Always Have Quiet Time

Quiet time is so valuable. Many times, I let emotions control the show. I’m up and down like a yo-yo, but when I’m quiet, it’s always, ” Oh, why’d you do that?” I want more prayer, meditation, and more painting sessions where I have time to realize that all the outside noise isn’t me. I am a spirit meant for greatness and mindfulness. I have a wonderful time painting or wandering in gardens. Yes, we should always make time to sit and watch the breeze, or as they say, smell the flowers.

Fall in Love With Making Art, Not The End Result

There is a difference. I heard Austin Kleon talk about this in a podcast for Unmistakeable Creative. We are not entitled to the fruits of our labor. Austin wants artists to know what it feels like to get a sentence right. It’s amazing when I have leftover paint. I pick up the brush, do something, and I look at the page, it’s beautiful. Or many times it seems unfixable. Yet I simply keep working. Then, before my eyes, it blooms. Surprisingly, the more I fall in love with the process, the more I start to get followers and beautiful comments. Thank you. I am so excited to read Austin’s new book, “Don’t Call It Art.”

No Right Way to Create a Flower

The choice is all up to you. Your first ideas may not work, but it’s what comes after. That’s where the good work is. Much of my work is chance. I can recreate it, but not with exact texture or color blending. If you have ever watched children make art, you know they get an idea and go for it.

Review Your Work Often For The Positive

There are two reasons for this. You see your growth. Sometimes, for a looong time, it can feel like no one cares or you’re not making progress. You are making progress, and the proof is in your work. My project of creating over 500 flowers is a fun, creative exploration book. Yet if I rewrote the book with new blooms, it would be amazing! Reviewing my work motivates me to keep creative. My book, Paint Your Heart Out, reminds me of all the ideas that are out there. It makes me feel like my work is possible too!

Be Proud of Your Work

Jump for joy if you want to. Being proud of your work means sharing it in person via a workshop or online in a post. Share the story behind the piece. It’s more like an indifference in your work. You’re not saying it’s the best, and you’re not saying it’s the worst. You are in complete peace with your work. There is beauty in holding up your finished work and thinking, yes, this will look good hanging on the wall. That is my little ritual. In these moments, you are not boasting about your work but feeling good about how it makes you feel.

Thank you for being here. Soon, I will be offering my PaintYour Heart Out ebook for free. If you are a subscriber, you will get the email with the link. It is not available yet, but it will be. You can check the freebies page too.

For loose florals, garden dreams, and a little everyday magic