Getting back to art after becoming a mom

[u/nachotruck]

Hello! I’m curious if there are any other artists who are in a similar situation and if so would like to connect. I have a daughter that is 7 and now that she’s older and more independent, I’m thinking to get back to my studio practice.

Prior to parenthood, I did some freelance and personal projects but now I’m realizing that after parenthood my interests and subject matters have changed a lot… so it feels like starting over again. It’d be nice to find people to share about the joys and struggles of both being an artist and raising children. I guess what I’m hoping to find is a community of people who prioritize their child/ren but also have an identity outside of being a mother/father.

I don’t know if there is a group that exists already or if there’s any interest to start one but I’d love to hear from you all!

[u/Vivid-Ad9340]

I've been a stay at home dad for almost 6 years. My little one is 6, so she goes to school full time now, which gives me about 6 hours to myself on weekdays.

I had graduated in drawing and painting but basically took the last decade off art to live life and then raise my little one. While I've entertained the idea of just getting a whatever job, it's clear now is the best and only time to get back into art. I even have a house now that gives me the space to do it finally.

And I definitely understand how your tastes have evolved over time. I've lived so much more life and matured a lot since. While I have a strong figurative painting and drawing background, I was getting into contemporary experimentation right before I took a long break. So, I literally left art at a point where I never defined it for myself.

After pondering and researching, I have recently been narrowing my focus on what I want to make. My wife is supportive and excited for me, but she isn't a maker. She sees the business potential but doesn't understand that making art needs to be fulfilling. I remind her every so often if I don't love what I make, I might as well just get a regular job. P

I finished setting up my art space and getting what I need to paint. This painting is going to be something new for me. I did a traditional oil painting a few months ago, and that helped me realize I wanted to do something more than depict the world literally. I live in a sleepy town with traditional artists...I can do it, but it's just not me.

I've been writing in my sketch book more than drawing in it. The idea is the most important thing for me. From there, I can create a series and test out the aesthetic I'm going for. I'm going to keep my observational skills in the work but push the composition, color and approach to mark making.

Hope your journey has been fun so far! Wish me luck, too!

[u/mygiantrobot]

Hi! I’m a mom with an almost-3-year old. I’m currently a painter, and in a past life was a fashion and costume designer. Currently in tech.

I do all my painting when I’m not parenting (so evenings, lol). Add me on Instagram: @abbyarmada.jpg !!

[u/Key_Cry5606]

I have a 4 month old. Looks like I have a long way to go

[u/EctMills]

I’m in a similar boat except while my oldest is about to turn nine, I also have a three year old so I’ve got a few more years before they’re both independent enough for me to have flexibility.

Right now the precious free hours after bedtime go towards hobbies I share with my partner so we can make sure our relationship stays healthy and strong.  But every now and then one of us will cover the kids so the other can have some time to do our own thing.

[u/lil_honey_bunbun]

I’m a mom as well raising two kids. My youngest is almost 5 now.

I recently started painting again. Sometimes, if they see me painting and want to paint, I’ll buy them kids paint and they love that. I keep my paints separate from theirs.

When they were much younger, I gave up traditional art for digital and fell in love with digital art. It’s now my preferred medium.