I absolutely loved what you said. I have not been doing art for too long nor have I ever had any "formal" education. However, I was asked to teach some art through my spiritual center. Then Covid hit and I have ZOOMed classes for over 2 years now. My objective is to "teach" some fun art stuff but mostly just giving people the opportunity to connect with others. I have stressed from the beginning, THIS CLASS WILL BE FUN!!!!!! I just finished a class in painting without a brush. I even described it as possible finger painting opportunity. I have true artists who join in and heard about painting with a potato. Next I took my classes to the next level and teach classes for seniors through our local university. I ALWAYS state that no one has to have any art experience. I did the best I could when people were truly not going out (COVID) and gave alternative art supply lists. " Use a ballpoint and copy paper" I have pooh-poohed RU-vid artists that say, "NEVER do....(fill in the blanks)." I am the "think outside the box" kind of person and when I hear those types of statements I think it crushes creativity. Some of the "nevers" are things I actually did to learn the kind of art I wanted to do. You talk about teaching kids. Well, I have offered projects that I did in elementary school and offer them to mostly adults. So, trace your hand and draw a turkey!! Again, thanks, Louise (teaching at 74)
In the days before RU-vid (yes there were some), I "taught" art to 6 developmentally disabled adults. Together we rediscovered the joy of smearing paint on paper or canvas and ourselves. They'd been told not to make a mess for so long they were intimidated to even touch the supplies at first and then went on to win blue ribbons at the county fair! Bless them all. I learned so much from them about overcoming fear in art.
Started my watercolor journey last summer at 68... enjoying everything about it... the beautiful colors, the fun tutorials, the learning - then nothing. I felt like I had to perform, make a finished picture... when it didn't go well, I was OK at first, but - stopped. Had paper "taped" down for a few weeks, waiting to do wet-on-wet - it just created anxiety. I have grandchildren... and like you said, they just playfully create!!! And they love everything they do!!! They NEVER say they wish they would have done something differently ❤ Last night I swatched colors - playing, no objective in sight... today, I cut my paper & have a bookmark! Then you made this video Kristy!!!❤ Thank you so much... I needed to hear this! Bless you for sharing, a California Gramma ❤
When you can't call mom... Kristy has risen to the occasion again!!! She will say something and it goes straight to the heart ❤ where it does its work. We all carry wounds... & for some reason, watercolor seems to be a revealer and healer! Happy painting! A new California friend! ✨
I relate to everything you said, it's like you just told my experience nearly word for word. I had never realized others went through the same thing. Thanks for sharing
I am bawling my eyes out watching this. Its ok. Its a release …. And needed. Thank you once again Kristy. You know …. Some of us (me) never really learned to play as children ….. this video is quite freeing so thank you for reminding us all of the importance of playing …. Discovering…. Finding the joy. Love it.
Oh friend ya know what, I rewatched this before posting and I too cried. It’s a topic mixed up with a ton of emotion and honestly in learning some trauma. I’m honored to be having these conversations❤️ So important
I can't believe, I had the exact same reaction, started crying, and it did feel like a release & I needed it. I often cry, as I am a sensitive person, but I was a bit surprised I got emotional over something lighthearted, even though it was actually very insightful & deep, I felt silly for crying. Thanks for sharing your experience, as I read it, I no longer felt silly for getting emotional.
This made me cry. It is such a powerful reminder to just let go of all those things that are holding us back. Fear, making a mess, doing it wrong. I’m just learning watercolor and I realize I’ve been seeking the recipe to perfection rather than enjoying and soaking up the experience of learning through pure joy. Thank you so much. ❤️
You are sooo welcome. There is good in the tediousness of learning… but finding a balance in our emotions is so important so we can still harness all the joy!!
This was beautiful! As a long-time professional artist, I’ve felt like I’ve really lost the “play” spirit when I sit down with my tools. It’s really damaged my progression and growth. Until I spent two weeks teaching art to 10yr olds this summer!!! OMG, what an amazing eye-opening experience! Now, every morning, I’m forcing myself to play. To run from perfection and throw myself headlong into the void of creativity. And I’m having a blast!
Thank you for this!! I'm so anal and fearful that I won't do "it" right!😭but I'm forcing myself with the help of a dear artist friend to stop the judgements on myself and what I do. It IS about the play and the journey! And this video is the last piece of the JUST DO IT puzzle I e been messing with. One thing I'm going to do next is get a dagger brush and just play with it and learn from that. I'm excited for my art future! I'm 65 and that just proves you are never to old to learn new things and play and have fun!❤❤❤
Wow Kristy! I have just 'found' you and I'm never gonna let you go! I have dithered for years trying to find someone to teach me 'the right way'. You have inspired me to just get off my butt & get on with it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love your teaching style. You're one of a kind!
I’m a writer who took up watercolor during Lockdown. Previously my art education consisted of four years of line drawing through pen and ink with a tyrant who taught hyper-realism. So I’m a little… constricted. But writing! I know what I’m doing, there. And I always talk about that blank page and how it’s not a scary blank page, it’s POSSIBILITIES, and how it can be a tech article, or a novel, or whatever I want it to be. Your pep talk has made me realize, I need to see the blank watercolor paper the same way. Gonna work on that. And I need to just play. I think my trigger word is going to be something profane, aimed at the shade of that old art teacher.
Profane shade as a trigger word. Ima voting YES!!! It’s unbelievable how many stories ai hear about ART teachers who literally break creative spirits. Again and again. It’s maddening. I’ve found there is a lot of high brow attitudes in the art community. There’s a rigid fear of newbies coming in and shaking things up. Well hang on, we’re shaking it alllll down!
Dance teacher here. I found the same dynamic -music starts and the kids are jumping, twirling, laughing. In the adult classes when the music starts, the adults freeze and look petrified. Gotta keep your " baby soul" moving, the part that never stops playing and learning! Wonderful video!
I think this is the most important, inspiring, educational and honest art (and beyond) video on YT. I truly hope that you have loads of students of all ages!! I know virtual world is lucky to have you)) Thank you!
So I've been wanting to learn how to watercolor paint at 60 years old. I've got my paint I've got my paper I ordered your brushes and every time I'm going to be off for the weekend I plan on learning to paint. but I seem to procrastinate. Until now I had not identified it as fear but that's exactly what it is! every night before I go to sleep I watch other people paint on RU-vid including you. I think learning to look at this through playful eyes with a playful heart instead of a means to an end is exactly what I needed to hear.!!! Thanks Kristy. That may very well be one of the most important videos I ever watch in my journey to learn to watercolor paint!
Oh my wow. Thank you for sharing this. I’ll be looking forward to hearing soon how the painting went. Even just a few marks, bump some color together and let me know how it felt
When I was in kindergarten we drawing trees and mine had purple leaves but everyone else had green. My teacher told me that trees have green leaves not purple. We had a Japanese maple in our front yard and we all know they have purplish leaves. I was sent to the principal for arguing with the teacher. Since then I have dabbled here and there with art. But I never play. I surround myself with art supplies and use them for a moment but then my critical eye always stops me somewhere along the way. Sometimes I finish a piece but then I don't paint for months or even years. Then the desire to create burns inside and the whole thing starts over again. It was easy to play when my kids were young and we made arts and crafts every chance we had. But not since then have I played with art. Thank you for this video! After I wiped away a release of tears, I felt such a desire to play and not care what it looks like in the end.
It’s amazing what an impact those early art experiences can have on us. I’m so glad you’re back to thinking about set, really hoping to get back to playing!
What a TEACHER you are dear Kristy... You reach the heart and that's the hallmark of a great teacher... You're excellent work dearly, dearly appreciated. :)
Your best video ever!!!! I just took up watercolor two and half years ago. It took me that long to learn the basics and get my drawing up to spend. Now I want to PLAY, have fun, EXPLORE, learn more. I am 66 years old. Not to late. Thanks for this message. Here I go…😊
Wow! My son was just asking me today why have I not painted in so long? All of this rings true. Thank you for the Pep Talk, I really needed to hear this.!
Oh my......I so needed to hear this..I actually just sat and bawled. What you said applies not only to artistic pursuits but to all aspects of life.....and it REALLY touched me. It is so true. I dream of having the time on weekends to sketch and paint....I YEARN for more opportunities for that....but when I then have that time, I am SO PARALYZED by fear......fear of messing up, fear of not knowing what to paint, fear of needing to only create things that MIGHT sell in my goofy little unsuccessful Etsy shop, instead of what I REALLY want to paint, fear of wasting precious supplies.....and on and on......so much so that I often just do nothing with that precious time. You've inspired me. Thank you so much. :-)
Thank you ❤️Do me w favor. For two weeks, just two weeks, when you get the itch to paint, just do it. Don’t think, just sit and paint. Use whatever is nearest your hands and go. Give yourself one minute to prep. Time yourself if needed. Harness that moment when motivation/inspiration strikes and get at it before all the fears have time to set in. It will feel messy and uncomfortable but push through. Let me know how it goes, okay!?
You are spot on! I watch YT on my TV, so I rarely leave comments, only 👍🏼, but your message deserved a visit to my laptop so I could comment! After yeeeaaars of doing & teaching art in all sorts of mediums to a variety of ages (& loving every minute except clean up), YES! My younger students knew how to play, but this changed gradually as they grew older. As a creative child, I had lots of support from most of my adult influences, which I believe aided in my continued desire for play throughout my life. Play is so important! I hope your message is heard widely.💜
Oh wow wow!! Thanks for taking the time to share your lovely words! I feel strongly my freedom to play as an adult is because my goofiness as a child was encouraged!!
Kristy, you have given such healing advise to all of us who need healing , myself included. I am in wonder!!! Thank you special friend of ours for sharing this information. Yes, God is using YOU to touch lives so many lives that need a special touch from the Master Artist to heal us from our emotional and physical pain. Thank you for being willing to be a big blessing to all of us...🤗🤗
I recently started painting with watercolors and finding your channel has been so wonderful. The way you approach things is so different but as someone who typically worries about the "failure" stage of learning, I've been able to overcome a lot of my fear of the medium!
I love this channel! I started watercolor during the pandemic with just playing. I loved watching the colors spread through the water. I loved the blooms that would form and the bleeding of colors together. I sat at my kitchen table almost every night that spring of 2020. It truly eased my mind and took me away from all of the craziness of the world at that time. Then I started making paintings and wanted the end result. I have all but stopped, even though I have a dedicated space now. So, tonight I am going to my space, picking five colors and one brush at random and see what happens. Thank you for the inspiration. I will let you know how it goes!
Just remember the joy you were able to wrangle in spring 2020. That joy is just sitting in you, waiting to be reawakened. Report back, can’t wait to hear!!
Can I just say i adore you!!!? You speak from the heart and i heard you. I have been playing a wee bit. I run from the mean critics in my head fast...as I play. They are at a long conference table with their coffee and donuts just ready to get down and dirty with criticizing me. I keep a cheap sketch book by my art project and if they start....I write it down. And write and write. Then my therapist....yes I have one....and I deal with them and their donuts....I am going going to play a bit now while the coast is clear! You scare them! I am grateful for you!:)
Hi "Dr. Kristy!" I'm here to play! Growing up in a home where everything was pristine and not to touch...you know, the plastic in the furniture, the shelves of porcelain or crystal figurines...I was never allowed to play or get dirty. Sad, hugh? It's never too late to learn to play!
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this!!!! Not just with my art, but with my life. This will give me a new way to handle so many things. Thank you!!!!!!
This morning I woke up grabbed one of my previously burned wood burning, & used watercolor all over it. It felt so good to not be worried if the colors were right or if it went outside online little here and there. I haven’t felt stress-free about art like that before. There’s a perfect piece that’s so freeing when you don’t worry. 🥰👍 Thank you so much!
Saved to “Favorites!” Literally laughed out loud when you mentioned trigger word - I immediately thought “pizza”, and then THERE IT WAS! Such great advise and positioning, “mindful activity to cast out fear” (paraphrasing!).
I teach preschool and my favorite quote is from Albert Einstein "Play is the highest form of research" I love your channel and just got your brushes. I started in January. I'm going to go play now!
OMG Love what you said!! When I started out, I just wanted to try creating art, to explore and to have fun! It was so easy and I feel I improved leaps and bounds(from 2018 till end of 2021). Then, I started stressing about the result. I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted it to show growth. I feel my art has stagnated in past 1.5 years. Drawing/painting became too stressful to handle. I had completed the 100 day project with ease in 2020. I just painted/drew whatever I felt like. (One day it was a complex portrait, another day it was a simple line art. Did not care about mistakes) But in 2022, it was just stress since I aimed for perfection. I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS!
It took me so long to figure this out. I finally learned that I paint for me. I only listen to watercolor teachers that say things I like to hear. You win, hands down. The question I ask for each thing is "where's the joy in that?" Yes, I do have a "snarky tone" when I say it. But if I'm not finding the joy then why bother? And there's no such thing as "wasting" supplies. I own them, how can I be wasting them ? I can't believe it took me this long to find you. ♥🎵👍😼🌻🎨
That’s so funny that you suggested to close my eyes and grab paints! I did that a couple of years ago with my fiancé. 😄 He suggested it actually. I was working with acrylics at the time. He lined up all of my paints on the different sides of the dining room table. He then led me blindfolded to pick one from each side. It was so much fun! 😄
AMEN to everything, completely everything you said!!! It's kinda like what the yoga teachers often repeat in class, you're doing this for your personal self, enjoyment, relaxation, don't compete, don't look at the person next to you etc lol So glad you posted this video.
The awe and wonder that comes from creating is healing. That’s my a-ha! Every time I step back from a painting (that I relaxed and played while painting) I am floored that it came from me! I have had to overcome so much insecurity in regards to art, and picked up the paint brush for the first time only 2 1/2 years ago, and now I just want to share with everyone what it’s like to watch the colors bleed, and how it feels to splash it on the paper. I feel like it isn’t me or my skill but I’m an observer of the paint and water and I get a front row seat. It is exciting and that is moment when God speaks to me about His joy and pleasure in me, His creation. Our own creativity is a reflection of His.
Wow, I’ve been so fixed on final results with my paintings & it started to take away the happiness of creating. Thank you for sharing I really needed this!
Wonderful! .Thank you for your inspired video. I work with a woman who has Alzheimer's to paint again--she had been an accomplished realist painter. When she admitted how scared she was, I told her "me, too! --every time I pick up a paintbrush, but I tell myself "it's not going in the Louvre!. If I don't like it, it can go in the trash!". That has helped her--and me--relax and have fun.
Oh My God Kristy! I cannot tell you how much I needed to hear this lesson of yours. With a few exceptions only, I cannot remember the last time I really let go with my painting, or with anything else for that matter and just had a blast. I have known what is going on for a long time, but I truly needed to hear someone else say it to me and I honestly feel I was guided to your video and of course, I have subscribed now. I have so much anxiety at 72 years old and I love doing art work because it does help me cope, but it has gotten to a point that I am so rigid in doing a lot of my work (and I do a lot of watercolor) and I think it is because I am too afraid to let go and be free!!!!! To try something new, to screw it up and just do another one, to just plain try something I have never done before and you can only do by LETTING GO!!!!! Oh, I can't tell you how truly grateful I am to have found you. The way you even say it is so wonderfully cool and healing and I am sure that anyone who listens to you would get these positive vibes!!!!!! Thank you so very much Kristy!!!! ❤❤❤l energy.
Oh my goodness, you are right this is the most important video I will ever have watched. I am/was stumped by my fear, so much so that I have watched your videos, bought a dagger 1/4 brush, placed it next to my watercolours, stepped away and watched more videos. NOW AMEN Sister, I am fired up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and art. Lots of love. 🥰 🎨
Love, love, love this message. Kristy, you are *such* a blessing to us. I hope you know how you are impacting lives, bringing the light, banishing the shadows. Your influence goes waaay beyond art. This is mental health *via* art. Thank you for all that you do!
Oh you are simply (in a very GOOD way) amazing. I usually have my ad blockers on but I turn then off for you. That's how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you SO much!!! In 30 mins I start. After watching many of your vids and learning SO much. I am finally starting :)
@@KristyRice L O V E this pallet! Do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?? lol. Imma Thrive, Growth and Blossom kinda gal. Throw in some Delve. LOVE these!!!! And yes the neon yellow works! I saw what you did with it. You are simply amazing!
I am literally shaking inside. Fear, anxiety, excitement all rolled in together. I am a perfectionist (always have been). I feel with art supplies, good ones aren't cheap, and I hate to 'waste' them.
Kristy, I just want to say that your videos are addictive! I found you a couple of weeks ago and every night I watch more than I have time for and go to bed late. I have been drawing, painting, fiber art creating my whole 61 years and I just quit my job at the end of the year to be an artist full time. Oh, how I love to play. Thank you for the encouragement to PLAY!
And that explains why at college, or even life/portrait sessions they suggest stuff like drawing with the opposite hand, not looking at your paper, drawing moving people, etc. I thought it was to loosen us up, but yes, it's play. And I do play - not as much as I should, but when I get a new pen or art material, I play with it, create an abstract with it, learn about it without worrying about the end product. I have sat down with only a few colours I've recently re-discovered and made whole sketchbook pieces without any reference, just mark making and drawing. Even during the pandemic did stick ink paintings in the garden with ink drips, and yes...I fingerpaint. I'm guessing it's my art foundation and degree, I learned to play there and have never stopped....but I guess others need permission to play. Or get told not to - art education can be so restrictive like that, with all the people I meet who say 'I can't draw' which is total BS. Everyone can draw! Everyone can make marks and have fun, and it will make them feel better creating something. What they mean is they can't draw representationally - but as a trained artist I'll whisper this quietly: that doesn't really matter.
I just joined your group this week but am truly enjoying your classes. I can clearly see those children having a blast in your class but think after one or two of your classes, the adults will be feeling the same spirit and the child in them will emerge fully. Thanks for teaching. I'm loving it!
I had never seen one of your videos. I found this one, just by chance, when looking for art journaling videos. I was intrigued by the title and decided to watch. I don’t like these kinds of videos in which people give us advice, but with this video, I couldn’t stop listening and I was blown away with what you said. So true everything! Answering your question, my wow moment was to be like a child and paint with my fingers. I do like to get dirty and I don’t mind making a mess, but the two “ingredients” together: like a child + paint with your fingers, really opened my mind. I like to make a mess, but like an adult, if you know what I mean, and I like to get dirty with the mind of an adult, but the example you gave about the students playing with clay was really eye opening. Thank you for such great video. Love from Portugal ♥️💙💚💜💛🖤🧡❤️
You just described me to the T. I am new to painting. I feel so uncreative. I look at my paper and I just don't know how to start. I freeze. I know that I shouldn't have an image in front of me. I need many pep talks from you on how to throw FEAR out the window. Thanks for being there to give me encouragement.
I love, love, love your energy, Kristy! I wish I had art teachers like you when I was in grade school! Yes, you are totally correct in saying that whatever endeavor you are involved in, the journey is always important and not the end result. Play is radical to some but very important to personal happiness (in my opinion). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Kristy, to you and your family!😇💜💜💜💜💜💜
While watching this …. I had a cup of hibiscus tea on my desk…guess what I did…stuck my finger in it and made some marks on a piece of paper….then put more on …dripped it on….then splattered some….it made the most lovely background…the splotches turned different colors…pinks,blues and purples! Looks like a field of flowers waiting to be created…thanks honey ❤️🐝
@@KristyRice you inspire the heck out of me….never had so much fun! I’m really a newbie technically but in my soul I feel like I’ve been here before…like somehow I just resonate and get things quicker than I expected…make any sense? I recently had a stroke…it’s been frustrating…but…art is keeping me positive! Thanks for being out there hon! ❤️🐝
Play equals happiness. Love your philosophy and encouragement. Somehow we lose it as adults so need to recapture it. Inspirational. Thanx so much for your wonderful videos.
This is a very beautiful and powerful message. Thank you for sharing🙏🙏💖💖💖💖. We must remember how great it was to be a kid with no Fear. Just enjoying life.
Kristy... you are absolutely right.... when we are freed from focusing on the result, we become playful.. we can experience awe and wonder... as you say, we need to keep reminding ourselves very often about this..... because we are habituated to producing a result.... this is true for life itself and not just for art..... thanks for thisvery important video.....🙏🙏
I feel FANTASTIC listening to this video! It's the way I've approached my first foray into watercolors, though I need the reminder daily. I refuse to be discouraged. It is so much fun to play.
I have a hard time letting go and using my imagination. I have to tell myself that it's ok to "mess" things up and the usual result is gorgeous! This video really hits home and helps me remember to just PLAY!
You so make me smile! I’m a perfectionist, and when I did your wet, drop and drag…. It was soooo fun and free. I ended up doing pen doodles and made myself bookmarks! I also just bought my first alcohol inks because of you. Have no clue what to do with them so I’m gonna “ force” myself to play with them lol! Thanks Kristy!
I'm glad you made this video. It's a great idea to get back to the joy and openness of play. Your example of the children's approach to the clay vs the adults was really eye opening for me.
Aha! I needed a trigger word, so I will adopt the one I use with my grandkids: "Grab Bag!" For them, it means that they get to pick one thing, eyes closed, from the bag grandma Coco brought. For ME, it means I stop what I'm doing and look around my work "studio" and pick something completely random for inspiration. I'm confident it will work. Thanks!!
I’m a mixed media maybe artist lol. I love this video. We spend so much time wanting to be perfect that we don’t see the little pieces of ourselves that we commit to our creations. I can remember my teenage children coming home and seeing what I was doing on a canvases or in a journal...whatever and they wanted to hang out with some supplies as well. The out comes we’re always colourful and happy creations. Now my grandchildren are they same kind of excited to hang out with supplies. Lots of happy colourful pieces of joy are the result. Lol 😊
My grandkids love to paint with me. The youngest ones are early elementary and preschool. It is amazing to see how much they pick up just by watching me. I am absolutely not in accomplished watercolorist, but they think I am! I love watching them paint without fear. They love to mix colors and they know what colors to mix with what to get the color they want. I am always in awe of their imagination and where it leads them. I wish that I was still like them. After listening to you I realize I need to give myself permission to play around without fear of what I might be wasting or of what the end result might be. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
