The Pomodoro Technique

My Timer is on the stove so I’m moving my stuff into the kitchen.

And I thought it was old age creeping on. You’ll have to keep your Pomodoro in low gear if that’s the problem, Bob. But you could also take up the Broccoli system – that’s a system where you break up a tree of Broccoli then count how many little trees it has and divide your day’s tasks according to how many you’ve counted. That has an additional benefit – broccoli has high blood-building value. Vampires through the ages have come to cherish this feature. Recently I’ve noticed that my mornings are getting shorter, so I’m getting up earlier to make up for the time loss.

Great idea! I frequently lose track of time while immersed in a project. I guess that is a right brain issue. The timer brings me back into a left brain mode. I like that pleasant break.

This sounds all very efficient. Personally I like to savour the process of painting though and there’s even a sense in which the picture paints me as well as me painting it, in other words the process and it’s accompanying discoveries change me in some way and that can’t be rushed or it may be lost.

Enjoyed the article Robert. Thanks!

It would be very useful to use while surfing the internet, that greedy gobbler of time.

The important thing we artists need to ask ourselves is: “Is it really necessary to drain the lake?”

I taught elementary school for 33 years and used this method to keep myself on task. Otherwise we would do reading all day and never get to the other subjects, much less recess. So I know that it works, but I never thought of using it in my studio! I do have a time log to record when I start working and when I end. I keep track of the hours a week that I work in my studio. The Pomodoro method would allow me to better record what I actually do. I am going to try it and see if I can be more focused and productive. –

I’ve had a standard-looking timer in my studio for a couple years…usually setting it at 45-55 minutes. From now on, I’ll set it at 25; probably get more “quality” time in (and more breaks!). I think I’ll order a pomodoro, then do a little 25-minute painting of it as it’s ticking away.

I haven’t tried timing work sessions because when I “break” I get distracted with another task. Some of us need timers for the breaks to remind us to get back to the work at hand. I much prefer marathon sessions, although arthritis has altered that somewhat. With an hourly wage job you normally have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks with a lunch hour … eight hours. I try to tie myself to the computer or easel. After all, this is work.

I have a Pomodoro! It’s in my studio! I have had it for years! Guess I’d better dust it off and get busy!

All could think of when I read the title to today’s letter was the colored pencil drawing I had to create one day when planning dinner. Papa Pomodoro is a simple dish that we enjoy. Reading on, I caught the gist of the idea behind the timer. A back doctor had told me the same thing, to use a timer to keep from staying in the same position for too long a time. So my (non) pomodoro timer is set to change positions when I am in the computer rut, or any other lengthy pose, whether at my art work or unnecessary trivia.

This sounds like a good technique to start painting in the studio. It might be just what I need to get going. I certainly need something since I haven’t been painting. I keep thinking I need big chunks of time but maybe if I started out with a smaller limited time. When I was doing my daily journal paintings I would do them every morning after I ate breakfast. I haven’t done those for months, I got distracted by other things

There is also a pomodoro app for iPhones. I have used it for other task but not thought of it for painting.

I often suggest the kitchen timer method to beginning painters. Frankly, for us painters who make a living from our art, the best method are the bills next to our desks. We don’t really need motivation to paint. We have to eat!!

I went on strike because I realized that the new group I was with was playing with me and not nicely, and that slowed the rest of it for some days. Today back at it, I was mostly resentful that that setback was making the work at the easel too much like work – more than it should be. But generally speaking, I’m already doing new things and getting back in stride with easel and writings is the KEY. I will buy the pomodoro and I must buy the FitBit pedometer/cardio tracker as well. I did this once some years ago – set a timer for it all and it works like magic.

“Lately I’ve become aware that………….” I have been losing my marbles. I recently relocated from the Central Coast of BC, Denny Island to be precise, to the Fraser Valley, Pitt Meadows. Some days I really think I left most of my brain cells on that tiny island. The sensory stimulation here is incredible, and I am having a terrible time concentrating on my life’s purpose, ART. I suppose, it is understandable, I spent 24 years in quiet solitude with Nature and Mother Earth, and now I have tossed myself into the high tech world of this Metropolis.

Forgive me for saying this but this “pomodoro” seems to be just one more distraction. I get the feeling I would be so concentrated on the timer, I would never get anything done waiting for it to go off. This seems too rigid and a would become a bigger intrusion on my time. Besides we all talk about how time seems to fly by when we are in the zone. Hours pass when working intently. I would not want a timepiece ticking dictating to me how long I should be working. The idea of a pomodoro or any time piece in the studio is distracting. I don’t allow phones or clocks in my studio. Intention or resolve or determination comes from having a purpose or being motivated when you enter your studio. Having something meaningful to work on. One important thing is if you have other responsibilities calling you away from painting, handle them and get them out of the way. I can’t paint knowing I have left something else I needed to do undone.

HA, I make a wicked pomodoro sauce for spaghetti, after eating it in an Italian restaurant, I figured out the recipe and make it as a comfort food, I’m sure your pomodoro will work very well, it’s the name that does it….

I love the timer idea but I set goal every day, such as, “I will sort out and plan two new paintings today”, “I will sketch the painting onto the canvas an do an under-painting before I stop” or “I will cover the canvas with paint today” etc. I almost always do more than the goal. It also helps to have more than one project in the works even if one is only in the staring stage. Momentum is not lost this way.”

This works. I used to challenge myself on how much kitchen work I could get done in the commercial breaks when my husband and I were snuggling. Then I got a timer and started doing this for everything else. Having children makes this harder to do unless you get them into the whole spirit of “beat the clock”.

I learned about Pomodoros a few weeks ago, and have been using the timer for a big project I’m working on – it’s great!

I use a similar technique, except I use the timer on my iPod. I set it for one hour and when the hour is up, the painting is finished. I find it an amazing way to focus exclusively on what you are painting. It helps to have a clear focus on what the finished painting will look like. The timer helps cut through all the clutter and extra detail I sometimes want to add to my painting.

What about turning off all those devices? Hello?

The timer works! When I procrastinate about doing things I really don’t want to do…I can time myself for 30 mins (who can’t give just 30 min?)…it amazing what can be done in 30 min! It takes me 3 min to take the dishes out of the dishwasher…just three…time for my coffee to press….then dishwasher clean!

I was first wondering how a tomato might fit in. I had a different solution to loosing my marbles. I decided to find them, so I began a painting series called “Found my Marbles”. I think this has much to do with being in my mid 50s!

I have successfully used the Pomodoro technique (albeit with my iPhone stopwatch) for quite some time now for almost anything I need to get done: reading, writing, other projects. Painting, however, always calls me enough that the Pomodoro has not been needed yet, but that day will probably come when I can paint full time.

I’m ready for a couple of “Pomodoros”, to unplug the phone and TV, toss the computer, and quit cooking……if only someone would organize my studio!

I have long used this “Pomodoro Technique” without knowing it had such a fancy title or pedigree. It comes in handy when faced with certain “left-brained tasks” that aren’t my favorites: decluttering and bookkeeping are two prime examples. Thank you for reinforcing this honorable work force technique.

This system will work for pros like yourself but not for me. I simply paint for pleasure and even though I sell my stuff, I place no time limit on a piece nor do I place the term “production” on it. Having spent all my working life watching the clock, that pressure is off!

I set a timer and spent the first 25 minutes just looking at the subject, saw a lot.

Now that we have a clinical term for it, there is an epidemic of ADD and ADHD. Whether one is a daydreamer or hyperactive it is difficult to get focused on a given task. Once recognized, however, there are strategies for dealing with this problem. Nevertheless, it impacts one’s productivity.

Loved your painting from this post. I noticed something and wonder about it. In my reading about art it talks about hard AND soft edges. Is hard edges your preferred style? Am I missing something? Maybe I have too many soft edges.

I have a horse in my living room. It’s okay because it doesn’t need feeding and subsequently doesn’t need to go outdoors. It’s a life-size, fiberglass horse that I have been chosen to paint as a fund raiser for the Langley Arts Council. There are about 5 of us in this neck of the woods chosen to do likewise; some lucky enough to have a studio to coral their horse till finished painting. As you can imagine, this horse is a very big canvas, awkward to paint and gobbling up pigment like crazy. I needed to break away now and again to rest my creative soul (to regain my sanity, or pay a bill) so I was setting my kitchen timer to remind me to put down my brush. I like your term for the same however as it sounds like I know what I’m doing–or at least sounds like a good Italian shoe.

Just last August I finished a series called Sanctuary. They all sold immediately. In person they are luminous and magical. Since then, very little production due to this syndrome. And I know The Pomodoro Technique from the Eastern practice of kaizen. Very similar idea.

Interesting idea, I will give it a try. Does the twenty five minutes it took me to read your letter and click-backs, count? If it does, then it’s time for my five minute nap.

The Pomodoro Technique sounds like a good idea, though I would suggest using it as a temporary aid for engendering sustained concentration. No doubt this suggestion is offered for individuals that need, or could benefit from the technique. Many artists have already achieved, not only the ability to sustain full concentration, but also the ability to monitor their level of fatigue, or lapses of concentration. I think it is reasonable to develop our innate capacity to monitor the content of the mind with respect to creative endeavors. Certainly, great works of art were achieved without such aids. I am merely suggesting that the Pomodoro Technique can be a useful aid to achieving the ability to sustain concentration, but perhaps should be coupled with the goal of working with, or acknowledging the innate ability of the mind to know when ones efforts need to be suspended for a period of time. I offer this opinion for your consideration. Thank you for allowing me to participate.

I love this idea! For some it may sound too “mechanical” and counter to artistic temperment but I think it’s a great tool. Open-ended time is often unproductive. This system allows for mini-goals throughout the day and a way to track how you are meeting those goals.

I have the opposite problem. I get so involved I forget ‘real life.’ I had to buy an alarm clock to set so that I would not miss teaching appointments. Missing classes made students angry and reduced income, neither of which were desirable.

Hey Robert – I think you are great – and so is the Pomodoro Technique! Ive started already!!!

Thanks! I have a egg-shaped kitchen timer, I think that will do. I think it’s worth giving it a try. Thank you for your encouraging letters. I enjoy them very much. Holland

Thank you. I got one right away on Friday and I’ve been pomodoroing myself relentlessly and it definitely works wonders.

I tried using a timer today in my studio and I love it. Thanks so much for writing about this. I think it’s a great method. This was one of your very best letters (which are all good).

p.s. the reason why I love this technique is because it’s hard for me to make myself STOP painting and take breaks. And breaks, as it turns out, are every bit as important as the ability to focus. Just wanted to make that point.

This is a very good and true article. As I set my timer this morning it reminded me of a person who does her housework in 15 minute increments as to not get overwhelmed. Repetition is good! Thank you so much for your insights. Renee Hoag

I have used this method for years, both at my full time job and in my studio. There are several trainers who recommend it. I find it most useful for those unpleasant tasks, like cleaning out the studio, the desk, etc. Unless I’m doing a timed painting, I often enjoy getting in the flow and totally losing track of the time. It works both ways. Always enjoy your thoughts, Robert.

What a great idea! I really need this kind of discipline. My timer is an unprepossessing digital number from Ikea – not nearly as cute as a pomodoro – but if I don’t look at it I guess it will work just as well! Yay hay – off to try it. Thanks

I tried this at work today. It was very refreshing and motivated me as the Pomodoro Technique website indicated it would. I bought the iPhone app too. It is called “Focus Time”. Not necessary, but I like gimmacks (except in my art). I will use it now in my early morning weekday painting sessions before work. Thanks!

You know Robert, I think that some major religions started this way…

If you are charging by the hour then you’ll need a timer.

I eagerly read all Robert’s letters for tips to help me become a better painter. I really like the Pomodoro Technique and plan to buy myself a “pomodoro” next time I’m in a suitable store. Perhaps it will stop my procrastinating about starting a drawing or painting and get me going!

I just discovered my iPhone clock with the timer about 2 months ago when I was so swamped with Gabriola Island items of living! So I set it for 30 minutes to get up to my studio and I painted like crazy even in the midst of all the clutter. It worked so successfully that I finished 8 paintings for our new Clinic medical centre opening that I was fundraising for in the 2 years. One of our doctors is from South Africa and I had just visited there. That was so successful I set the timer for 10 minutes to sort through my very delayed income tax submissions…Wow! I had so much success I set it for another 10 minutes.

Very busy life. Found an old timer in the closet and set it for 25 minutes. Worked for two hours. Thank You.