Thursday 17 November 2011

Why do I take on so much?

Does the word "No, not today thank you" not exist in my vocabulary when it comes to accepting work? (I am fine when someone tries to sell me double glazing though...) Am I genetically programmed not to accept a challenge? Can I 'just get by with minimum effort'? Nah, don't think so!

Is it because I thrive under pressure? Do I perhaps create my best work when I'm up against a deadline? Am I an adrenaline junkie (but without the heights and speed)?

This week has been somewhat manic in the work department as my fingers race across keyboards and my mind maps to strange places in the land of creative inspiration. When I finally switch off corporate writing mode, do I collapse on the sofa in a heap or retire early to bed with a romance involving dashing Highlanders and wenches in tight bodices?

Nope. I continue with my quest to perform an act of art every day this month AND I start an online surface pattern design course. And I try and blog. And I help my 7-year-old son set up his own blog. And I don't do any housework...

Am I tired? Yes... very! Have I gone to bed early (in my brand new set of bedding). No.

Am I a crazy fool? Probably....


These Harlequin's are for Inspiration Avenue's challenge this week and Paint Party (surely it can't be) Friday (already?). And Art Every Day Month... Phew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

44 comments:

  1. Both of these are great! I love the colors and book pages in the second one. I am a lover of layers.

    You are a crazy woman. I imagine you thrive in stress but my dear it will sooner or later catch up with you. I would suggest at least 20/30 minutes of downtime a day. Your body and mind need a rest. Stress can weaken your immune system, sweetie.

    hugs to you,
    Tammy

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  2. i can soooo relate to everything you said. what is it about a deadline that just kicks us into gear???

    love your harlequins! especially against the print background...

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  3. I´ve been sleeping less than 6 hours a day but I´m still on board AEDM! Life is way too interesting.
    I might collapse on Dec 1st, but then it will be Advent time and Turbo Christmas crafting will start.

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  4. It's inspiring that even though you are worn out...you still make time to create. I love the second piece you have posted. The colors in both are so beautiful.

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  5. I agree with Shayla: both pieces are lovely, but the second really speaks to me. She looks like she's daydreaming. :)

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  6. I love that added element of the harlequin patterns in both....especially in the second...

    I was exhausted just reading all that you do....but then, I can totally relate, as I don't usually seek out my pillow til 1 or 2 am most nights....and I let the housework slide ;P

    Your work is wonderful....... I have to admit I like seeing so much of it :)

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  7. *schmoooogly wet kisses*

    i know.
    how the hell is it friday.

    the portraits that you do are getting cooler and cooler.

    xxa
    (your fellow adrenaline junkie)

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  8. I totally get what you are saying - absolutely, I also push push until I literally can't push myself anymore - have absolutely no idea why I do. The red Harlequin is stunning,the eyes are mesmerizing - the words on the face help to create emotion and one is left wondering is it the words or the image/art that need to speak the loudest?

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  9. Nice work. Sometimes we need to push ourselves! Valerie

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  10. Woah.. lots of work for you my dear. But I guess it's your choice to accept it or not. I bet you are enjoying every moment of it since art is your passion. Still you need to make time for rest because if you are healthy you can create more. Great pieces!

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  11. Love these drawings! :) Obviously it's what you need right now. To be busy. :) Enjoy it while it lasts. I'm just excited while reading you. :)

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  12. Loving both your Harlequins, the last one has such fab colours. I think I need some of your drive because my get up and go seems to have gone...... Happy PPF, Annette x

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  13. Beautiful Lisa..both are awesome! They both have powerful energy..the second one grabs at my heart..the first one feels full of thoughts!
    Shine on!
    Victoria

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  14. Wonderful art work! Love it! ~ I had to learn to 'slooooooow myself down' ~ There is a meditation book (daily) Women Who Do Too Much ~ )

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  15. Great! the foreground with a red background is amazing .... congratulations. Saludos

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  16. Totally feel the busy stressful situation that you are working through...many times in the same boat! Hang in there and do learn how to say NO! LOVING the gorgeous red and wonderful Harlequin paintings you've created!

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  17. I stayed up most of the night just to reach my self-imposed Friday IA deadline. I guess I should join PPF, this week, too. Your entries are stunning. I wish I knew how you made those backgrounds. Gorgeous!

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  18. You are quite the multitasker! I love these! Especially the second one . . . the red and yellows are great! Love it! Hope you find some time to rest! ;)

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  19. Wonderful harlequins!
    I think it's great that you are so ambitious and organized.
    It is an inspiration to other artists...and your 7-year-old! :)

    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  20. I love your work, even if you had to run hehehehe

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  21. Hi Lisa. For being a tired woman, you can sure dish out a lot of creativity. Excellent work. Love your Harlequin's and yes it is Friday and also almost the end of the year. tee hee.:))

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  22. Your harlequins are so good, very inspired! And congrats to your 7 year old..setting up a blog!

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  23. You are doing an amazing job Lisa! (I thought about doing AEDM again this year but decided against it as I had too many other things on.) I am loving these Harlequins! The words and writing and diamonds in the background really add to the beautiful faces!

    Wonderful!

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  24. The girl with the red paint is fabulous. I love that one. I work best when I have deadlines and always seem to keep myself under pressure too. We'll survive.

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  25. you know your girls are just getting better and better so maybe you do thrive in your mad world... on the bright side you are never bored... or that is what I tell myself as I drag my sad and sorry ass into bed every night... lovin the girls xx

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  26. Well, I don't know how you are managing to keep at it. I'd have bailed by now.

    I am loving these diamond patterned pieces, the layers make everything so mysterious and fascinating.

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  27. I understand about taking on too many things. I do it with online classes!

    Both of your paintings look great but I'm really drawn to the face done in red. She's beautiful!!

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  28. and if you didn't have enough on your hands their is an award on my blog for you to collect....;(
    and their is the popjes class tomorrow of course.
    BTW love were you are going with your art!
    I was wondering if I should take that class...are you taking all modules?
    ManonX

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  29. These are terrific, over and above. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  30. I can so relate to your dilemma ...I am continually taking on more than is good for me. Your art does not seem to be suffering though as both pieces are fantastic. Keep up the good work but try and slow down a little too :0)

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  31. Lovely art! The frenetic pace can be somewhat addicting! Now don't invite too many people to cook for over the holiday! ~Happy Paint Party Friday! #9 Robin Panzer Art Studio 33

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  32. Oops didn't realize you were in the U.K. not your holiday to cook for LOL! Didn't think about it until I'd already posted the comment!

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  33. phew, LOL! what a busy sked! but i think art is destressing and these pieces are wonderful. i always like text backgrounds! thanks for sharing!
    hugs,
    peggy aplSEEDS

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  34. These are so beautiful! I love that you painted them over the text..so nice!! How wonderful that you are allowing yourself time to paint when your life is so busy.

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  35. More amazing art...goodness, which one do I like more...I can't decide. Lovely lovely!

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  36. I AM tired just thinking about all of that. You are amazingly creative and need a relaxing vacation - soon. Loving your art!!

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  37. Holy Freaking WOW! Thats all I need to say!

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  38. Well, I am VERY glad that you managed to do these, because they are beautiful! But don't forget to take care of YOU too- I know just the right fictional highlander to curl up and escape with (I'll even share him with you for the night ;))-now go take care of yourself!
    xo
    Stephanie

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  39. I can really empathise with this post Lisa - things are pretty frantic for me too at the moemnt!

    Being busy definitely hasn't impacted on your creativity though - these are both gorgeous pieces, both very soulful with yummy rich layers of colour!

    Do make sure you grab a little me-time whenever you can though x

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  40. Well, you have got one thing right ~ housework is the first to go. But do spend some time in a heap on the sofa once in a while. It will keep your immune system up!

    As to your harlequins: beautiful, and I love the colors especially in the second one. You do work well under pressure!

    I work better under pressure also, but it makes me late a lot of the time :) My son has luckily or unluckily inherited the tendency to do well under pressure. To the horror of his father, who can't stand any pressure.

    How fun that your son is starting his own blog!

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  41. Well, at least you said no to housework. That's surely the least important thing in that list. :) I love your harlequins so I'm glad you were able to make time for them.

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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