FULL TIME artist with kids

So it's the summer holidays!!
I have two boys aged 12 and 6yrs old and they love the summer holidays.....so do I but as like all working parents I struggle with the work life balance when they are off school.
I work from home in my studio at the end of my garden.......I know I am very lucky to be able to do that! 

Anna Reed Fine Art Headquarters

​But........It is hard switching off and walking away from my work, especially when I am in the middle of a painting.
I have tried to work with my children in the studio, with them either painting something for themselves or doing other activities but this does not work for me. It never turns out like I envision it....... not like some social media posts I see with the perfect kids!!
I just can't switch off or concentrate when they are around.......normally because they want me to get involved in what they are doing which is totally understandable, they are kids after all.  
This is when the parental guilt kicks in.........lets face it........ that guilty feeling is a normal day to day feeling as a parent. So I had to work out a way of balancing home and work during the school holidays. 

The main thing I have to do is plan ahead, now.....I struggle with that! I am not the most organised person in the world.
I am still getting used to people in retail planning Christmas in the summer, not sure I will ever get my head around that to be honest.  The main thing I do is try and make sure all my stockists have enough prints to last the 6-7 weeks.
The next key thing I do is not to take any commissions during this period unless someone contacts me last minute, I will then work in the evenings or call in some favours from family and friends. But this does not happen very often, normally I start and finish a commission early if it is needed during August.
At this time I am halfway through painting my turtle but this is not a commission, it will be for a gallery when it is finished so there is no time constraint on it. Again I struggle with this........all I want to do is finish this painting but I have to give myself a break and realise I can not during the summer holidays. If I do not accept this I end up beating myself up and getting stroppy with the kids, which is not what I want. I may get a few hours every now and then to paint but no full days so this painting will be my main focus when the kids go back to school.   

Work in progress!

​I do post all my website orders out myself.....this is the kind of thing I can fit in when the boys are asleep or chilling out at home. This job is  nice and easy to do during the holidays so more orders on my website would be good!!! Haha......I can cope with that!!

Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Floating Angel's Gift II' signed by artist.

£45.00

Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Floating Angel's Gift II' signed by artist.

Print measures 29.7cm h x 21cm w.

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​Each print is numbered, hand signed by the artist and will include a certificate of authenticity.

Limited run of 100 prints.

This piece has been printed on portrait white acid free high calendared 285gsm fine art paper, meeting the highest museum quality giclee standard.

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Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Alfred' signed by artist.

£75.00

*****Only available for this price until 8th September to celebrate being Highly Commended in the Ken Bromley Cover Competition********

Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Alfred' signed by artist.

Print measures 42.5cm h x 33cm w.

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​Each print is numbered, hand signed by the artist and will include a certificate of authenticity.

Limited run of 50 prints.

This piece has been printed on portrait white acid free high calendared 285gsm fine art paper, meeting the highest museum quality giclee standard.

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Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Arthur' signed by artist.

£85.00

Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Arthur' signed by artist.

Print measures 53cm h x 42cm w.

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​Each print is numbered, hand signed by the artist and will include a certificate of authenticity.

Limited run of 50 prints.

This piece has been printed on portrait white acid free high calendared 285gsm fine art paper, meeting the highest museum quality giclee standard.

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Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled "Follow Beatrice" signed by artist

£70.00

Limited Edition Giclee Print entitled 'Follow Beatrice' signed by artist.
Mounted print measures 40cm h x 40cm w.
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​Each print is numbered, hand signed by the artist and will include a certificate of authenticity.
Limited run of 50 prints.
This piece has been printed on portrait white acid free high calendared 285gsm fine art paper, meeting the highest museum quality giclee standard.

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I want to enjoy the summer as much as the children so accepting I cannot paint as much as I want is how I stop being a grumpy mum. I am very, very lucky that I can do this but I work my arse off the rest of the year to have a break in the summer........well I say its a break, I do use the time to think and plan what I will be working on next. So I never turn off fully really! But I love my job and I appreciate everyone's support, So thank you.....xx