Under Pressure
Pushing down on me
I nearly skipped this month’s post because I don’t have anything new to show, nor have I the time to dig something up. I’m on a deadline to finish a new gouache painting by Thursday. We’re two days away and I’m not done yet…
But then I thought I’m actually right in the middle of the creative process, which is what this newsletter is about, so why not show the painting as it stands?
I think I’m happy about how it’s looking so far. My main problem is that I have zero notion of how long it will take me to finish it. And so I’m a bit (clearly a euphemism) stressed out.
In order to get a better idea for future paintings, I started a time sheet to count how many hours it’s taking me. If I’m to start selling my paintings, I need to know how much I’m paying myself. Unsurprisingly, I am VERY SLOW! 😭 A combination of tiny details, lack of practice with the medium, and my style conspire to make me create at a snail’s pace.
The good news: the reason I’m on a deadline is that I’ll be part of a group show again next month at Tom Cox Gallery! The painting needs to be photographed on Friday morning to be added to the exhibition catalogue.
I suspect I was asked to be part of it because of another good news: I sold one of my paintings during the last show! Hence trying to figure out the hours I put in.
I priced the sold painting at £450. Which sounds like a lot, but the frame cost me £80, and the gallery takes a 48% cut (they all do). So I made £154 profit. Based on how long the current painting has taken me so far, my hourly rate is less than £1… Maybe I don’t want to calculate my hours after all.
Anyway, I need to get back to it!
Judith xx
P.S. A very short monthly inspiration: this painting is part of my Friendship series, and so inspired by my own experience of having picnics with friends. It’s one of the best activities to spend quality time with them.
You can follow my illustration and graphic design work here.