*AFRAID TO MAKE ART? OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF THE BLANK PAGE, GET OVER CREATIVE BLOCKS & INTO THE ZONE 

My inner critic never stops ... every millisecond. It’s exhausting. I recently lost my beloved Mum in my arms in tragic circumstances ... she was an artist, who rarely ever got to art. We were both perfectionists, collecting art supplies and not actually ever learning to “play”. I’ve cried for 6months straight. Now I’m trying to somehow teach myself it’s okay to play. It’s okay to ruin perfect paper. It’s okay to waste paint. Not ever item has to go up for sale (the ultimate goal). I battle myself to even walk in and out of my art room. It’s so not what I believe art is meant to be. I hope I’ll try find the joy from it and the freedom to let myself express what I see in my mind all the time. Thank you for your ‘waffling’ coz it helps know we all battle ourselves in various ways. xo

Stacks of blank sketchbooks? Yep, that's me. Oh, and there’s the stacks of really cool pens I bought but didn’t want to waste the ink so I put them aside. Now they’re all dried up.

Just discharged from hospital after emergency major surgery, I could have died. This has been lovely to listen to about courage v fear. Thank you. 4am in the morning could have been a lonely place. Bless you x

It's like having a chat with a great friend.

Nice to see a genuine and honest person and artist - not another promoter just trying to sell how to succeed as an artist for their own benefit. Sweet woman.

*Thanks for watching, I didn't realise how long I had been talking for so hope that is ok?! Let me know down below how you get over your creative blocks and fears. Loads of love and big, soft hugs Xxxx*

When this video appears on your feed the moment you needed it the most.

I was afraid to make art during many years but when I lost my job during the quarentine I finally started to draw and to make video for my RU-vid channel

Such good tips! I've been feeling so sluggish and haven't been creating for about 5 years. I've been following you and using Pinterest to saturate myself with images, inspiration, etc...to urge me back into my art. And it finally worked just yesterday. Glad I found you!

IT'S YOU..!!! That last drawing is portrait of yourself! Beautiful of course, and a great drawing! Great video and advice. Thank you.

Years ago I heard a quote from a guy named Christopher Lowell who said "Where there is fear there is no creativity." We can definitely be artistically paralyzed by fear of so many things. Thank you for sharing your insight and creative process.

“I like to be comfortable, but I also like to be a little bit put together.” YES! I completely relate to this ^_^

Hello, my name is Anastasia, and I don't understand a word in English. But, such a positive energy comes from you. I'm going to learn English to watch and understand your videos. 🌸🌸🌸🌸💗💗💗💗💗💗

Lots of terrific tips. I’ve found that comfy clothes and a little solo dancing really relaxes me and helps me create. I can’t think straight let alone create something if my socks aren’t sitting “right” on my feet. 🤣

I’m a elementary teacher in the SF Bay Area. One thing I love about teaching is being creative. Your videos are very helpful. I love all your encouragement and dedication to self care. Today I’m going to remind my students that their words have power. Thank you.

I am a writer and dabbled in little creative cards, bookmarks, and doodads. About 4 years ago I stopped. Reasons are varied and not relevant but watching you has inspired me to begin again. Slowly but I am going to write out the tips and put them in motion. Many thanks. Adore your work.

Of aalllll the videos I watch on RU-vid every single day, you are literally the ONLY person who genuinely fills me with joy to simply see that you have posted. Your openness and honesty is more refreshing than anything else online, and genuinely inspires me. Because of you, I reorganized my entire craft room. I'm still working on it, (had a surgery this week, and had to leave everything in the middle of a complete overhaul) but still. YOU inspired that, and it's coming along beautifully! I even talk about you to my best friend, and have told her, "She lives so far away across the pond, but I wanna hang out with her." Haha! You are truly loved on this platform.

I am smiling 😃...my business is called Art with CoeurAge. It's taken a whole HEAP of courage to put myself out there; sales, social media, website 🥺. And it does take courage to start a new project. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your process to keep moving forward. I really needed to hear this today as I sit in my creative anxiety.

Thank you for your kind sharing, Wendy - you are a comfort to me in these times as well as a motivator in getting me to keep working on my art! Best wishes to you - Laura

Dear Wendy. I had a cuppa tea with you today while my felting rolling machine did its marching along. I loved the part about congratulating ourselves. I get so anxious (read perfectionistic) about my art. The "is it good enough"s all creep out. I will keep my courage (coeur age). Thank you. See you again soon.

I am suffering from fear every time I approach a piece. When I was younger, I didn't have that. Now, after all these years, I am terrified of painting! Ridiculous! Weird! I think of it as stage fright now. I discovered the root of courage being couer a long time ago too. Love it! I enjoyed this. You didn't talk too much. It was fun!

I watched this 3 yrs after you made it. I liked all the thoughts, and processes, and felt really connected to be honest. We have some similar philosophies. Particularly in relation to being kind to yourself, and the way you speak to yourself matters. I find it so freeing that if you are making art, and you make a “mistake” you can paint over it, layer of it, change it or whatever. I spent many years not realising I could do that. LOL. Anyway, I just wanted to say, thank you 🙏

Lol, I have a piece sitting on the table and it’s partially started and today was my day to finish it... yet here I am watching RU-vid...

“Have a little boogie...” love these tips! Completely agree!

There are so many things I enjoy about you, your art and your videos but I have to tell you my favorite thing is when we see you busy doing something at the beginning and then you turn to me/us and wave and/or toast me/us with your coffee. It's like a very kind and warm moment with a friend. Thank you! 💗

I’m almost envious that you are your own boss and create art for a living! In know working for yourself has its own stresses, but I cannot tell you how many ties I wish I could go to work in my own quiet space and just do my thing (whatever it is 🙂). I am a school teacher and as much as I do like it, there are many days that I just want to be with myself . I have a coloring book collection. I enjoy that. I have well over 100 books (should count them). My teen daughter is good at drawing and photography. I do love your videos. They make me feel relaxed and I look forward to them.

2024; the best video to date, thank you Wendy.

Flylady (Marla Ciley) is lovely. She started one of the first yahoo group email lists (about a hundred years ago!) and I was on it. "You can do anything for 15 minutes." 🙂 Delightful video and wonderful, wise, helpful suggestions. Thank you!

So much inspiration!!! Thank you very much, I am trying to make art again, after maybe...4 years... You help me so much... Thank you, from Catalonia. Kisses

Just discovered you on u tube. I’ll be 83 years old in a couple months and have “fiddled” with art and creativity most of my adult life, sometimes full of ideas and sometimes not. My inner critic is often very loud but listening to you is so inspirational. Thank you.

I love how you just danced away! I had a huge smile watching you dance away! Your absolutely right Happiness and Joy makes you more creative!

I love the point of overcoming the fear of the 'blank page' is by thinking of it as a layer 😍

This video is a unexpected gift for me. As a child I used to draw always, anything and almost anywhere (first page in books, school table tops!) Then one evil day I decided that I wanted to go to art college. After just one year I had to quit and I was convinced that I had no talent and no skill. That was in the 1980's ... I have never drawn since. I lost my courage. So, a million thanks to you for talking about courage. I hope I'll find mine again. May you be blessed!

There has been a transformation in your appearance which is charming and hard to identify. Beautiful!

This was wonderful Wendy. Glad to see you're feeling a little more energized this week. I really appreciated you sharing your low energy week last week because I was right there alongside you and watching your video gave me permission to be OK at not being very productive. I have a slight spin on what you do as I am an author so the blank computer screen or a list of edits that need to be done is my blank page. And it can have that overwhelming feeling too. So I actually do art before I write, I create junk journals and pages. I also meditate, read, walk, etc, and lastly, the first thing I do right before I jump into my current book is to have the computer read back to me the scene I love most in my current book. One that's really clean, with lots of imagery, and conveys all the emotion I want it to. It's amazing how I very rarely get all the way through it before I can't wait to dive in a create another chapter that inspires me in the same way. It works every time. :-)

i agree very much about setting the mood - lighting a candle, incense, tea, looking at inspirational stuff, music..it really helps. i struggle with creative block all the time, it's kind of silly, really...mess up a board or canvas or paper, who cares? lol

Lots of really good tips here. I especially like, "sometimes your art goes through an ugly stage"

I find that when I feel creative and want to make something but too afraid to actually start something, I grab one of my coloring books and it takes the pressure off. I don't have to come up with a concept, hunt for references, struggle to get the lineart the way I want it, get frustrated if it's not working out the way I envisioned it, and so on and so forth. Everything is already there and prepared for you in the coloring book, you just have to color it. You can do it realistically or crazy-like, you can go outside the line, there's no pressure to be perfect. Plus I think coloring helps with hand strength and dexterity, you can play around with color theory, find what works together, what doesn't, as well as work on the overall coloring technique.

When painting time is approaching, I resist the urge to go online and see other people's work. It often discourages me more than inspires me because their work is so good and interesting. Instead, I just think about what I'm going to paint, even if it's just a corner of my current painting. I shut off all distractions and just look and think and fiddle around with my brushes or paints. When all is quiet, I start slowly, like you mentioned. Then I'm where I need to be to make progress on my artwork and I'm happy.

It’s ironic that you always seem to “center or confirm“ my current feelings and that it’s ok! I’m a beginner in watercolor painting and drawing. I watch a lot of RU-vid for instruction and tips. Yesterday I worked on a piece along with the instructor and criticized myself during the process (because it didn’t look like the instructor’s)! Talk about being hard on yourself! But I checked myself and eased up. The result was a watercolor painting that shows my improvement (with leaves ). And wasn’t as bad as I thought. Your video confirmed and reinforced a positive attitude for me. Thank you. Loved your pencil drawing...just beautiful. Take care.

Oh MY GOODNESS !!! You are SO delightful !! I LOVED this video Wendy and i would like you to know that it has helped me tremendously! i truly mean it. I have not been even near my 'create' table, nor pencils, nor paint brushes, etc .... for over one whole year now. Your video here has given me the help i need to start again. Every single step you mention here, is key . Thank you from the bottom of my heart! It is a true pleasure to meet you! thank you thank you xoxoxoxoxo

Love your “Wendy Waffles” and never too long! God bless

You appeared last night as a suggestion and I am so glad I found you. I love your silver hair and there are many things we have in common like I am a morning person too (2 years ago I decided to keep my silver locks and now I am in the process of letting grow as long as you have it). I have been struggling a lot this last year to really put myself to enjoy my creativity and I am glad to see I am not the only one. I am going to follow your tips; I saw a video this morning where you show how to loosen up while doodling. Thank you so much for all that you share and for being so open and honest.✨✨✨

Thank you for sharing your kind heart! It is good to be reminded art is joy, and go with the flow not worrying about outside critics.

I started my journey late December after watching your videos - it really is your 'fault', lol. I have been working on creative stuff every day and I love it! Surprisingly, I find myself constantly defending my choices to invisible critics: "It's MY journal, I can do whatever I want!" I'm over 50 and I am amazed that I turn out to be so defensive about it. Clearly some work is required there. So I'll use your tip about a parent inner self and a child inner self. Thank you, i always look forward to your videos!

My heart is with you on everything you say here, Wendy! Bon Courage! ...the lovely way to say Good Luck in French!

My routine before I start my artwork is some type of exercise . Coffee then a , green protein shake in the morning. When my art day begins , I make sure to have full belly and it’s usually a bowl of pasta, I always have a cup of tea while I’m doing artwork and I set my timer for 45 minutes and walk away and dance.... thank you Wendy for your calm videos

The scenes at the beginning of this video were so absolutely beautiful! We had snow on Wednesday night this week, too, but I live in the southern USA, so the snow was gone by early afternoon. Please, never apologize for talking too long or ‘waffling’, you are so inspiring and so many of us need that right now! Thanks so much for the lovely ‘visit’.

Love the Wendy Waffles!

Talking about self care, I went to a plant nursery to get my seeds for the year and I found 2 beautiful scented geranium plants. The smell is very uplifting for the spirit and every time I walk past them I feel the power of self care x

I remember FLY Lady! I think I have her book around here somewhere. Thanks for the great tips. In the last couple of years, I've really learned to change my inner dialog, and do something similar to you-- I use my inner parent and inner child and try to have compassion for myself. I grew up with a very strong critical judgmental voice in my head, and doing the hard work to change this has helped me so much.

I don’t know why this video appeared in my feed, but I’m glad it did. Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing.

Just Begin. I love that. I tell myself. Just do it! Because I don't want to regret not starting. And say, I sure wish I would had painted that owl I saw for my Aunt. All good things. Thank you. I saw this right on time. I hadn't even voiced my fear of creating. Thank you. And connecting with the energy of your art is where 🤔 you find your own personal colors, unique to anyone. Do what love and everything becomes a art especially if it has value to you. The informality of being free to create is endless. Forever.

I love that quote, the word choice is so poignant. It's two sides of the same coin, "creativity takes courage" or it could be phrased as "creativity takes lack of fear". The word fear though just sends my mind into a spiral of negativity. It's like the difference between pushing and pulling, both achieve the same result but it's better to push. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!

You were wonderful Wendy! I do all of these things except the dancing, which I will add. I love this refresher. Your enthusiasm is so delightful. Thank you.

Courage comes from heart Art grows from heart Large is life when we are Being with ourselves Sowing seeds of joy! 🙏

I get so excited when I notice that you have posted.. Yours is my favourite channel since I discovered you about 4 weeks ago.. Since then I've got my first journal for art, lot's of bits and pieces to go into it and acrylic paints for my birthday. My first painting was of the feminine divine, I got my inspiration from an artist I met last August in Glastonbury. I never thought I'd be able to combine the two things I love, writing and painting and create something so personal to me. Thank you ❤️ I'm looking forward to hearing your exciting news.. Thank you for your authenticity Namaste 🙏

I remember fly lady ..wow. She had a lot of great advice. I learned to be sure to make the bed in the morning! A small thing but it made a big difference to me. You had such great advice today. All of them were helpful! Thank you. 😁 Whatever’s coming your way, enjoy!

Thank you so much for your beautiful and generous openess. I could listen to you for a much longer time! You've shared precious tips not only to prepare ourselves for a creative work but mainly to remind us to love and to be kind to ourselves while at it. They are actually the same process. Brilliant! Cheers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The part that I had a moment of self - structure was when you talked about setting a timer for 15 min at a time. Be prepared to achieve that 15 minute goal that needs to be done. Like washing kitchen walls. Joy will come in the morning! ✨✨✨

This video is an answer to a prayer/plea I put out to the universe this morning. Thank you for helping me to take the next step which is getting one word on a page. I feel I can begin and beginning will be enough even if that is all I do today. Many thanks. I love your videos.

Wow! I love how the Universe brings me/us answers. Having dealt with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and being diagnosed with Aspergers last year, I have been wanting to change my daily life which has no structure/ routine to it really, and wanting to create a morning routine. Also, wanting to do art daily rather than get caught up with other things. So have enjoyed this video, and like you said it is about creating a routine that works for the individual, so I will try many of your tips, and particularly like setting a timer, and about movement, because pacing yourself and movement is important in healing CFS. I also love the the idea of lighting a candle or incense stick and listening to music, and dancing, which I use to do a lot of years ago. Thanks for sharing.

I love 'mothering' myself in my journal too - it's so valuable to get our fears out on the page to put them into perspective! Charlie xx

I like a bit of soft jazz in the background when I’m journalling

I'm a full-time artist too and I understand the need to get into the zone, I find there are frequently doubts, long spells of tedium, moments of crippling indecision etc to weather during the process of creating art, particularly when you are stepping out of your usual style or subject-matter. There is no clear line between my work and rest of my life, it is all intertwined, but over time I get wise to my own rhythms and needs and hopefully can ride out the troubles. One thing I have found very helpful is to always have multiple pieces on the go simultaneously, as you know sometimes we need space from our work for a while so being able to put one aside for days or months even is helpful, plus in my case one of my biggest issues is deciding what to paint next, it's not fear of the blank page, it's more questions like "am I up to the challenge?", "will it sell?" and "if this is going to take me 50 to 60 hours to create I'd better make it count". I can't afford to be purist and just follow my heart, it is always a compromise to some degree between what I want to paint and what people will buy (more of the former than the latter of course), I live alone, I am dependent upon this income. If I have other pieces on the go I can work on them while I dither about the impasse I have reached, or indeed the next project, otherwise I can easily lose an entire day or two talking myself out of things, I have done it many times and always feel dreadful as a result. One thing though, and please don't take this the wrong way, it is meant kindly and just as a light aside, I remember hearing an interview with an artist years ago who pointed out you never hear of plumbers having "plumber's block", suggesting that artists should just get over themselves and get on with it , so whilst listening to your advice on this video I kept imagining that you are actually a plumber giving tips on how to avoid plumber's block... Thanks for your videos, keep up the good work!

I needed this. Am literally staring at a blank page now

I am a first time watcher I am in for about a minute now I’ve watched the snowy landscape, and it feels so much like my own home and then you invite me into your room in there I see my familiar dream catcher just like yours in the window and a happy plants that surround me...I’m glad I stumbled across your page today

Yay I always dance here and there while I'm drawing to get my energy flowing :)

I like you. Here's a flower. 🌹 I appreciate what you are doing.

Thank you for opening your self up and sharing. I think meditation can help too. To help your left and right brain communicate better. I do it for 15 minutes first thing in the morning. And 15 minutes in the afternoon, about half an hour after lunch. I'm not perfect at it. Just consistent.

Thank you for all these great reminders 💖🌞🤸

Wow Wendy, I love your channel and you are a real inspiration and very authentic, thank you for the tips.

Hi Wendy, Thank you so much for your videos. 🤍🦋 You are a true inspiration, a kind and gentle soul is just what the world needs. Love & Blessings.🌸🙏

Cheers love❤️ this is such a pleasant and well thought out video! You can tell Wendy is a sweet, loving soul and I got a loving nudge to impart this advice to my life. I’m reading The Artists Way and after watching this I feel very aligned with the unearthing of my creative potential. Thank you for your light🥰❤️✨

I prepare myself with inspiration. Take frequent breaks. Thank you so much. I'm saving this video as inspiration and wise suggestions!

Thank you for your vlogs! I am a recovering artist who is finding her courage again. ❤ You have been such an inspiration to me for a couple of months now since I found you. Baby steps and self talk. Oh -- and coffee. Thank you for all you do. ❤💗💓💕

Just watching that high speed left handed drawing between time mark 24 and 26 was therapeutic for me. When I watch someone draw right handed I have a very hard time getting past the feeling of vertigo and find myself gradually twisting my head further and further to one side trying to make it feel natural. I may just make watching those two minutes part of my morning routine.

You are doing wonderful Wendy! It makes lot of sense, comfortable and put together. LOVE your honesty it is very refreshing.

Art takes courage and sacrifice(the good type) because at the end it fills such a deep life purpose we have as artist I just can't stay away from it!

Dear Wendy, thank you so much for sharing a part of your life with us. When I see your videos I feel warm and optimistic. Lots of love from Stuttgart, Germany ❤️

Thank you Wendy. Your tips have come at the right time for me, not just for my creativity but also for my work. I have watched this video twice already. Life takes courage!

I am enjoy listening to you as I create. Reduces my anxiety and keeps me company. Thanks

Hi, Wendy, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate all that you shared. I feel the same about my art as you do; getting started is so hard sometimes. For me it's linked to my self esteem so strongly that it becomes an approach/avoidance conflict. I will try your tips; I need all the advice I can get. You are a treasure; thank you for having the courage to share so much of yourself.❤

I love all your tips, many of them I also practice. I believe the best ways to come out of a funk of any sort is to focus on self care rituals heavily. Honoring yourself is the bases of recognizing your courage toward your purpose.

I am better with pencils rather than paints. This makes me want to get my watercolours out :)

Thank you for letting me know it’s okay to feel “stuck” and offering tips to push through that feeling and create! Your videos are so calming, and I’m envious that you are able to work when you want to and take breaks when you need them. Working from home is sort of like that, but the “boss” is still looking to see what we’ve accomplished for each day.

I stumbled on to this vlog post and OH MY! Your ideas, words, quotes chosen were so perfect for where I am in my own journey. THANK YOU! Cheers

I have just started trying to do "art type stuff" at 62 yr because of covid stress. This was very informative and practical. Love your sweet spirit

Thank you! One of my favorites is to start a background at night before bed, thinking to myself, this is just a doodle/outline for me, it is my quiet time. But, then when I wake up I feel inspired to add to it and always seem to have a plan of where to go with it,

Found your channel few days ago...and now it's my favorite one😇...thank you for sharing your journey with us❤💫

Art is light telling a story.

Thanks for sharing your habits to get over the fear , to start your way into the creative mood , it feels there are so many recognizable points , me too I love to have the 'right' atmosphere , music, scented candles (I love a touch of Patchouli) , lightening and a 'clear' mind (not thinking about chores , admin can be difficult) but the thing is as you said we know that we just needs to start hahaha thàt sounds so easy but we know better and don't apologize for the 'waffling '(great word btw) I love it because I know most of the time we are so silent working on our own and this is your channel and your playground so you can 'waffle' as much as you want as you are a free spirit , I wish you much pleasure in your coming days xx

I tend to create it all in my head and then fizzle out when it comes to actually 'doing' it!

Thank you for giving us courage to create. I love to dance too. Great content!

Indeed, how nice it is that the word Coeur is related with Courage! Thank you for sharing

I look forward to your videos every week, but this one is really special. So helpful and inspiring. I will rewatch it often. Especially when I get stuck.❤

The blank page part reminds me of that movie "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase as he's getting ready to start typing! Pampering and nurturing yourself is also helpful. I liked what you said about coeur /courage💕.It's a way of tackling/breaking down your fears with journaling, Art, etc. "Fly Lady" also sounds encouraging ( in which I'll have to watch) as far as taking small steps to declutter!!Thanks for sharing!🤗🥰☕🥤💃

Fabulous ideas and love you and your process. I think I could watch this one daily to help keep myself in the flow. So happy I found you first. I started art journaling almost immediately after watching you darling. Thanks so much!!!

I always dreamed of being an artist. Now I just make art. And a good way to get over fear of being 'good' or 'perfect'...look at famous art...half of them can't draw! And I always find great beauty comes after ugly...a few layers after a 'mistake' and I am usually delighted.

Wendy, you are really briliant. I totally agree with the music and dancing part, so much that actually I would add the "singing and acting" part, because at this point the mind can feel so elevated that one might feel, anything is possible. It is ok, that we have a work to do in front of us, but it is also a process of self-liberation and digging down for inner gems (what we all have). And I think this is so pretty ancient, and so much connected to music, that cannot even be separated. Music is inherently in all art-forms.. that's what I believe.