01/04/2024
It's been five years of painting so here are five quick thoughts about my painting journey so far that may be helpful to someone ( although quick is not in my vocabulary so here are 5 very long winded thoughts.. 😅)
I taught myself how to paint through lots and lots of hours of reading, observing and listening to visual artists I respected and connected with. I pushed myself to reach out to mentors who shouldn't have even responded to me and tried to be so quick to ask for help and guidance.
For me, having solid technical skills has given me so much freedom to express and, in the long run, ignore those technical things because they are becoming second nature. YouTube, my library card and lots of practice are my best friend for this side of things.
Staying curious has been what keeps me loving the art of painting. I feel like it's a muscle that I've had to figure out how to flex. Beach walks and staying deeply connected with the precious humans in my life are two things that help me stay confused and joyful and hurt and happy and mad and sad and excited. Out of these emotions come sooo many freakin questions.
I continue to learn from visual artists I respect but I am very selective in who I follow on social media. Follow what inspires you. For me that is musicians and dancers and writers. That's the stuff that really gets me going and painting is how I process.
Lastly, something I wish someone told me way earlier on. It's ok to take things slow and steady. Don't feel like you have to share everything to have content at the expense of quality ( aka. work that is genuine and work that you are proud of). Instagram will make you feel like you're never doing enough but lean into taking things slow and being messy and staying private. Art is for others but art is also for you. Sometimes you just need to put in the work and enjoy things on your own before the world gets the privilege of seeing as well!
Some thoughts from a learning artist ❤️
