Quitting Painting
Updated: Sep 23
Does anyone else ever lose the desire to paint? At one time I did and I quit painting.
Every artist faces a struggle at some point. If you have, you know the challenge...and you can "join the club."
But I want to share how life-changing good mentorship can be.
Art was an innate love for me as a kid. It was a passion which only grew with time. But around 15 years old I became terribly sick. The pressure and pain of the difficult season of life, caused me to shut down. The isolation caused me to lose hope.
And I QUIT PAINTING!
A few years later, hope began to return. I found a teacher and mentor who encouraged me, believed in my abilities, and helped me rediscover the joy I had once found in making art.
Everyone needs someone who sees the best in them—someone who recognizes their potential and helps draw it out.
"For the Joy"
The light she beholds gives her Strength for the day, for the Joy set before her, she presses on.
Oil 16x20" Private Collection
What I learned during that season went far beyond painting techniques. I learned how much it can mean to have someone recognize your potential and encourage you when you’re struggling to see it yourself.
As artists, it can be easy to isolate ourselves. But what a difference it makes when we connect with other creatives who understand, encourage, and challenge us to grow.
Having a good teacher, mentor, or community can make an enormous difference—not only in how we paint, but in whether we continue painting at all.
That experience is one of the reasons teaching has become so meaningful to me. I want to create a place where artists can learn, grow, ask questions, and feel encouraged to keep going.
What have you found to help encourage and inspire you in your creativity?
If you’re looking for guidance, encouragement, and a community to grow with in watercolor, I’d love to have you join me at Illuminating Watercolor.
Winchester & Dylan, wishing you Love, Joy and Shalom
