I didn’t even know it! ❤️
Really enjoyed visiting your sites. Love the creativity you bring to your illustrations.
They look amazing! Thanks for sharing, and best of luck with your back… Back pain can really rule your life
Sometimes life just gets in the way of or otherwise blocks our creative mojo. I know there are times when I know I will feel better if I can just grab some art time but I just cannot find the creative energy to sit and create. So I admire you greatly for problem solving and finding a project that allows you to continue doing what you love. These little minatures are sublime. I am in awe of your skill working at that scale. I don’t think my eyesight is good enough or my hand steady enough to even attempt this. My favourite is Poe.
Hang in there. I too struggle with chronic pain. I recently started a warm water pool ” arthritis/ no impact” exercise class at our YMCA. It has made a big difference. ( they have a hot tub too 🙂 deployment is also a struggle, you have a lot going on and are amazingly strong. I love the art you are sharing.
I have absolutely no idea how you can do it at all. The detail in something so small… Your skills are beyond fantastic. 2-4 hours? If I worked for 400 hours it would still be a rubbed out mess. But I can certainly see the pleasure in doing small things. Things that you can finish.
Lovely work. Lovely post.
You are an inspiration, in your life, your art, how you are raising your daughter to embrace her inner creativity in whatever form, and just getting through when the getting is tough. Be gentle with yourself…