How can I avoid getting distracted when painting?

Question

I have my first solo exhibition coming up in Nov.2007. I have a strong theme, and I have many paintings started. The trouble is that I can't just sit there and work for hours like I used to when I had no pressure or dealines. An agent from the gallery is coming the end of Dec., and I have about 17 painting to show him, whichis not even close to the number they wanted to see at this point. I work in oil and acrylic, so I have no excuse. While an oil is drying, i can work on an acrylic. I have ideas, I just get half done and then feel paralyzed that it isn't good, could be better, etc. I have NEVER had this problem, and I've been painting for a long time. I'm starting to freak out a bit that my first solo show will be a huge flop because I can't get focused and finish things in a timely manner. I can start several large scale paintings in a day, but finishing them may be months. I just don't have that kind of time. Any advice?

Answer 1

scare the hell of of yourself like I do when a show is coming up I just have to imagine that I am standing in the middle of a bleak half empty gallery full of my collectors and friends and seeing the look of anguish on all their faces because I conned them into coming to such a fiasco that is all the threat to work that I need if that doesn't work set aside two hours each day to pain your *** off and then shelve it for the day and get rid of the guilt either way... get er dun damn it... there are millions of artists who would kill to have a show coming up and would sacrifice almost anything for that to happen so the weight of the entire artistic world is now on your shoulders... help us obi wan ...you are our only hope lol

Answer 2

Hmm... I'm a digital artist/painter but I guess it's the same.
Throw off your inferiority complex and be confident. Contiune painting but don't be too nitpicky- if it's not that good, keep on something else. Keep multitasking until you think you're "safe".
Now, go back to all the works, do progressive selection, and finish those that are the best. Don't focus on just detail, flow and composition might be much more convincing factors and they don't need much time to refine.

Do this in batches of 5 (I have 10 in digital art because it's much faster) and say, pick 3 every round. If you have time constraints just finish the unpicked paintings, but if you're still far away (which I see it- if you're in a creative mood) you can continue doing batches of works.

As for relieving anxiety, nothing works better than aromatherapy. Have some music you like on and paint alone. Following the flow of music might help, too.

Good luck in these few months- it's never easy for an artist to be clamped by time, but sometimes it happens.

Answer 3

that's really tough considering that you're pressured in finishing these paintings bedcause you have to meet a dealine.

But the thing is you can't rush something that you're passionate about, especially that you're so meticulous with details and stuff, even if you badly needed to have this solo exhibit. In the end, you will still think that, 'I wish I can do better with this. I rushed in making it that I forgot these details and so forth.

You have a lot of ideas and the problem is the execution. 'So many to do, so little time. It may work to remove the pressure out first. I know this will be hard but don't ever, ever think of that show for a while. Think that you're painting as usual, just for passion. This way, you can think better and clear your mind of troubles while painting. at the end of the day, look at what you've accomplished and be happy.

Take some time off for coffee in between work and bring with you a pen and paper to write your plans or new inspiration by merely observing.

Don't let the thought of not making it to the deaddline bother you while painting, believe me, you'll work slower than usual... Good luck and congratulations!!!

Answer 4

First of all.....All the best for ur exhibition,i mean thats a great thing for any artist.Just imagine thats somethin any artist would crave for.....

Commin to ur question, Im a designer and inorder to concentrate i usually get my kind of music and start working.But if that doesnt really work for you,may be u could start with a lil bit of yoga in the morning,as soon as u wake up just take a deep breath and drink a glass of water and start meditating for about approx say 15min and get to work ,this i heard from my friends works wonders.

Answer 5

you are having performance anxiety, a lot like stage fright. Just breathe and try and focus on why you started painting in the first place, don't think about the show or the gallery or anything else, just paint for the fun of it.

good luck with your show!

Answer 6

Ok what I would do is get an MP3 or Ipod. Those can really keep you in your work. If you stay motivated- which you seem to be I would do that. Set up a time to do it. I hope an MP3 or ipod or just music helps you!! Don’t think about other things. ~A fellow artist

Answer 7

Bertrand Russell says there is artist imprisoned in every one.
Dear its fine that God gave u chance to shine like a star in heaven.In fact , Ur statement doesn't reflect fully what problem u r facing.I mean that its not clear that whether u r having internal or external disturbances.Anjlo

Answer 8

We tried for a year. It can get very stressful, I know. I used to almost cry each time I got my period. The best way is to forget about it and get busy with something else (although its not easy). The waiting is what makes it so stressful. All the best!

Answer 9

NOV 2007? That's a lot of time dude... take it easy. what make you nervous is not the show but the gallery agent.

gallery agents are not artists. their expectations regarding quantity are not important. show some pieces you're done with and satisfied with, and tell the agent the rest is underway.

Answer 10

Soft background music i.e birds singing waves breaking etc etc good luck with your exhibition