Today I painted even though I didn’t feel like it. The reason? This blog. The looming deadline acted as a spark and ignited my painting soul. And I realized how important it is to paint even when you don’t feel like it.
Painting isn’t easy.
Being creative isn’t easy.
It’s damn hard work in fact. And because it’s hard work, sometimes we just don’t do it!
Those who don’t create usually don’t understand how difficult painting is. It’s all, “What fun it must be to spend time all day painting” and “How lucky you are to spend time painting.” True for sure, but you just know the way it’s being said that those speakers think it’s an easy, laadeedah thing you’re doing.
Today I painted. It was a struggle to face up to it and get started, but once I got going, my creative soul flew. You know that experience, that awesome place we creatives move into once we’re rolling, and that’s the reason you should paint even when you don’t feel like it.
Most people aren’t privileged to feel that flow, that zone, unless they’re in the space we’re in. We are soooo lucky! And in that place of no time, of no reality, we move our art forward, we learn, we grow. Even if the work itself looks like you-know-what, we still have immersed ourselves in the creative pool and there’s nothing like it. And that’s why you should paint even when you don’t feel like it.
When you paint on a regular basis, you develop the habit and that habit will keep you at it whether you’re in the mood or not. It’s like going to gym. Somedays, I really don’t feel like going but I remember how good I feel afterwards and the habit takes over and I show up. And always, ALWAYS, I’m happy I did. The same goes for painting. And that’s why you should paint even when you don’t feel like it.
Get my drift?
And with that, let’s take a look at what I did today. I sat outside on the porch and painted some gerberas in a pot.
Gail Sibley, “Last Fling,” Schmincke pastels on UArt 400 paper, 6 x 6 in
Gail Sibley, “Last Fling,” Schmincke pastels on UArt 400 paper, 6 x 6 in
So there we are!! Another day, another pastel. Yeah. Feeling good!
I keep thinking about doing a 30 in 30 (30 paintings in 30 days). I know Leslie Saeta’s challenge happens in September but I never seem to be ready for that in time. I’m contemplating October. Maybe November. Anyone want to join me?? This is about painting ie. getting the habit going so you can paint even when you don’t feel like it. What do you say?
As always, I’d L O V E to hear from you so please do leave a comment.
All for now!
~ Gail
PS. The day was so beautiful, I just HAD to paint outside!!
28 thoughts on “Why You Should Paint Even When You Don’t Feel Like It… And Some Gerberas”
Thankyou Gail. I’m beginning with soft pastels and love your informative and encouraging you-tube clips and blog. You make pastel painting fun and accessible!
Yayyyy Terri! That’s just what I like to hear! I’d love to know what your biggest hurdles are when it comes to using soft pastels.
Hi Gail!
Just wanna say how glad I am for your blog. Been too busy with my job as a doctor lately and I haven’t had much time painting. I miss it badly. After reading your topic , I figure I have to set a time whenever possible to paint or at least sketch something just to keep the creative juices going. Thanks for the push .
Hi Alvin, sooooo glad my blog struck a chord. It’s always hard to make the time to paint or sketch especially when you are working a full-time demanding job so way to go on that committment! Why not let us know how you make out over in the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtopastel/
I’d love to try a 30 in 30 but I don’t think I have that much to say. I paint from my photos and generally don’t paint small; it takes me longer to finish a piece to the level I want than I can do in a day.
How do I #1. Figure out 30 different pieces to do. And #2. How do I get good quality finished paintings in 1 day?
Thanks for your wonderful blog! K
Karen I’m glad you’re considering 30/30. I think 30/30 is about getting something down everyday. It’s not really about a perfectly finished piece (that’s answering your #2 question). You might consider the time a learning experience – or a chance to try something new. After 30 days, things will be different I promise you! To answer your #1 question: how about we get some ideas flowing before the beginning date? Let’s go to the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtopastel/
And so glad you’re enjoying the blog 🙂
Hi Gail,
I missed the 30/30 in September. How about October? I’m game if you are.
Patti
Kinda scary! But how about it. Anyone else??
This is your statement that I love the most, “that place of no time, of no reality, we move our art forward, we learn, we grow.” A painting I have on the easel, trying to set the background, is in my mind every minute, with everything I see or hear. Wondering if one little scrap of info will inspire the completion of the background. So, sometimes, even when not painting, is painting.
Thanks Carolyn. I think I’ll make that a tweet!
Love your reminder that even not painting can be painting when one’s thoughts are consumed by the piece you have on an easel.
Hi Gail,
I’m not a beginner so I probably don’t count for the call even though I’d love to chat. I started working in pastel mid year 2011 and couldn’t put the wonderful little sticks down. I’ve worked almost exclusively in pastel for five years. These last few weeks I knew I had to change mediums for awhile – I needed a brush in my hand – I needed to move paint around. Watercolor? Acrylic? Not exactly, needed something new to play with: Rebecca Crowell’s work excites me, why not try her medium? So yes, oil and cold wax is what I’m playing with. Working abstractly, very intuitively and it is very freeing.
I’m very willing to put my play aside to take up the 30 day challenge with you – October or November either will be fine. LET’S DO IT! I’m not abandoning pastel I just feel moving away for awhile will only enhance my work in pastel. 30 days is manageable just as long as there aren’t too many rules about subject matter. So, let me know how you want to structure this challenge and let’s keep it fun!
Art on, Gailen
Gailen, the call isn’t for beginners – it’s for anyone wanting to chat about some art related topic. Sometimes it’s just way easier talking than writing! So pick a time and let’s talk 🙂
Thanks for sharing your break into other media. I sometimes work in acrylics and mixed media because, like you say, sometimes I want a brush in my hand. I like the feel of water and mixing up a pile of creamy paint. So yes, breaks are good (like a wee vacation). And mmmmm yes to Rebecca Crowell’s work!!
I’m still undecided about the structure i.e.specific daily ideas or completely open. Also October or November?
Just let me know what you decide. I’m open and ready for a short 30 day challenge.
Great. If we do October, it will be 31 in 31!
I’m in for either month, but I don’t have a website, is that ok? However, I am in the FB group.
Fantastic Shannon! No worries about having a website. We can post in FB group.
Hi Gail,
I’m not on Facebook – not a fan of social media. If we’re posting on Facebook you’ll have to direct me.
Thanks, Gailen
I think Facebook is the easiest place for most people to post. So Gallen, if you’re up for it, schedule a call and we’ll get you set up!
Inspirational information. I admire your enthusiasm and determination.
Thank you.
Best regards, David
So glad you found something useful in it David. I appreciate you writing to let me know!
Really enjoyed the looseness of the Gerber Daises. One does not have to go far to paint outside. Just think of our own yard.
Regards, Virginia
Thanks Virginia! You are so right – subjects to paint are everywhere – we just need to stay open to the possibilities.
I’m a bit late reading your latest post, but it was very apt. I do find it difficult to make myself start a painting and often need a push (usually from within!) to get on with it. It’s my daughter’s birthday this week and she asked me to make her birthday card an original painting “it’s only one little painting, Mum, surely you can manage that.” Understanding and sympathetic as always! So today I did it, packed it up and posted it – the sense of achievement at the end balances the self doubt and reluctance at the beginning.
Thank you for all your posts, they are always encouraging and uplifting.
Shauna
Thank you so much Shauna for your kind words and for sharing your warm story. I have a big smile on my face reading it! I think many of us have that difficulty getting started. Glad your daughter’s wishes motivated you to get going! And glad it felt soooo good to get the piece done. Now what? Are you riding the momentum??
I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE 31/31 CHALLENGE. BUT WILL HAVE TO MISS SEVERAL DAYS RIGHT FROM THE START. My studio has been temporarily disassembled and it is going to take my helper and I a week to get everything put back together. She’s a wonderful helper, but not an artist, so when she moved the boxes, etc. that everything was in, it’s in no particular order. It will take me at least a week to sort through everything! But I would like to start the challenge, just may have to have a few days on the end to finish it. Would that be okay?
Thanks!
Betty Smith
Betty, join when you can. It’s not a race or a competition – it’s all about getting us painting daily or at least more often than many of us are doing currently. So when you get your studio sorted, join in!!
Hi Gail
I feel like I missed this post and I so enjoyed it and I’m now loving the posts on FB.
I’ve learned a lot! Keep on keeping on. You are such an inspiration!
Sandi, glad you caught it. And also happy you’re enjoying and learning in the Facebook group!
And thank you for your supportive and kind words 🙂