Artists, Stop Trying so Hard!

Are you always trying to make a "good" painting? Do you want to impress others with your work? If so, you might be blocking the really good stuff from coming through ...
I am on a mission to help artists find their own authentic voice. I believe every single one of us can make amazing, original and unique artwork and I want to help you do that. If this sounds interesting, don't miss out on any of my chats, blog posts, or videos --- sign up for my weekly artist newsletter at www.louiseflet...
You can also find me: On Facebook at www.facebook.com
On Instagram at / louisefletcher_art
And on my podcast at: www.louiseflet...

[@danryan4137]

Thank you for being the lighthouse in the dark scary storm. I quit painting because it was a scary chore I sold well through galleries commissions etc , but the pressure on making saleable works burned me out. Lots here can relate to this. You have shown me a path to going inside we’re the real answers lie. Not outside we’re I’m searching to be liked and validated.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I totally get that and I'm glad you're finding a way to do this for yourself x

[@investorart58]

Incredible. This is the "philosophy" behind art. I've been a pro artist for 20yrs now - and still run into that "artists-block" all too frequently. It's exactly bc I feel like I might fail at this next run at it - or waste sub straights, paint - and time. I like your revealing the process of speaking to oneself. It was Kierkegaard who first delved into that topic (of relating oneself TO ones own self). "Recognizing" this relationship is the first great step. "Reckoning" this relationship correctly is the far bigger next step.Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

We all do it! I do too... we have to keep catching ourselves forever I think xx

[@robfuzz]

What can happen with me is I focus totally on trying to make a painting I think others will like and then I rush it onto social media and then get only a few "likes" and I get discouraged and lose my motivation to keep going (luckily it comes back). I always want that reassurance that I'm good at this even though I'm really a beginner (only been painting abstract for 6 months). I wish I could stop checking for "likes" and just play with paint, not worrying when is the best time to post on FB. I want to be in this for the journey, the exploration. I almost don't even want to share my work anymore.

[@ellenmitchell6395]

This is so very helpful. It hits the spot for me ...in fact it’s embarrassingly accurate ... I’m still like a child wanting praise when I know I have to get to “ I don’t care what you think” it’s what I want to do and express that’s important. Thank you very much...so glad I found you....you are so down to earth and honest.

[@akosvajda1616]

After a while I ralized pretty much all the artists even if they are self thaught or professional going through on the same struggle and questions inside themselfs. These are normal human feelings.. (underestimate yourself or undervalue your artwork.. and the worst : compare ). Quick example: I learn a lot from other artists and get a lot of inspiration.. I would say more than I just walk around in the nature or relaxing ect.. But when I see an amzing artwork I feel sometimes.. my god how could he/she make someting impossibly amazing, when I struggle a lot to make something... "not too bad". Sometimes we forget the fact the person who made that probably went through on the same procedure like we mostly.. Started million times again from the beggining, raging because the outcome was awful, spent hours searching for references or other artists artworks to get inspired and a lot of other things.. so maybe it was a massive struggle to end up on something that we love.. and still he/she might does not even like his/her own work.. Don't forget.. If you post or share something people does not know anything about the "behind the scenes" they just gonna be amazed how talented you are.. (hopefully) .. It is really good to see time to time people give these feelings out and share it, not because of the motivation or the message.. Just because it makes you feel you are not alone..

[@NotAnAngryLesbian]

A young artist friend told me to just go for it. My results and happiness went up fast. Thank you.

[@dennisobergfell6919]

Words I needed to hear. I’ll listen to them with some regularity as reinforcement. Thank you very much.

[@puseletsotsilo]

Oh my God!!!!!!! I thought I was crazy for not wanting to show anyone my work till I find my voice and confidence that way I know even if anyone says negative comment it doesn't stay with me coz I know its not true.and not be stuck in positive comments, and I just wanted to hear my voice and only mine, and also limiting looking at other people's work so I can truly explore what's in my head,

[@tinarea6252]

Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏😊

[@betsyellis9883]

This is possibly THE most important video about art that I have watched so far, from anyone, anywhere. I think you've been peering inside my head. While beginning to watch you and others, and seeing the piles of sketchbooks you have, I have become aware of this truth that you have to practice to get better. I have a fear of wasting time, too, and a fear of never "making it," whatever that is! But what hit me the most is that, like you stated, every time I sit down to work I expect to produce a finished painting, and if I do, I immediately want to post it on FB and email it to family and friends. Exactly! This is a very difficult mindset to break out of, but understanding it helps. I feel like saying I'm not going to produce anything "for sale" for a year and just work in sketchbooks. So slowly my mind is turning in this new direction. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome - and that feeling you have - it's normal. We all do it at first. But when you do start to play and paint just for yourself, you will find that you actually do finish more paintings and that will spur you on. The more free you become, the more desirable your art becomes.

[@SleepyRulu]

This something not just myself but everyone need to hear.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes! Thanks for watching!

[@karunadevidiller5761]

Dear Louise, This video really resonates with me! It’s where I am at, not taking the time to experiment and feeling stuck, self critical and unproductive, working only towards a “finished” product and yet not feeling satisfied with the end result. The psychology behind art making is so layered. I appreciate your honesty and insight. I’m going to take what you’re saying here to heart. Thank you!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Happy it resonated with you!

[@karmaleenash2841]

I know I am a year late, but this video made my day. It spoke straight to my creative soul. I am coming to art after a lifetime of aching to be an artist, but frozen by an elementary school teacher refusing to let me take art because I could not draw realistically. As a writer, I know all about the practice piece of creation, but seem to forget all that when making art. Thanks for the reminder! 🤍👀🤍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes just apply everything you know about writing to your art :)

[@wendywatson2566]

I know you said “you’re on your own path” but somehow I heard “you own your own path”. It’s the same thing I guess but reminded me that I don’t want to explore where others have already been. I’m off to write it down. Thank you.

[@tinarea6252]

Wendy, you are in your on your own path!

[@brigitteshantieaglemeare4350]

I resonate with that...big time. I don't mind other people, but it scares me to produce something that I don't like. So silly, isn't it, but so true. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@harrietreeves4129]

I've learned, every mistake in an artwork produces a better one. Be yourself. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

This is SO true!

[@tbezesky]

Thank you, that’s what I needed to hear! I’m in transition to abstract. Coping with the death of my spouse, and sheltering in place had an effect on me, to change my direction.

[@betsyellis9883]

So sorry to hear you had a huge loss, and so happy that perhaps art can smooth the way.

[@jillusher5835]

You explained that really, really well! Thank you.

[@shaunnalyons4436]

Just what I needed to hear today. So relevant. Thank you! Truly timeless. ❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Freefolkcreate]

Just what I needed to hear as I started semi abstract works. Been doing representation work for so many years...Now I just want to begin again and be myself playing with paint. The world is too serious to not enjoy your work 😉 many thanks to you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You got this!

[@marionnieves7611]

Thank you for sharing you inspire me!

[@dianekrompart6292]

Spot on !! You are describing me. My intuition has been telling me to just NOT show anybody anything I am doing and experiment. I love this video and it's given me the direction of where I too, need to go. Thank you Louise !

[@kameliat7704]

Ah! So helpful! I could listen to you talking on this subject for days, Louise, you can calm me down like noone and nothing else. Thank you so much 💚🥰

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you for watching!

[@jilliantoombs6975]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these videos. It so often feels as though you're speaking directly at me, and I so need to hear what you're saying. I really appreciate it. 💚

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@suetraviss8888]

I lost my job and my home so what little spare money I have, I buy paint supplies and I have a feeling the fear of wasting supplies is a tough one. I know you need to play and experiment but at this stage it’s hard for me to cut loose. I hope someday I won’t have to worry about that any longer. I’m excited to lear all I can.

[@ruthgonzalez1991]

Thank you for sharing. As artists, we need to hear this. ❤️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes we do

[@susiebower1778]

This is brilliant, thankyou so much. Jimi Hendrix also said that he didn't like praise because he found it too distracting.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheKeefusoutdoors]

You might as well have been talking about me. I never experiment and I know my work is suffering for it. I just want to have an impressive painting to show. Your videos are invaluable to me.....thanks so much.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so on it - the reason you can't make that impressive painting is that you won't do the experimentation that it takes to get there. It's like wanting to run a marathon without wanting to train xx

[@brandythompson6544]

I never thought about the concept of chasing positive comments, but I see what you are saying. If people like it and give positive feedback, it feels like you are moving in the right direction- but not allowing that it influence the research and how we are exploring our voice and marks- I can see how that is a key to success within our own art journey. This gives me something to think about- thank you for the video- I appreciate it. I do think as an abstract artist it is very important to let negative comments or critiques just roll off our backs- too many people just don't get it. But when they do- it is kind of magical to see and you appreciate all the hard work even more.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So true!

[@polson8084]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing!

[@barbderousieart]

Louise you’re so authentic and inspiring! I took CVP 2020 and am painting in a more abstracted style now-and having a lot more fun than I used to painting representational-and I’ve been posting my new work a lot on social media but I really like your idea about NOT showing your work and avoiding any comments, positive or negative!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Good luck!!

[@anamullan9558]

Thank you so much for this video. Your words are wise and helpful.

[@tinycuisine6544]

Incredibly reassuring and motivating commentary. Thanks Louise

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gailaroonie]

Omg I have soooo many junk paintings. You have taught me the value of playtime and I try to spend 10 hrs a week playing! Once in a while I feel an urgency to create a canvas much less often than before] but I’m happier with some of them! Selling some! Painting over old rejects and thinking if I just keep going I’ll improve with time.

[@debrathain]

I don’t know how I found you, but I just want you to know I love you videos. They help me soooooo much! Thank you❤️🤗

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@sharongiles2170]

Thanks, I'll keep play painting and checking in with you when I circle back to my own obstruction! You've vocalised my own frustrations...I'm not alone!! ❤️

[@gayewrightart]

Thanks for sharing so much wonderful words... Wanting praise was something that drew me to arts and crafts many years ago and after a time I realised that this is not making me feel any better about myself.. Others thought and still think I’m so clever, but I only see this part of me that hasn’t expressed itself fully yet... I’m on the right path now and am feeling much better about myself already... 💕

[@misterblueshoe]

Wow. So glad I found this. I have been painting abstract most of my life and the past few months I've spent up to 6 hours in the studio a night experimenting and playing. However I end uoverworking pieces and getting fixated on my failures. I yearn for the time when i was younger, making and selling art but I'm way more critical of my art now and never show ppl without saying 'its unfinished'. This made me realise it's a lack of confidence and need for validation that I'm an artist. Thankyou so much. Abstract art is tougher than ppl realise because it's so attached to our mental and emotional states. Definitely going to find your podcast.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much! Glad this resonated with you and you found it helpful x

[@claudiachappel3350]

Again, you seem to be speaking directly to me!! Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@timothyward4577]

I am so happy to have found you. You rock. It is like you are talking directly to me but I know that so many of need to hear you. Thank You

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome - and thank you for this lovely comment :)

[@charleneheaman2033]

So helpful. I’m incredibly grateful that I found your IG account which linked me to your videos. The timing is perfect as I just started painting in May (2020). Thanks for being real and vulnerable in your talks

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@SimoneWhipp]

You talk so much good sense. I definitely need to make more time for experimenting and not just producing commercially viable stuff (not that I do!) . Thanks for making these videos - it gives me a metaphoric kick up the bum to get on with it! x

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I could give you a real one if I lived close enough ...lol!

[@MishSutherland]

I watched this Video today, it is just what I needed - I want to thank you so very much for sharing all that you do - thank you!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@johnkitching6293]

What a marvellous incite into my mind’ most of what you have said Louise is exactly, in fact you would think it was made for me personally!!! I feel sure many of us have feelings like this’ and I for one can greatly benefit from this and thank you for being so generous in your efforts to make us enjoy the process of making art and to experiment on paper before going straight into making a masterpiece .

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for watching John!

[@sarahkittelson622]

Wow... I can so relate to what your saying Louise!! Thank you for expressing what I've been struggling with, and what's in my head! I love your video's.....they are soooo helpful!! Thank you so much!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@aletagudelski6414]

This is the best explanation of Play that I have heard. Your whole video is amazing. I felt like you were speaking with e. Everything you have shared rings so true. Thank you so very much,

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sab2larik]

Thank you so much for this !! You have no idea how helpful for me it is at this point in time. I am preparing to showcase my work and I was freaking out because my mind gets block and while making an abstract painting I really don’t know when to stop and eventually I end up making it a mess 😔 your videos and thoughts really helped me. Thank you 😊

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rachelharris8587]

God bless you Louise! I really needed to hear this!!! xoxoxox

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad!

[@randirosanikolajsen6372]

Thank you! So much wisdom here👏👌👍

[@AylaZA]

Thanks for the pep talk, it resonates particularly right now as I have been invited to show some abstract work for a new gallery opening in 2 weeks and I have literally just started exploring abstract art. Wish me luck and an impervious mindset....

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's great! Good luck and have fun!

[@leetravathan]

I've gone through this same thing... and I finally got to the place where I don't care what anyone thinks. I am loving even the "ugh-ly" ones because I've learned so much from them! Great video.

[@sheilalittlejohns2851]

Yes been there but not now , Nice to visit you again . Thank you fount of wisdom .

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@googlesucks9340]

Hi Louise, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. I really appreciate your courage. Food for thought... Desire is possibility seeking expression. I enjoy your energy on and off the canvas.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@lorenthompson4318]

Huge sigh... THIS IS SUCH GREAT INFO!!! I need to play more, experiment more, enjoy more!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

More to come!

[@robfuzz]

I can SO relate! Thank you for sharing this!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@yokemelissant9098]

Thank you so much for these words. I have just 'finished'' Spark , the small course of Art2life from Nicholas Wilton. And this gave me such a boost to pick up painting again after several years of not havind a brush in my hand. And that for all the reasons you mentioned in this video. And hearing your experience and how you work and think gives me even more encouragement to go on. thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valerijohnson2839]

Thank you for your very wise advice.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome Valeri xx

[@robknowles6152]

Hi Louise Great video, it's right on the money! I've started working again after my big (16) portrait exhibition down here in Nelson, NZ. They are abstract landscapes of the Kahurangi national park, but they are all study's, if they turn into finished works, great, if they don't,no worries they're only study's

[@ThisPaintingLife]

good luck Rob!

[@sesentarot8968]

Thank you so much. It was just what I needed to hear at this time. I have found myself getting caught up in wanting approval for my art, and had only noticed the other day how much what 'other people' were saying about my work was making a difference in what I felt I needed to produce.

[@ninanielsen3206]

So wise words, thank's for sharing🤩

[@sandwich3044]

Your video was very extremely comforting! Sometimes it's hard not to feel like the feelings and emotions you have are something that's only your own. I still have a struggle with negative or rude criticism, but I liked your approach. I do this a lot with certain things experimenting or playing around, as I love abstraction. But less so with the art I want to share with the world where my perfectionism is a bit of a sabotager, and learning new things really beat down my confidence so it was hard not to take those critical comments as personal, vs just a comment about a piece of artwork. Cheers!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad that it was comforting for you! The one thing you need to remember is that your artwork is a piece of you so that means it won't be for everyone but that's okay. ♥

[@lanaokhrits3756]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're very welcome!

[@janewalker9403]

Inspirational! Thank you. I will keep trying

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You got this!

[@patrickcareyart4080]

Very wise words!

[@beverleydurand6184]

This is very helpful

[@pineconemediadesign]

Fantastic. I needed this Louise!! I love the video where you divided the paper and played w collage, ink, paint limited palette. Thank you so much! Lindy

[@carolejones6484]

This is really helpful Louise - I am new to abstract painting and enjoying exploring in an effort to find my style. I have no idea whether my results at playing are good or really awful. I am guilty of seeking approval - a lack of confidence in my abilities !!!! I will get there though .....

[@lauramarlow8664]

I actually got tears in my eyes listening to you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your art. I’m going to start playing and stop worrying about the finished piece. I’m new to painting abstract art but it’s what I’ve been wanting to do.

[@Happy2bwoman906]

That is helpful to hear

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@helenparken535]

Louise thank you so much for sharing - I am in that place at the moment where I am trying to find my authentic creative voice. Looking forward to the exploration and intuitive voice within

[@Divinemessages69]

As a self taught artist from the age of 3, I have been a copy artist, copying the old masters mainly for the past 30 years, but my path is leading me to a different route out of my comfort zone, I am a perfectionist and i find it hard to let go and just go with the flow. It's true, getting a positive feedback for your work is sometimes worse than a negative, I am never happy with my work as I strive to please myself and I have very high expectations of myself, even when someone had an emotional reaction and cried when she saw my representation of a Jesus painting, it still wasn't good enough for me, I tend to set my goals too high and now I am finding out that I actually like abstract art, which I never had any interest in, it is a different approach and so out of my comfort zone, I am wondering if this is who I really am and whether this is my artist voice trying to come through, as a representational artist, I often know what is going to end up on my canvas, but now, I never know what is going to be the result, and this lack of control is doing my head in and I need to get out of my own way to allow the process, but I am finding it very difficult to let go. your videos are helping me to understand that we need to find ourselves in our own art so I want to thank you for your chats and experience knowledge, I never would have thought after all this time and at the age of 52 that I would be going down a different route altogether. Thank you for your honesty, as a neighbour in Yorkshire, your kind and open honesty has brought me some hope that I may one day find my true artist from within!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I became an abstract painter aged 53, so you are right on track :)

[@Divinemessages69]

@@ThisPaintingLife Thank you! X

[@dennisobergfell6919]

I don’t see the link, can you provide it to me and the name of the podcast you’ve referenced?

[@karinmonatornkvist]

Oh, I do appreciate how you think 🧡

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I appreciate that

[@Anadiaz-br1jr]

Behind you is that acrylic on paper or canvas?

[@mollyboho]

Yes!!!! I don’t make videos because I don’t want family and friends seeing them! Plus I’m not super skinny with gorgeous hair, I feel so lacking even though I know I have value

[@ThisPaintingLife]

haha - I am not super skinny with gorgeous hair either. Most people are not! The only reason it looks that way is that people like us don't show up on KZbin. Go for it!

[@mollyboho]

This Painting Life yes! The more I think about it the better it sounds 💜

[@trinesandns4947]

I have the opposite problem. I never get past playing and experimenting. So I have some paintings that turned out quite nice, but I can't sell, because they're painted on newspaper and copipaper.... I freeze completely when I have a proper prepared canvas

[@ThisPaintingLife]

No you have the exact same problem - you start trying when you think is matters. The secret is to play on those prepared canvases xxx

[@trinesandns4947]

@@ThisPaintingLife Thank you

[@philipanderson2627]

I am a Big Purple Monster...

[@karinmonatornkvist]

Listened for the third time...

[@ribkawodajo5461]

Wow God,, I thought am the only one who's struggling

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Not at all!

[@lullowitch]

👍👍👍👍👍❤️

[@marycrochet8210]

feed like that what do