There’s a space that artists don’t talk about enough.Ever felt that strange heaviness between wanting to make art and actually starting? — this is for you.
Exactly, Geri! That first mark has magic in it—it doesn’t have to be good, it just has to exist. It’s like cracking the door open so the rest can find its way out. So glad this resonated!
Absolutely, Charlotte! There's something powerful about going small—it lowers the pressure, invites play, and builds momentum. Little wins add up, and often those tiny pieces carry the most heart. Keep going—you’re onto something. 🎨✨
Charlotte, that sounds like a fantastic setup—creative freedom without the pressure of marketing! What a great reminder that finding the right partnership can make all the difference. I’d love to hear more about your process for Artomat pieces sometime.
That’s such a helpful reality check, Charlotte—thank you for sharing the details. I love your attitude: quick, cheap, and fun is such a freeing creative constraint. And honestly, a $392.50 check from joyful little pieces? That’s inspiring proof that small, consistent efforts add up.
Penelope, that awareness is everything! Realizing why we haven’t begun is often the key that unlocks the whole process. No pressure on the when—just know that even this reflection is movement. I’ll be cheering you on when you’re ready. 💛
Thank you Lynn…..seems I’ve been frightened of commitment even with myself, I have been seeing my art as taking away my freedom when in reality it is the exact opposite and this is the biggy…..that very freedom gives me the life I dream off…putting on my big girl pants and promising myself that commitment can start with tiny steps!!! Procrastination ends here …..
Penelope, this is such a powerful realization—and so beautifully said. What if the commitment is the freedom? The tiny steps you’re taking aren’t limiting you; they’re building the life you truly want, one brushstroke at a time. I’m cheering you on—big girl pants and all! 💪🎨
I haven’t touched a brush since returning home from our dreamy retreat. I’m forcing myself to be responsible and get the garden in order, rest, grieve, clean out the garden shed, rest, grieve, make a retreat video, rest, grieve, (I’m determined to grieve “well”), complete online courses… etc., PLUS … Will anything ever feel as blissful as creating at that retreat with Wendy at our side, guiding? Sigh. Onward. Thank you for this. I’ll be using your prompts. Happy Arting!
Oh Jynene, I feel this so deeply. Coming home from that kind of sacred, creative cocoon—it’s jarring, isn’t it? I haven’t touched the painting I left out on my art table either. I’ve only painted a few times since the retreat, trying to integrate all I learned and keep exploring this new style that’s emerging. It’s like the magic needs time to settle and root in ordinary soil. Be gentle with yourself, dear friend. The grief, the garden, the video—they’re all part of the process too. And I truly believe that blissful feeling can return… not in the same way, but maybe in a quieter, deeper way that’s all your own. I’m here, walking alongside you. ❤️
Oh Christi, thank you. That wobbly place is more sacred than we give it credit for—and you being in it means you're still moving, still becoming, still here. I see you. And I’m so glad these words met you where you are. You’re not alone in this. 💜
Very to the point article, just making a mark on paper for no good reason can break the spell.
Exactly, Geri! That first mark has magic in it—it doesn’t have to be good, it just has to exist. It’s like cracking the door open so the rest can find its way out. So glad this resonated!
Painting small helps me to be productive
Absolutely, Charlotte! There's something powerful about going small—it lowers the pressure, invites play, and builds momentum. Little wins add up, and often those tiny pieces carry the most heart. Keep going—you’re onto something. 🎨✨
I make art for Artomat.org so I get to paint, and they manage marketing and sales. A good partnership.
Charlotte, that sounds like a fantastic setup—creative freedom without the pressure of marketing! What a great reminder that finding the right partnership can make all the difference. I’d love to hear more about your process for Artomat pieces sometime.
The catch is that you make $2.50 per piece. Think of something you'd love to do that is quick, cheap, and fun. My last check was $392.50. Artomat.org
That’s such a helpful reality check, Charlotte—thank you for sharing the details. I love your attitude: quick, cheap, and fun is such a freeing creative constraint. And honestly, a $392.50 check from joyful little pieces? That’s inspiring proof that small, consistent efforts add up.
Lynn…you have described me exactly and totally inspired me to ‘begin’…… I am now working on the when 🥴 …. I have just realised why I haven’t yet…..💡
Penelope, that awareness is everything! Realizing why we haven’t begun is often the key that unlocks the whole process. No pressure on the when—just know that even this reflection is movement. I’ll be cheering you on when you’re ready. 💛
Thank you Lynn…..seems I’ve been frightened of commitment even with myself, I have been seeing my art as taking away my freedom when in reality it is the exact opposite and this is the biggy…..that very freedom gives me the life I dream off…putting on my big girl pants and promising myself that commitment can start with tiny steps!!! Procrastination ends here …..
Penelope, this is such a powerful realization—and so beautifully said. What if the commitment is the freedom? The tiny steps you’re taking aren’t limiting you; they’re building the life you truly want, one brushstroke at a time. I’m cheering you on—big girl pants and all! 💪🎨
I haven’t touched a brush since returning home from our dreamy retreat. I’m forcing myself to be responsible and get the garden in order, rest, grieve, clean out the garden shed, rest, grieve, make a retreat video, rest, grieve, (I’m determined to grieve “well”), complete online courses… etc., PLUS … Will anything ever feel as blissful as creating at that retreat with Wendy at our side, guiding? Sigh. Onward. Thank you for this. I’ll be using your prompts. Happy Arting!
Oh Jynene, I feel this so deeply. Coming home from that kind of sacred, creative cocoon—it’s jarring, isn’t it? I haven’t touched the painting I left out on my art table either. I’ve only painted a few times since the retreat, trying to integrate all I learned and keep exploring this new style that’s emerging. It’s like the magic needs time to settle and root in ordinary soil. Be gentle with yourself, dear friend. The grief, the garden, the video—they’re all part of the process too. And I truly believe that blissful feeling can return… not in the same way, but maybe in a quieter, deeper way that’s all your own. I’m here, walking alongside you. ❤️
From someone feeling very wobbly for a looong time, I love this, more than I can even say 💜
“ You are not behind.
You are not too late.
You’re in that sacred, wobbly place of becoming.”
Thank you for those glorious words.
Oh Christi, thank you. That wobbly place is more sacred than we give it credit for—and you being in it means you're still moving, still becoming, still here. I see you. And I’m so glad these words met you where you are. You’re not alone in this. 💜