Don't Bore Yourself

“A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, and some fantasy. When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people.” – Edgar Degas

Painting is fun. Don't misunderstand what I'm about to say. Because sometimes painting is..............boring.

Have you been there?

When you do the same type of subject, the same style of painting, the same technique, over and over and over again...not because you are learning or practicing, but because that is what you have mastered and know. That is what is in your tool belt. It gets old quick!

We often worry about the viewer's experience seeing a painting, especially when it comes to commission pieces, but do we worry about our own creative health?

Truth is － not always.

We can become engrossed in making others happy with our art and forget to leave room for the artist. Let me tell you from experience, that doesn't work in the long run. The more and more you restrict your creative flow, the more and more discontent, complacent, and unattached you will become from your artwork.

Art is about so much more than painting a pretty picture, so don't squelch out your creativity in exchange for commissions. Take time to sit down and explore your limits, try something new, and keep your fire kindled.