#5 Letter from the Atelier
This month, which also marks the beginning of year two in my challenge to become a full-time artist, Is off to a strong start.
It truly feels like the beginning of something new. And yet, even with all that joy, this week came with its own kind of challenge.
✦ The beginning of a new chapter
My very first commission was confirmed and before I could even finish prepping it, a second one came through.
Both in the same week.
It’s both exciting and validating.
These were goals I had set for myself a year ago, and ticking those boxes feels amazing.
✦ working on the first piece
Right now, I’m working on a painting of two betta fish, my first commission.
I created the composition myself from several photo references, and once my client approved the final mockup, I transferred it using the grid method.
I started with an imprimatura in diluted burnt sienna (Gamsol + a little Liquin), then lifted out the highlights with a rag.
The imprimatura layer took me an hour.
I skipped the usual dark-value block-in because I wanted to test how the reds and blues would read right away. I was afraid of the piece becoming too heavy, too dark.
I’ve almost finished the first layer of the first fish. I’ll probably wrap it up on Monday.
I’m still in the early phase:
- blocking in the colors
- focusing on values
- avoiding details
I blur my vision when I look at my reference to make sure I don’t get too caught up in texture or nuance. It’s a meditative process. So far, I’ve spent about 8 hours painting (not counting all the prep time before).
i paint in sessions of 2-3 hours to keep my eyes fresh.
The second commission is a still life, which I’ll begin in the coming days. I’ll share more when it’s underway.
✦ balancing work and life
I’ll be honest: it’s also a bit overwhelming.
Summer is here, and with it come school holidays, family visits, and a different rhythm of life.
I’m trying to stay present for the people around me, while still holding space for painting and professional growth.
It’s not always easy to find that balance especially when you’ve launched ten new things in the span of a few weeks. ( Okay, maybe not ten, but it sure felt like it.)
One example:
I decided not to post a YouTube video this week.
Originally, I wanted to create a full painting process video ( at least of the first layer of my current commission ) But the truth is, I haven’t finished that part yet.
And I started to notice something:
I was putting pressure on myself to rush the painting, just to have something to show. Even though I actually have a comfortable timeline for this piece, I found myself speeding up… for the sake of this video.
That’s not how I want to work and that’s not how I want to share.
So I decided to wait. Because the painting comes first.
I want my collectors to receive a piece that was made with care and time. And I want those of you who follow my journey to see videos that truly reflect the process, not just rushed snapshots made to meet a deadline.
This is my little reminder to myself:
quality over speed, always.
Let’s chat
How do you stay creative when life gets full?
Do you ease off, or try to push through?
Hit comment I’d love to hear how you handle it. ( and I answer everyone 💌)
See you next Saturday ✨
Laurine