If I had a bigger studio space in my home with better ventilation, I’d definitely be more out of control than I already am.  And by OOC, I mean productive.

My current state of affairs – seventy-two new paintings of crowns.  They are 8″ x 8″ encaustic and collage paintings.  I have completed first passes on all of them.  I have two more pancake griddles so I have added more colors to my repertoire, which is very exciting.  Also new:  rice papers in beautiful new hues and textures, as well as  other collage items (playing cards, checkers, dominoes and more Bill Ding Jr. clowns).  I love bringing new elements into my work while still maintaining a recognizable style.

I am so grateful that I have finally achieved the success I’ve always wanted.  I cried when I had to go to kindergarten.  I wanted to stay home like Gramma did.  She spent the day creatively crocheting and taking care of the cat.  I wanted that to be my life.

It took me a while to get there.  I went to school, college, grad school, became a teacher, worked for years and years, and now I am finally able to spend my days in my studio space making art (not crocheting – I can’t do that).

Yesterday was pajama day.  I needed to regroup and figure out what to do next.  I will organize the work to decide which paintings get second and third passes, and which paintings are ready for the collage materials.

The frames are already purchased.  I am running out of space so I just need to breathe and get organized.  In addition, I will add wire to the backs of the butterfly paintings.  I was asked to do a short video for each of those paintings for the Art Haus show so that needs to happen this week too.

I also received a delivery of new hardboards for the next project.  The box is on the kitchen floor alongside the Lotus series of paintings that are housed in those amazing Wegmans box bags (love them!).

Basically, my house is an art house now.