What does one do when they have many paintings left to complete for their solo art exhibit in eight months and a cracked rib?
This was the challenge I faced through January as I tried to figure out a way to keep working without compromising my healing. Part of this came from a desire to keep as close to my original painting schedule as possible. Truthfully though, part of it also came from sheer boredom. There are only so many hours one can binge-watch old episodes of “Criminal Minds” and “Castle”.
When I’m painting I need to lean into the canvas for all of my fine detail work and, even though my rib fracture was on my back close to the spine, I still found leaning against the table caused pain to radiate around my rib cage.
After much trial and error with my painting “Dawning Realizations”, I began by simply working on the rough aspects of the background. I would lean forward, paint for thirty seconds, and lean back again to rest. I did this for half an hour a day to start with and then slowly built up to about an hour a day. Working this way I finished everything except the central tree, then set the painting aside. I knew I’d need more stamina and the ability to lean into the canvas for longer periods to tackle all those tiny branches.
Instead, I started another new painting and painted as far as I could, then started another new painting. By working this way I had four paintings simultaneously on the go in January and I would decide which one to work on depending on my level of pain and energy each day.
Around mid-January, I returned to the studio for one day a week—down from my usual four days. While I had missed working there tremendously, I’m still finding it challenging. Even the short commute back and forth on the disability ride-share bus is hard on my healing back and I miss having a bed to crash in when I need it. It is, however, great to get in some distraction-free painting time.
In any case, both healing and painting continue to progress and, as evidenced by “Quite the Pair”, I’m now back to my old tricks with my teeny tiny brushes.
Oh and beautifully written as usual. I love the tone of your words and your paintings!
Wishing you well and love seeing your work. Beautiful!!