Over 50 years ago, I received this handmade Raggedy Ann doll as a present from our neighbor, Marie. I couldn’t believe that anyone could make something this beautiful, let alone someone that I knew.
Everything on this doll was meticulously sewn, down to the embroidered heart on her chest saying, “I love you”. The current caretaker of Raggedy Ann, Bonnie, didn’t even know that this was handmade and given to me as a child until now. It’s in great shape too, although the pantaloons (for lack of a better word) need new elastics.
Day 17. “Raggedy Ann” by Beverly Shipko, Oil painting on cradled panel, 7 x 5 inches.
For the first time during the challenge, I lost my focus. From the moment I got up, I was indecisive about how to approach this painting, especially the background. I tried different colors and nothing seemed to work but I felt stuck. Unlike past days, I wasn’t “in the zone”.
There were a number of factors that accounted for my fragmented state-of-mind. Unlike the previous two weeks, I had two things planned. The first was lunch with my cousin, followed by an art opening for a juried show at the Katonah Museum, which accepted one of my large bakery paintings. These two events took up most of the day and diverted my attention from the task at hand.
More sleep would also help. So would a personal assistant who cleans (the house and the brushes!), cooks, and keeps me on task… I can see why some Challenge artists start taking breaks to just to catch up.
Perhaps switching themes every day isn’t helping. No doubt life would have been easier if I stuck with food.
Hopefully, tomorrow will go more smoothly. I am looking forward to it.
