I love the hashtag “#doitfortheprocess.” I don’t know who first used it, but the message behind it is an important one, especially for me.
Years ago when I took that first drawing class, I created a drawing of a bear that we were surprised looked somewhat realistic. It was a milestone for me. My husband wanted to frame it. I had to have it custom framed because it wasn’t a standard size. After that I tried to work within standard sizes because they’d be easier and much cheaper to frame. But, I became almost paralyzed to make a mark on a drawing because I might ruin a “framable” piece. By jumping ahead and assuming each piece was going in a frame, I put a lot of pressure on myself! When I realized the problem, I released myself and starting approaching each creative session as play. The sketchbook became important to me because it’s not usually for finished pieces.
Now that I started selling prints of my paintings, I sometimes feel that familiar pressure. I think, “I have to make this one good so I can add it to the shop.” Finishing a painting can be the most stressful part! I want to tweak it and make it “perfect” but I also don’t want to ruin it. “Do it for the process” has been running through my head a lot. I try to paint early in the morning, when the kids have just left for school. This time is meditative, relaxing. Especially now that I’m trying, again, to free myself from the pressure. Every painting doesn’t have to be sellable. It’s good to experiment and explore and push myself. It’s good to play.
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I totally agree with you, Eileen. 🎨👍 Creative play and doing it for the process is an important lesson I have learned also. I’m happy to hear that you find painting meditative. You do it so well! 😊
Thank you Jill! What’s new with you? Didn’t you mention selling your work recently?
Hi Eileen, I have not been able to pursue selling my work as I was rear-ended in my car at the end of July and recovering from a whiplash unfortunately. I have also had to work for my hubby as we have not been able to find a replacement for me. So I am trying to keep up with experimenting in art until I have more time and energy to pursue selling it. Thanks for asking. 😊
I hope you feel better soon! I look forward to seeing what you create with your art. Maybe a wacky bird fabric print 😉
Sounds fun! 💙 Thank you, Eileen
This is so relatable! I have been feeling the pressure too, lately. Like everything should be Instagram worthy and it’s just ruining the whole experience. Thanks for sharing this post. I have been trying to focus on learning and your post is so right on time! Do it for the process – definitely!
I’m so glad it hit you at the right time! There definitely is the pressure to make everything perfect for Instagram. Sometimes we just have to play and not think of posting. Of course in the end if I like it I end up posting it. 😂
Exactly! When you enjoy the process you end up with good work which you can then post online. 😀
I also related to the doing it for the process and like you went to working in my sketchbook to try and free myself. I have tried to make my art fit regular frame sizes, but somehow just never quite succeed, I end up different size somehow, despite my best intentions. So I bought a Matt cutter and make my own matts to make my work fit the normal frame sizes. Great work.
I bought a little Matt cutter too! Haven’t really mastered it, but did use it recently to frame a gift. Glad to hear we are like minded in many ways. 😀Thank you Karen!