Creating with Freedom

Do you ever experience fear with creating art?

It is a common thing artist face. It often shows up in procrastination or simply not having freedom in one's creative process.

"Will I?" Graphite drawing, 18x24 inches.

Art should be fun, right? It can be amazingly rewarding. But often I find, the challenges reveal my weaknesses, as well as strengths. It takes courage to persevere. And too often the artist is the only one aware of these struggles, alone in it. If you don't have a good community of artists and a good art mentor, I hope you find one! It can mean the difference of fulfilling your hopes and desires.

“Art is like beginning a sentence before you know its ending.”

ART REQUIRES FAITH! After painting hundreds of paintings, the process is still unknown and uncertain. I try to hang on too much. I still incessantly question paintings in process, still not allowing unreserved expression with the brush. Why? Are all artists like this? Can you relate?

“Tolerance for uncertainty is the prerequisite to succeeding.”

I want to encourage you, if you don't throw artwork away, allow yourself to take more risks! The greatest of artists also throw paintings away.

“One of the basic and difficult lessons every artists must learn is that even the failed pieces are essential.”

WHAT FEELS RISKY FOR YOU? Risk-taking means something different for each artist.

I'm learning we need to accept ourselves in the process, to not care too much, and to allow myself the freedom to make mistakes! To approach it with a childlike heart.

What's encouraging is, as we step outside of our comfort zone a little bit at a time we will OVERCOME fears and be victorious over them.

Some tips for Overcoming Fear:

1. Be gracious to your self.

2. Have faith!

3. Remind yourself it's a journey.

4. Join a supportive community of artists.

5. Find a good teacher / mentor.

6. Experiment with little studies.

7. Don't quit.

Thank you for allowing me to share. Have you noticed fear hinder you in your creative process? Please comment below!

If you are interested in learning watercolor online with me, please check out my Step-By-Step tutorials.

"Haitian Girl" original watercolor, 12x16 inches

Quotes from: Art & Fear: Observations On The Perils (And Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland.