In one of her talks, Lisa Congdon mentioned a “painting curve” which looks like the letter “U”, my process EVERY SINGLE TIME: start with giddy excitement as I begin with the first strokes and slather the first layers of color. Midway I just want to hurl it against a wall or rip it to shreds because it starts to look nothing like what I see in my head.
But only recently I learned to soldier on through that uncomfy, awkward and annoying phase instead of chucking it in the bin. In the end, there is that sense of accomplishment in concluding a piece, even if I’m not always 100% happy with it 🙁
And this is what a sketchbook looks like when you commit to that process: every single page covered with complete illustrations, no ripped pages and saw everything through with nothing disposed of.
I learned the full meaning of one word when I used to go wall-climbing: commit.
Whenever I would hit a snag and hesitate and shout “I can’t! Bring me down!” to the one belaying from below, he would shout back “You kidding? Just commit!”. Even other climbers nearby would chorus the same thing and shout “Commit! Just commit!”. I quickly learned that what they were telling me was simply this: Do not hesitate. Let go and release the grip of one hand so you can reach up with the other and move along, flailing and all.
So today, I apply the same principles in soldiering through my creative process. Simply commit and allow yourself to be pushed in the direction your work is taking you. Yes, there will be a lot of discomfort, but I believe it’s really is such a great way to simply surprise yourself.
Great advice, I need to hear that once in a while! Thanks!
Glad to know I’m not alone 🙂
Hi Cherie! Any advice for a wannabe artist? 🙂 I mean, I never really did art (except for the required classes we did back in St. Scho), but recently I discovered, or I think I have, a knack for doodling. How do I start? 🙂
You have such a pretty space here on the net. 🙂
Hey Nicky! Glad to see you’re in WP, too! 🙂 As a self-taught artist, I understand how you feel. Where to start if you like doodling? Hmm. First, honor your own space for art. Have a notebook or sketchpad that is dedicated solely for this activity. When you see your progress through the pages later on, it will motivate and inspire you. PROMISE! Then, so as not to get intimidated at the beginning: commit. To something. And REPEAT. Is it a shape you want to draw? Lines? Flowers? Do you want to splash green all over? Start with that. Pick an object, a shape, a word. Then doodle it and repeat it on the ENTIRE page, in different shapes and angles and see what happens. Let me know if this first step helps!
Thanks, Cherie!
I will definitely try this out. 🙂 Will let you know what happens. 🙂
Can’t wait to see what you come up with 🙂