5 Ways To Cultivate Your Creative Voice

[@alanabelcon]

#1 is the hardest for me. Finding that time to paint! Going to block it in as you suggest!

[@cynthiawood4549]

Thanks, Alain - great reminders! The list of 5 are going up on the wall in my studio.

[@pjlopiccolo8709]

My favorite was number 3. Explore. I get too wrapped up in completing an entire painting. I forget to have fun and just experiment. Thanks Alain!

[@miraya-nx8hn]

You are my favourite artist. You inspire me!!

[@MissionariesofPeace]

Just what I needed...a real pathway forward. Thank you.

[@J316-u1n]

Thanks Alain. México (Querétaro) . I like very much that your presentation. Thanks foto your words AND your example.

[@Rachel-gv6mk]

Thank you so much! I'm a watercolourist struggling with art block I found this very inspiring.

[@soniagibbs3366]

This video left me feeling super positive. Such useful tips. Thank you Alain for another great video

[@lopamudraray4571]

Wow...how beautiful..."dove not a peacock ".

[@debramoss2267]

The moment you said to let 'The Dove' arrive, I knew exactly what the difference is, soul deep, the one true inspiration. Misty eyed and goosebumps. Thank you, so much.

[@AlainPicard]

I'm glad you felt it, Debra. Yes, your creative voice is tethered to your soul. That dove needs to be set free! All the best

[@beheimful]

Thank you! Just what I needed to hear at this time in my life.

[@wieswarnders6501]

Thank you Alain Picard!

[@AlainPicard]

Wies Warnders you are very welcome!

[@irenemartinelli8598]

I hung on every word. So much if what you said fit me perfectly. Inspired! Thank you

[@stmvt16]

Thanks for your generous spirit , inspiration and dedication to helping other artist.

[@AlainPicard]

Mary T you are very welcome, it is a joy to encourage other artists in their creative growth. I wish you all the best!

[@davidjeng2495]

Thank you! You are not only a great artist but also a great educator!

[@AlainPicard]

David Jeng you are very welcome! I am glad you found this helpful. I wish tou the very best!

[@dianaangelflower6202]

GREAT TIPS !!! I KNOW that I need to practice practice practice. I have NO excuses. I should be doing something everyday as I do have the time. I did do your poinsettia painting and got rave reviews. Thank you for sharing your God given talent with the world !!! God bless you !!!

[@AlainPicard]

Keep going Diana, you can do this!

[@debykalush9199]

You are amazing. Thank you so much!

[@MT-bc6xf]

Super helpful. You are a good soul and a fantastic artist!

[@ritaburton8343]

Thank you Alain. I love your work!

[@AlainPicard]

Rita Burton thank YOU! So glad you enjoyed this and i appreciate your encouragement!

[@ColleenPheiffer]

Thank you for this sage advice. The self doubt can quite often set you back. The mood board is a super idea! I've been watching so many different artists honing their craft but must remember we all have something to offer.

[@AlainPicard]

You absolutely do have something to offer, and only you can share it with others!

[@trishspence6237]

Brilliant advice, I've writen it down and I might print it of and stick on my creative mood board that I'm going to spend some time creating. Thank you. :)

[@KathyBrooksArt]

This was so helpful, and just what I needed to hear. All important and useful things to hear and remember. Thank you!

[@lisamcgoverngraphicdesignl3990]

Your creative voice and techniques are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for personal art insights.

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome Lisa, it's a joy to share with artists like you. Many blessings

[@manfredschmidt-x3g]

Thank you for the encouragement

[@AlainPicard]

It is my pleasure, keep painting!

[@cinnie2543]

Beautifully said. Love the 'dove' analogy. Thank you as always for your encouraging videos.

[@annerikeh7283]

I received your email today which led me to this video. What a great tips to find my own artistic voice. I am an absolute beginner and have seen a lot of video's and read a couple of books about how to find my way in the creation process. This is however the first time that all the tips you provide are calling out to me. I think I now can pursue my artistic journey. Thank you very much.

[@birgitblume4980]

Thank you so much for your encouragement!!!! There is hope 😉

[@vduron1]

Oh boy did I need to hear this this morning. Thanks for the great advice. Thanks and I look forward to your videos. Keep up the good work and keep inspiring.

[@AlainPicard]

vduron1 keep painting! Thanks so much for the feedback.

[@joaneklein4280]

What a wonderful heart-to-heart, thank you so very much!

[@valeriegriner5644]

I saw a watercolor painting at a juried art show that absolutely took my BREATH away. I kept walking back over to it and admiring it. I wrote down the artists' name and did some research. I found that she lived in FL(and I live in south GA), and that she had a book and some DVD's available, AND she taught workshops nearby. So...I began taking classes from her every chance I had. She became my MENTOR and very good friend! Her name is Pat Weaver, and she is awesome! I am enjoying your videos very much. Thank-you for sharing with us!

[@lowen838]

I just started drawing in April - never tried before. It’s thrilling and I love pastels! Your videos are very encouraging. Thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

That's so exciting to hear! Keep going, using your creativity is a real blessing. So glad you are enjoying it! If you are ever interested in a drawing book or other drawing materials and videos, head over to my website store. I've got lots more encouragement there!

[@michep.169]

thank you and right on time for me.

[@beeplums722]

This is just legitimately good advice

[@johnbritton2835]

This is really a wonderful summary of how to create, especially helpful for someone like me who is a beginner. Thank you Alain.

[@AlainPicard]

John Britton i am so glad you found this helpful. It was my genuine hope that beginning artists like you would feel encouraged and directed in your development with this video. Keep going, and all the best!

[@artladi1453]

I just found you thru my teacher Cliff Austin, thru the create30challenge. I have learned so much from your various videos and youtube just in a short time. This message So inspiring! Your gentle inspiration encourages me to keep trying more and more and how to find my own style. I want to let the Dove out of my Soul to Direct me to do my best and improve. I've only painted about 2-3 yrs. This challenge is first time I painted every day and was so helpful! Also looking at other paintings in the challenge inspired me, and I realize I loved some and others not so much. I need to review them and see WHY I loved them to incorporate into my own art. Thank You and God Bless you! PS I loved your Pink/Violet study in water/reflections. Thank You ! Learned so much!!

[@AlainPicard]

Hey thanks for the very encouraging comment here! I am so excited that you were able to join the 30 day challenge, it was such a joy to see so much wonderful work being created. Yes, it's important to look at the work and decide what you like, and do more of that, as well as what you don't resonate with, and edit that out as you move forward toward your unique voice. Thanks for connecting, and keep painting!

[@denisegrossman3840]

Thank you, I needed to here this. So hard to stay positive about my drawing and pastel paintings. I am fortunate, because, I have people around me that will give me honest feedback. I absolutely love pastel painting it gives me such joy!! As a result, I try to paint every other day and more frequently on weekends. One thing I can attest to, is that since I have increased actual time spent at the easel, I no longer feel nervous when staring at a blank page just before initiating a new drawing/ pastel. Just realized this, very interesting. Thank you for much food for thought!

[@jmeetze8]

Thanks so much Alain. I have been inspired by you ever since I happened on your videos and have learned so much from the You Tube resources as well as your videos and books.

[@AlainPicard]

Janette Meetze it is a joy to share my creative journey with others like you. I am so glad you have found the resources helpful! I wish you the very best in your continued creative growth!

[@gilor8234]

Alain, Thank you so much for sharing these inspirational thoughts and guidance. So true and so touching. stay well and healthy

[@mjpete27]

Such admiration for your ability for expressing these basic tenants for Art creation and renewal! "Never give up!" is the One thing I stress to anyone looking for or asking for help. Be it self doubt or criticism from others. You have such a way about you and I am so glad your sharing it through this medium of KZbin and in Your Workshops! Have a Grand Day!

[@kkuryla1]

Thank you Alain. You are a wise and intuitive artist!

[@AlainPicard]

Thank you Kathy, that is very kind. My hope is that you will become the very best artist that you can be! All the best

[@mondremuni9181]

Thank you Alain! You are an inspiration. I really hope you will do another online course soon. I so much appreciate you and your work.

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks so much Mondre! You can join the waiting list for the online course to find out when enrollment opens up again: mailchi.mp/56ae09e3355c/yes-please

[@pattriciaotter19]

Inspiring! Thank you!

[@sandramillar9067]

So helpful and encouraging. I've felt stuck for SO long so I will do these 5 steps and gratitude to you. 😊

[@tauburger]

Well said and thanks for posting Alain...and it's applicable whether your painting, playing music, photography or whatever your creative endeavor you have chosen.

[@AlainPicard]

Thanks Lars, I am really glad you said that, as I have so many friends who are musicians, photographers, designers and film-makers. I was wondering whether the thoughts might still apply. Great to hear you think they do!

[@myingaet]

Thank you. Your video was awesome. I have come to art very late in my life and often feel an internal pressure to accomplish everything quickly before my time runs out. It is comforting to realize that only the time we give ourselves is important.

[@AlainPicard]

Gail I am so glad you've had this insight, and I hope you'll truly give yourself the time and space to create without feeling hurried. When we create, we step out of the tick tock of Kronos time, and into Kairos time- the eternal "now". Keep painting!

[@natalykenny2069]

Thank you so much for this 5 step advice!!! Extremely helpful!!!! Your art is such an inspiration for me!!!!❤🙏

[@333Judy333]

This video is such a gift! When I was younger, my most productive art life was as part of a "society" and part of a church group of friends. We'd sometimes do a set up and all of us would paint it in OUR OWN STYLES -- everyone grew so much and the work was amazing! I moved and lost all that while being buried in work, work, work. Now I'm retired and I'm desperately looking for that artist to reemerge. THANK YOU for the guidance. I particularly love the DOVE -- reminds me of the Holy Spirit and I could use that guidance right now. Bless you.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Judy, thanks for the note, and I pray you'll find a warm and encouraging community in this new season that continues to encourage your creative growth. There's always new manna for a new season as we seek after God's best! Blessings to you, and enjoy this new season of retirement. God is with you!

[@melbendigo]

I watched this video not really expecting it to speak to like it did. We create alone in our studios and don't even know others face the same questions and challenges. Very instructional and inspiring! Thanks, Alain :)

[@AlainPicard]

Mel so glad to hear that you were encouraged by this little message. You definitely are not alone! Keep pursuing your creative development, and don’t give up!

[@hellenscheffe7535]

I had same question the last days, but your e-mail wich I received today and link to this video is just in time! I had the same and many little crazy voices in my head! Now I know what to do!! This video is from last year, but still: Thank you Alain! I love how spontaneous you tell things! Best regards from The Netherlands!

[@tdelphia1]

These are such thoughtful suggestions! I've seen other videos where artists try to answer this question, but it seems like they always stop at #1 - I found much in what you say that inspires me. :-)

[@carolferguson5467]

Such great advice and plan to carry this into the New Year! Happy New Year Alan !

[@AlainPicard]

Carol Ferguson thanks and Happy New Year to you as well! May yours be full of creative discovery.

[@elizabethcook7368]

Great advice!

[@JAsisterti]

thank you so much for taking the time to make this, Alain :)

[@AlainPicard]

JAsisterti you are very welcome. Glad it resonates with you! Are you ready to keep pursuing your creative voice!?

[@tammylambas9890]

Hi Alain I'm just starting. I've watched many of your videos and other's. I have my new Unison and Great American pastels. If you have a beginner landscape online course, I'd love to take it. This was a great 5 step video. I have a very demanding job so the hardest thing is rythum-setting aside the time. Building the confidence to quiet that defeating self talk you mentioned, "you're not an artist.." I am very motivated to express myself this way. I'm afraid to start. Afraid I can't do it. I need to explore and learn patience too.

[@AlainPicard]

You can do this Tammy, keep going! I have an online Landscape Course every September, you can get on the waiting list on my website at picardstudio.com and until then, enjoy your creative journey!

[@stacykarnal4706]

I haven't acrylic painted in about 6 years (been doing pen & ink drawings because I was overwhelmed with painting and felt black pen is simpler, cleaner, cheaper, therefore less stressful) I just started getting back into painting and realized just doing it relieves the anxiety. I didn't want to limit myself anymore. Overthinking about it has no purpose--gotta challenge yourself & not miss out.

[@AlainPicard]

You bet, Stacy! So glad you've broken the creative inertia that foster anxiety and frustration. Once we are moving, we can direct that creative energy as well as dissipate or exhale the frustration. It is awesome to hear that you are creating again, keep going and wonderful things will emerge in your art, not to mention it will be a blessing to others!

[@MsLeslie405]

Thank you so much for this video Alain! I've been in a terrible slump lately, and the information you shared will help pull me out of it, I'm sure!

[@AlainPicard]

Leslie Mount the best cure for a slump is renewed activity combined with an inspiration date. Go to a museum or show and get charged up creatively, then just make something small for a few days straight. You can do it!

[@niranipathirage1414]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@laurainel]

Great video with a lot of great common-sense advice! Thanks!

[@AlainPicard]

You are very welcome Lauraine. All the best to you!

[@mackaouiable]

Thank you so much for these advice! I would love to take one of your workshops one day, in Montreal.

[@cnbowles1]

I echo what the others are commenting, really needed to hear this...thank you!

[@AlainPicard]

Cindy Bowles i really felt strongly that this simple encouragement could be helpful to artists like you. Don’t give up, and keep creating! Bit enjoy the Thanksgiving break too!

[@tessaspanton6891]

Very helpful, than you.

[@miguelesteinmetz6019]

Thank you so Mach for your Yelp

[@AlainPicard]

You are welcome, I hope it helps you with your own work! All the best

[@ArtandKitchen_]

Thank you for your kind heart. ❤

[@AlainPicard]

Very welcome, blessings

[@nicomatthysen5498]

Thanks for sharing this valuable tips ... how about a "paint along" video or 2 - I find it incredibly interesting to observe other artist working ... talking whilst creating and explaining some of the mark making.

[@AlainPicard]

Hi Nico, thanks for the feedback! Did you see my Painting Clouds or Painting Trees videos? They both talk and paint. You might enjoy! Just visit my channel page and all the videos will be there.

[@louisehones]

Love your voice!

[@AlainPicard]

Louise Hones thank you, that’s kind!

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

You are so so right!!! Xx

[@KayJohnsonArt]

Thank you Alain. Your advice is very helpful. I would prefer to listen to your voice without the background music though, as personally I find this is competing with you and distracting.

[@wendytitterton5004]

Thank you

[@adamsaoud7191]

hahaha it was awesome sorry for laughing as i saw here all guys said we really need it yes its true thanx a lot but laughung was for how simple how strong at the same time so thank u again

[@lopamudraray4571]

Why don't you try for movies Alain. I would love to watch you on screen. Just in a role of Artist

[@AlainPicard]

That is very sweet, but a bit out of my reach Lopamudra, I think I'll stick to KZbin videos! All the best!

[@scrappysinger]

💝

[@artfuljune]

Hey, really git into painting for a bit, until I realized I have paintings hung all over my house, which made me say to myself, what in the world do I keep paintings for, for heaven's sake. Anyway, just voicing my views!

[@bencote2219]

Take off our mask! Alan called out COVID a year ago lol