Written by Sarah Trumpp
This article originally appeared in ArtTrader Magazine, Summer 2011 Issue 15
I have a confession: I’m having a secret love affair with my art supplies. I know what you’re probably thinking, and you’re right – I am a foul temptress, a Jezebel, a dime store floozy. I just can’t help it! They’re shiny and pretty and either smell really good or smell bad enough to make me a little tingly in the brain. I spend most of my free time with them when my husband is out of town or out checking the mail, and I ignore them when he’s here. At least I pretend to ignore them and instead spend a lot of time sending covert flirtatious glances in their direction. When I do give into the temptation, I torture myself with guilt and make declarations to the heavens that I will spend less quality time with the art.
Secret love affair with my pencils
The most pathetic part of this whole scenario is that fact that I’m not really fooling anyone. My husband regularly encourages me to spend more time painting and understands my need to have Blick on speed-dial. He spends entire weekends building tables and storage and comfy places for my supplies. He asks to see what I’m working on and understands that I dream of romantic weekend getaways, no kids, no phones, just me and my acrylics, maybe some watercolors to add spice. When I wake him up sneaking in at 3:00 AM, exhausted, bedraggled, and covered in splatters of paint, he just scoots over and gives me back my pillow.
It’s time to stop sneaking around. I have a husband, three kids, eight fish, a full time job, and a garden. I certainly don’t have time for an affair, but I can make time to splash paint around. The kids get fed, played with, read to, and potty-trained. Laundry gets done, we don’t stick to the floors, and I’m allowed to do art. You’re allowed to do art. It’s okay to drag your colored pencils or paints over and doodle while you and your man watch So You Think You Can Be The Next Housewife On The Runway. Make art dates, take a romantic weekend with yourself, divide your time. The house won’t fall down if the dust-catchers stay dusty or the windows have streaks. Take your love out of the shadows! Be happy, be healthy, and get your art on!
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