02/24/2023
Getting back into portraiture has been a difficult process for me.
In highschool creating was extremely stressful for me; I developed an unhealthy need for perfectionism. Due to learning breadth techniques and studying master works I was constantly comparing and contrasting my own skill level and my artwork to others, and wasn’t happy creating things anymore.
Then my time at college came around; I learned it doesn’t need to be “perfect” I just need to create something that feels fulfilling and meaningful to me. Taking art therapy classes has really helped me to loosen up and truly enjoy the process of making. I have taken a hiatus from immersing myself in portraiture for several years now, only doing it once in awhile and still not feeling it.
I’m grateful that by giving myself time to develop my practice to become one that is more interdisciplinary, and time to figure out what is joyous and meaningful for me to create, I am back to it. This painting I’m currently working on is fun, I feel the magic of portraits again, the appeal of them, the beauty of portraying someone’s face and likeness. Excited to keep working on more things like this!