At my last workshop, someone leaned in, all secretive, and whispered:

“I don’t want to share my paintings until they’re… you know… perfect.”

And I had to laugh — in a nice way but also with a raised eyebrow — because if we waited for perfect, the world would never see our art.

Here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as perfect art.
There’s only art that you’re happy with. And there’s art that speaks to someone in a particular moment.

What you see as unfinished or full of flaws might be the exact thing — the “perfect” thing! — that lights someone else up. Wild, right?

Why Sharing Feels So Hard

Let’s be honest — sharing your art can be terrifying.
Like-waiting-for-your-mum-to-find-out-you-got-a-tattoo terrifying.

It’s vulnerable.
It’s exposing.
It’s standing in the middle of a crowded room wearing only your metaphorical underwear (with your new tattoo showing!)

And yes, there’s always that one person — maybe a well-meaning friend, maybe your own inner critic — who tilts their head and says, “Hmmm. Interesting piece.”

But here’s the truth bomb: hiding your art doesn’t protect you.
It just hides your growth — and may deprive someone of the artwork they need in their life.

The Day I Hit “Share” and Nearly Threw Up

Years ago, I almost didn’t post a painting. It was one in a series that was a completely new way of painting for me. And yup, I was scared to show it, to hear any negative comments.

My finger hovered over the “share” button like it was a detonator.

“People will think it’s not good enough,” I told myself.
“They’ll pick out all the mistakes.”

I was two seconds away from deleting it forever… but something in me went, “Ah, to heck with it,” and I clicked.

Do you know what happened?
Someone messaged me to say it reminded them of a moment with their grandmother — a strong and brave woman — and that it moved them.

That’s when it hit me: sharing your art isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection.

Here’s the Deal

If you wait for perfect, you’ll be waiting forever.

Meanwhile, your art could be out there, touching someone, inspiring them, making them feel seen.

So the next time you’re tempted to hide your work because it’s “not ready” or “not perfect,” remember this: Someone out there is literally waiting to see it exactly as it is.

Hit the share button.
Let it fly.
And then?
Go paint another one.

Your Mission (with a Little Chocolate)

Here’s my challenge to you:

Grab a square of chocolate 🍫 to give you courage and go share one painting today — yes, even the one you’ve been hiding under the metaphorical bed. 👀

Then come back here and, in the comments below, tell us how it felt to do that.
Tell us your story about what it was like to be brave enough to let that artwork out into the world.You never know who your story might inspire next. ✨

And who knows — your painting may transform someone’s world.

Doesn’t that make sharing your art worth the risk?

~ Until next time,

Gail