I’ve been very sporadic over the years, having 5 children ages 7-16. I signed up for the virtual instructor for their homeschool art, but I’m beginning to creep into the forum for myself and I’m getting back to prioritizing my art. The sketches are from live (sleeping) subjects and the paintings are acrylic with photo reference, using only my eye/no grid. One painting I pulled out of my closet is unfinished because the canvas is the wrong proportion. (I was going to add a quote above the chair scene but I decided against it.) wondering if I should get the canvas re-framed and finish up the background? I haven’t touched acrylic in a long while…
These are awesome, thanks for sharing. Keep creeping in the forum…we’d love to see more.
I am also a homeschooling Mom. I am so thankful that homeschooling has become more normalized with many more resources available than when we first began this journey many years ago.
Thank you @Jessica for the encouragement. It’s so nice to “meet” another homeschool mom here. I think finding time for my own art has been challenging with young ones who always want to join in, which is great, but still makes it difficult for me and to find the time alone to focus on my own. I wouldn’t trade it though. I just need to make time now that my youngest is 7 and they can all be more independent. I’m inspired by seeing everyone’s art here to get in some daily practice even if it is just a little. How do you fit in time for your own artwork amidst homeschooling?
@alongsidemom – Finding the time really is the biggest challenge. When my kids were little, I couldn’t devote as much time to art as I wanted either. I looked forward to holiday breaks, summer vacation, and weekends—or I’d wake up very early, before everyone else, just to squeeze in a little creative time.
Having a designated space for my art made a huge difference. It meant I could come and go as I had time, without needing to clean everything up constantly. My kids also wanted to join in the fun, so I eventually set up a separate area just for them, right next to mine. It worked out beautifully! Even now, my grandkids enjoy that “kids’ art center” when they come to visit.
They don’t stay little forever, so enjoy this season while you can! My youngest (and only son) is now 13 and my last to homeschool. My three daughters have already graduated from homeschool and are either in college or working in their fields. It’s bittersweet, but also so rewarding.
I’ve recently taken on the role of caring for my parents too, so life is still full—but I continue to carve out time for art when I can. Even a few minutes here and there really does make a difference. It also saves my sanity!!! Art for me is therapy.
It’s encouraging to see how finding the creative time can look different in various stages of life. I love that you have a dedicated space for your art with kids’ art space nearby! I can completely relate to art saving sanity! I feel the strain when I don’t get that outlet. Thank you so much for sharing
I wouldn’t trade it though. I just need to make time now that my youngest is 7 and they can all be more independent. I’m inspired by seeing everyone’s art here to get in some daily practice even if it is just a little. How do you fit in time for your own artwork amidst homeschooling?