Inspiration Fridays! Good enough? Absolutely!
Good enough? Absolutely!
What if your drawing didn’t have to be “right” to be good? What if your linework was clumsy and your colors were awkward and that was what made your painting stand out from the crowd?
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” – Andy Warhol
The problem for many of us is that we’re actually afraid of sticking out. We’ve been conditioned to “fit in” for most of our lives. Our paintings end up tight and self-conscious because we value recognition over self-expression. Another version has us avoiding any recognizable shapes in our paintings at all because we’re afraid we won’t be able to capture a likeness. Because we’re afraid it won’t be “good enough”.
What if painting what you want to paint could feel easy and free? What if abstraction was a choice instead of a default? Where does that kind of confidence to be loose and fully expressed come from?
Made Pony – Gabriel Mark Lipper 24×24
When you have all the tools you need, coupled with some real understanding of what you want to say, painting is an adventure. The process, of seeing something in a new way, dancing with colors, and creating dynamic compositions, feels transformative. Time is notorious for playing hide and seek when you’re lost behind a brush. Even as the day wanes, the value of your time spent painting is never up for debate. You’ve created something authentic.
Dedicate some time to your passion. If you’re unhappy with your art, ask yourself what’s missing. Make a decision to find it. Believe it or not, making this kind of commitment to what you love makes the world around you a better place.
Is it possible that you were never meant to “fit in”? Maybe you are here to stand out! We’re at our best when we make room in our lives for what lights us up. The fire you bring to your art is inspiring. So when is the best time to start gathering this creative kindling?
That answer is as bright as the paint on your face – right now!
With some new tools, a bit of direction, and less time than you think, your work will land in a way that resonates with who you are. Your discernment, confidence, and ability will grow, and your paintings will finally begin to tell your story.
Look, our paintings aren’t always going to land. Art shouldn’t feel cookie-cutter or formulaic. But instead of feeling frustrated and stuck because we only have part of the picture, the act of showing up for ourselves and our work allows us to shine!