Have you ever come to a point in painting where you are afraid that your work is not perfect, and that you need to already have some extraordinary artistic talent in order to achieve that perfect painting? Maybe you are afraid to even try painting because you think you lack what it takes? Well I’m here to tell you that’s not how it works at all; in fact, art is all about self expression, letting go of the thoughts who block it, and allowing the imperfections, the mistakes, the unknown to unravel and reveal itself in your work of art. Even more, some of the most fascinating works of art are a result of play and serendipitous accidents. I am a firm believer that anyone can learn to paint if they have the willingness to practice, following the right kind of instructions.
Today I want to talk a bit about my teaching philosophy, as I’m excited to have embarked on the journey of being part of another’s artistic development: teaching is a privilege to be the first class witness to delightful discoveries and growth.
One of the things that I encourage my students to do is to create more from the heart and less from the head, letting go of any fear or self judgement. As my student you will walk away feeling so much better about creating your art. You will feel much loose and free, not just in painting but also in life. When you allow yourself to be OK with imperfections, you become free-er in your own life. Now allowing yourself to be free may take some time, and that’s OK. My workshops and classes are a safe place, a space of investigation where you will learn to connect with your inner creative volcano. Nobody here will judge you on your artistic skills, or on the way you feel about your art. Experimenting and failing is a necessary part of the artistic journey. See, it really goes like this: no failing, no progress. When you let go of self judgement, you create a space where creativity can truly flourish. And I concur with the way Scott Adams was inspired to put it: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”