Perfectionism

As adults we often are very self critical of our own work, and it can hold us back from the joy of creating. And also the joy in sharing our knowledge and skills with others. This often starts when we are young, and I've witnessed this perfectionism in my own children. My four year old often hesitates to draw because 'I just can't" he says. So I tell him, "Ok, let's go outside and bring all of our art stuff outdoors, and we will paint together" As soon as we plop down onto the grass and bring out the paper, he starts drawing and painting freely. There are no rules, no expectations, it's as if the breeze carries them away into the rustling grass and trees.

Sometimes, we need a new perspective. Sometimes we need to take down the walls (the ones in our minds too). Maybe it's taking your art supplies outdoors, or into a different room. Or maybe it's cleaning and organizing your creative space (I know this is something I struggle with). Bring in some fresh flowers to your art space and make yourself a cup of coffee or tea. Maybe it's sketching at the park or with a friend at a coffee shop. 

When I first started watercolor painting years ago, I became frustrated with my attempts at painting florals. My flowers never looked the way I hoped they would, and I was disappointed in my work. In this photo, you can see my earlier work (the red poppy) and my later work (the pink peony on the right).

But watercolor drew me in and I continued to take classes, and paint different subjects. I joined my local watercolor society and learned so many valuable techniques and styles from other artists within the community. By watching live demonstrations at the meetings and connecting with other artists just like me, I learned to embrace the unpredictable nature of watercolor. I shared the same fears with other artists, and we encouraged each other to keep painting. I learned how to control the amount of water on my brush and how to layer transparent watercolor in order to make my paintings pop! I also learned to let go, and understand that not every painting session needs to result in a framed work of art!

SO, I'm here to tell you that when frustration happens, it's a sign that you are about to grow in new ways as an artist. If you are like me, you might even tear up a painting that's not working out, (or better yet, start some new practice paintings on the back of that expensive paper). Sometimes I switch over to a different medium and paint wildly with acrylic on canvas.

The important thing is to understand that all artists go through periods of self doubt and frustration. It's important to try new things and stay connected to a community of artists whether it's online or a local group. Those connections help us develop new insights into our own art, while helping each other.

 Here is a glimpse of the class I am working on launching soon. I will be teaching a floral watercolor workshop available on my website soon. It will include this Hydrangea painting, a watercolor peony, and some expressive herbs.