Notes on getting out of my own way as an artist
Notes on getting out of my own way as an artist
I may actually be learning how to do this, and it's helping my painting practice enormously.
I’ve been learning about how my creative practice works, and what I need to do to get out of my own way so that my paintings can happen more easily for me.
Some of this is just showing up and painting, with an emphasis on play and thinking outside of the old structure I used to think I had to work within.
I have learned that the more I show up and give myself the space, time, and permission to immerse myself in my work, whether it’s for 15 minutes or several hours, it’s the showing up that does it. If I’m distracted and worrying about some other thing that isn’t this, if I’m not here right now, it’s a lot less fun to paint. My busy little mind will come up with so many other things that are more important than doing my real work, which is to create. My meditation practice feeds and nourishes my art practice in just this way.
Half the challenge for me as an artist is being present for my painting time, which means setting other concerns aside. If I am present, this means the spirit of me is here and ready to play with paint. That’s when it gets most fun of all, and also a lot more authentic. Every painting is one of a kind because each moment can never be repeated in exactly the same way. The conditions that led to this particular set of colors, images, choices, will never be again. The emotions that inspired this direction may come back again, but in a different context.
I like to believe I’m getting better at this. I have to be nice to me, I know some days are going to be easier than others. If I’m just not feeling it one day, I know better than to judge my work or make huge changes. Sometimes I need to just have space with a painting, put it aside, stop seeing it a certain way so I might be able to see it another way.
I often turn a canvas upside down and sideways, and sometimes that shows me the exact design and composition I was looking for. Then I get really excited!
I did that with this one. It just wasn’t working for me until I turned it sideways:
This painting works for me now, and is almost complete. Next step is to adhere it to a cradled wood board, sign and varnish, and voila! Hopefully this week?
The most magical things show up on my canvas when I get out of my own way.
When I stop overthinking and allow myself to be with what is, not needing to improve, excel, fix, or otherwise control what’s showing up, it works. In other words, when I stop trying so hard, it’s much easier. I’m learning to let go of self judgment, to simply be with what shows up as I paint. I’m learning to see my art as a great adventure.
What a relief. It’s paying off to do this, as I’ve got more space now to have something quite wonderful appear. Magic in action. Whether or not I like what shows up that day doesn’t matter in the least. I pin it up on my bulletin board and study it a lot, while doing other work at my desk, writing, or simply sitting in my office. I take photos of it, because a simple photo can help me see a piece more clearly. Giving myself time and space is helping me make better choices in my work.
Here’s my in progress bulletin board today:
I’m nearly complete with 3 of these pieces, and the others have some way to go yet. But no matter, I know that the key is to have the conversation with the painting, and to listen. New ideas, colors, choices, solutions - all show up suddenly out of the blue when I do this.
Making art is one of the most joyful and also the most challenging things I’ve done in my life, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.
"I said to myself, ‘I have things in my head that are not like what anyone has taught me—shapes and ideas near to me—so natural to my way of being and thinking that it hasn’t occurred to me to put them down.’ I decided to start anew to strip away what I had been taught." —Georgia O’Keeffe
Find me online
Check out my art website: KrisCahillArt.com.
Browse and purchase prints and objects with my original images at my Fine Art America shop.
Listen to my podcast, Making Art With Spirit.
Browse through my Clairvoyant Readings & Healings, and schedule a session. Book a session with Kris
Listen to my other podcast, The Art of Being Psychic.
New podcast episode:
Heart paintings are on sale through 4/30/24!
There are only 6 more heart paintings left from this year’s ‘Hearts of Self Love’ series! Each is acrylic on cradled wood, ready to hang as is, 6” x 6” x 7/8”.
Each is priced $60.00, which includes free shipping within the USA. See and purchase these one of a kind glowing jewels at my website, KrisCahillArt.com.
Inspiration for creative growth
Adele Sypesteyn is a wonderful abstract painter and a great teacher. I actually know Adele personally - we met years ago in Los Angeles when we were both members of a Women’s Business Mastermind group. Back then she wanted to do what she’s doing now, which is teach. I’ve recently been enjoying her YouTube channel, and plan to sign up for a class with her this year.
Find Adele online: website & YouTube
Thank you for reading. I hope your week is a beautiful one for you! Love, Kris