Be Brave with Your Art!

Do you sometimes find yourself playing safe with your art? Do you ever find that new things make you feel a little too vulnerable? Do you worry that others won't like the new things you want to try? Me too - but I have learned to push through those fears. I have learned that they are actually a clue that I'm onto something.
In this video, I'm sharing some very new developments in my work - these are works in progress and I have no idea where they will end up. But I want to share them with you because I think it's so important for all of us to be brave and to push forward into new territory with our work.
I am on a mission to help artists find their own unique voice and make exciting, original artwork that is truly unique. If this sounds exciting, join my weekly artist's newsletter at www.louisefletcherart.com/con...
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And on my podcast at: www.louisefletcherart.com/for...

[@rozwallace1143]

The content of this video cannot be repeated often enough. I am (at 73) just learning to stop worrying about what others think. It is soooo liberating. YAY! So I want to hear this message on a daily basis. Thank you Louise.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I wish we had done it when we were 20!

[@rozwallace1143]

@@ThisPaintingLife Too right but better late than never. Can't tell you what it means to be able to say that I like the work I'm doing now. That is such a big deal for me. Thanks.

[@Artfulearth]

Yes, Yes, Yes! Live in the Now. Don’t look back. It’s not where we’re headed. Bouncy marks for all 🤩❤️☀️Thank you Louise. 🙏

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Love that!

[@juliebabb3365]

Oh Louise, such a joy & encouragement to hear you speak of your growth & willingness to express yourself in new ways. You are a great teacher of both life & art !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@Sheila.F]

My sentiments exactly

[@sharonpetersen6773]

I, too, have to second these remarks… you are such a great teacher of both art and life! It amazes me that you only started teaching a few years ago. You’re an absolute natural and I compare all other teachers to you. Thanks to you for how you give of yourself and what you’ve helped me to accomplish.

[@ritaelisa....1713]

So true!:) ♡

[@randirosanikolajsen6372]

I simply just looooove you🥰😍🤩 Thank you🙏🌹❤

[@olgawalmisley-santiago7635]

I love your idea that life bleeds into your art and then art bleeds into your life. So true. And I'm glad your art is making you happy.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes! Thank you!

[@maureenmeek2838]

Ah, Louise❤ You're such an inspiration...on the canvas and off. Your sharing and encouragement is just as helpful as your Art demonstration and sharing!!! Please keep us going with the positivity❤❤ Big Love❤

[@betsyratzsch385]

I just read a very fitting phrase: "Stop shrinking yourself to fit places you've outgrown.". Thanks, Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So true!!

[@carlapinheiro3542]

What an honestly beautiful and transparent message. It resonated with me, precisely what I have been noticing in my relationship with my creative process. It is important and crucial to respect our rhythm, accept that if we change, what we create changes equally. A genuine expression. thank you Louise. Love from Portugal ❤️🦋

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much Carla!

[@vibrantly50]

Carla, I also live in Portugal! Where are you? I would love to connect with other artists here.

[@carlapinheiro3542]

​@@vibrantly50hello 👋... I live in Oeiras near Lisboa, and you?

[@vibrantly50]

@@carlapinheiro3542 We live in Aveiro! So not terribly far. My husband and I moved from the Seattle area (United States) close to two years ago.

[@carlapinheiro3542]

@@vibrantly50 Aveiro, good choice 💚 what a beautiful place to live.

[@jenelleparnell6567]

Such a great message and reminder to allow your life and your art to transcend and integrate! Love being in Art Tribe and welcome new members-come join us it's a really great place to grow in your art journey and feel supported.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@robinbrewer9000]

Yes! It is never to late for a second childhood!! Art is the only step on the ladder that won’t creak! Keep being you and ty!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So true!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Absolutely!

[@LoriKnoke]

Louise, I totally agree with your comment about what in your life appears in your art and what you do with your art appears in your life. Art is your creativity manifested on canvas, life is your creativity manifested within your days. They are the same thing, but in different form. Nothing is separate.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So true Lori! Glad to hear you agree!

[@winratz6525]

You are a natural and generous teacher Louise, thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@LindaRUDYK]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. It is exciting to paint for your own self first, others will look and feel how it feels for them and apply what’s going on in their life, or not. How perfect is that. Be true to you! Be brave and push through. Be free and expressive. Yes you resonate with me. Thank you, Louise. Linda Rudyk

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you!

[@christinebell2294]

Thankyou,I feel this is what is happening to my.When I try to paint I try and paint something that please others.👩🏻‍🎨

[@lorraineerickson4311]

You always have important thoughts you express which resonates with me. I can hear myself saying inside my head and heart, yes yes THATS exactly how I feel too. I want to paint. I want to do collage with acrylics, but I don’t know how. I just Have to! As I write my stomach is doing flip flops from just thinking about art. I’ve learned so much from the videos of yours I’ve seen. Thank you so much for being real.

[@lynnortham263]

You are a true inspiration of the moment!! A reminder, a challenger, a heart felt encourager , and always spot on with your wisdom as you bare your soul in such a vulnerable way!! Beaming you love and more Louise brushstrokes !!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you x

[@claudinediamond2555]

Welcome to the great awakening!!! 🙃

[@dilyndesign]

I love this! Over and over again. Does not ever get old. 💙 !!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Aww thank you!

[@kathrynsorrells3872]

Powerful, beautiful message for our art processes and life! Thanks, Louise, for your brave voice and vision. Very encouraging and inspiring. Thanks!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thanks Kathryn x

[@lindapowell2660]

Oh Louise. You speak for me and to me. What a woman you are. Your wisdom and your generous sharing and even your bravery are catching. Thank you so much. XX

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wow, thank you!

[@marymclean7467]

I love your new art. So colourful - it speaks to me! Thank you for your great words of wisdom. They all resinated with me. It is so true, we need to accept the changes happening within ourselves. It is called growth. I am so enjoying being a part of your tribe and look forward to each and every communication. Thanks for your enthusiasm in doing what you do for Artists. It is very much appreciated.🤗♥

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@lindajackson7991]

Your words spoke to me in "Be Brave With Your Art"..... I will watch this video again and again to really feel this message. Thank you, Louise!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@glorywood9300]

Love your new direction and colors....enjoy the journey.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@RobinBatemanSturis]

Oh Louise! Yes, yes this resonates. I love what is happening for you on the boards. How exciting.

[@effy2848]

Yes!

[@DianeMaley]

Oh yes! Love that you talked about living in the present. So often I find myself either living in the past or playing “what if” with future when I have no control over the future. I am learning to not create for others but for myself, which is rather freeing. Thanks for sharing your new paintings and new marks. They are lovely.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@ritadietrich2095]

I always feel better about myself and my art when I listen to and watch your videos Louise. Thank you so very much for sharing all that you do with us !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@lwebb5248]

Thanks once again Louise for telling me what I needed to hear. Just painting from your own heart and head is wonderfully freeing. 🙂

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@skybright13]

Yes, I need my regular touch with you to get me back on line when I start to get discouraged and my art turns to crap. You inspire and motivate me to keep going. I need your frequent videos!!!

[@Lalapdx]

Oh Louise! I do adore you. This is the just the right message for me to hear today. Rather gloomy inside and out here in Portland, Oregon and I’ve been in bed avoiding my art journey. You’ve inspired me once again. Happy to be in your Art Tribe.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

so glad to have jump-started you again :)

[@jilliantoombs6975]

This is a tremendously honest and beautiful message and it absolutely resonates with me. I needed the encouragement to follow the threads of my art, of what's coming out rather than what I think should be coming out. Thank you Louise as always for your thoughts and transparency about your artistic journey. 💕

[@JanJensenArt]

True for me, too.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

and what is coming out will be amazing if you let it be :)

[@jilliantoombs6975]

@@ThisPaintingLife 💕

[@liesbethgroenewald5174]

Love the new direction from “landscapes “ to “cityscapes/inner homescapes”.

[@juliegriffiths4272]

I learn a lot from your talks from the studio. I really want these to continue. Thank you again for your openess, your ability to share your thought processes is invaluable.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are welcome x

[@rhondamcintosh7440]

Love those Louise ❤️. Also your candid commentary on reflecting the current time and mood. Me too! Keep finding the happy place in your art

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I will try :)

[@maryjorakowski6849]

Ah yes, finding a way to play with joy in an unfamiliar 'field'! This was a great reminder, thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@julijopeterson7096]

I just have to say that even though you're unsure of whether their finished or not, & I know how you can feel about your work not being complete, I see the interest & beauty in them right where they're at & think they are sellable. So at least you know you're on the right track when someone says that.

[@debtempleton9424]

Wonderful sharing thank you Louise. You are awesome as is your art!!

[@lizmcqueen1490]

These are so unlike you. Heartening to see that you just follow your heart. A good lesson for me. Thank you for sharing.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

and yet they must be like me because they came out of me :)

[@BJ-sq2kd]

Louise you are so brilliant , I love how you share your feelings and the art that comes through you. With your free curious spirit❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much and glad you enjoyed it!

[@alisonmcmillan9622]

Loved this video... being brave and living and making art that is drawn from within and fulfills the need of the present: not worrying about what others may think and merely living by external constraints. BRAVO!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Well said!

[@trudyhoneycutt452]

Every word makes total sense, both with life, and with our painting adventures. Thank you!! Enjoy the moment!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@faithburch3120]

Beautiful, Louise - just what I needed to hear. Thanks you !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad!

[@daryllevine5156]

It sounds to me, from my experience, that you are right on the mark....you spell out the negative thoughts that often occupy our minds, causing glitches and you offer good, positive advice that will allow us to move on to find more joy and satisfaction thru our art. Thank you for being so honest and for sharing.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@lisamclain2549]

Oh u just made my day! Yes yes yes I am feeling big changes inside and trying to stay in the moment is what feels like the way forward. Thank you very much for sharing your truth and journey with us. It helps more than you know! And I love your paintings and their happy colors and marks!

[@catherinecrawford6609]

This is exactly what you’re teaching in your class Love 💕 it😍😍😍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm glad you like it

[@karolenicholson3808]

Thanks for bringing to life the REAL stuff we encounter in our art journey. So relate with what you say and how you say it!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnscoppa6767]

Enjoy watching you paint 🎨

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@i_do_notconsent4968]

Louise, what you say in all your videos resonates with me. I have nearly filled a sketchbook page with bits of your wisdom. Your channel helps me more and is more relevant to me than any other art channel. You seem to speak directly to most all of my art issues. Just getting back after many years - decades, actually. I am somewhere between representational and impressionistic, but your Wisdom applies to any style, I think. So thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome and I am thrilled to hear I can help occasionally. ❤

[@PatriseHenkel]

Omg I needed to hear this SO MUCH. I’ve had a very tough week including a loved one’s sudden death… I’m noticing how I must reset my mindset many times a day. Traveling now, but breaking out some new colors when I get home. 💕

[@ThisPaintingLife]

so sorry about your loss xx

[@maryrasmussen8002]

Beautiful smile! Thank you for sharing these thoughts!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so kind

[@jennylovatt7406]

Love your honesty and your viewpoints Louise. You have changed so much as a person in the last few years, able to deal with and achieve so much. You show others what is possible. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@cab552]

Thank you for posting, Louise! I participated in your Find Your Joy 2020 course, and while life is busy and hectic, I am finally embracing all of your teachings from that course. I have one piece that I created during that course that sat on the shelf since August 2020. It was tucked away because I wasn't sure it was "any good;" it wasn't "real art," or anything like that. But I like it. My husband likes it! So, I found the courage this weekend to pull it off the shelf, and I'm painting the edges [it's a panel] and will letter the edges and submit it to Art as Worship exhibition in a couple of weeks. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy listening to Art Juice and how much you and Alice have helped me keep showing up. Please continue doing what you do and encouraging us all to listen to our hearts! ♥️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Fantastic - good luck with the submission!

[@juliedowling1430]

Thank you again Louise for your truth and vulnerability. Such a profound and brilliant message both for our art and lives!!! 😊💕👍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@Bfhxneuctdney]

Wonderful. I feel so good after listening to your classes because you reflectes so much of how I have been going through,

[@sarapearen3784]

Hi Louise, I do agree so much. I was a part of the taster and Find your Joy.... that message came out strongly about who I am. Thank you for your way of developing me. form Canada

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@user-pj6ss4ok7p]

I loved your statements, very much wise in the things you said. No two people are the same, everyone is an individual. Therefore there is no beautiful and no beautiful.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So true!

[@cynthiabroschat5060]

Oh boy, Louise, do your words resonate with my thoughts. You describe exactly where I seem to be right now. I really appreciate your authenticity, vulnerability, wisdom and honesty. I keep praying for my uniqueness to show up in my art. I don't want it to look like anyone else's. And yet when it shows up I think it's ugly, I give it no credence and I get frustrated. So I keep painting. Thank you, Louise, for your encouragement.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You got this!

[@michelenishikatsu4273]

Such wonderful points to share, Louise beloved! I so enjoy you?.thank you, so very much!🌸

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad!

[@donnagallantg2154]

You speak my language. It’s wonderful how you see your art. I can relate. Thanks for sharing and making the rest of us feel like we aren’t alone.

[@daledanby6831]

You certainly have hit the mark for me thank you😁

[@TheFordtim]

Gosh Louise so many many beautiful comments, you touch so many people’s creative hearts it’s marvelous ! Yes your words resonate with me too. My philosophy about life and now Art, is that : You can cry every day if you want there are sooo many reasons to cry just watch the news on tv especially nowadays….. OR you can smile and feel the beauty of the light, the wind signing, a beautiful flower, a stranger smiling, a nice smell that brings you back to your childhood it’s all there just waiting to be appreciated so it’s the same with Art, we’ve got to accept new directions and let our minds go out of our comfort zone and embrace a new creative direction. It can only be positive 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Exactly x

[@suefray3538]

It is so refreshing to hear such honesty. Yes it really resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and paintings. I think we only create our best and most creative work when we really put aside what other people think or say.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Absolutely!

[@oliveoil2022]

Thank you for expressing your self with words and paint; very helpful. It's challenging times for all and it helps to know that others are going through similar things and feelings and our art can reflect this and it's all good. Even if it's "bad" it's "good"! And YES to all your questions at the end.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinewyndham-woodroffe9422]

Great message Louise. Love the ' we are many things' and 'there is no past'. I have been practising mindfulness for a while after , reading The Power of Now. Thanks for sharing your process and thinking. It resonates so much with me and helping me to plough on with what is coming up for me now in my life and my art. 😍

[@wendysanchez403]

It's as if you are speaking directly to me. Love your chats, right on point every time!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thanks Wendy!

[@dottieseymour4410]

Thanks Louise, whenever I get stuck and can't even explain why I feel disconnected, can't move forward,when I hear what you share about feelings, etc. it feeds my soul !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@pjfreeman1067]

A brilliant message to us all. I will hold it close. Love to you. Stay well.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so pleased it helped x

[@davidmurphy1653]

Your not alone with your thoughts and feelings we will come out shinning trust the process it's a new you. Your braver than you see yourself to be, my luv

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I think I see myself as pretty brave!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@lindarobinson3130]

Loving your new work , so exciting , vital and energetic.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@PaulWalesArt]

This is exactly what has been occurring for me over the past couple of years! Struggling with process and what should be had me walking away from paintings in frustration. So, in desperation I would finally just do “something”, which would then lead to something else and something else. And then maybe I’d walk away again. Then this strange thing happened - when I returned, I could see light through the darkness (whether or not the actual paints were light or dark) and I realized I liked what was there, the story it told. And the story helped me understand my interactions with the world, how I was feeling. I have such respect for you Louise, what you do and who you are - looking forward to participating in the upcoming workshop and grateful that you continue to share your evolution.

[@valaidadalessio206]

Love finding this site. I am an abstract painter living in Hawaii and turning 84 soon. I relate to you and your art. I am a bit isolated from other artists. Thank you or as we say in Hawaii (Mahalo) Aloha!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Welcome aboard!

[@lanamorton5342]

Love the way you connect with your feeling at the very present moment and put it on the canvas and you said it is important to notice that feeling. Life goes into your art and art goes into your life. This is so liberating to me instead of thinking what color, what marks or what shapes do I want to put on my canvas first. Wish me luck in connecting more with my feeling at a given moment. Hooraaay!!! Love - Lana from Longwood, Florida

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You don't need luck - you'll do it!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Good luck! You've got this

[@saraht4973]

Wow, what a beautiful and honest evaluation of you creative process. It gives me a wonderful warm feeling that I can let me be me. I need to listen and look at this video often. Thank you so much Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes - you is all you ever have to be

[@kelilina1]

Thank you so much Louise for this! This is something that really spoke to me.. I have always done this in my art. I use my art as a coping skill for my mental health issues. I just couldn't connect the reason behind my creating process, is because this is what is in me. That my art has a voice...my voice. This video has helped me to give my self permission to keep letting my voice and reason come out in my creations. Thank you so much!!! Stay blessed and healthy.

[@birgitluttrell9125]

Does it resonate...yes...absolutely. Watching your videos....reading the comments...all the sudden I understand that I'm not alone...trying to find my voice...

[@ThisPaintingLife]

just follow the joy and you will find it :)

[@lindagourley5368]

Everything you said is so true ! The moment is the only thing that matters. Thank you so much 😊

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@tammysutherland8149]

I love this statement your making because often I feel like I have to be a better painter but I like the freedom I have and just enjoy the process.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GreybeardtheSurvivor]

Freedom in creativity. No chains. The essence of pure artistry. Good message. Thank you.

[@tracyaston1309]

You honesty is so valuable, Louise and so aporeciated by this beginner.

[@torieslade6023]

My art is also transitioning into unknown territory. This was the perfect thing for me to hear at this point in time. Thank you!

[@redhotnicky]

thank you Louise your saying exactly how I feel. I love your tutorials I feel I have learned so much from you.

[@PolymerClayTutor]

I like you. You are authentic, down to earth and very relatable. I appreciated your views on bravery and voice. Just letting, whatever flows from you, speak for itself. I definitely resonated with this video. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I appreciate that!

[@TheEngelbrechtc]

Tjanks Louise. Loved your message

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@bettystallingshuber3779]

Thank you so much for sharing where you are in your art journey. I love your work so much and your honesty. You inspire me!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@anitasmith404]

You are marvellous 👏. Thank you for all you do 🙏🤗

[@pammostek3344]

Your honesty about life and your response to it is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@abyfuller]

I found your channel today and I genuinely mean it when I say the timing, your message and this one in particular, I genuinely think you've saved my career... I've been drowning in imposter syndrome for months and dangerously close to throwing my studio away... And now I'm crying purging tears and feeling braver than ever... Thank you doesn't cut it but thank you 🙏🏻

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wow. I am so glad that I was able to help even just a little! Don't give up. We all battle this feeling at one point. ♥

[@sarahkittelson622]

Dear Louise, You have been so wonderful and encouraging to me through your video's. They are extremely helpful as I struggle through this current desert in my creative journey. I haven't been able to force myself out of this depression and how it has effected my creativity. I can't than k you enough for your video's and how helpful they are! I hate making ugly paintings, even though I know I can go over them and keep trying, I've gotten discouraged. Some big difficulties in my life are not helpful. But I also see part of the problem as my previous successes. I've alway been pretty good at any creative effort, right out of the gate. So I'm now learning that I must persevere, even though it is so hard. I've lost my confidence as an artist, and that is who I am at my core. So I will continue to listen to your video's and keep on trying to allow myself to work through these challenges. Thank you again for your understanding and encouragement! Keep up the awesome videos, and I am signed up for your next class : )

[@pineconemediadesign]

This makes perfect sense Louise! Thank you. Congratulations on your bravery and freedom -so inspiring to me

[@beccogiallo]

This resonates completely! Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Perfect!

[@leonormartinez6378]

This absolutely resonates with me. Thank you for being so open and candid about these relevant topics. It truly helps us.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caroletalktings]

My reaction to what is happening in the world between men and women has come out in a recent painting. I can 'see' the expression of my feelings and thoughts articulated better than I could voice them.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@56boswell]

Absolutely love these latest paintings Louise! To me possibly your best yet xx

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@marygilbertson4287]

Oh Louise you ARE brave and such an inspiration

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thanks!

[@joyhurley-deluna1428]

When I saw this video, I noticed right away something was different and I loved it! Whatever is coming out of you is beautiful for sure!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!!

[@carolandrews8952]

Thank you Louise for your message of courageous authenticity!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@pamelajohansen882]

Well said Louise. Your honesty and sincerity travels near and far. Thank you

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you kindly

[@amyhwhitehouse1042]

Thank you for this, Louise. It SO resonated with me and SO encouraged me to "let go" and do what I feel like doing! I completely love these pieces! I treasure your videos and Art Juice.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@annbald-bloom1199]

wonderful message. thank you.

[@KATLABELLE1]

They' re certainly growing on me Louise :) (I envy you your studio !! What a wall ... Blows my mind ! SO miss mine :) ) Keep up the good work and thanks for saying what we need to ear (or remember, in my case :) )