It’s ok to flounder. We try a lot of things that don’t work for us, but just by trying, we learn. Mistakes are an opportunity to improve.
Having a big new idea is a wonderful thing. But it’s just the beginning. Sometimes it takes a lot of work to bring that idea to life.
When I have an idea for a painting, I am often unhappy with what initially comes out. If I’m too rigid with that original concept, then it’s very difficult to improve. On the other hand, if I look at my attempt with an open mind, and am willing to change course, then the piece can take on a life of its own. It can become fun for me to work on, and fun for a viewer to see.
It can become my next big thing.
The idea is like a seed. The seed looks very different from the plant that grows from it!
When I say floundering, I’m talking about the feeling of frustration that comes from my expectations not being met. So once again, I think the expectation is the culprit.
Sometimes I think a picture is unsalvageable. It looks messy. Muddy. I work and work at details, and it ends up looking worse and worse. When I have nothing left to lose, I grab a big brush, and any color at all. Or black. Or white. Or I mix every paint color on my palate. I obliterate that frustration in large, confident strokes. Sometimes this brings the painting to life in a way that surprises me. Even if it doesn’t, I’ve gotten rid of the problem and have a blank slate. A quick, solid background around the subject is often all it needs to set it apart.
This is what I do when I paint. It applies to life, too.
If I feel frustrated about a situation, I try to fix it. I monkey with the details, and remain discouraged. Sometimes sweeping changes are called for. So I reach for life’s big paintbrush, and load it with paint.
I have the power to change things when I need to. Whether it is a bad relationship, a toxic work environment, boredom, loneliness…
We invest a lot of time and resources into those details that aren’t working, so it can be scary to bring them to an end. But when I am ready, I can take that big brush or paint roller, and start over! Not from scratch, but adding the latest lesson to everything that has come before.
Please. Be kind to yourself if you find yourself in the doldrums, or overwhelmed by too much stuff surrounding you.
I have done this before. I found myself in a situation where my finances were not sustainable. My credentials were not adequate.
I took the biggest brush in my paintbox and went back to school. At age 50, I set out on a new career path, and it made all the difference in the painting of my life.