Loose: What is all the hurry about?

I've subscribed to various art-related updates from vendors on the internet so I can keep current with their offers. One came in today that said "Stay loose - Clean up your edges." I find that statement a bit confining and ill-putting. I mean, who are they to decide what "loose" is? And why have many people associated being "loose" with finishing a painting AS FAST AS YOU CAN. Why does it bother people if you don't finish it fast enough? I sometimes wonder if those that espouse "loose" use it as justification for not wanting to paint detail. Why not relate that desire to something more sophisticated like "impressionism?" This "loose" thing seems to be a very ill-defined new millenium term (or rhetoric) that lacks a certain amount of sense to me.

I guess the reason it bothers me so much is I have had a life of self-imposed deadlines. Especially since I started my own company 15 years ago. I used to counsel friends (and more recently myself) on their frenzied lives by saying, "Image if you didn't finish "x" by such and such time - who would notice?" Nine times out of ten, they would say, NOBODY. I'd smile and say, "Well there it is. Breathe."

So I started listening to my own advice and over the past few years have concentrated on procrastinating. Well, at least compared to my precastrinating, which was an attempt of my "old self" to meet and EXCEED any and every deadline possible to the detriment of my health and sanity. My new motto is, "If you can put this off until tomorrow, then do it." This new motto has opened my life for much more enjoyment. For instance, I have all this new time to work out, walk the beach, meet friends, and sometimes I just sit and think. I breathe deeper. It has also allowed me time for painting - the whole reason for this blog. I work hard enough for my day job without others setting time limits on my art.

I know, I know, you have to know when to finish a painting. That is a talent in itself. But just as fast as I have ten people walk into my studio and say "When are you going to finish that" I have another ten who have some sage advice as to why and how I could have painted a face different had I perservered.

So let's lose this "loosey goosey" nonsense unless it will help me loosen my neck that seems to constrict when I paint. Let me paint how long I want and tell me what you see and how it strikes you. Does it elicit emotion from you? That is what I want. I like to accentuate the effects of the passage of time on age or wisdom, light and unusual visual angles - But most of all - I want to evoke emotion.

Another reason I don't like the "loose" concept is that it implies being hurried. About a month or so ago, I put a vinyl lettering saying in my studio and like reading it when the physical manifestion of the hurried state enters my body and mind. It says: "Truth hath not such urgent air."

That's me - I'm balanced now.....and I don't have to hurry. I LIKE that!