Procrastinating?

Have you ever been afraid or anxious about starting a painting? This past week, I had been procrastinating when it came to one particular painting.  I just couldn’t make myself start on it.  So, I gessoed several canvases, decided to go to the art store, worked on Procreate for more designs, and searched Unsplash for more inspiration. Well, when I finally did start on it, time flew by and the painting just evolved on its’ own and I absolutely love it. I guess I held back because I loved the design but didn’t think I could do it justice. Have you ever felt this way with your art? 

Here are some strategies that may help you overcome that anxiety and get started.  

START WITH A SKETCH - Make a simple sketch of your painting. This can help you visualize the composition and layout before starting on it.  It also allows you to loosen up.  I think for me, working loose and quick in my sketchbook of another flower painting helped me get past this little fear of failure.  

BREAK IT DOWN - Instead of focusing on the entire painting at once, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks.  Start with one section you feel more confident and then gradually move on.  This is exactly what I did.  I painted the bird first because the colors and the detail were interesting and I wanted to do that part.  Then I moved onto to the dreaded peonies which have always been a hard subject for me to paint.

EXPERIMENT AND PLAY - Give yourself permission to play and experiment with different techniques, colors and brush work.  Remember that painting is a creative process.  So embrace the freedom to make mistakes along the way.  This is why we have sketchbooks and acrylic paper.  There are no expectations of perfection! 

SEEK INSPIRATION - Look at other artist’s works, nature, photos or your surroundings.  This will help ignite your creativity and alleviate those procrastinating thoughts.  I highly recommend searching for particular artistic interpretations and subjects on Pinterest.  It’s a great search engine for artists, which I’m pretty sure you already use. 

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS - Focus on the present moment, the sensation of the brush on the canvas and the colors blending together.  Leave your worries behind.  Engaging in mindfulness can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety and enhance your overall painting experience. 

Remember, starting a new painting is an opportunity for growth and self-expression.  Embrace the process, be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey!