Little Left from Before â“’ 2013 Michaela Harlow – 13″ x 18.5″, Pastel on Paper

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Today was especially grey, and especially productive. I started early and finished today’s piece “Little Left from Before”, and started on another pastel painting, which I expect to complete by early tomorrow.

A few weeks ago, my friend Jeanne stopped by for a visit, and while showing her around I mentioned that I was about to start my thirty-in-thirty project, and that the winter tends to be the most productive season in my studio. This has always been true —even when working full-time as an artist— and it has become even more so now that I am working more hours outside of the studio as a garden designer.

Later, Jeanne sent me this article —“The Longest Nights”— by Timothy Egan for the The New York Times blog, The Opinionator. I was fascinated —but not altogether surprised— to read that winter is a very productive time for many creative people; including artists, writers and others. Given how common the phenomenon seems to be, I’m surprised that more hasn’t been written on the subject. I’m curious. What is your experience?

Little Left from Before â“’ 2013 Michaela Harlow – 13″ x 18.5″, Pastel on Paper

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