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Message
Posted
hello, I am a young painter. I would call myself a nervous (and not super confident) painter I really struggle to finish paintings which has resulted in a string of incomplete paintings over the years, some of which I shall attach. does anyone have some advice for when you are scared to go one because you think you are going to ruin your painting or make it worse.
Its like id rather leave it, then in my mind it could become something better. this creates a problem as id love to learn more detailed techniques.
Posted
Holly what you are experiencing and feeling is not uncommon, it’s not related to age either as we all have this feeling from time to time. In fact it’s something I have with nearly every painting I do, I don’t have the answer as to why we feel like this .
I’ve come to believe that all paintings reach a point that you are happy with and ax it comes towards the final stages, our anxiety builds up as to how it looks to others . There’s also all the emotions that we have invested in the painting , emotions that we don’t realise we have put into it. It’s like a good book you don’t want to put it down as you fear that you won’t get another one as good. Ad to what do you do , well I used to put them away intending to go back but often did not.
What I do now is take a big breath and finish it , but I have to force myself not to rush as have spoilt a few painting in my view by doing do . The other main thing that helps is knowing that lots of other people have similar feelings and problems, in other words there is nothing wrong with his your feeling and it definitely not odd to feel like it . Just take a deep breath and go for it , long winded answer , bad habit of mine but hope it help , even just a bit. Remember there is not magic spell or pill or recipe, it down to you I’m afraid but you can and will do it.
Posted
Hmm… this is a tricky one Holly, particularly as I’ve never really experienced this anxiety myself.
I’m primarily an oil painter and when I’m working in my studio, as opposed to working plein air, I adopt a strategic plan of attack!
Before I start a painting I have obviously (well most times) planned it out beforehand and my preference is to work in a series of layers, generally four, so basically I’m dividing my painting into four stages - no more, no less!
Sometimes I will let each layer dry a bit, sometimes I’ll work into the wet paint. Often I’ll divide it up over four days or sessions, there’s no deadline!
But the main thing here is that I’ve got a plan, and I’m usually able to stick to it.
So, I’m sitting back after each stage and planning my next move, having started off with my initial drawing out process, blocking in my darkest tones etc, I’m methodical in my planning and approach - but that doesn’t prevent me from working in a painterly and expressive style I hope!
There’s no easy answer that I can come up with, but perhaps a more self-disciplined approach such as how I work may help you… it’s the best I can offer I’m afraid, no doubt other members will have their own ideas.
Posted
Yes, we are certainly different. I’m not into copious planning, I go with emotions. I get there but in a different way to Alan. I won’t change because that’s me. Not to say I don’t know where I want to go….sometimes I’m quick, sometimes I take longer, depending on the difficulty. Holly, you just have to get past the possibility of failure…you can always repaint, paint over etc. Nothing to do with age, as Paul has said. If we had the key to satisfaction or success I suspect we’d stop - we’d lose interest. I think I once felt the same as you, afraid I’d spoil something . Not any more. Paint more often, have a few on the go at the same time. That way you won’t be too precious, too involved in that one painting.
Posted
Entirely with Alan on this - & if you want to progress, and ensure you DON'T spoil your paintings by going further with them, well - you're never going to get to that point, are you?
You're really not alone: I've certainly been there. Just remember - it doesn't matter that much. If you've got this far, you can get there again - you know you can. If you don't want to spoil a painting well, OK - leave it! Start another - try again. Plan it. Relax. Don't rush it: if you're painting in oil, you can take ALL the time you need - though to be honest, the same is true of most opaque media, and even of watercolour (though to a lesser extent in the last case).
There is no sinister recording angel watching you - you are in control of your own progress and process: kill any inner voice that tells you otherwise, and just take deep breaths, stop for a think - even a long think - take your time.
Posted
Hello, Holly. The paintings you’ve posted, in my eyes look complete and I think you’re doing well. Then again I’m not a planner, I just go with my feelings at the time and plough in! Not for everyone, but we’re all different.
However, to try and answer your question, I too struggle at times…is it finished or do I press on and fiddle! I usually leave it for a week or so, turned to the wall, then look with fresh eyes. Invariably when I look again, I tend to either just tweak it or leave it be.
Most of all enjoy what you’re doing.
Posted
Hello Holly,
Firstly, welcome to the forum, I'm new here too although I have followed PO for quite a while and posted a few of my efforts along the way. I started painting at the other end of the age range; into my sixties, and still suffer the same anxiety as you with what to paint, how to paint, how to continue, how to complete a work. It's a constant whittling throughout the whole process. I don't know the answer but I will offer two pieces of advice, relax and enjoy what you are doing and most of all never give up; take a break, yes, sometimes for a week or two maybe when it gets hard, and you will find that you come back invigorated and inspired. Keep in mind that the work is all yours, nobody has to see it if you think it's not good enough although by the look of your work posted here you are already a very capable artist. Take on board all the above advice. I remember being terrified handing in one of my paintings at an exhibition, thinking it was 'rubbish' compared to all the artists work around me. I was embarrassed by it when I saw it on the wall. Imagine what I felt like when I went to collect it only to find it had been sold; somebody loved it and bought it. That moment has kept me going. I have recently started to get back into pastels and have been amazed by the help and support I get from this website; so tip number three, keep looking here for inspiration and encouragement, and most of all keep painting.
Best wishes, keep painting.
Rob.
Posted
Hello everyone, Holly and Rob.
Holly I think you are brave and great to come forward. I am sorry I cannot give much advice. Please yes take as much advice as can from above . What I can say is I can feel the same. Specially when trying something new. I don't dare touch it. Then go back to my comfort zone. I do think your work is lovely. I have more confidence since being on here with great support. Keep going. 🥰
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