Art Studio Set Up For Multi-Tasking

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have resumed my hobby of tap dancing. However, I discovered having to go out into my garage to practice my steps was taking a big chunk out of my painting time. After watching some YouTube videos, I learned there was a tap dancing mini floor you could buy to practice and not destroy your knees, tile or hardwood floors.
A trip to Home Depot for a piece of plywood which I placed over my yoga mat provided a great tap dancing practice spot in my art studio. Now when I can't figure out the correct color or composition for a painting I am working on, I can take a tap dance break until inspiration strikes.
It's really important to step back from your painting at intervals and return a bit later to view your work with fresh eyes.

Painting Flip Flops

I completed this painting yesterday. It was inspired by the San Diego Watercolor Society's theme, California Style for their March show.
I really enjoy the process of creating a painting based on a theme. I guess that is because I like generating ideas and deciding which one best fits the theme. I wonder if I could list idea generator under my list of skills on my resume?
Anyway, what do you think of painting with a theme in mind? Does a theme help you or not?

February San Diego Watercolor Society Entry

I painted this painting called"Gelato and Love" for the SDWS show. The theme of the show was the perfect match. My asking price was $99.99. The painting wasn't accepted in the show, which is good, because I think learning to understand rejection and not take it personally is a good skill for an artist to learn. I am happy to have it back and hanging on my wall in my studio.

Some Distractions From Painting

It's important to stand up and move away from your painting during the painting process for a few reasons. One; you can see your painting better from a distance and get a chance to see what stands out and what does not in addition to a host of other things. Two; it's good for your body and mind to stand up and stretch and move around a bit.
Last week I decided to attend a yoga class to help myself stay in shape for painting. The yoga class was canceled but I found a Tap Dancing class offered instead. I am a long time beginning tap dancer so I signed up. My teacher is very kind and supportive and says I have tap dancing potential. So now when I take breaks from painting, you'll find me in our garage practicing my tap moves.