What was your biggest 'phase' of artistic growth?! LMK👇🏻Don't miss my course The Art Within! We cover sketching and watercolor fundamentals, discover creative style, and how to get into "flow state" for optimal creative mindset. Check it out: www.jennarainey.com/the-art-within // If you want more monthly watercolor tutorials, I offer ad-free Patreon-exclusive tutorials and live art classes on my Patreon. www.jennarainey.com/patreon
This is my 1st time watching your video and it is very inspiring. I also love art but don't know how to improve myself anymore. I suck at watercolor but this medium is my new obsession. Can you please give some suggestions on how to do research and improve my art? 😟😟😟
I'll be 72 years of age in 6 months. I started my Watercolor journey the beginning of last year. I love it. I spent several years doing professional Acrylics and grounds, and find that I absolutely love working with Watercolor more. Unfortunately, fortunately, my art journey is Part of my Therapy. I'm Physically disabled, single, no family except my daughter who lives in another state. I'm dirt poor, have lost count of all the surgeries I've endured since age 17. There's no one to "pick up the slack" and I have to keep pushing forward every day. Right now, I want to just sit and draw/paint. But I have to give my energy to what needs be done here. Hopefully my body will allow me some paint time when all this is finished. Sometimes the pain is too much, and I can't sit and paint. Life is very frustrating. A day at a time.
I pray that you are able to have the energy to paint, and I also pray that God takes all of your pain away. I will personally say a prayer for you as well. I hope you feel better son! ❤🙏🏻
@Brittany Leah Carter, thank you sooo very much for your prayer support!! I am striving to get a few NECESSARY chores done, then hopefully sit down and paint for a while. Your prayers mean a great deal to me. Thank you!!
I am at a stage where I no longer feel like I achieved a lot by copying another artist when painting along a tutorial. Because the real challenge lies in creating a painting of my own where every decision is made by me - subject, composition, mood, colours, application etc. I still feel like a beginner, but an advanced beginner. I know I have so much to learn and practice, but it's exciting. And I sm confident that I can learn it all - but it's going to take time and effort obviously. ❤️
You’ve made some really important points here, there are so many free resources and tutorials on the internet now, we really should make the most of them 😊
When I commited myself to finish my 100 day project. That's when I really grew I just painted everyday as much I could for 10 mins a day and now I have turned my art into a full time thing :) and yes pushing boundaries... New subjects, mixing mediums, scaling up or down my paintings etc those pushed me.
I remember when I wanted to learn something new, as my Gran only did landscapes and that is what she taught me. There was NO internet and even buying books was out of reach for me as someone without a job! I discovered a limited assortment of art books in the library but that is where I started go go outside of the rules my Grand had set down for me. I did learn by trying to copy the Audubon Society plates on birds and even plants. I learned by trying to copy others and failing most of the time. I eventually discovered the way for me and even today when I am feeling a bit dry, I go back to florals and birds or plants and just start painting sometimes without even a sketch! Yeah I almost never start a painting without sketching ideas out to get started! Nice video Jenna, Thanks!
Thank you for this real talk! What really drove it home for me was to create everyday, even when it sucks. But mostly to put your blinders on when it comes to social media. It is so easy to get discouraged when scrolling through social media and seeing all these incredibly talented artists. What we don't get to see is all the hard work and endless hours they put down, and all the failures they make. So it's easy to forget that they probably have the same struggles as the rest of us. *To this I want to add a tip:* Follow artists whos work you don't really like or that you think is kinda bad. To me, this is very motivating. Because it reminds me that, if they can publish and succeed with their shitty art - why not me?
I am in that obsession phase, but I seemed to be more obsessed in buying Art supplies because I never feel the supplies I have are good enough. I have started the testing and researching phase, but I still do not have confident in actually painting. One reason is that I don’t seem to be creative enough, no imagination and definitely no skills. Even if it sucks, keep the flame alive! This is Excellent advice!
I had a bit of a struggle with validation! I've been teaching art for 19 years and started last year creating and trying to sell my watercolor paintings as digital downloads. I originally thought a very close art teacher friend would have been my biggest support but that really hasn't been the case. She'll do things like change the subject when I bring up my paintings or what I'm working on. She'll look away when I'm talking about it in a group setting. I don't even bring it up much at all, especially anymore but it still happens. I notice she gives a lot of support to other art teachers verbally and otherwise who are trying to create and sell. I realized one day that she probably just doesn't care for my art. At first it hit me hard. Then, I decided that it was a good challenge for me to become my own biggest fan. It took a while but I'm there! I have other family and friends who are excited about what I'm doing and it feels good, however I try to stay grounded in my own truth as an artist beyond the support or lack there of. It's been a good learning lesson for me : )
with Art, there is no bad Art. The fact that you are trying is good enough for me.On your own you can explore different styles or mediums if you wish. No need to look for validation from others.Its your thing.Happy learning!
To see where you started to where you are now is seriously the most motivating thing I could see. And OMG the comparison thing…so real. Creating everyday…really key. Even though my drawing and painting is not nearly at the level I want, I have to believe keeping at it is crucial.
I was never ever that “art girl”. Back when I started oil painting it was in response to a traumatic experience. But I stopped painting once I felt better. Only picked up my brushes a decade later after experiencing stress. That’s when I discovered you and tried Watercolour
Thank you, can truly relate. I’ve always been a hobby artist since childhood. Always equated artist to “ starving “ do didn’t see it as a career path. Even at 62, I want to create from all the ideas I have. Love your content, can’t wait to take the entire course.
This has been SO helpful! I'm a homeschool mom and in our co-op i teach bookclub activities class and one of the activities was watercolor. I got obsessed with it after that. But I have 4 kids and I struggled to have time where I wasn't exhausted to keep going. I've put it down and picked it up here and there but I really want to get better at it. I also go into drawing at that time and want to get better at that too. The thing that you said that helped me the most in this video was to keep painting everyday even if it's just for a little bit or even if it turns out terrible. That's great advice that I'm going to work on.🌷
I really needed this. I am just starting and I see tutorials on RU-vid that I don’t feel I can follow through or that my paintings don’t look as good. It’s so refreshing seeing people with beautiful skills like yours, started just like me. Thank you for sharing
6:02 you guys are so cute. I’ve also been with my partner for a decade, and I’m always learning something new about him or about myself. Which helps to Keep things new and interesting 😊
When you discover the one medium that fits the art you have inside you, nothing is ever the same again! “When I was thirteen or fourteen I bought a paintbox with oil paints from money slowly saved up. The feeling I had at the time - or better - the experience of color coming slowly out of the tube - is with me to this day.”- Wassily Kandinsky
Your mom was a gardener AND an artist??? How did she find time for both??? I am a gardener and have been in love with watercolors for 3 years now. I started watching the watercolor RU-vid channels during the Covid lockdown. I just can’t seem to fit both hobbies into my day. The flowers need deadheading, the weeds need to be pulled, the beds need to be edged, fertilized, on and on. Gardening is never ending, but I love it! . I keep saying that I’m going to play with my paints today when I finish doing this task in the garden, but when that task is over and I’ve had my shower, I’m exhausted. I have to mention that I am a retired kindergarten teacher, so I have the luxury of staying home. How did your mom juggle both loves??? BTW I am watching all of your free online lessons on watercolor. You are fantastic! Thank you for sharing your love of watercolor painting! Denise
Daily art and creative practice is most definitely one of the best ways of dealing with an anxious world and improving practice. Thank you for sharing.
After years of testing and experimenting and watching a variety of artists with different styles, I've finally rediscovered my own style, that I've always enjoyed but definitely forgotten about, and to hear and see your journey of growth has really made me feel that if you push through the difficulties and persevere, you can achieve the level and goal you always hoped to reach! Thanks for being so transparent with where you started because it just drives home the point to never give up!!! Great video!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
I just stocked up yesterday on paint supplies, I even dabbled w my new water colors this morning, just turned on TV, found this video! Love this content, your story of evolving, and, i just subscribed to grow, thank you!
Thank you for this…even though I’ve been dabbling for 3 years, I still am stuck in the obsession-research phase and nothing seems to change much. Another thing is I love so many different “styles”…love loose painting, love realistic painting, love land and seascapes. Feel like I’m into too much at times. Ugh.
This is such a wonderful reminder of growing as an artist, I just turned one year old with my watercolor journey, gonna remind myself to be patient, keep learning and growing. Love your flower painting tutorials, I obsessively binged watching during my obsession phase. X
Thank you! I have been in the watercolor and drawing phase since last year. My water colors suck. To not get discouraged I started drawing animals and to my surprise the drawings were good. I drew a tiger, rabbits, dogs, horses…now I am doing art journaling and find this is helping with anxiety. I do it for the love. I have never been trained and with your videos and others I am learning. Thank you.
Today’s video is perfectly timed. I am currently undergoing a self imposed paint every day challenge today was day 11 and I completed it not every one of my projects turned out great in fact, a lot of them you say we’re trash, but as long as I continue to paint every day. My skills are getting better the way I handle my water control is getting better my availability to understanding how my colors work together and also getting familiar with the millions of paintbrushes that I have and seeing what they can Do Jenna this is wonderful advice. I encourage anyone who watches this video to pick up your paint brushes every single day and I want you to paint something not only does an improved artistic abilities, but it also helps your mental health and there’s so much conflict and and worry about mental health these days. We know that painting and creativity and artistic creativity helps her mental health, so we should be pushing this. Also, I’m putting videos up on my my challenge. I just uploaded 11 to RU-vid right now and at first it was a fail. It was looking bad but I am committed to showing my paintings every day especially on Facebook and on Instagram so I had to probing a little bit further and figure out how I can make it better and I used lifting to get me out of a very dark painting and it turned out not Horrible 😂😁🥳!!!!
Great topic, Jenna! Thank you. I started painting about a year ago and am still in the obsession phase. But at the same time am also in a discovery phase. Continually watching so much RU-vid. (You are all amazing, in your own way - and generous in sharing your knowledge and expertise. I still can’t get enough!). I work full-time and split the remaining time between painting and YouTubing. I love watercolor because it’s such a flow-y counterbalance to the rigidity of my work. So much of what you said in this video hits home for me. Thanks for sharing it!
This is one of the best watercolour / artist development advisory videos I've seen in 4 years of looking and listening. Thank you . Great to find you .
Thank you for this. I am much older, but have always loved art, but never did much. The last 2 yeaes I have been doing watercolor. I am now at implementing phase and still going back to research and testing. I sometimes get frustrated and want to give up because I think I should be further along than I am. Practice and patience. I am learning and growing. I try to paint everyday! Thank you for sharing your journey and encouraging words!! It is nice to know is all apart of the process. I am not alone!
Hi Jenna, Thank you for this lovely video. What you said would work for me. I started painting watercolor with an obsession. It makes me heal and happy. I am at the search process right now. Thank God I found your youtube tutorial. I appreciate it. I stareted to improve my watercolor with your youtube videos. I want to continue to do painting. I try to keep the flame in me all the time. Love and hug from İzmir Türkiye🥰
This is so extremely helpful and encouraging, thank you! I have recently transitioned into the research & implementation phase out of my first obsessive phase, and I'm happy to learn that's normal, LOL. I'm in my 40s and have wanted to paint for a long time, but it took me until now to actually start. To my absolute shock, I am realizing that this is something I actually may have some natural talent to do, and that it will probably end up being a major part of my life going forward, which is super overwhelming but also really amazing. The biggest challenge I have, honestly, is that my instincts are all toward working in an intuitive non-figurative style, and so much of the educational material available is in figurative work. I don't mind this at all for picking up more technical skills - it's all helpful! But I do sometimes struggle with how tightly controlled the example paintings in most tutorials are, and I often find myself wishing that there were more resources available for developing as an artist working outside the figurative field. If anyone sees this and has suggestions for artists or sites offering resources for this kind of learning I would so appreciate it! I work in a combo of watercolor, acrylic ink & acrylic.
I just watched your journey video. I am 76 years old and trying to get started with something I have loved always..watercolor. So far I have watched a gillion tutorials purchased a myriad of supplies and so far they are just sitting in a bag. Except for a few doodles that you cannot construe as “painting”. Right at this moment I’m just confused. 😵💫 But thinking about what you have said…do something every day even if it sucks..and put blinders on. I will try to discipline myself. Thanks for letting me comment and for your education. Mary in Canby, Or.
Hi Mary. My mom taught herself how to paint and she's in her 70s. I know she watched a lot of tutorials at first, then one day just jumped in and painted every day. She didn't make great art...far from it, but now she is making really good art and has sold quite a few pieces. Just go for it and have fun! It's only paper. :)
It's really neat to hear a little bit about your journey! I love your summary of the "phases" -- obsession and research phases, etc. - very relatable! And your comment about comparison being the thief of joy--so true and one we need to be reminded of again and again! Also...I think a lot of us RU-vid artists ended up here because we were formerly at a job or doing work that was unfulfilling and soul-sucking. Life's too short not to do what you love. 💕 Thanks for this video, Jenna!
Omg thanks for sharing. I am in the obsession faze!!! My profile pick is literally garbage, because I can't afford much. It's a sketch pad box and India ink, abstract portrait of my friend. But now I have some paint and paper, and am loving nature. New to RU-vid. It's the jack pot in tutorials!!! You are an inspiration!!! Thank you so much!!!❤❤❤
I started out following all of your tutorials here. Then I got to a point where I didn't feel like doing anymore tutorials, but instead figure stuff out on my own by looking at paintings I admire, photos of flowers or actual flowers. And I am now still at this stage, experimenting and following my gut and inspiration. And now have started my own RU-vid Channel! Channeling all of you though Jenna. Thank you for making this channel and everything I've learnt from you.
So glad you popped your ‘very old’ works in. Been comparing to others and almost gave up. Now just doing practice every night for 20-30 mins and seeing improvement. Love your work. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you! At 53 I'm re-discovering joy in art, and am yes, obsessed with watercolor! Will you please make a video on how to find one's own unique style? Thank you for inspiring many of us :-)
Hi Jenna, I love your tutorials. Totally agree about obsession phase.. I have a few hobbies going on. I used to do lamp work…ie turning glass into beads to make jewellery. Loved it, but about 7 years ago I had nowhere to set up my studio. So glass, torches etc…in my back shed. I was working full time as a pathology technician…now part time. My current hobby obsession phase is crocheting and watercolour. My poor iPad doesn’t know which folder to save RU-vid videos to lol. Thank you for all that you share with us, and me being a newbie…I enormously appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Thank you for sharing your story! I only know that painting makes me happy and indeed that joy can be easily fade away when comparing my journey to others. There are so many images online and I find it inevitable to compare. Maybe staying away from constant scrolling is the way to go for me (!) thank you ❤
I’m in the veeery early stages of watercolour. You inspire me. And you are so right to advice not to make comparisons with all those wonderful talented people on social media. I make that mistake and it leaves me feeling ‘I’ll never be able to do anything remotely close to what they’re creating’. However, your uniqueness (and you ARE, in the best of ways) inspires me to explore and find my own uniqueness.
Me too, but, as an older adult who used to be a pro classical musician I can’t seem to make myself practice..yeah, ironic I know, but, I spent my time from 10 til about 50 doing nothing but practicing to get better..check out Liron Yanconsky’s introducing masters series, the Viktoria Prischedko and Sergey Temerov vids, amazing artists..
Such inspiration! I’ve been an interior designer my entire life and now that I’ve retired, I am finding water coloring to be my new creative outlet. I’m so glad I cam across you and am learning so very much!
I’m still totally in the experimental stage where I don’t see myself still creating anything as having someone say, “wow, that’s really good! You should take it to the next level!” So hopefully I will reach there someday! But you’ve been a great inspiration for me!
Glad to hear to create something everyday even if it sucks! I’m currently painting a candlestick and it does truly suck. One ‘good’ thing about an artwork that sucks is it can’t get any worse! 🤣
Thank you. I've been a sketcher most of my life, good ole ballpoint pen and school pencils...15 years ago I bought my first acrylic experiments and hobby obsessioned then let it fall to the wayside because of life. A little more than a year ago, I slipped back into the sketchy hobby, but along the way jumped back into full obsession with watercolor, discovered gouache (LOVE IT), gel ink, mixed media in general, lines, circles, squares, shapes....oh my. Have been studying on my own, intently for the last six months or so, and am trying to figure out what's next. Thank you for being in tune with your art, our art, our needs, and the care you show for not only your art, but helping others. You are so kind, and so talented. Thank you for being you! I am in my 50's now. Thank you for confirming that it is never too late for this art obsession to turn into something real and legitimate. 💗
I’ve been in the obsession stage for a couple months and I’m starting to be very discouraged. Like you mentioned, seeing ALL these great painters out there makes me think I’ll never get there especially at my age. I don’t think anyone can teach the ability to “see” those details that make a painting exceptional. For example, as I watched this video, I saw you paint a petal with a tip folded over and it looked amazing. I don’t see things like that on my own. 😢 I’m in the give-up stage and was telling this to my daughter just this morning. As we talked and she said everything right to encourage me, I realized that maybe I need to stop trying to learn for a bit. I have two of your books and spend a lot of time (hours & hours actually) painting leaves and simple things over and over and over. Maybe I just need to put the books down and close the You Tube Tutorials and just paint! While I find paintings rows of leaves enjoyable and watching people paint very calming, maybe I’m just not branching out enough. So! I think I’ve just talked myself right into what my next step ought to be. 😊
seeing your old work from IG gave me hope! I am a self taught watercolorist and have been through all the stages you mentioned including a self imposed hiatus from painting entirely. Thanks for validating our journeys!
I'm definitely in the obsession phase. I started learning watercolor to improve my photography. Now, I've got the bug. Your videos and books are very helpful.
I was a color mixologist at Sherwin Wms however the artistic ability to actually "paint" wasn't my thing but yrs later, I'm trying. What gave me hope was learning many great artists learned by going to other studios & learn. Rarely did they just pick up a brush and Woo La. It's all about learning, experimenting & having fun creating
Thank you for this video. I started my art journey at 50! I can totally see how the phases you speak of are happening for me. I follow some great creators on RU-vid and I appreciate when they make small errors or things are not perfect. It helps me not feel the joy suck of not being perfect myself.
Obsession still strong, but research and testing, classes, color theory, drawing classes, still obsessed ...i just accidently sold my first 3 pieces March 1st! now I'm still obsessed! Practice, practice, practice! Who knows where it will go!
Even though I'm not really that good with watercolor painting I could see my art really made me feel good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and advice. It did inspire me to do better and to feel free painting whatever is in my mind. Thank you.
Thank you for adding that reminder in the end about the comparison game. It's one of the main reasons I get frustrated and sad about me as a person and my work. But you're 100% right, you GOTTA keep your blinders on and just do your thing.
Thank you so much for sharing the various stages of a new artist..lol. I started drawing and water colour painting , REALLY in January of this year....and I can't stop. Just like you said, it's all I can think about when I'm at work. I just want to get home and paint and draw and paint and draw and paint. I don't even know what I'm doing half the time but I love it. My husband says he actually sees an improvement - so does my sister. Twice they both thought I drew from the model of a flower when actually it was off the top of my head. I was pretty surprised at that! Anywho, I am so, so happy that I've found you. I don't know if this will ever become a career for me but I do know that I love doing it, I have already started collecting photos of family and friends I want to paint , I would like to create t-shirts with some of my print ideas as well....we'll see where the paing flows...lol..Can't wait to start watching your other videos..🙂
It’s so true that practicing a lot will improve your creative skills. I try to be creative as often as I can but if I can’t I try to at least immerse myself in art either going to galleries or looking through art books. I also carry a small sketchbook in my purse and while others get on their mobile devices I make a habit of getting in my sketchbook when waiting in lines or appointments. It doesn’t matter what I draw. What matters is that I’m drawing. One of the best things I’ve done for myself is do Art Stayacations. I calendar time just for me to do art. I deserve this. It is important for my mental and physical wellbeing. It’s stress reducing and it makes me happy. It’s time to take care of myself. I do weekends and up to two whole weeks (for Sketchbook Revival which is free by Karen Abend) for Art Staycation.
I don't remember a time when I wasn't drawing/painting, and I've wanted to be an artist since age 5. I studied design/art in college so I've kind of always been dedicated to becoming one full-time. Your massive success has inspired me too!
You are living proof to what I tell my beginner watercolor students all the time- art can be learned, you don’t have to be “born with the talent”! Like anything, there are techniques and skills that can be taught, learned and practiced. And pretty soon, you are an artist! What should you do if you want to be a good runner? You gotta run-every day! Same with art! Just do it!
Thank you so much for this video because I am at the point where I am stuck. I started my watercolor journey during the pandemic. You were the very first video I found on RU-vid to start the watercolor journey. I've been following Paul Clark and probably a dozen other artists as well. I've actually sold two of my paintings two friends! But I am at the point now where I am stock like you said and seeing all these other artists online who say they have just begun and their work is extraordinary and I want to get to that point. I had to take a break for a few months because we moved and unpacking and my husband wasn't well and here we are back again at it the past two months but feeling like I'm starting all over again. But again your video has now inspired me and given me the push because this is a passion for me and I just love doing it. I was actually approached by a framing gallery to submit a few of my paintings for an upcoming aren't for pets auction show at one of the local places in town. I did and I'm waiting to hear if I got in. So thank you so much Jenna, I appreciate you, I value your talents and you as an individual because you are so down to earth and inspiring and give us so much direction. I'm not a huge fan of painting florals, I prefer more landscape scenes but I continue to follow you! I'd love to be able to go on one of your international excursions for painting one day! Thank you again....
I’ve subscribed to your channel and have watched many of your videos looking for tips, lessons I can use, etc. Thank you for this video. It reinforced my thoughts and what I am doing. Last art class was probably 25 years ago. I’ve been sketching off and on for over 60 years. Now retired and getting back into drawing and watercolor painting. I’ve had several people in the past who wanted to buy my sketches but I did not want to part with them. Now I am going back to those old sketch books and redoing the sketch onto watercolor paper. Then I turn the pencil sketch into a pen and ink drawing. Some I do a watercolor wash over the ink. I think I have some that will sell to select buyers. Being from Oklahoma and in that I have spent years in the oil and gas fields, a lot of my work is oil and gas related, thus I have a potential group of buyers. My biggest issue is getting the exposure that leads to a clientele that likes my work and will buy. Any suggestions on where I go from here? -OkieSketcher1949
I’ve watched this video 3 different times in the background these past few days, that’s how helpful the advice contained is. It really got me thinking I should really pursue my art. Thank you. ❤
Agree 100% Yes! The artist live is always creating for our souls and non-stop learning! My advice from experience.. Always Follow a Master and keep learning.. !!
Thank you. I keep sharing youtube art tutorials to spark their interest in painting and drawing. Your videos are wonderful and I am going to order your book in my next art order. I got my Fine Art diploma in 2013. I 100% agree with everything you say in this video. I feel overwhelmed by all the wow artwork out there. But when I watch your videos... or other artists I call my tribe.. of art teachers. When I have breaks of social media... it is like a little voice inside says... lets keep it simple. I have bought all the supplies I need. Now I have to just give myself permission to play.
Interesting! I am about a year and a half in on this new hobby of mine, and I'd say I'm definitely in the obsession phase! I get some art play in before work, think about it during work, revisit it after work, and then dream about it! I still have a lot of new things that I'd like to try. I don't want to make art a career, but I would like to keep developing my skills, and getting some more people to see my art on RU-vid wouldn't hurt, ha ha.
Thanks Jenna,,I've followed tou for awhile,,and you have really done such great work, and are a patient teacher, I love your style. I am starting the book you recommended "The Artists Way", and have just gotten into first chapters ,,it's such a help. I'm 70, taught myself to draw a few yrs ago and fell in love with watercolor but have not felt creative since covid, actually. Now that my whole family has had it, and we are doing good, I'm getting excited to start again. Love getting inspired by you,,thanks so much! 😊
please make a video on the sequence of steps or aspects to cover and various branching point. So that i am aware of the basics and then depending on my preference can zoom into any particular style and develop further. With digital as medium
Thank you for this, Jenna. My deepest desire is to paint to please no one but myself, as I'm not painting to sell my work. But the reality is that I've fallen into a trap of looking for feedback on social media to validate how "good" my artwork is. Instagram especially has become a place where I enjoy looking at other people's art, but also where I'm comparing myself to others far too much. I have set goals to limit this but inevitably end up there again. I think it may be time for a cold turkey quit of IG, and see how it goes just painting for my own enjoyment for a while. I enjoyed hearing about the progression of your journey and could identify much of it in my own.
Love that! What is the point of painting? Well, I suppose that can be answered in a variety of different ways, but at the very least, it should be something enjoyed that brings you inspiration, joy, and peace. 💕
I love every one of your comments, Joy being the most important. Years ago one of my teachers said 2 things that helped me the most….put your darkest darks next to your lightest lights and…lol…not every piece is going to be a masterpiece. Good instruction and a release of failing. You are a lovely wise young lady. I am soon to be 74.
i'm not an artist but i found myself nodding when you were talking about the 3 phases (obsession, research and experimenting/growing, implementation). i wonder if this method is mostly used in creative fields, and how it would look different at a white collar job.
I utilize RU-vid in order to do fun paintings-I get a feel for different types of painting-like watercolors, sketching and different types of paintings-like abstract or whatever. I also do commissions, but really have only taken 1 art class. I wax and wane from frustration to excitement. I started at age 50, and still dont know what I am doing! I have a hard time with comparison and imposter syndrome!
I'm very much a beginner when it comes to painting, but as a dancer with 10+ years under my belt, I couldn't agree more with what you said about keeping the blinders on on social media. I've recently unfollowed most of the dance content (other than my friends and a few biggest stars who I've always looked up to), including all hashtags, shoutout accounts etc. precisely because I realized it's not actually inspiring me but rather bringing me down. And ever since I "tidied up" my instagam I've been happier for it every day - I'm back to doing my own things, growing at my own pace and exploring new paths on my own. So yeah, that's a great piece of advice for ANY artist out there, literally regardless of medium :) And I'll make sure not to fall into that trap when it comes to painting either, thanks for that :)
This whole video was very helpful and true. The ending comments about online artists stealing joy is so true for me. All I keep thinking is, why bother, they are so much better than me. Thanks.
I’m still in the obsession stage after 2 years. I still have a 8 to 5 job but sometimes sneak in sketches at work! On my morning and evening commute, the sky amazes me and I can’t wait to paint when I get home. Also I’m always noticing the way light touch’s the trees in landscape. I do still struggle a lot with how much water to use. It seems like I either have too much or too little.
I so enjoy the painting w water colors but know drawing anything is very difficult for me & that’s where I get stuck & just don’t paint as can’t draw on 100% cotton paper & try these “water color” (not good paper) coloring books & so frustrated w the paper then just do nothing 😢.
Recently I did a 30 day drawing challenges. Picked up a cheap sketchbook and got on you tube and looked for drawing fundamentals. Drawing is shading. Start with basic shapes. Draw a box, ball, apple and avocado, a vase, a can. Then graduate to an eye, a nose, a mouth. Then a face. Then you can put it all the pieces together. I have vastly improved in a short time. Dedicate at least an hour a day.
Thought if can trace basic out line (put cell phone flashlight) under image & paper over it & got a decent Siamese fighting fish 🤗! So it’s a skill (may come easier to some) but fish looks realistic & paint it purple & pink if want to do so! Ty for getting me to think out of a square box!
Hi, I love your channel! I'm in the searching and implements stage right now. I love to learn new media but it is important to practice all the time to improve the skills. I laugh because I was at that stage where I didn't know what I was doing, and I decided to study and take classes online. I love and am passionate about watercolor, but I still have a long way to go with this medium. Thank you very much for sharing your story, congratulations!
Ha... I'm totally in experimental phase for about 10 years. Mine is more the paper and the color. I love just regular Canson however my kids got me homemade deckled edge paper made from cotton. Omg I'm in love now each paper u need to learn again. It's weird. All my friends say I'm growing but a year or so ago I got burnt out and went to clay which I also love. And haven't done painting for that amount of time. Funny this video pops up and I just bought some new cotton handmade paper I'm painting again today. Wish me luck ..
What a great video thank you! Would love to hear more about getting into Flow State. I have done some art before and I used to be a free and intuitive person and now I overthink everything. I have so much self doubt and I haven’t made any art on my own because I do the comparison and everything you mentioned. 😢
