Page 1 of an early sketchbook, 1996.
That was a piece of advice I gave myself when I first started painting. Just get into it and enjoy the process. And don’t expect too much too early; it only discourages. Growth is incremental. We hardly see it.
When I first started painting, I painted in sketchbooks. That was with oil paint! Crazy, I know; oil paint dies slow; you can’t even turn the page. But that’s what I did. My reason? I wanted to keep it all informal, unimportant, and only for practice. I didn’t buy a canvas for a long time. Painting on a stretched canvas seemed too much like “making a painting.” And I wasn’t ready to make a painting; I wanted to just paint.
Whatever your particular new interest is, I recommend this approach.
Don’t go out and buy all the equipment necessary, the wardrobe, the rented space. All that will do is keep you busy and you may even feel like you’re “doing it.” But it’s a deception.
Just get painting.
Or writing.
Or learning.
Or serving.
Or whatever it is that’s on your heart to do.
The reason you haven’t done it yet is because you haven’t started.
And you haven’t started because you’ve made it too important. Too scary. Don’t you know the hardest step on a thousand-mile trek is the first one?
The results of your labors won’t be grand for a long time. But they won’t be anything at all if you don’t start.
So, whatever your art, whatever your contribution . . . to yourself or to others: Don’t worry about the masterpiece; that’ll come later, much later. For now, just get painting!
Whatever happens, it’ll happen because of that.
___________
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Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:02 pm
A great reminder as we all bust into the Holiday Season and on into the new year. We live in a fan-based culture, where everything’s a spectator sport. It’s what I tell my students … you’re now participants, you’ve jumped into the pool, you’re now musicians! I find myself so “outcome-based” much of the time, and I back off because I think I know how I might mess things up. Granted, I may, but how will I ever know?
10:30 pm
I like this,Hyatt. I think I will start by “restarting” some things that I stopped doing because I made the potential finished project (which I never finished in the first place) too important.
Scott
11:26 pm
I like it… I really like it! Once again, thank you.
6:58 am
Just last night while making my “to do” list, I rearranged and put a couple things on a “projects to enjoy” list. I was starting to see them all as work. Thank you, Hyatt…you are an encourager. I appreciate you.
8:18 am
A friend recently told me how he manages his “to do” list such that he does not become overwhelmed at the task from onset. Instead of writing down the main task, he just puts down the very next thing necessary to work toward that task. Perhaps in this case, instead of writing down “become an oil painter” or “paint a Mona Lisa” he would have simply written down “paint,” like you.
Will try to call back soon.
Love,
Hyatt (son)
9:15 am
Hyatt, when you gave me “permission to go home and paint without painting paintings”
3 yrs ago in that Colorado workshop it proved a real turning point in my painting….I continue to keep it mind and I constantly use it with my own students….many thanks for your wisdom!
David and Mary in NC
9:30 am
This was such an excellent blog because that is exactly what has happened to me with my painting efforts. The big white sheet of water color paper is sooooooo scary! This is great. To just get a booklet and doodle basically. Not giving it importance. Just painting for the joy of doing it. Sooooooo great Hyatt! Thank you! Lisa
10:12 am
This is such a simple motivation to get going on what you want to do. Thanks, Hyatt. Hopefully I will.
10:35 am
This is such excellent adivice. I’m blessed by your words.
If more artists would blog…
You’re unique that way.
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio
12:25 pm
Thanks for the reminder; I love your articles and the wisdom you pass our way!
7:47 am
All so very true. I smiled at, “Don’t go out and buy all the equipment necessary, the wardrobe, the rented space. All that will do is keep you busy and you may even feel like you’re “doing it.” But it’s a deception.” How many hours have I spent thinking about how to set up the perfect studio space or researching what the perfect series to paint would be for me. Baby Steps – Let It Evolve……….. Great Blog.
6:22 pm
Great advice! Very timely too. (you know, the new year’s resolution time).
I am still looking forward to reading your wisdom on persistence sometime!