Poppy Patterns, 1038, textured acrylic mixed media poppy painting, © Carol Nelson Fine Art





All you portrait lovers are now thinking "What the ____?" Here we have a textured acrylic I did a few weeks ago. This 36x18 inch mixed media floral painting combines heavy texture effects on the flower petals, grid pattern rice paper, and metal leaf accents in a muted, earth tone palette on gallery wrap canvas. For purchase information, please see my website or email me at carolnelsonfineart@comcast.net.

I'm afraid I need to take a week off from the portraits. They will resume where I left off one week from today. The reason for this is that I am overwhelmed - trying to do too many things at once. My husband's twice weekly visits to the doctor - he can't drive himself yet, take time. I'm giving a two day workshop on Metals and Mixed Media next Friday and Saturday. I need extra time to prepare for that workshop.

I really hate that I have to take this pause because I wanted the title of my upcoming book to be 100 Portraits in 100 Days. Now I guess I'll just have to call it just 100 Portraits, or maybe
100 Portraits in 100 Non-consecutive Days
. LOL Or 100 Portraits in 100 Days With a Week Off in the Middle. Ha Let me know what the title should be.

19 comments:

Jay Diamond said...

Hi from the UK

How lovely to have discovered your work.
In between the busy week ahead, I hope you manage to get some 'rest' and enjoy the workshop.Will you let us know how you get on?
Bye
Jay

Autumn Leaves said...

Beautiful poppies, Carol! You gotta do what you gotta do as for the rest. I hope that you find some Carol time somewhere in that busy schedule. It doesn't do to get tired and/or overwhelmed. I know your class will be a resounding success! Enjoy!

SarahBowie said...

Carol - I knew you would be hard on yourself about this. The title should still be 100 portraits in 100 days! The text of the book will explain your taking a break. 100 in 100 is the concept of your project (and for 3 months now you have followed it precisely), so that is still an accurate title. :) In fact taking the break adds drama to your narrative and will make it a more interesting book. :)

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

I still love that piece...and isn't that one I saw in person?? I think so...AWESOME! And...you still did them in 100 days...just not consecutive...so...I don't see a problem...:)

NORA KASTEN said...

Carol, you've lasted longer than Wonder Woman doing the portraits with all you have on your plate. I have been the total caregiver for my wonderful husband, Karl, for 10 months now. Most of the time there is plenty of time to paint but sometimes you have to stop and regroup. You're a smart lady and I love your work.
Nora

Pattie Wall said...

It's funny - I was thinking just yesterday - "how does she do this?" Even if you had nothing else going on - I would think you would need a little break. Good for you Carol. Take care of yourself and the people who need you right now...it's so important.

kim Blair said...

Hi Carol:
Life certainly does get hectic and it sounds like your life has a few extra commitments going on. Perhaps a forced break is a good thing... you are only one person and need to take care of yourself (and your husband).

I like the title:

'100 portraits', that alone is very impressive, I don't think (in the big scheme of life) that it matters how long it took to complete them.
Kim

jill polsby said...

Don't be too hard on yourself. All women take on so much more than seems possible: caring for yourself, caring for your husband, painting, being the mom, scheduling workshops, painting every day, driving to doctor's appointments............

Take a break. Continue on with naming the book "100 portraits in 100 days" and we'll all cheer you on just because you even tried to accomplish such a fantastic project!

Take time for yourself. Have a glass of wine. Hold your husband's hand...................

We're all thinking of you. Give your husband a kiss from all of us and best wishes for his continued recovery. We'll see you when next you surface.

Unknown said...

I agree with everyone else. "100 portraits in 100 days". The title is truthful because no where does the title claim the 100 days are consecutive! This is still a feat I don't think anyone has taken on before you!

Carol Nelson said...

Thanks for all your kind comments. You are all the best and I really appreciate your support. The crazy part about this project stressing me out is that it is SELF IMPOSED.

I've never considered myself a Type A personality - mostly I'm pretty laid back- but this certainly falls into the "driven" category.

I have certainly learned a thing or two. I will be better prepared for the next big project.

SarahBowie said...

I don't think that being highly self-motivated (driven?) necessarily means you are Type A. Following your self-imposed plans has gotten you to the enviable place you are today. :)

kim Blair said...

Hi Carol:
I was just telling Ferdinand, my husband, about you saying that you thought you would need to change the title of your book and he said, why? It is still 100 portraits in 100 days, who said it had to be consecutive days?
It is good to step back and get a non-daily painter's opinion, because as he said (and I concur) that it is still amazing that you are painting 100 portraits in 100 days, whichever 100 days you choose to do them in is not the point!
Kim
(for Ferdinand)

Dana Cooper said...

Carol, given all that has gone on of late you might be considered crazy to continue as you have been...I vote for "100 portraits in 100 days...almost"...or something like that.
my best Carol!

"JeanneG" said...

Your title still fits the 100 portraits in 100 days. It doesn't say consecutive days so you aren't misleading. You are still doing one a day for 100 days.

Anonymous said...

Ditto others, Carol. You've just hit the pause button. Keep your original title. And don't forget to cut yourself some slack!

Dean Grey said...

Carol!

Sometimes life gets in the way and things don't go as planned.

Don't apologize for anything!

You made it this far with your daily portraits and only stopped once. Be proud of that!

Family comes first and right now you're taking care of your husband.

-Dean

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I'm captivated by your work, which pleases me, because I'm a representational painter and I get thrill out of your images. Always great color harmony and balanced compositions.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Oh, btw, give yourself a break. 100 Portraits will do nicely ;)

Marianne Ginsberg said...

I'm in awe of you either way, Carol. Taking a break is a sign of advanced spiritual development.