How to get past fear in your art 

You made me laugh out loud Louise, saying the opinion of people near you (family, neighbours etc) are as valid as the opinion of one’s dog. We should indeed put aside that need for approval - it will free us up big time. Looking forward to 3 June.

I am a traditionally trained artist in America. What Louise says is very true. Starting in 1973 I was a high school art teacher for 9 years. However, I was so focused on helping my students, I stopped my own art practice. This was a grave mistake. Then I married. I allowed “life” to control me, instead of me controlling my self-care. My health plummeted. In1996 at age 45 I became disabled and unable to perform activities of daily living and had a near death experience. In 2018, I regained enough health to re-start my art practice. I do not paint, but I’m a multi-mixed media hobby artist. What Louise is saying is true for all fine-art makers…poets, film makers, musicians and more. I suggest that you listen again to this video. I’m signed up for her free taster course…it will be another “first” in my journey to regain my authentic artistic self. Thank you Louise and all the artists I listen to on a daily basis…there are many. ❤️xo

I started to paint in April 2020 during lock-down for FUN. I took your free course in June 2020 to understand more about colour, composition and grab any tips I could to help me enjoy my painting more. I loved learning about how to harmonise my colours and how to use almost anything as a tool for painting. I learned how to paint freely and how to use contrast to bring things to life. Then I made a mistake and started to read books on art. I became hesitant and almost frightened to paint - just in case I broke the rules. My solution was simple - stop reading about rules and start having fun again! I don't care if others like my paintings I just want to enjoy creating something which only I could produce - that's one of the key things I took away from last years course. Enjoying what you do is so much more important than impressing others. I can't wait for this years course - thanks Louise for all that you do to inspire our art.

I used to believe these things until I said sod it, I love to paint. I have to paint it's how I relax, disappear from the world around me, am I any good? I get nice comments which are lovely but often about pieces of work I'm not that happy about, one person's trash is another person's must-have, I love what I do every day, the act of painting. That is all that matters to me.:)

Back in the 90s, during an illness I was invited to go to an oil painting class, and the intensity of learning photorealism kept me happily working on color theory, doing precise copying of my own photos, and creating beautiful paintings that looked "exactly like a photo." I loved this, moved into a shared studio, and for years thoroughly enjoyed working. I would look at a piece later and say "How did I ever pull that off!" For years that was enough to satisfy me. Then I realized that I could not paint ANYTHING without a photo in my left hand and a magnifying glass in my right, unable to let go, a craftsperson, maybe but not a real painter. The satisfaction disappeared leaving no emotion or joy. I survived, got a lot older, basement filled with paintings that I'm not proud of. My free work ends up like mud. I believe you are offering concrete ideas of how to decide what I love now. I am looking forward to your workshop.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you for reminding us how easy it is to get off track and for reminding us why we drool over a tube of glorious colour or phone three friends when we find a great new mark making tool . And you could tell us this over and over....for its easy to lose the footpath. Thanks x one million from Canada...

You obviously have a degree in art counselling! Your words are very empowering.

Louise is 100% correct! The art world (and the world in general) can be a scary place if we don’t have confidence. By confidence, I don’t mean never having doubts. Just the opposite, in fact. The confidence we want is the kind that says ‘I know what I’m about’ and that’s all I need to know. It doesn’t mean we have everything figured out, it means we know we have the right to a place in the world. Everyone, everyone deserves a place in this world. A chance to create and share and support one another in the arts is a precious group to have.

Yes, yes, and yes... I often but not always feel like I’m not good enough or talented enough. I do enjoy the process but get frustrated at times when everything seems to come out ugly. And I worry that I just paint and don’t often have a specific message or inspiration.

Oh, gosh, Louise! You are my guardian angel! I fit every one of these six categories in varying degrees. I will be there on June 3rd with bells on! ❤️

Thank you for saying these things out loud. There are so many misconceptions about an 'artists life', especially here in the USA. It is so true that the best work comes when we get out of our own way! Each day I commit to the studio, some are more productive than others, but we all have these voices.

Yes... such important thoughts. I have gotten past most of this, but it took several years... it was very hard at first to call myself an "artist"...And you are correct, sometimes people in your own family don't appreciate your art, but others do

I believe that you do not learn how to paint. You paint to learn how. Anything outside of the process of actually making the art is but a distraction. Have fun! Don’t take it too seriously - it is an adventure to explore your curiosity and provide some sauce for your soul!😁💪🏼🦉✌🏻🎨🙏🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖❤️❤️‼️

I find myself worrying about making a mess of my kitchen table, floor etc. This makes me feel very constrained. Even if I have a drop sheet and know that acrylic paint is so easy to scrape off after it dries on the floor or table!

Another brilliant and insightful take on things that as artist we all encounter,but don't always know how to deal with. I used to wonder if these fears came from that idea of imposter syndrome,not feeling we are good enough to be an artist in the first place,I also used to wondef if these fears came from wanting to be an abstract painter. I was a figure and a portrait painter for a few years but it never realy fully engaged me and I always felt more drawn to abstract painters and abstract art it resonated more with me. And knew I wanted to paint this way myself,and I did make the change over time, but always I was scared that people who loved how I used to paint would turn away if I went totally abstract.but I felt as an artist I was doing the right thing for me,I did find a few people turned away, but when I fully embraced being an abstract artist and realised how natural it felt and how much I love it and viewers could see it too in my work that in the end I discovered a bigger audience for my work. I had all the fears you speak off here,but somehow I just I had the push of creative motivation and kept going in what I felt deep down was the right direction and I was able to let them all go in time.I'm happier now as an artist that I was back then and I hope this finds a form in my work and I don't expect to create perfect finished pieces every time and just enjoy exploring where my creativity takes me each time I step into my studio and I do belive being able to paint is part of my wellbeing.These recent videos you have uploaded have really struck a chord and I sense they have for others too,thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts and experience with us.

Perfect timing! I needed to hear this today. I have every one of those limiting beliefs. Signing up for your course right now!

This is awesome. These limiting belief have been undermining my artistic efforts for 50 plus years. Thank you!!! They are in my dust

Yes, yes, yes.... ! Thank you, Louise! Eva

Pure brilliance. Thank you for saying all of this out loud. Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!

Yes, I fear going to my desk and starting a painting because for the last 5 months, I've wasted a lot of time and money with no good results. Yes, I feel like quitting. Yes, I feel that maybe I'm not cut out to be an artist. But, something in my soul needs to create and provide joy to others. I'm unhappy when I don't create and I'm unhappy when I do create because what's in my head does not translate to the paper. Who knew it would be this kind of struggle? Thank you for helping with this.

I have been staring at the beginning of my painting for two weeks, hoping something will pop. And yes it is fear that keeps me from finishing this. Loved this RU-vid!!! Signed up for your 7 day free course. I'm so excited!!

Thank you so much Louise! I've wrestled with 1&2 today alone. I need to change my mindset completely. When things get difficult in my work I return to the art that is safe and comfortable, but it is not what I want to create. I'm really looking forward to the course.

If I never sold a painting I would still have to create art. It is like breathing, I have to do it to live. I don't negotiate breathing with anyone so I can't see caring what others think, however, arriving at that point sure took time. I think I was slow to realize the things you spoke of. I am 62 and have been plodding along for a long time to arrive at a place where I finally get it. I appreciate you Louise, and I suspect a lot of budding and seasoned artists do as well. Thank you.

Thanks Louise so much for this very concise reminder! Can't hear it often enough. This hits me at the perfect time as I am getting back to painting after an 9 month period of illness that prevented me from doing my art. All the fears came up. You and your wonderful courses and art tribe are such a gift! Thank you thank you!

"Their opinions matter as much as your dogs!" AWESOME! I can't wait till June 3!

I needed to hear this. A hundred times until I believe it and act on it.. Thank you.

I loved this video. Favorite quotes are " A finished painting is a byproduct of the process I love" and "To go on a journey with yourself" "art is necessary self-care." I truly believe that.

Louise you are so correct. I have been an artist for thirty years. Many experiences. I have had , a painting, mixed media collage comes to mind. , When some people first saw it, the feed back was negative. I believed in it so I ignored many not so great comments. It went into a show, won an award, traveled the state for year then was purchased by the Mayors office. It won many awards. So I mention it to agree with you, listen to yourself as an artist. No one else knows what you are doing. I will add as I experiment and and like most artists I love to experiment with different media etc., I do remind myself if I feel stuck. Do what you know how to do> go back to what you know is deeply you. Thanks so much for your insightful thoughts. So very important.

I know this video is old and I watched it the first time about 6 months ago. I will just say that I have been able to get rid of all those false beliefs and my art has changed dramatically for the better in my opinion - which is all that counts. But most importantly, I love the process and it brings me so much peace and joy. And a bonus is that I also get more good art. I also love just working in my journals. I can’t wait for the 2022 class to start - 10 days!

Thanks so much Louise for your matter of fact dealing with every one of the voices in my little head! I do still want to hold on to one voice; the idea that when I let go and play and process with all that I am, something happens that often brings transformation and meaning to me and sometimes to others. I can't work through a painting trying to say something exactly, but I do want to go through the playful and deep process with the idea that I may well grow, learn, and come to say something that could mean something to others. In the Zen tradition of archery, for instance, one must not focus on hitting the bullseye or simply learn the form, but one must let go and become one with the process. In such a way there is a new grace and power in the archery that is both of the archer and beyond the archer. When the process becomes authentic play and work, I guess, we both let go and find ourselves at home, at the core where meaning for us can be rich and life-giving for us and others. On a lighter note, I spent a month in Aix-en-Provence before the pandemic trying to understand Cezanne. I alternately love and am terrified to hear the stories of him slashing his paintings in momentary fits of frustration or throwing them out the window so that people would find his works in the tree limbs! All part of the process!

I love the way you talk about the psychology of creating art. Often times fear of ruining what I've already done stops me from continuing a painting. I really want to learn to paint worrying free.

Even though this video is old(fish), it is still one of my favourite "lectures" to listen to when I am in that unsure place and just want to chuck the whole thing. I'm an experienced artist with decades of dedication and work, have a studio (25 yrs.) and exhibit, but this week was another of those periods when not much is looking good and I'm sure the well has dried up. I have saved this video for just such periods, and will be watching again and again and again.

Thank you for those wise words. Frustration usually kills my art and my inspiration. It most definitely has to do with expectation and self worth. Here's a quote I try to embrace: “I have already settled it for myself so flattery and go down the same drain and I am quite free.” Georgia O'Keefe.

You’ve given me hope that I can really begin to express myself through my painting as I’ve wanted to since I was 10 years old. Time stops for me when I’m painting. I love the process very few of my creations are satisfying to me. I can hardly wait until June to finally find my voice. Thank you for your generosity.

When I decided to try to make abstract paintings, I started with the 100 Day project. I already did it last year with the theme 100 day of doodles and I had fun. This year I apply the same spirit with 100 day of abstract, I wanted to explore, experiment and learn during the process, and mostly have fun! Results, like you said truly, are byproducts. I produced and posted some good ones and bad ones, but the idea of moving forward was there at all time. Now the 100 day project is done and I'm still painting with the same spirit, learning, exploring, having fun and improving my mental health. And it makes me happy.

I've never let what others think influence my own opinion regarding my art, however I am guilty of not giving it the time I deserve. Lots of great advice here and I am looking forward to the 2022 workshop.

My struggles are primarily with caring what other people think & that spending time on my art is taking away from other things I "should" be doing. - like decluttering my house after 35 years here. I know the truth in each of your counterpoints in my head, but not yet in my heart. Thanks for all you do!

a trick i use to keep loose is to listen to a book, not music, on my ipod. my therory is that my conscience brain is being distracted by the words i am listening to so my subconscience can roam free. does it always work? no, but it does sometimes! even the ritual of it helps. so nice to read all the comments and see the connections. woo hoo for june 3rd!

Thank you so much. I recognize every word you say...There was never a teacher who told me what realy matters when I struggled when painting and talking to myself it was no good. I saw always others which paintings where better than mine. So I could not enjoy what I was painting and I stopped making art. I discoverd your channel 6 months ago and I am painting now again. But still...I don't thrust myself . You are so helpfull. Looking forward to 3 June!

Hi Louise, thank you. I love being creative and started exploring art/junk journalling last year. I had all of the hang ups you mentioned in your video but I decided to dare to be brave and join the community and make youtube videos. I wanted to share my love of creating and show others that its not important to be 'good' its the joy of creating ..... and making a mess is fun! I'm going to sign up for your classes as I want to learn and grow. Thank you so much for sharing. Penny 🌼🦋

Thanks for this Louise! I’ve heard a lot of people talking about doing it for the process, but your description of the canvas magically filling with a completed painting really resonated. Nailed it!

I absolutely love this. Thank you so much! My biggest stumbling block is "wasting time." There's always one more thing that needs my attention before I can sit down to paint. So when I finally do, it feels like so much is riding on that precious time. It's not even like "I need to make a great painting" but more like "I don't want my mind to wander, I have to focus, I need to get SOMETHING out of this." But even saying this is helpful--just thinking about it out loud is good! Thank you again--your channel is awesome.

What an inspirational video. I’m a textile artist married for 50 years to an art teacher who studied fine art at Newcastle university. I was thrown out of art class in year 9. I loved art but couldn’t draw crocodiles and bus queues from my imagination but I love sewing and love to be creative with fabric and thread. As I’ve delved deeper into textile art I’ve want to express ideas in paper pen and paint. Thanks you for your very inspiring videos that have helped me to gain more confidence in my work Anover come

Over the past few years, I have worked out of some beliefs that I was not a good artist, and could not make good paintings. However, I do trust the process and when I spend the time in my studio I can and do a lot of exploring and have fun...most of the time. I still struggle with the one belief that I need to make finished paintings. I have done a lot of work on watercolour paper using only 140 lbs and enjoy it. I have been thinking about using the more expensive 300lbs wc paper but a little voice says oh they are too precious so don’t waste.....lol

Didn’t know about Monet’s crisis of confidence. If such a brilliant artist struggled, well, you are right - everyone does. And the cost? Yes, it IS as much my right to buy art supplies as sport-loving folk are entitled to their their relaxation. Brilliant comparison, thank you Louise!

Louise, I'm just finding your videos. After a well over 6 yr. hiatus from doing anything remotely creative, I'm finally making a commitment to my own artistic expression, however that's meant to show up. For 5+ of those 6 years, I worked for a very successful local artist, with 2 large galleries, and was so depleted at the end of the day that there was no time, energy or inclination to open my own studio door. Now, I'm finally having to face all the fears that you so brilliantly described in this video. Your talking points helped peel me off the ceiling, and I look forward to watching all the other videos, so that this renewal can be expressed with reasonable expectations. Above all, I want to love and nurture myself through this new beginning. Your wisdom and understanding are priceless. I can't wait to watch the others. Thank you!

Thankyou for all of these wise words, to get past all the limiting factors wastes more time than actually getting to the process of creating. Fear is indeed our enemy.

I’m a passionate artist for 8 years I do both traditional and digital illustrations. I always loved arts and I’m always passionate about it. However lately, I got this fear of drawing or going back to art or even continue doing art. I find the chance to draw and I just get that sudden fear and I start to run away from it. I really want to overcome this issue and continue doing art without fear of failure and constantly practice to draw and feel proud of my work and most importantly enjoy which is something I forgot. Thank you so much for the video it gave me a little bit of reassurance.

Thank you Louise. I really resonated with your comments this morning as two days ago I finished what was a “good” painting but something niggled . I kept looking , going away , coming back , re-looking repeat repeat . Then yesterday I painted over my good painting and the good painting has become part of the process to something more authentic to me. Hence the relevance to listening to your thoughts this morning. I went to a well known art college in the early 70’s and left with low esteem. I spent years unlearning what I learnt then!

I am prone to all of these beliefs at any given time. What resonates most with me is to return to that wonderful feeling of being lost in painting. Exploring how things behave. Thank you for that reminder. I'm looking forward to your course 😊

Thanks for the sound advice, Louise! I have been painting for 3 years, not having picked up a paintbrush since the first years in secondary school many moons ago. Painting was a way of escaping from a stressful job, family turmoil and low mood and for that, I'm grateful. I wouldn't have survived without my art therapy! Finding like-minded people at an art class two years ago added another layer to this and helped my confidence as an artist, but the pandemic lockdown has caused confidence in my artistic ability to diminish. I'm really excited about participating in your course and looking forward to rekindling the joy in painting.

Everything you talked about was like hearing my inner brain telling me no in different ways! Thanks for sharing.....I already feel better about my artist self.

I find your videos so helpful in reflecting about my journey as an artist. I just received this quote in a newsletter from James Clear which fits perfectly to the limiting belief concerning other people's opinion: "The way someone else perceives what you do is a result of their own experiences (which you can’t control), their own preferences (which you can’t predict), and their own expectations (which you don’t set).

Pretty much everything you say resonates with me always. Recently, I spent a big chunk of my $1400 stimulus check on art courses and supplies, the rest on things I “really “ need - groceries, vitamins, sheets, medical bills, etc. I used part of the Big Chunk to buy Golden acrylics in colors I’ve yearned to try because nothing makes me happier than playing with color. That increased the number of tubes and bottles I own to 75-ish (not all Golden by any means!). When I realized that I was really surprised AND I felt my brain trying to follow its well-worn path toward judgment. A voice said things like, “You are so irresponsible ... You’ll never learn ... You’re not just irresponsible, you’re crazy.” This time I just noticed instead of getting involved. In fact, I opened a new bottle of Pthalo Turquoise and printed some collage pieces, so I soon forgot that I might be irresponsible and crazy. Then, my cat developed an infected paw and a tooth (mine) that’s needed pulling for years started hurting and I did wish I had some of my check back ... but only for a moment. After that, I started working to resolve those problems with the money I had left. It isn’t always as easy to resist the urge to judge myself, but sometimes it is, thanks in part to listening to your well-earned wisdom. Many, many Thanks. 😘 (BTW, I also wish I had known about your pay course while I still had the Big Chunk. Maybe next year.)

I'm looking forward to your class! I haven't taken any painting courses, since in the last one the teacher got upset with me in a group talk, and she came over and painted over my painting and wiped out everything I'd done for 2 days. The whole class gasped, and I was appalled. I have not been willing to risk another class since then. She only wanted to teach us to make her paintings, and I thought she was going to teach us more about painting and encourage us in our own work. It was so painful, and took me a long time to process and get over. I really hope I can learn things in your class that will improve my own work. Thank you for your excellent and encouraging videos!! I get a lot from them : )

Working from these used books, gives new life to them. I stain the pages first with ink, water color, coffee , and tea. This makes a great background.

Right now it's the "I'm too old" voice in my head. I'm 55 years old, trying to get back into art with the intention of getting a body of work together, participating in shows, gallery representation etc.. I went back to school when my kids were young and I was in my 30's - got my degree in fine art and graduated in '07. Many circumstances happened afterward though and I was just not able to pursue art with any level of seriousness. Now I have the time but this age thing is a big hang up. I love your work and channel btw!

Louise, you articulated all the fears so perfectly! I am spending most of my creative time writing, and make some art on the side for fun. All I have to do is substitute writing for the word art and it's the same creative challenges, the same limiting beliefs. Thank you.

Such important things to hear and I am almost at that point of not caring about what others say except when I have an unsolicited critic from a fellow artist in a public forum. I am still finding that hard to deal with. I find it hard to respond to and perhaps that is the answer....not to respond....a bit of dead air...Anyway I am so looking forward to your upcoming course!

Thanks, as always, Louise! Indeed, you have said these things before, but, here, having all those points being ganged together, makes a great impact. After taking last year's taster, and now being a member of the Tribe, I "hear" you differently, and "see" in my own work that some of what you say, sticks! Can't wait until that first week in June!

Bingo! So important to unravel these believes! Thanks Louise!

I love listening to you and how you tell me..because i feel you are just talking to me.....that I can draw what I love drawing. No matter what spouse or friends think. I love my crazy drawings. So thank you!

The magic happens when we forget everything we thought we knew... in art as in life. Really looking forward to the free course. Thank you!

Thank you Louise for such helpful and practical tips to get rid of those negative thoughts. I have been struggling with 4 canvases and each one "has gone wrong". I don't know why I just can't crack it, so your your video was jusr what I needed in reminding me I am trying too hard to please other people. Canvases are now put away for another day and I must get playing again. Thank you and looking forward to the course very much (again!)

Thank you for your dedication to this topic and your great tips. I just spent several days avoiding to work on a painting of a shark which I left in the most ugly stage where it looked like a sick dolphin … But yesterday I finally pushed through the barrier and now it already looks like a sick shark, so I’m getting there. I need to let it sink in that the process of painting is what it’s all about and not the sellable piece of art. You’re right: my best paintings are the ones I did with pure love and joy.

Thank you so much for this video! This is really the advice that I needed. I studied art. I started doing commissions and was very confident at the start. But as time went on and I got more skilled, I started to doubt my art and think that the person buying the art is going to hate it. I keep trying to be perfect. But at the end of the day, the person wouldn't have approached me if they did not like my art. My biggest barrier is when I do commissions and know that it has to be perfect.

Louise, you are a gem. What wonderful common sense you deliver.

My belief is Nr 5 - I have to make a finished painting or to progress when I paint. I've got so stressed 3 weeks ago that I had to take a painting break. I need to give myself permission to play. Loved the sentence 'Their opinions matter as much as your dog's'😁Thank you!!!

Dear Louise and others, I’m sure I harbor a bit of all of these fears to some degree, however I feel I have one that wasn’t mentioned: being engulfed in the process! I have this irrational fear that I’m going to stay in the studio and let everything else go! I mean my day job, my housekeeping, (I live solo), and other practical things. I treat my art like dessert; if I’ve been a productive person all day, I can have play time. (Usually, I’m tired and preparing for the next day.) I granted myself an entire day for art occasionally and it feels good! I’m looking forward to the taster series and want to designate the enough time during and beyond it. Thank You!

Fear of wasting time and not completing a finished piece of work has stopped me from simply practicing techniques - irrational, I know, and it really drains the joy out of painting sometimes. Frustration and self fulfilling failure because of these fears feels like I am wrestling with myself - I will be taking your advise and never fear the outcome of a painting. Thank you - I have signed up for your next course in 2023.

Everything you are saying makes so much sense to me! Thank you!! I am signed up and looking forward to the free workshop and will be celebrating my 63rd birthday during that time (6/8). When I discovered you on RU-vid it was beginning to dawn on me that my desire to be a painter since my early 20's and my search for emotional health/expression have the same answer: paint! Thank you for confirming this along the way with your channel here and with ArtJuice! 💓👐💓

Great video, Louise! I love painting on paper and had gessoed a few pages - these are 9" x 12". I wasn't ready to paint them yet but wanted them ready. I wait and will hold them to see if they're ready to be painted. They were yesterday and I had so much fun! Now to gesso more. Just finding my way and think I'm close to figuring out where I'm most happy with abstract art. Can't wait for the class!

Some great thoughts there Louise, thank you 🙏 It's so interesting isn't it the words we use, for eg "proper artist". What do we think qualifies as a "proper artist"? I think as soon as we start to draw into comparison it can kill creativity. "Well so and so is a proper artist, they do XYZ and I don't do that so that's why I'm not a proper artist and I will never be as good as they are". It's not until you stop and actually listen to what we are speaking over ourselves that we think "hang on a minute, I can do this, I love to do this, it brings me heaps of joy, and the art I make is good and acceptable for me". Hope this makes sense 👍🏻

Awesome Louise - the video should be required watching for anyone undertaking *any* new creative process. In painting groups I belong to there are always plaintive cries from newbies who are struggling, especially when their husband or family don't value their creations. Or they are just afraid of failing to create perfection. What you have said here is so supportive and positive, love it.

Your examples are so helpful Louise. Despite many steps I have taken, I have still been getting hung up on the 'product/results' prove to people I'm a 'real' artist thing. Or else: 'if you're going to be an artist, either you make things that sell or you're wasting your time'. I notice these thoughts with many other things I do as well...basically, it smells like ingrained materialism/capitalist norms: if someone 'higher up' hasn't validated it/I'm not getting paid than there's no meaning and it's a waste of breath. I'm on this journey to slowly, actually learn how to enjoy exploring myself, the world and my experience. Its a damn slow journey, but there's nothing else for me.

Nail on the head with each point! You read my thoughts.

I care not a whit what others think of my paintings but that may be a result of age. I’m past caring; i may have cared years ago but age puts things in perspective. With time, you realize life is short so you care less about everything. It’s all for fun and that takes the stress away. Btw, the course is on my birthday, so what better gift could I give myself? A real treat.

Hello, Thank you for this wonderfully informative and helpful video. I'm so shy about my art . Not too many family or friends even know I paint. There are many schooled artists in my family and among relatives. However, I'am not one of them . Its helpful and comforting to know I'm not alone in my quest to learn to process my fear in a better way.. 🙌💜

1+2: I always thought that proper artists are just talented and that I should not make art although I am not. It is also something that my mother always repeated (almost obsessively), that she has no talent. The strange thing about the whole situation is that I always got very good feedback in art classes at school and objectively I was actually quite talented, but that did not come through to me, my perception was completely distorted, because I was simply convinced that I am not talented. "I am good at math, logic etc. but not at art, only a select few people are"...; now I see how wrong thinking that was. 3+4: I am totally stressed about what others think about me!!! But actually it doesn't even help if my boyfriend is positively excited about everything I do. Therefore, unfortunately, the problem lies deeper. My opinion of myself matters and unfortunately I am my biggest critic and sabboteur. "I'm not good enough...". 5+6: Totally apply to me, because of my self-care problems, I seek approval from others, so there has to be some finished piece to show to others... -->I have big problems with self-doubt and difficulty taking care of myself and loving myself. This is horrible and sad and I absolutely want to change that. Yoga is very helpful, but I also believe that art could be a wonderful way. I look forward to this opportunity with you! ❤️ Thank you

Thanks Louise, I can't wait to refresh my inspiration again on your Free Taster Course. To those participating for the first time, its the most amazing experience!! Louise helped me find my creative joy and literally changed my artistic life forever, so much so I would not have had the confidence to write this public post a year ago.

I just finished the FYJTaster and I believe that I started it with everyone of these beliefs. It’s kind of a life long “disease”. Thank you for giving me the “antibiotic” for these beliefs. I feel I now have weapons to move forward.

I love all your examples especially regarding self care on the last point. Looking forward to your course. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

You always have the best way to express verbally what some of us are feeling when we are fearful about our art being accepted. I have listened from your very first video I watched- don't care about what other people think-- just do your own thing and be fully into your own process. I enjoy my art- I enjoy my process- and I enjoy being in my own moment while painting.

As always thank you. I've been working on my sketchbook and every painting makes me wonder if I should bother. I seem to create wallpaper rather than what I want to create. I know its a journey. Your course and podcasts are helping so much.

Louise you are such a blessing, you always KNOW what we need!! And that is my WHY..to see that magic 🖤

Thank you, Louise. As always your ideas feel right on. Often getting through some extreme life experience will make it easier to get past the fear of painting. I had breast cancer which was detected very early so it was relatively easy to deal with but it made me think " if I can do that (get through all the cancer stuff) I can do anything!". It might help if people give themselves credit for difficult things they got through and see it as how able they are to do something that seems difficult. Thanks, Louise.

Thank you Louise I fit with many of these barriers you mentioned, how ever I am trying hard to paint from within to please no one but myself, I always find that I produce a good painting that really pleases me around 1 in every ten! I can always repaint the other failures all part of the learning curve, I experiment with sand in the paint' leaves' sawdust or anything I can find, paint loose, and enjoy the process' for me if I complete a painting, and someone says I like that, Great! If someone want to buy it! (occasionally) that's fabulous!

Thank you so much. I'm signed up for the course. I've been watching your videos through lockdown and you and my painting really helped me survive!! Then our group had an exhibition last week and I sold 4 paintings. I never sell anything as a rule. So there you are, Louise! See you in June. Joanne

Right on on all accounts and working on these issues right now. Will be dealing with them as an on going process because change and improvement brings new self examination at each milestone. Thanks Louise, signup already!

Thank you SO much Louise. I'm very touched by what you have shared about enjoying the process and the exploration of making art! Woo Hoo! - Im off to my studio to have FUN:))) XXX

I have been playing this afternoon trying to make my art journals like those I see on the videos you know what I made a mess but it doesn't matter I learned something new. Just watched your video Lousie I needed the reminder that it doesn't matter I enjoyed myself

Self care.... absolutely! Thank you!

Each point you mentioned resonated with me, Louise. Fear is keeping me from creating in my little studio...plus I left it in a disastrous state the last time I was there. 😏 Last month I splurged and purchased very cool birch panels with 1.5” edges and gessoed three to work on at the same time. They sit and wait for me. I wish I would care a little less about wrecking them and throwing away good money. I know I can paint over them if they turn out horrible, so why haven’t I started? 🧐 Thank you for addressing this topic in your video, Louise. I appreciate your encouragement and letting all of us know we aren’t the only ones dealing with this issue. I look forward to the course you are offering in June, and I’m going to kick my behind to my studio and see what happens. ♥️

You have spoken directly to the deepest part of me. I signed up a couple of weeks ago and I can’t wait! Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for sharing your great wisdom Louise. I can relate to all of the blocks you mentioned, but especially wasting time and money. I ALWAYS feel like I should be doing something of 'value', like the laundry or some other chore. I still struggle with allowing myself this gift of art-making. Can't wait for your course to start and thank you for offering it to those of us who struggle to remove those chains that hold us back.

Louise, you described the outcome perfectly ... the painting magically appearing along with a buyer .... what would be the point, lol. I often remind myself of you talking about getting across the river the same way, and we'd miss out on all the lovely things that happened along the way!! This is a great course, that I hope many more will take advantage of, and learn to find the joy in creating, when we all seem to be wanting to rush through everything!!

Thankyou Louise for your thoughts. I love the process of creating art but sometimes worry that I don’t always have a finished piece of work. Looking forward to your course!

Thank you Louise for this video which I will have to listen to many more times. The argument that I am wasting my time if I don't succeed in making finished art is the very strong belief in me that keeps me from making art. My intention is to become more and more aware of this and to finally get into the fun, personal way of expressing myself (which I don't know yet). You are very inspiring. Thank you for everything.

I've been reluctant to start for a long while because it feels like "a waste of time and materials." But that time has still passed and the materials are still here (and the money I spent on them is still "gone"). If I had started when I first got interested, that time would have been spent on improving and exploring instead of fretting about the "waste." The time still passes, you might as well use it playing and practicing.

Always insightful and inspiring - thank you! I am my harshest critic so working on that inner critics voice to a more discerning one - What do I love? What don't I love? What worked? What didn't work? - Playing, learning, messing up and making mud!! So looking forward to your course! - love your art making process - your artworks are beautifully expressive