Every painting has an ugly stage. So whenever I’m stuck with a face, I look back at my progress photos. I take photos of every painting as I create. That way, I’m reminded that each painting has this ugly stage. Otherwise it’s too easy to fool myself into thinking a painting should fall right into place. That never happens. It takes a lot of mistakes,... Continue reading
Do you ever find it hard to cover up your paintings? I do (all the time). Then sometimes a happy accident happens and it makes me stop and realize I just need to let go. The other day when this happened, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Do More Of What Makes You Happy,’ 11” x 14” on canvas). I’d painted over... Continue reading
Do you find it difficult to be loose in your art? I do (a lot). A few weeks ago I was painting and I started to feel like all of my characters were looking too perfect. You know, like the woman’s eyes and face looked pasted on and she just didn’t flow. There was no freedom or whimsy. I’d been trying lots of new techniques... Continue reading
Whenever I’m stuck with my art, I don’t let myself look at any other artwork (not even my own). If I do, I start to feel like an imposter. I waste so much time “getting inspired” that I feel paralyzed. The other day when this happened, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Finding Your Light’ 11” x 14”). You can find originals... Continue reading
When I’m struggling to be loose in my art, I get out new supplies and play. This makes me stop and look around, so I’m not so focused on painting something perfect. My entire process is all about play. But sometimes I still get super stuck. The other day I was painting and I tried all of these different supplies and colors, and just couldn’t... Continue reading
When a painting starts to get muddy, I take a step away and let it dry Then I cover up any parts I don’t like with a little (or a lot) of bright color. This helps me get back into my comfort zone so I like the painting again. But sometimes it takes covering up a painting again (and again). The other day, I was... Continue reading
Whenever I’m struggling to be loose in my art, I have to take a step away. I’ll look back at my past work and discover little things I love: a circle of turquoise ink on an owl’s belly, a splash of cobalt teal acrylic paint in the corner, or a rainbow of water soluble oil pastels. Then I keep those small elements in mind and... Continue reading
If I paint over something again and again, I know I’ve stopped having fun. I’m usually trying to paint an idea I’ve got in my head and wanting to make my painting perfect. It always takes trying, again and again, to get to a place where I can finally let go and allow a painting to come together ❤️ The other day, I was working... Continue reading
Whenever I’m stuck with my art, I’ll often give my character an ink mask. It’s usually the eyes and face I don’t like, but it’s super scary to paint over them. I’m always afraid I won’t be able to recreate what’s already there. But I’ve learned, if I’m not liking my art, I have to cover it up. The other day when this happened, I... Continue reading
Part of my creative process is trying new things and covering up my art. I cover up what I don’t like, which is forever changing and evolving just like everything else in life. When I reach a creative block, I return to whatever it is that makes me feel joy. This reignites my passion, so I can be brave and let go. But the other... Continue reading
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