This video couldn’t have come at a better time actually ahaha I’m literally sitting at my desk right now, trying to find inspiration (and procrastinating 😅) on YT with my son down for nap, while I stare at my art/making supplies and try to convince myself I’m not kidding myself by thinking I can make anything worthwhile. Thanks so much for sharing, it was super helpful!
Such helpful reminders Christina. Even when we know about "cognitive distortions," we can still fall victim to them so easily as human beings and artists. I certainly benefitted from hearing how you manage your inner critic, and I appreciate your being so open and real about your experience. Great video and many thanks.
“Why do you even start? You know it’s going to be bad.” I can sure relate to that one! Then I try to tell my inner critic to keep his opinions to himself. 😅
I think a few things can help this. 1) stop looking at social media for inspiration. I really really want to get better at my portraiture, but have had some serious art block. So when I got back home I just decided to paint something the opposite of faces to take my mind off it. I ended up painting my wife's hair/ make up table as a color study. It turned so exspressive because I wasn't afraid to make mistakes. I also used an old canvas and old paint, so there was literally no skin in the game. 2) pocket sketchbook. I keep a 5star little 3x 5 notebook in my car/ coffee table/ nightstand. Whenever I'm hanging out I usually grab a book and start doodling, sometimes the ideas get made into bigger paintings. We all lead unique lives, sometimes its hard to see the beauty right in front of us, paint it.
Great post. Lately I’ve been noting the successful bits in failed paintings, like, “well, at least the color is good”, and I think it definitely helps.
An old teacher of mine used to tell us that it’s common to only have one or two good paintings out of every ten we might paint. And often you learn more from the mistakes than the successes.
That's a great perspective. I often think that if we aren't having a bunch of "bad" paintings, we probably aren't experimenting or taking enough risks.
@christinakentart I think I read where Agnes Martin a great abstract artist I have once met wrote that out of hundreds of paintings she does a year she keeps 10% rest are gone.
I remember my "inner critic" showed up after I had been painting for about a year, and wanted to try more than just abstract landscapes. Portraits and more focused art. There was a huge block when I was thinking about transitioning to oils. So to keep that Critic satiated I do random abstracts. Especially when I’m not feeling creative. I still work those muscles.
@@christinakentart I just grab some acrylic and go to town. I was in a crazy slump for a little while during that period. It’s kind of how I approach depression. Depression isn’t going anywhere. He’ll just keep knocking louder and louder until I succumb to the noise, and it becomes harder to deal with. So, I learned to just let him in instead of trying to ignore. It’s going to happen. I’ll stay up some nights, stare off/zone out, and just have a conversation in my head with Depression. See what’s going on, and hopefully come to an accord.
Thanks, Christina, this was very informative! My inner critic has hit a bunch of areas in my life lately. I am recovering from foot surgery and am on forced rest for three weeks. During the last week, my inner critic has gone crazy with how lazy and unproductive I am. I appreciate these tips, and will try to assimilate them as I get through the next (now) two weeks. Happy Independence Day!
I'm glad you found them helpful! I'm very type-A and have a hard time slowing down to recover from illness as well. I hope you can get some deep rest and that your recovery goes smoothly ❤️
I just found your channel and this video was immensely helpful to me. Thank you for sharing!
This video couldn’t have come at a better time actually ahaha I’m literally sitting at my desk right now, trying to find inspiration (and procrastinating 😅) on YT with my son down for nap, while I stare at my art/making supplies and try to convince myself I’m not kidding myself by thinking I can make anything worthwhile. Thanks so much for sharing, it was super helpful!
I totally know the feeling. Glad you found it helpful :) Happy painting!
I love how deeply you dove into this topic😮❤
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! :)
Such helpful reminders Christina. Even when we know about "cognitive distortions," we can still fall victim to them so easily as human beings and artists. I certainly benefitted from hearing how you manage your inner critic, and I appreciate your being so open and real about your experience. Great video and many thanks.
So true. Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful! :)
“Why do you even start? You know it’s going to be bad.” I can sure relate to that one! Then I try to tell my inner critic to keep his opinions to himself. 😅
Haha exactly!
I think a few things can help this. 1) stop looking at social media for inspiration. I really really want to get better at my portraiture, but have had some serious art block. So when I got back home I just decided to paint something the opposite of faces to take my mind off it. I ended up painting my wife's hair/ make up table as a color study. It turned so exspressive because I wasn't afraid to make mistakes. I also used an old canvas and old paint, so there was literally no skin in the game. 2) pocket sketchbook. I keep a 5star little 3x 5 notebook in my car/ coffee table/ nightstand. Whenever I'm hanging out I usually grab a book and start doodling, sometimes the ideas get made into bigger paintings. We all lead unique lives, sometimes its hard to see the beauty right in front of us, paint it.
Great post.
Lately I’ve been noting the successful bits in failed paintings, like, “well, at least the color is good”, and I think it definitely helps.
Yes! That's a great strategy. Every painting, even the "bad" ones, has something that we can appreciate and learn from.
An old teacher of mine used to tell us that it’s common to only have one or two good paintings out of every ten we might paint. And often you learn more from the mistakes than the successes.
That's a great perspective. I often think that if we aren't having a bunch of "bad" paintings, we probably aren't experimenting or taking enough risks.
@christinakentart
I think I read where Agnes Martin a great abstract artist I have once met wrote that out of hundreds of paintings she does a year she keeps 10% rest are gone.
Thanks for bringing this up! It’s one of the reasons why I paint. I appreciate all your content and keep up the great work!! Your good!! John
Thanks, so glad you liked it! :)
I remember my "inner critic" showed up after I had been painting for about a year, and wanted to try more than just abstract landscapes. Portraits and more focused art. There was a huge block when I was thinking about transitioning to oils. So to keep that Critic satiated I do random abstracts. Especially when I’m not feeling creative. I still work those muscles.
Ohh that's really smart! Glad you've found a way to keep the critic at bay :)
@@christinakentart I just grab some acrylic and go to town. I was in a crazy slump for a little while during that period. It’s kind of how I approach depression. Depression isn’t going anywhere. He’ll just keep knocking louder and louder until I succumb to the noise, and it becomes harder to deal with. So, I learned to just let him in instead of trying to ignore. It’s going to happen. I’ll stay up some nights, stare off/zone out, and just have a conversation in my head with Depression. See what’s going on, and hopefully come to an accord.
Lots of good advice! Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful! :)
Thanks, Christina, this was very informative! My inner critic has hit a bunch of areas in my life lately. I am recovering from foot surgery and am on forced rest for three weeks. During the last week, my inner critic has gone crazy with how lazy and unproductive I am. I appreciate these tips, and will try to assimilate them as I get through the next (now) two weeks. Happy Independence Day!
I'm glad you found them helpful! I'm very type-A and have a hard time slowing down to recover from illness as well. I hope you can get some deep rest and that your recovery goes smoothly ❤️
The motivation to do something comes only after starting. I think I'm just preparing this a little bit .. - not actually starting yet..
So true. Sometimes I tell myself to just paint for five minutes, and then I can stop. But as soon as I get started, I usually keep going :)
Thank you. I loved this video, very helpful. New subby!
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful :)
CREATIVE PROCESS
1. This is AWSOME
2. This is TRICKY
3. This is SHIT
4. I am SHIT
5. This might be OK
6. Tis is AWSOME
- Getchen Peters
Haha exactly! Love that