Tiffany Arp-Daleo Artwork

Abstract Paintings, Mixed Media, Photography

Side Effects

9/12” Acrylic on paper

This full-time job has really taken away my creative time and balanced life. I’m trying to paint and create for a few minutes in the morning and a bit in the evening, but it’s not enough. I can feel it in both my body and soul. It feels restricting and uncomfortable.

It’s been about 8 years since I broke my toe and returned to painting. Since then, I have surrendered to my creative spirit and I’ve painted every single day.

Making art is probably more of an addiction than anything else. It’s also my therapy. I have a strong NEED to create that runs deep in me. My mind is always looking for patterns, textures, colors, and shapes, and I love mixing and arranging them in new ways.

It can be very distracting when I’m trying to live a normal life outside my studio! I manage to cope, but it’s uncomfortable not being able to create, especially in stressful situations like starting a new job.

I will share more details about the job soon, as I finally have a day off to catch up! Thanks for letting me share! 😉

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36 responses to “Side Effects”

  1. Antique Works Avatar
    Antique Works

    This too shall pass my friend, I promise.
    I haven’t been able to paint or drawl at my drafting table in 6 months. IF I try the pain in my hand, fingers and wrist is debilitating!

    I’m so glad to hear that you are working now.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Thank you so much my friend, and I am so sorry to hear that you are having this pain. I hope that you can find relief and get back to your artwork soon. My husband has benefited from physical therapy while rebuilding his hand, arm and shoulder, slow progress, but it’s finally working!

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      1. Antique Works Avatar
        Antique Works

        You’re welcome.

        Glad to hear your husbands therapy is working. You and yours are in my prayers.

        Liked by 1 person

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      2. Antique Works Avatar
        Antique Works

        You’re welcome.

        Glad to hear your husbands therapy is working. You and yours are in my prayers.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  2. Michele Lee Avatar
    Michele Lee

    Thank you for sharing. 😊 I love your art, and although I’m not a painter I can definitely relate.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      I’d imagine it is similar for anyone that is passionate for what they do, and I know you are passionate about many things, don’t ever stop! ❤😊

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Michele Lee Avatar
        Michele Lee

        I think so, too and thank you for the beautiful reply. ❤ You either!! Hope your week is going well and that everyone is treating you right. It can be stressful to start a new job, to try new things. But also rewarding, including the income. 👍🏻

        Liked by 1 person

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  3. Stan Stewart - muz4now Avatar
    Stan Stewart – muz4now

    I hear you. I’ve had days where my day job felt like this. Over time, I’ve learned to find balance – most days. Recently, that sense of losing the anchor of my creative spirit has crept back in a few times. The strangeness of the unsettling times we live in makes it that much more challenging.
    If I had a magic feather to give you, I would. But I think we creative folk each have to work this out in our own way.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Thank you for sharing, Stan. Yes, I agree it is different for each person, and I will adjust to the new routine, and I will make the time I need to satisfy my creative soul! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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  4. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar
    Felipe Adan Lerma

    Keep hanging in there, Tiffany, even if just quietly, in the background, dreaming and daydreaming; there’s much to blame for in our world around us right now – the hatred and disgust, lies and corruption so thick, but our will and necessity for human decency is too thick, too deep, to ever be erased — and each creative piece is another tiny trail saying, we’re still here, decency persists; we persist — with love in our creativity ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      What a beautiful quote and message, Adan! Thank you so much for this, some days are difficult, but there is so much to be grateful for, I believe in a better future!🥰

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 Avatar
    Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶

    In a perfect world, your job would involve painting and creating every day. All the best to you, Tiffany. 🫶🏼

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Don’t you know it! And I believe I will get there someday, my dream would be to have my own studio in a cute quiet beach town where I can paint all day and the people will come to me to buy my work! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 Avatar
        Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶

        Sounds perfect! Keep that dream going, Tiffany!

        Liked by 1 person

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  6. EclecticMusicLover Avatar
    EclecticMusicLover

    Your painting reflects my state of mind over the past week.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Martha Kennedy Avatar
      Martha Kennedy

      That’s what I saw, too.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      I’m sorry if you’re having a rough week too, Jeff. We will survive, better days are coming!😉

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. EclecticMusicLover Avatar
        EclecticMusicLover

        Thanks, Tiffany. Unfortunately, our beloved but very elderly cat is seriously declining, meaning we’ll likely have to make that awful decision soon.

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        1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
          TiffanyArpDaleo

          Oh no, I am so sorry Jeff. I do understand, one of the worst feelings.😔

          Liked by 1 person

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  7. Martha Kennedy Avatar
    Martha Kennedy

    Back in the day, my weekends were spent in my garage then on the trails at Mission Trails. That was it. I had to earn a living, but what’s that song, “Living for the Weekend”?

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      That’s the best way to look at it, Martha! I’ve got a few rough months ahead of me, but if I can stick it out, I think it could lead to better opportunities….and a better life balance, we will see!

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      1. Martha Kennedy Avatar
        Martha Kennedy

        ❤️ You never know! Change is just weird.

        Liked by 1 person

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  8. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar
    Giadreams (themoviemylife.com)

    Yes, please, Tiffany, always feel welcome to share your art and your feelings/thoughts. I hope balance creeps back in in unexpected ways. 🤗❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Thank you so much Gloria! Yes, I think it will find its way to me!😊

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar
        Giadreams (themoviemylife.com)

        🤓🥂

        Liked by 1 person

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  9. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar
    Giadreams (themoviemylife.com)

    This piece says three things:

    ‘The cat got to the wool’

    ‘Alice needs help untangling’

    ‘Here, sort these Christmas lights out’

    🤓

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      How perfect! Yes, yes, and yes!!!😂

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar
        Giadreams (themoviemylife.com)

        😁🥂

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  10. Dawn Pisturino Avatar
    Dawn Pisturino

    Congratulations on your new job! Change is always difficult. I have no doubt you will work it out.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Thank you very much Dawn, you are totally correct, and I will! 😊

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  11. hitandrun1964 Avatar
    hitandrun1964

    I hope you find the balance you need and good luck at your new job. I hope you like it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Thanks so much Gigi, I’m trying! 😊

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      1. hitandrun1964 Avatar
        hitandrun1964

        You’re going through a lot of changes so remember it might take awhile to get comfortable.

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
          TiffanyArpDaleo

          Thanks, that’s good advice to keep in mind!☺

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  12. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    Starting a new job is an adjustment…I’m sure your art will find its way back in. Even a little bit every day is good. (K)

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. TiffanyArpDaleo Avatar
      TiffanyArpDaleo

      Thank you K, I will find my balance eventually! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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