On the easel and on being a dad

Greetings,

Here are some work-in-progress details from 2 current paintings. During the past 8 months I've been adapting to my new role as a stay-at-home-dad (after four years as SAHM, my wife went back to work, and so we swapped places), and so progress can often feel very slow. However, I'm gradually getting into a groove and I'm pleased with what's been happening on the easel:

I'm learning lessons in creative patience these days (some days more receptively than others). When confronted with the loss of sustained/obsessive focus, I resist so hard. I'm just starting to realize the extent to which my sense of self has been wrapped around working and being productive. What seemed on the surface to be a positive attribute has now (as a parent) become a liability, even a weakness. Luckily, I am constantly reminded by two beautiful little people that what has been gained immeasurably outweighs what has been lost (because nothing has been lost).

I'll be back soon with final images for these two paintings.

Thanks for reading! -David