How Long Is This Going to Take?

I know my husband has been happy to see me back in the art studio, but I did detect a bit of frustration in his voice when I recently showed him the next layer on my “soulful butterfly” project. While he nodded in approval of what I’d done, he also asked “Just how many more layers are there?”

Here is the project as it looks today:

It’s coming along, and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve been making, although I agree that it’s taking far longer than it could have… longer than it probably should have. Realistically, with the assistance of a hand-held hair dryer, I could have completed the project in a single afternoon.

So why am I spending weeks on it?

Good question. All I can say is that this simple butterfly project is my way of easing back into the studio. It’s my way of enjoying art again. I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’m not worrying — too much — about the outcome. I’m just playing now and then, doing one layer at a time, and simply enjoying the slow, steady process.

Surely it won’t be long now before it’s finished, and what will happen then? I’ll choose another simple watercolor or mixed media project and start all over again, working slowly, doing one layer at a time, and enjoying art again.

So what if I’m slow? At least I’m spending a little time in the studio, and I have something — as yet unfinished — to show for it. I’ve made it nearly to the top of my “Ladder of Success” and I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished so far.

Be watching for the day — coming soon — when my “Soulful Butterfly” is finished and ready to take flight.