Welcome to Part II of my art journey and the lessons I’ve learned. Do check out Part I, if you haven’t yet.
In the years leading up to today, I have learned many lessons from this journey. Not just about studio space design, or perfect lighting or the fact that when I get a studio, something happens whereby I have to leave it behind…but the lessons I want to share with you now are deeper than the space I create in.
Don’t worry too much about the outcome-enjoy the process-it took me quite a number of years to put this into practice. I’ve only now just gotten it. If a painting turns out poorly, you can start over with a new canvas or with the same one. It’s just paint.
Let go of perfection-right? This also took a while to accept that my paintings are going to be far from perfect. Hey, they might even reflect my own flaws. But that’s what makes them unique.
Explore and Play-allowing ourselves freedom to explore, help us let go of perfection. I used to be overly concerned about how a painting would turn out and this only stiffened up my creative expression. Writing, journaling, doodling, sketching with different tools has allowed me to accept my own style, then go back to the canvas and further explore.
You don’t need a fancy studio to create-As my art journey part I shows, studios come in many shapes and sizes and many are not permanent. If you are lucky enough to have a permanent space, cherish it.
What other people think of your art isn’t your concern-Sure, it’s nice to show your work and have people compliment you on it. To have any kind of comment or reaction feels great but don’t mistake reaction with validation. You won’t find validation of your art skills outside of yourself.
“I used to fear critical reactions to my art’s imperfections. USED to. I do not anymore. I view the imperfections in my work as uniquely mine…Since I can now tolerate my self-imperfections, I can easily tolerate my art-imperfections. If I could not, I would hold myself back for fear of making mistakes and exposing my imperfections.” ~ quote from my art journal
Don’t give your paintings as gifts. As I wrote in detail in Part I, it can be very painful to discover that your art meant very little to the receiver. Above that, we musn’t give away any part of ourselves to anyone who doesn’t value us.
You can paint until you die (if you choose)- I have learned this lesson from reading about artists such as the late Mirka Mora. She painted well into her 90’s. What a wonderful way to close out a beautiful life—with paints and paint brushes in your hand. Paint on your face, even. Her work inspired me in this recent painting I completed:
Art of any kind is intrinsically rewarding-in the time of crisis, you will always have your paints (or typewriter, journal, sewing, knitting), When you are stuck in quarantine, it’s fantastic to have a hobby that brings you pleasure and lifts your spirits.
Art of any kind is intrinsically rewarding. When you are stuck in quarantine, it's fantastic to have a hobby that brings you pleasure and lifts your spirits. #art #hobby #play #create Share on XYou don’t have to sell your work to call yourself an artist-I used to think selling your work was the end-all. I have yet to try. I’m not saying I won’t one day but realizing that selling a painting won’t make it more real to me, has been freeing.
These are only a few of the lessons I’ve learned. It’s certainly not an exhaustive list. I know I’ve still more to learn. Writing about my artistic journey here, has taught me additional lessons. For example, if you sell your art in a gallery it is more likely that the buyer will appreciate your painting for as long as they own it. They won’t get mad at you and get even by throwing your work of art in the trash. I’m sold on selling…
Lastly, there will always be a few unfinished canvases (see above) lingering in your studio or closet. As an artist, you will begin many paintings but you will not finish them all. That’s okay. Aren’t the unfinished canvases also evidence of your journey?
Thank you for joining me in my art journey. It has been a pleasure to share with you my lessons, my paintings and this part of my life.
Pair this post with Art Journaling Therapy
Note that there are no filters on the images of and of the paintings.
Did any lesson here resonate with you? Share in the comments.
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Ishmum
May 10, 2020 at 3:04 amHey Lisa, beautiful arts!
Vishnu
April 18, 2020 at 2:00 amGreat work Lisa! Love that you’re doing this because you enjoy it and it is intrinsically rewarding. ANd your point about being an artist even if you don’t sell your work is spot on. Many of the points you make here apply to as us writers as well. hi from Malaysia 🙂
lisa
April 18, 2020 at 9:05 amThank you, Vishnu 🙂 Yes, so true. Writers face similar challenges and stereotypes. Freeing ourselves from perfection allows us to simply write and see where it goes not unlike paint on canvas. Hi to you in Malaysia. Hope you’re keeping healthy. Are you on quarantine there as well?
Tamara
April 14, 2020 at 12:51 pmI loved You Can Paint Until You Die. It reminds me of my grandfather who lived to 100, but still did his art until 98. The last two years were too hard. Even before that, he needed more inspiration, but he’d find it. I loved that.
lisa
April 14, 2020 at 1:27 pmYES. Wow, that is awesome, Tamara. Having creative pursuits as we age is so important to keeping up vitality. I like that he’d find his inspiration…even when it was sparse.
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
April 10, 2020 at 1:03 pmYou truly are multitalented. I love the flowers and the painting of your daughter!
lisa
April 10, 2020 at 7:55 pmMarcia. You’re too kind. But thank you. I make lots of messes and end up with a few paintings I consider successful. Talented? Nah, just determined. 🙂 😛 xx
DGKaye
April 9, 2020 at 5:34 pmLoved this post and shared in my literary FB group 🙂 Right, about letting go of life’s imperfections, especially when we are sometimes OCD about them. I think this whole isolation time is a rethinking and resetting of everything. A time for lessons and gratitude, appreciation, relearning kindness, and a learning to let go of what is beyond our control. <3
lisa
April 9, 2020 at 9:59 pmThank you so much for the share, Deb! That’s awesome. Yes, isolation is bringing new priorities into focus. Gratitude is important now more than ever. Yes. Thanks, Deb xx
DGKaye
April 10, 2020 at 3:02 pmxx
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
April 8, 2020 at 7:23 pmLetting go of perfection and using your art to explore and play are both such great lessons. I love the idea of just going with the flow and seeing what you end up with.
lisa
April 8, 2020 at 8:19 pmHi Suzanne, I know, right? Yet, it has taken me so long to embrace that. I guess it’s easier said than done. Flow. Play. Words I love.
Ellen Shook
April 8, 2020 at 4:06 pmLisa — I am so inspired. I really want to push it, and I have thought about trying some online lessons during this bizarre time. Your style is so free and uninhibited, and I suppose that is what makes your work appeal to me. Keep going!
lisa
April 8, 2020 at 8:18 pmThank you, Ellen. Oh my gosh, I could see you making beautiful paintings! Your interior design eye and talent could so easily translate to canvas. Go for it! 🙂 xx
Jeff
April 8, 2020 at 11:52 amI really like the painting of your daughter and the one of the horse. Your lessons can be applied for many areas of our lives. We often think we need to have everything lined up and then we are going to be doing perfect work, but that is seldom the case.
lisa
April 8, 2020 at 12:40 pmThank you, Jeff. Exactly true. Life doesn’t work that way. 🙂
Shali
April 8, 2020 at 11:30 amAwesome Lisa. Thank you. Keep well.
lisa
April 8, 2020 at 11:43 amHi Shali, hope you’re doing well in spite of the pandemic 🙁 Thanks for stopping over.
Balroop Singh
April 8, 2020 at 10:04 amHi Lisa, I agree with you – imperfections need to accepted and if we have the courage to do so, our confidence levels get a boost. I’ve never been influenced by the negative comments of people though I always introspect and try to improve upon my work and personality but I know nobody can be perfect.
Your art is quite good and portraits seem to be your forte, as once again your daughter’s portrait won my heart like last time it was your mom’s portrait. Keep going my friend, I admire your talents.
lisa
April 8, 2020 at 10:57 amThank you, Balroop. 🙂 I’ve read somewhere that perfection is the enemy of creativity. Also, perfection is boring 😀 That said, there is always striving for improvement. Constructive criticism is a gift when it comes from people who are in a position to give it. People with more experience than you or people who also put pen to paper and/or brush to canvas.
Interesting, I began with portraits and have veered away from them in the last number of years. I still love to do them. They are one of the most difficult types of artwork to create and do require some perfection…letting go of that has freed me to make mistakes and play. “South Prairie” is an example of play and imperfection yet I still love it. Ha. Art is also entirely subjective to the viewer. I appreciate your feedback, Balroop. Means a lot!
LA CONTESSA
April 8, 2020 at 9:19 amWHITE BEAUTY AND YOUR DAUGHTER LIT ME UP!
FINISH YOUR DAUGHTER THIS WEEK PLEASE AS I WANT TO SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT!
NO PRESSURE OF COURSE BUT YOU HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON THERE THAT IS REALLY SPECIAL!HOW BEAUTIFUL A WOMAN IN HER 90’s still PAINTS!!!!!!!
BE WELL………BIG HUGS
XX
lisa
April 8, 2020 at 9:38 am😀 thank you, CONTESSA. Yes, I should finish her. The reason why I haven’t is because she is an oil painting and I can’t use oil paints in my apartment. 😛 I can’t put acrylic on top so I’ve let her sit and wait. When I have a studio I can finish her! Yes, painting in her 90’s until the day she died. I want that. HUGS xx