… might be nice this retirement …

I have been a full time artist for several weeks; not enjoying being my own boss although I  am discovering some delights.  However, not before I realised that I am hard task master, have outrageous expectations and fail to give praise.  After tears and dramas I have become watchful and learning to be my own best friend.

Especially as I do spend most mornings from dawn in the studio and afternoons preparing for the next day … and evenings pretty exhausted.

On the plus side I have learned a lot; doggedly repeating techniques and exercises with either silk screen printing or learning about my Adana press; is paying off.  Perhaps, the results are not aesthetically pleasing yet; simple things like time management, preparation of papers and inks, adapting a good workspace, drying times and reasonable expectations; all things that were hit and miss have become better controlled with not so many horrible or happy accidents.. I am learning left from right,  top and bottom; so important when printing, registration is improved and other technical disciplines are falling to place.  

So these weeks of focus, when I have been feeling so lost and alone have been bitter sweet.

I am thinking that if I can find ways to soften the load, with say, some outings and simply in the garden with a cup of tea and cakeI might enjoy this retirement malarky.