Five Steps in overcoming your fears of succeeding as an artist
It’s hard to move forward as an artist when you have that negative voice in your head telling you your not good enough to succeed and you think that everyone else’s work is better than yours. You have to move past that negative self talk. Here’s how:
Look at the positive
Your work stands as a testament to your hard work and dedication. You went through a process of thought to create your artwork and its completion and your satisfaction of the end result is what is important. Look at what you have achieved. Be grateful for reaching your goal.
Analyze your thoughts
There are many different interpretations of a subject. You might feel that someone else’s execution of a theme or topic is better than yours. Ask yourself, why? What is it you like about that other artist’s work. Learn from that and apply it to your next painting. Someone else may easily prefer yours. It really is a matter of personal taste and opinion.
Be persistent
With each painting that you complete, you gain a better understanding of your technique and your interpretation of the subject and what you hope to achieve with that piece. If you aren’t happy with the piece, start over, change it, make it better. Walk away from it for a while, however long it takes. I once left a painting for 3 years and then picked up my brush and finished it. It takes discipline but what a wonderful feeling of pride and accomplishment you get when you finish it and are happy with the result!
Believe in yourself – We tend to be our own worst critic. It can be a good thing when it spurs you on to do better, but excessive self-criticism can work against you. Turn that voice into a positive and encouraging one. You have to believe in your self and what you are capable of. Ask yourself why you are painting, what do you hope to achieve?
Think differently
There are a million ways to draw a flower, or anything. No right or wrong. Your interpretation is yours and unique and interesting for that reason. That is what makes creativity so special. It’s personal. It’s your expression.
Sandy Point
Life is always better at the beach. – anonymous We made our way by canoe to Sandy Point on Elliot Lake. Actually, we were on our way to a wonderful sandy beach across the lake that I remember going to with my family when I was a kid. Well, I later found out that we overshot it by quite a piece. But ending up at this lovely spot was pretty nice too. There was a fire pit, so we made a fire, roasted some hot dogs and marshmallows and had a nice break there. Nothing soothes the soul more than a walk along a sandy beach.
read moreSummer Berries in Northern Ontario
14 x 18 Acrylic Summertime is berry picking time in Northern Ontario. Blackberries, chokecherries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and blueberries grow freely behind our cottage on Lake Lauzon. But most often it was the wild blueberries my mother was after. She would enlist our entire family to spend a good part of a day high up on the rocks surrounding the lake. As kids, we would think it was fun for a little while, then start eating them, and finally drop the whole thing altogether and start playing. My mother wouldn’t be satisfied until we had filled a couple of gallon pails with blueberries. And this would take hours. It’s a good thing my father was a patient man and picked faithfully. She would then freeze many that would later be enjoyed as jams and pies. But a lot of them would be eaten fresh with a little sugar and maybe some milk or cream poured over. Delicious! To this day blueberry pie is my absolute favorite. The blackberries were plentiful as well, though harder to pick due to the thorny bushes and the wasps that joined in. They were also not as sweet, but they made a lovely jam and jelly. I painted this during the month of March when the ground was still very frozen and covered with a crusty blanket of snow. Painting these lovely green leaves and popping ripe berries sure got me dreaming about the summer. It became a detailed study of this tangly bush I hope to visit again someday soon. cost:...
read moreWinter Woods
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass 12” x 24” acrylic on canvas I love nothing better than walking along a trail in the woods after a fresh snowfall. I love the way the snow covers everything like a soft blanket, leaving nothing uncovered. Only Mother Nature can be so meticulous and thorough. I love the way the snow crunches underfoot on an extremely cold crisp winter day. This is the winter of my youth, the northern Ontario winter. Come March though, I know I’ll be longing for spring!...
read moreOctober on the Lake
Last October, we were blessed with some beautiful sunny days and we didn’t hesitate to take advantage of them including some family hiking, canoeing and walks down to the lake. This was our first fall in Elliot Lake, a time I had eagerly looked forward to. It had been at least 40 years since I had experienced a northern autumn and I looked forward to the brilliant reds that we didn’t see as much in Southern Ontario. Many Elliot Lakers were disappointed in the lack of intensity and brilliance of the fall colors this year. It was blamed on the long and rainy summer and the warm fall weather that didn’t include the usual amount of frosty mornings and cool overnight temperatures. Despite that, the fall was a wonderful time, and we can’t be happier in our new home in Elliot Lake. I’ve been happily rediscovering this lovely city and the natural beauty that surrounds it. I think growing up here, I took so much of its beauty for granted. I plan to continue exploring all the area has to offer. I’m excited too, to be showing this painting and offering it for sale in the Elliot Lake Arts Club Annual Christmas Show & Sale, along with my blank note cards. It’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more!...
read moreWait for me!
“Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life”- Pablo Picasso I’m taking a break from packing chaos and a home that has become a sea of boxes to share my most recent painting of some kayakers on Lake Huron which I’ve titled: “Wait For Me!” The inspiration came from a photo a friend had shared a couple of years ago and I knew immediately when I saw it, that I would paint it one day. My thought was to paint it as a tribute to Canada in celebration of this great country’s 150th. It holds so much more meaning now, being so consumed with the anticipation and preparation of our upcoming move up north. Dreams of being near the lake—kayaking, swimming, painting, and fishing. Memories of a childhood growing up in beautiful Elliot Lake come flooding back. I can really say “I’m going home”....
read moreGirl on the Beach
There is a really cute, smart, funny, adorable little girl and her name is Klara. I am so lucky to be her grandmother. Klara is really lucky too because she has 2 awesome parents who love to travel. So Klara has visited more countries in her 3 young years than many adults have in their entire lives. In this painting, she is standing in a weathered old wooden boat along the shore of a beach in Greece. She was only 2 at the time, though I’ve captured an older Klara in my painting. She has the brightest smile and eyes that twinkle and light up the world. I must confess that I painted her face at least 8 times before I was satisfied that it was Klara. There were times when I considered giving up. But a dedicated artist does not give up. Portraits are a true test for an artist. You have to capture what you see, so there is an amazing amount of concentration. And the ultimate thrill when you’re...
read moreSeptember Blooms or My Happiness Project
Black-eyed Susans are particularly striking in late summer when so many other flowering plants have gone to seed. They have held a special place in the gardens of each home we have lived in, and have become a favorite flower of my husband. These beauties were transplanted from our former home’s flower bed, and some might argue that they are a weed. We were really pleased how well they have taken to their new spot. Easy to grow, and easy to enjoy! 12 x 12 Acrylic Painting these flowers just made me happy, and I hope they bring a smile to others as...
read moreCute little boy in the grass
I took my own advice on inspirations for paintings and looked no further than one of my grandsons. Carter is just over a year old in this painting where he is sitting in the grass and looking cute as he always does! A photo taken by his dad, Andy was just perfect to work from. NFS.
read moreHealth to all in Altea, Spain
I’ve never been to Spain, but I hear it’s kind of warm there…
I painted this street scene in Altea, Spain for my mother-in-law. I was commissioned to paint it by my sister-in-law Terry, who wanted to give it to her as gift and in turn it was also a gift for me since it got me back in the studio after several month’s absence! So we both say thanks to Terry! NFS.
read moreHeading to calmer waters
This painting takes me to a time when I’m on vacation and spending time with family, when life slows down, and takes me to those calmer waters. It’s a nice memory. SOLD.
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