Painting and Parenting Don't Always Agree

The Big Chair, watercolor by Angela Fehr

Today I can see why moms of preschoolers are not generally known for being prolific artists. Who has time to paint when more important things require doing?
Things like:

• serving meals
• changing diapers/potty training
• finding missing socks
• pushing swings
• doing laundry
• doling out/cleaning up/baking snacks
• arranging dandelion bouquets in vases
• filling watering can for little helpers
• cleaning up tracked-in mud
• refereeing squabbling daughters
• helping to color in coloring books
• reading Charlotte's Web
• having a tea party/beach party/bubble bath party
• making pink satin capes for dress-up
• wiping runny noses
• singing another round of "Pat-a-Cake"

I've talked in the past about time management being a mom/artist's best friend, and it does help. But some days, the kids require all my attention and energy, and no amount of organization will change that. I'm a little jealous of all the daily painters on a day like today. I'm lucky to get one painting completed per month! I've thought about getting a sitter once a week to watch the kids while I paint, but it doesn't feel right at this point. Maybe when I start homeschooling this fall and have even less time!