#58: The In-Between
There’s a particular moment in the process of making and submitting work that doesn’t get talked about very often.
The in-between.
The work is finished. The deadlines have passed. The paintings have left the studio. And all that’s left is time.
After the Work Is Done
Recently, I submitted a body of work to Portrait Artist of the Year. As always with these things, there’s a sense of anticipation that builds while you’re waiting to hear back.
This time, the outcome wasn’t what I had hoped for.
That’s part of the process, of course. Putting work forward means accepting that it won’t always land in the way you want it to. But the work itself doesn’t change — it still represents where I am at this point in my practice.
Looking Ahead
At the same time, I’ve also submitted work to Landscape Artist of the Year, which means I’m now in that familiar position of waiting again.
It’s an interesting place to be. There’s no longer anything to adjust or refine. The decisions have been made, and the work is out there, independent of me.
What’s left is perspective.
Back to the Studio
What I’ve found is that the only real way through this stage is to return to the studio.
To start something new. To keep working. To let the next idea take shape without being tied too closely to the outcome of the last one.
Because the momentum doesn’t really come from the result — it comes from the making.
What Matters
These moments are a reminder that the process is longer than any single submission. One painting leads to another. One idea develops into the next.
The work continues, regardless.
And in a way, that’s the most stable part of it all.
Moving Forward
So for now, I’m in that in-between space.
The work is done. The next steps aren’t clear yet. But the studio is still there, and there’s always something new to begin.
And that feels like the right place to focus.
.M.
Be real.
Make art.
If you’d like to learn more about my creative process or see my latest work, feel free to reach out or check out the rest of my website.