Do you get caught up in the finished artwork and feel like maybe your session was a waste of time? Or are you like, I LOVE this painting! Then wonder why no one buys it? In today’s post I am going to share a painting in two different stages and show you why it is important to love the process. The beauty in art is how it’s made.

Before we begin, no I am not embarrassed to show my works in progress no matter how much of a work in progress it is.

Here is the beginning of I am.

February is near. I am thinking self-love. My watercolor set doesn’t have a beautiful pink. It is always good to get to know your palette before you paint. This was a mess but that’s the point. My painting wasn’t a mess. I practiced and tomorrow’s another day.

Here is what I want to do!

Literally I painted how I felt. I like to think about my day and think about nature. Then I don’t think about the painting. I just paint like my brilliant little artists. I love this color palette. Oh, white gouache is a great addition to my watercolor palette. I so want the Winsor 45 pan set. I will get it!

Eric Carle quotes about loving what we do.

“If you do anything with love, it becomes a creative process.”

“The process of creation is a journey of self-discovery.”

Love the process

I got out my swatch book, took notes and let’s try this again with acrylic paint. I still have a few more details to make. The flowers were there. They just hadn’t bloomed yet. I could have thrown the first try away, but I chose to keep making art. When you are too busy worried about the finished art how are you going to enjoy the art process.

Here is the almost complete version

Noe this is the vibe I wanted. I forgot how much I love mixing with ivory instead of white.

Once more I say there is only make. Don’t worry about what it should look like. Live in the process. That is where your best work is. These I am roses may not be in my shop, but they are wonderful practice. I am learning to keep going in those awkward moments. Art takes time. You need to nurture your talent. I will be repainting this idea during my Valetine’s Day self-love painting.

With that being said about making art. I have decided on February 5 as the day we will begin eight days of painting self- love or Valentine’s Day inspired painting projects. In a few days I will publish a post with more details.

With Love, Mireya