“Whatever meaning that a picture has is the accumulated meaning of ten thousand brush strokes each one being decided as it was painted.”

Robert Motherwell, Artist

Getting From Here To There

I am often asked, “How do I go from my idea to creating a painting that realizes my vision?”

My short, snippy and unhelpful (but correct) answer is, “Just paint it!”

I know that this is an oversimplified answer, but it really distills down what needs to happen next. I know that there are lots of issues, (mostly in our minds), that prevent us from being able to paint our idea.

When we get an idea that we are excited about, we think that our first attempt at painting it has to be perfect. Which is just not the case. Thinking this way just creates failure rather than creating a perfect painting of your idea. This kind of thinking puts too much pressure on you to create something amazing. No good painting comes from this kind of pressure.

Remember, this is a new idea. It is still being formulated. There are lots of unknowns. My new idea is always shifting, altering and changing even after I have started painting it.

The best thing you can do with a new idea is to start. Begin. Try. Head in the direction you think you want to go with this painting. Guess. Make your best, first effort.

And then ask, “What is working?” And,“What is not working?”

And then correct. Adjust. Re-work. It may just need some slight alterations.

Or, start over and try again, if this first effort was not what you were hoping for.

There is no shame in starting over. You have not wasted time. You have not wasted paint. And, it certainly does not mean that you are a bad artist who cannot paint your idea, Think of all the great things you learned from this first attempt, that you can now apply to your second attempt.

What does not work is to rely on outside forces and influences to make your painting for you. Reading about art and artists, looking at other artists work for ideas, solutions and inspiration, making too many studies, getting involved in too much experimentation, or cleaning your studio, will not create your painting for you. Too much looking, reading and experimenting leads to overthinking and allows your head to get in the way. Too much looking, reading and experimenting can also be procrastination tactics that are used to delay the inevitable.

Which is… that you eventually need to carve out the time, roll up your shirt sleeves and dive head first into creating your painting. It is time to get that vision out of your head and onto the canvas!

And, once you begin, you will start to know so much more about your idea and how you want to paint it.

And you will feel empowered to realize your vision.

Best,

David

Quotes from the Create Anyway Collective (12-week program, currently in progress):

"Good to hear so many different artists bringing up what is holding them back and how you both allow them to see a way through that helps the individual to move on. The course is so useful and feels so supportive as if you have someone encouraging you all the time. Looking forward to Friday already."

~ Participating CAC Artist, Week 6
"[Jordan & David,] I feel safe being vulnerable in your space... The program is lovely with the two of you as a combination. You’re well matched. It’s very helpful to have the two of you…"

~ Participating CAC Artist, Week 6, regarding a Coaching Session
"David, thanks for all the help you gave me today. I learned a lot and I'm ready to continue on the journey. You are so very helpful."

~ Participating CAC Artist, Week 6 after her In-Depth Critique
To learn more about the Create Anyway Collective or to get on the Wait List for the next CAC program, click here.

GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE

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GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE