Thanks for sharing this! I should print and frame that post and put it on the wall over my desk. Then read it at the beginning of each sketching session 😊
Finally someone can speak factually to this horrible anxiety that I experience that has prevented me from pursuing improving my skills for years. I have gotten so frustrated with the usual trite responses of 'It's because someone criticized your art.' Nonsense. I was always praised for my 'artistic ability'. My father, a working class man, encouraged me to study art. Can you imagine? I told him I had to get a job. Haha. So where did this anxiety come from that could actually make me feel sick and make me want to smear black paint onto every nearby surface. They said express yourself. haha. I have recently had a break through but didn't understand the source or extent of the inhibition. I'm sure your explanation will go a long, long way to equipping me and others to overcome this painful resistance to accomplishing something that I seem driven to do. I can't thank you enough.
Thanks so much, Kelly! I feel like it’s important to normalize these feelings so maybe it won’t hold people back from making art. The world needs more art!
I can totally relate to this, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone! I always think if I just draw more and more that feeling will go away. I just push through it and things either work out well—or they don’t. And, when they don’t it’s not the end of the world. There is always another drawing opportunity waiting.
Thanks for sharing this! I should print and frame that post and put it on the wall over my desk. Then read it at the beginning of each sketching session 😊
You’re welcome! I hope that knowing this will help you to draw more with less stress!
Finally someone can speak factually to this horrible anxiety that I experience that has prevented me from pursuing improving my skills for years. I have gotten so frustrated with the usual trite responses of 'It's because someone criticized your art.' Nonsense. I was always praised for my 'artistic ability'. My father, a working class man, encouraged me to study art. Can you imagine? I told him I had to get a job. Haha. So where did this anxiety come from that could actually make me feel sick and make me want to smear black paint onto every nearby surface. They said express yourself. haha. I have recently had a break through but didn't understand the source or extent of the inhibition. I'm sure your explanation will go a long, long way to equipping me and others to overcome this painful resistance to accomplishing something that I seem driven to do. I can't thank you enough.
Heather, I’m so glad you found help and, I hope, encouragement, in my post! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
This is such a helpful perspective on embracing discomfort and fear of the blank page. Thank you, Tara
Thanks so much, Kelly! I feel like it’s important to normalize these feelings so maybe it won’t hold people back from making art. The world needs more art!
I can totally relate to this, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone! I always think if I just draw more and more that feeling will go away. I just push through it and things either work out well—or they don’t. And, when they don’t it’s not the end of the world. There is always another drawing opportunity waiting.
You are definitely not alone! I find it oddly comforting to know this is a normal feeling.