Making Art for Yourself First

Trusting Your Process Instead of Chasing Approval

In a world of likes, views, and algorithms, it’s easy for artists to wonder if their work will be “liked” before it’s even finished... though my most meaningful art rarely begins that way. For me, it begins with curiosity, with a color that feels right, a memory that pops into my head... and wondering what might happen if I get that onto my canvas.

When artists start creating with the goal of pleasing viewers or collectors, something subtle but crucial can shift. The work becomes careful instead of curious... safe instead of playful...

predictable rather than exciting. The truth is that the most compelling art often comes from the opposite place... it comes from artists who follow their instincts and make the work they truly want to make... and be open to what shows up for them!

Cat On A Ledge

I'm thinking our responsibility as artists is not to predict what others will love...it's to be honest in our process, to experiment, to take risks, to follow an idea even if we’re not sure where it will go. When artists create from that authentic place, the work carries a kind of energy that people feel...even if they don’t quite understand it.

WIP /Work In Progress

Along with that, part of sharing art today involves helping viewers and collectors understand the story behind it. That is one of my favorite things to do...show the process...to me, that's part of the fun of making art! So many people love art, but they don’t quite know how to approach it. This is where artists have an opportunity...not to explain every detail, but to invite people into the process.

This is one of my favorite things to do...share how I make art. Not only with my students, but also with anyone who's looking in on what I'm creating. Sharing a bit about what inspired a piece, talking about how a layer evolved, showing where a painting changed direction. When people see the journey behind the work, they often connect to it in a deeper way.

This Is Not A Still Life

So, while I've been spending more time in the studio painting and sharing my process, I've been spending a lot less time on all the other social platforms. I'm more interested in the art I'm creating and how happy it makes me, sharing how I do it on my YouTube channel, and having more time to enjoy that process.

As an artist...the next time you start a new piece, try setting aside the question of whether people will like it. Instead, ask yourself: What am I curious about today? Follow that question...make the work you love. And then share the story of how it came to life.

If you're an appreciator of art...when you see a finished painting, you're seeing the last moment of a long process. Underneath are layers, decisions, and sometimes changes of direction. Don't be afraid to ask the artist to tell you about their work and their process...you will most likely look at it differently once you know their side of the story.

As always... I am more than happy to share what I have going on in my studio. If you’d like to see how some of my mixed media pieces evolve over time, I share parts of my process in my Studio Sessions on YouTube. Hit that big red button above to go to my YouTube video library.

And...if you noticed I haven't been babying my Instagram or Facebook pages (and you may not because the algorithm chooses what you see or don't see). I'd rather keep everyone up to date in my ARTicles (blog posts) each week on what's happening in the studio and my thoughts on art. If you are one of my subscribers, thank you! If you're reading this by chance, or for the first time, I invite you to subscribe below and join me in the studio each week. I'd love to have you...whether you're an artist or a wonderful lover of art... welcome!

As long as you are being true to yourself...

you will always find happiness.