Much about painting or creating in general, is about the process. Sometimes the process begins with an urge to paint, other times it’s willful dedication. I find most often it’s somewhere in between.
Carving out time to paint is the first step. You never know what artistic reward will happen until you show up to paint! Many times, you’ll be rewarded with a joy-filled creative experience, but sometimes it’s blood, sweat and tears. Perhaps that is why it’s called “artWORK”- not “artBLISSFULVACA.”
Prep work is the next hurdle. This includes gathering supplies, finding a place to paint, making decisions, and having on hand your references of your chosen subject. I will talk more about ways to find references later. The decisions you’ll make to prepare to work, involve subject matter, medium, what surface to paint on, color choices, size, style, and also tools, such as brush, pallet, knife, mark maker, scraper, blotter, etc.
For me, the next step is critical: Refuse distractions and forfeit fear!
Then you’re ready—load your brush and put the first stroke on your surface. You’ve got this!
Now keep it going! Listen to your inner artist, and remember to CELEBRATE all you’ve accomplished thus far!!!