How Fast Do Artists Lose Their Skills?

[@pepinopepino7]

Making art is like driving a bike. You can forget your skills for a moment but you *can't* lose them.

[@amandac8836]

This made me feel better, thank you. 😄

[@pepinopepino7]

@@amandac8836 I'm glad it did, you're welcome! 😊

[@arelcrest]

I suffered from a huge brain damage. My skills come back in an extremely different way, but they come back and it looks as if there used to live another artist at my home.

[@midget7141]

@Kesshō :3夜空 lmao

[@gretchens.workshop]

I sure hope so lol, haven't done any art sense graduating high school (5 years ago!) and my skill level is basically right were I left off. Just need to "warm up" before a project!

[@amandalopez6754]

Instead of calling it a "sketch book" I call it a "junk book" because it helps remove some of the pressure that I put on it. For me calling it a sketch book makes it sound like every sketch has to be perfect and if it isn't then I'm the worst artist ever. But when I call it a junk book it's like, " if I make her eye wonky it won't matter, just more junk for me to put in this book, NEXT PAGE." If I do make something good I'm like, " Oh, cool looks like I'm improving."

[@suzysaladbar4087]

That actually sounds like it would help me so much! I hope you don’t mind me stealing your idea LOL!

[@SuperRaedizzle]

Another inspiring video, robin! I love your tips and how we can grow with you as an artist! ❤️💐

[@relatablestuff8635]

Omg I just found this channel and your the 1st art youtuber I watch

[@shru4464]

You Are a Fuckingg DumbAss Bimbo Rae !!! I HATE YOOUUU !!

[@nguyencaokhanhngoc2585]

Shruti Das wut?

[@shru4464]

@@nguyencaokhanhngoc2585 was talkin bout @SuperRaeDizzle

[@nguyencaokhanhngoc2585]

Shruti Das yeah I know,but why?

[@kbear6797]

Sometimes I just create a "barf" piece, whether it's painting, drawing, sculpture, whatever. Either I re-work an old piece with whatever I feel like, or I create a completely new one with what came to mind. I "barf up" whatever my mind thinks of until I'm burnt out of my funk. I hope this all makes sense.

[@jensbasement3862]

Thank you.

[@kbear6797]

@@jensbasement3862 sure, lol. What did I help with if you don't mind?

[@grishy16]

@@kbear6797 you helped him/her barf more 😂

[@sh1zuro]

"until I'm burnt out of my funk" this sentence just feel so right.

[@zaidooney65]

kbear that’s what I need! Thank you.

[@emmabarrett6169]

I truly appreciate your half-reference photo half-Netflix screen... glad to know I'm not the only one lol.

[@littlesheree5773]

I can't believe I watched this entire video!! Hooray for me!! The reason I say this is because I have been in a monumental BLUE FUNK for over a year. I haven't even been able to watch art related videos this past year. I can't go into my studio without feeling nauseous. I am burnt, CRISPY! I have been an artist for decades and decades. My entire life was everything ART until recently. Then, stuff happened. Last year, I finished three paintings; I looked at them; then, I picked them up, took them outside, and threw them all in the dumpster. I have painted since. Every wall in my house is covered with my work. I actually sit and look at them and think "I forgot how to paint!" LOL LOL LOL I know that isn't true. This video reminded me of so many things. I too decided to go back to the beginning and did academic exercises. I too had issues with EXPECTATIONS. I absolutely loved the way you showed how art is WORK. The things you did with that portrait were so fantastic. I liked the end results! Anyway. I am ready to be over this self imposed, head trip. The years of an artist do have to ebb and flow. I remember reading a biography of an artist (can't remember which one), but she went through a dry spell and she called it "THE DEAD YEARS". This is just part of the deal. None of us are alone. All creatives go through this some time in their career. P.S. THANK YOU!!!!

[@princessfreakingjasmine2322]

I've stopped drawing... and learning how to paint... so thank you. But I genuinely don't see a problem with your art

[@djsubliminalreeve]

hyperrealism vs realism its a fine line between a photo looking art piece and almost photo like painting. if you know you can do something better and in your heart it kinda annoys you deeply when its not correct to your liking.

[@y_0886]

@@djsubliminalreeve Its pretty and I admire who draw or paint realism/hyperrealism but never was my thing... don't have patience haha

[@yowo6105]

I love this channel as it really shows the progress in art. Not about one painting, but about art in general. It's like... A big more of a psychological take on art where you tell us about your journey, and you tell us about decisions you've made with regards to art, rather than the steps you've taken to reach a goal. It's hard to explain, but I can say with certainty that you have a really special and unique channel that doesn't only help people develop their skills, but also their life and soul as an artist.

[@SHA-do5so]

i needed this so much you do not understand. it felt like i was the only one that is going through this. I am gratified, thank you robin! i love you!!!!

[@RobinSealark]

This is really validating to read, thank you!

[@ziggylee1]

I'm a 58 year old man who started painting about 3 weeks ago. I have watched many of your videos and get inspired every time so Thank you for putting the effort in producing them. Your art is awesome, mine not so much, but see improvement all the time. I have worked in acrylic but get frustrated with the quick drying is there a way to extend drying time. Thank you for your time your awesome.

[@nicoleh6519]

They sell stuff you can mix with acrylics to extend how long they stay wet. I have heard them referred to as "extenders." You can also get a spray bottle that very finely mists and mist your painting with water to keep the paint from drying. But it needs to be a super fine light mist, so it doesn't drip. Hope one of those helps!

[@Sans-nx4cx]

Maybe oil could be your thing, it's known for its high blendability since it takes a while to dry

[@solarstarfish303]

You literally described me. I always think my sketchbooks need to be perfect but I know it’s not what I should be thinking about, many times I’ve questioned and wondered why art is suddenly unenjoyable for me, and your words he’s helped me realise what I’m doing wrong. I need to learn from my failures and be proud of what I learn from them. Thank you soo much Robin 💕💕💕

[@TiffanysFineArt]

Solar Starfish yes! I feel the same way! 🤗🤗

[@Dank_Engine]

I'm going through an awkward phase. It's lasted ten years instead of ten months because I freaked out and decided I couldn't draw and wouldn't confront my demons. Now I work again and I'm surprised to see how little I've lost. I can't just "feel" a line and execute it with one stroke like I could a decade ago but my observational skills are still great and I can get that line. Even if it takes a dozen tries sometimes. Never give up. Life is too short to live somebody else's dream.

[@melekboke]

In a similar boat. After about 10 years I'm finally considering holding a paintbrush again. This also happens to be one of the first art related videos I've searched and watched. It's been a long and weird journey to get to this point, but there's comfort in knowing I'm not alone.

[@carriered4715]

@@melekboke You're Definitely Not Alone in this...Me too.

[@caresacoil]

Yes!! This is one of my most important artistic and kind of spiritual practices. Never be afraid to destroy something you've worked hard on. Connect with your work but never become attached. I love this video! Thank you for this!

[@dianeo]

The disparity of what you expect to make compared with what you actually make.... yeah.... That. This happens far too often in MY art adventures. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. It's all part of the journey.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the inspiration Robin! Fascinating to hear about your struggles. And, I must say, refreshing to hear you talk about serious, academic understanding and development and taking intentional command of your art's direction. The more prevalent pop cult entertainment approach by many KZbin art channels is just not my cup of tea (I do understand there is a place and audience for that. Its just not me.) I like your humorous channel framework, yet serious artistic developmental vibe, entertaining while still showing the more considered and focused effort put into your art. LOVE the "take pressure off your studio space" comments. I tell people that art is my golf. I've come to love the activity more than the search for a final "gallery" product. Good stuff! Thanks again.

[@EM-ug8ud]

The Mind of Watercolor omggg how did no one notice this

[@CoolRiceBunnies]

It's true we learn a lot from our failures, and we can't fail if we're way too concerned with creating something "perfect". I struggle with this. I need to remember that I just have to create. Doesn't matter how it turns out as long as I made something. I've been out of the art game for so long, this was really inspiring and helpful. Thank you, and I've subscribed.

[@VEE3RDEYE]

Massively relate to a lot of what you were saying! Really love the effort you put into each video

[@vvitchyfish]

Robin, I really did need a video like this! I've been in sort of a "rut" but not sure what to do, and your video(s) are always so inspiring and a nice push in the correct direction. Thank you !

[@opalrabbit]

Thank you for making this. I stopped drawing months ago due to school and before I knew it, I tried drawing and nothing came out right. I never realized how empty I am without art and I’m so glad I found this video because I don’t feel alone! I want to get back into art so I’ll be sure to work hard!

[@marlanar.9494]

Many of the things you note really resonate with me- Like, I tend to critique myself to all hell and in doing that I never finish the pieceㅡI abandon it. I'm too much of a perfectionist...but with how you preach and value about going on even if its not "perfect" (not only in this video-- in many of your videos) I'm slowly accepting that not everything that I make is perfect. And thats okay. Your words are both comforting and motivational. And I thank you for making videos that inspire not only me, but all of your other viewers. Speaking as a junior in high school, I can say that I get really excited whenever you release a video. They're calming for me to watch and listen to. What with all of the projects I'm expected to do for my classes, your videos are like a break from the torrential downpour of school work. Thank you.

[@lewisgriffiths5144]

I have only been subscribed for literally a week but this is already my favourite channel XD

[@Chronorust]

Welcome to the art club!

[@heatherbretsch8438]

I'm right in the middle of the whole, "be ok with every stage of your art" challenge. I'm learning to let go and know that my paintings are going to go through "ugly stages". Many "ugly stages". And that's ok. Your recent tweets have really reminded me that it's ok to not have perfect work every time, especially when I'm learning something new! Thanks so much for your really grounded and authentic perspective on art and being a creative individual. It really helps me keep an good perspective myself.

[@wimmywhamwamwozzle]

I have a thought. After hearing your concerns about your paintings, I think something that would help would be working on your edges. They're all quite hard, specifically on the portrait. Working on edge control has massively helped me in my own work. And I still have so much further to go. Regardless, great video!

[@elsagrace3893]

Now, after you mention it, the edges on that portrait were horribly hard. Every single one. Outer edge, mouth, eyes, hat, hair. It looked like an Instagram photo.

[@SDM17RG]

I love this video. You are not like other artists on KZbin. You show that we can all fail and still learn instead of just showing your talent and sticking to what you know. I love it!!! 💞

[@tealeaffreeleaf949]

Uuuugggh, thanks you so, so much for this. I'm going through reteaching myself as well, but without nearly the skills you had or have, as I lack a lot of academic teaching to begin with. I got very depressed and overworked for a couple years and I'm refocusing myself into living a life I want to live. Looking at my old art actually makes me very sad because I wish I had never stopped. It's seriously a struggle to just know that things could be different... however, I love what you said about being allowed to have a changing relationship with art. You're so right! Life happens, and I'm ready to get back into it. I find the biggest disparity comes in patience and stamina, even outside of skill. Once I get excited about an idea, I get those expectations that lead to a whole lot of disappointments, and those disappointments lead to a string of actions that always seem to end in me giving up on pieces too soon. I try my best to focus on the therapy I get through creating and succeeding at the little things. Real criticism will also help me so much as well, you're so right about that. Seriously, your positivity radiates from this video like sunlight. I feel like I needed this so much. Thank you, thank you!

[@freyacarlyle9069]

I think the shading was quite good, but I think the lights need to be lighter and the darks darker to inhance contrast.

[@magdaara4343]

I ALWAYS feel motivated by watching your videos Robin, thanks !!!

[@noellecurtisart]

I find your art journey really inspiring because of your bravery to try new things and show your personal challenges with art. You give a lot of insightful advice to others that you also give yourself, and I find that very interesting because it shows that artists are always changing, growing, and beginning.

[@32bees92]

What you said about the academic training and your focus on it so you can not be limited in how you can express what you're trying to in other art you make really resonated lmao im doing the same thing right now because i want to make art that looks how i imagine it and i know i lack the technical skills and finesse to pull it off in the way i want, so its kinda nice to also see you a mega cool KZbinr i like also having a focus on that learning or relearning process. I hope you have fun while you do this :)

[@Ray-mz4hd]

truly one of the most insightful videos about skill and failure i've seen in a while. i think sometimes we all get too far in our heads about art we should be making instead of the art we are making.

[@nefertitimontoya]

Painting sounds like a metaphor for life. Part of the reason I'm interested in so many types of hobbies/crafts (music, photography, running, art) is to gain as many perspectives and insights to get more out of life

[@jessieamaya1110]

YES FINALLY my feelings are explained but the best thing to do is put in the time . I need to get my skills up

[@starlenajordan288]

I love how transparent you are!!! Your just amazing and YOU are a gift of art what you paint is only one aspect of yourself. Thank you for sharing you with us we appreciate you!

[@faith5584]

Thank you so much, videos like this are so important. They help remind me that everyone, no matter how great they are at art or how much I look up to them, fails and has to practice. I have wanted to paint my whole life, I am 21 and just started painting this year, I'm taking it slow but it is always a blessing to watch videos like this where an artist I look up too and admire shows me that they have to work at their art too. Thank you, Robin, I really love your videos.

[@dontstealthelemon]

Im so glad you made a video on this! I have a ton of health issues that cause me to lose the ability to control my hands sporadically. When this happens i usually have to put aside art until i heal up and its always so frustrating being stopped in my tracks especially when i have a lot of inspiration. But this really does describe well what its like getting back into it, i treat at LEAST the first few pieces as trial runs and just try to enjoy the feeling of creating rather than the product

[@jp8649]

This is part of why I adore you so much, there's just something so real and relatable about you as a human and an artist. I appreciate the heck out of this video as someone who is getting back into art as an adult. I'd given up due to frustrations from tremors and spasticity in my hands. I've had to relearn a lot and find new ways to make things work for me. BUT! Forcing myself through frustration, perfectionism, and self-doubt has helped me progress and gain confidence. It's also nice to see someone who's art I admire be so open about the fact that we don't and realistically cannot produce masterpiece after masterpiece. To solidarity and joy!!

[@gangpotion]

The only thing I can see right off the bat is value. Especially on the portrait. Never be afraid to go dark in the darkest parts. It can make it feel more 3 dimensional and it's more eye catching

[@qwertyuiopqwertyuiop-bb4mi]

the thing was that the reference she used didn’t have a lot of contrast either. The problem lied in her choice of references, not the piece itself.

[@gangpotion]

qwertyuiop qwertyuiop for 1 she could of exaggerated the darks even if it was mostly light but even that isn’t the case here look at her reference and look at her paintings the values don’t match up.

[@gangpotion]

qwertyuiop qwertyuiop yeah it is a bad reference I agree on that but you can clearly see darker values under the chin and nose

[@dkalisd]

Love the concept of the video! There are way too many successes and beautiful perfect things on the Internet. Getting real with all the behind the scenes and failures is so precious and special! Thank you for letting us know everyone has their own struggles and we're not alone!

[@Mad_Rian]

I love that you are so honest with us in your videos and share your triumphs and your struggles. I learn so many things from your channel. Perhaps the most important lesson I've learned and am still learning, is that mistakes are part of the process. Not only is it perfectly normal to screw something up, those screw ups can be really helpful: they can; be a source of inspiration; force a change in perspective; shine a light on assumptions made about how a piece "should" look; or just be a mistake that needs to be painted over and corrected. I really struggle with giving myself permission to be imperfect with my art, so much so that it often stops me from creating something because I know I can't do it well. I really need to get over that. I need to not be afraid of making bad art. I need to make bad art, learn from it and try again and have fun while doing it. Your videos remind me of that weekly so thank you so much! This is probably going to sound cheesy but I also find that giving myself permission to make mistakes in my art also translates into some life lessons that are very important for me personally.

[@paintbrushes9329]

Hey, thanks for posting this. I started my art journey four years ago, but only started painting four months ago. It's hard for me going into a new medium. I know what I'm able to do with pen and pencils and going on social media only to find how perfect other painters made their paintings. Seeing you work on pieces that you aren't as proud of and willing to post it for others to see gives me a sense of relief that not everything will be a masterpiece. Thanks, Robin for posting. And anyone who reads this, thanks.

[@jamieroberts269]

Robin thank you for making this video. Sometimes we forget that it is ok to make mistakes and not really like what we create. It is part of the process. And even though we reach a good place with our art we still must practice to keep our growth moving.

[@celiablanchard9060]

I've struggled so hard with art motivation recently, thank you so much for being such an inspiration, it really helps to know that you're going through art problems as well

[@Skylarblue365]

I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability of showing a piece you're not quite satisfied with yet. I have pages in my sketchbooks of drawings I haven't been able to finish yet so to know that there's a way to be happy with failures is very comforting

[@MatthewStiffer]

I am happy that you uploaded this video because I haven't been drawing for a few weeks due to exams and feeling bad about myself so it really made me happy that even an artist that I admire so much does mistakes sometimes too!

[@tristensnyder4071]

Thank you for this! I really needed it right now. I'm starting to get back into art after a break which lasted years. I was sort of happy with my first two pieces, but on my third I started to become disappointed and maybe a bit overcritical. It can be difficult knowing what you're capable of and not being able to reach that. I need to learn how to create freely without expectations, as that has always been a problem of mine. It's the reason why I took a break in the first place.

[@TiffanysFineArt]

Tristen Snyder I know how you feel! 🤗🤗

[@zoimunc]

Omg you just became my guru! I believe art isn't just perfect drawings etc. Its about creating! If you love what you do it's a success! Xxxx

[@Ali_Luna]

I'm having the same crisis in art too. But Im starting to get my skills and power of confidence back!

[@Feverm00n]

This is such a lovely & valuable video. I am struggling with trying to learn a new medium, & everything I make is AWFUL right now! And it keeps me from practicing as much as I should. Thank you SO MUCH for this! You have been a long time role model to me as an artist. Your videos inspired me to sincerely try learning to paint (previously I only worked in dry media with the occasional watercolor accent). One of the biggest driving forces in my learning to use gouache (I'm a water based gal) is figuring out how to make a beautiful water painting. You are a beacon for artists everywhere & your videos make an impact. You offer up your flame so others can light their own candles. Your videos encouraged me to access art again during a very difficult time in my life, and it has kept me safe during times I otherwise wouldn't have been. I cannot thank you enough for the education & inspiration you offer. Your openness & vulnerability, the way you eagerly share the "failures," it sets you apart. Please don't ever stop sharing your beautiful mind & work with the world.

[@NotAngelicaaa]

I love your channel so much!! every time I watch a video of yours, I learn a new way to approach my artwork!

[@katrinanoel6056]

I have not been able to complete any paintings for a long time now, I started many paintings but none of them worked the way I wanted them to. I started getting frustrated because I knew I could make good pieces but it just was not feeling the same as it used to. This video helped a lot! ow I know I can have fluctuations in my work and sometimes you have to go through times of self discovery even if you have discovered yourself before, and that you can have changes in your style. You just have to take time to get to the style you are looking for. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to me and helping me explore new possibilities!!

[@TheCameraLuvsMe]

I really appreciate these vdeos documenting your growth, exloaton and challenges faced as an artist, and it's admirable how receptive you are to feedback! It's always inspiring to see how much you dedicate to your art.

[@alexg4085]

11:20 I thought she was about to plug skillshare lmao Aside from that this is the first time I've watched this channel and it was a very healthy take on this topic. Straight to the point and satisfying to watch, great! 👌🏻

[@marksanchez9667]

I'm in a rut right now...lost interest and I can't believe it. I'm glad to know it's just a rut, hearing that you yourself have gone through it as well. Very encouraging...thanks a bunch!!!!! 🙄

[@em_bushell]

Your drawings of the pears reminds me of these beautiful paintings my nana used to have around her old house, i found out recently that nana was the one who painted them and then my grandad framed it and hung it up

[@2121jayrowe]

This video came at just the right time for me. I have been spending the last few weeks trying to get back into art after taking a VERY long break to deal with being sick from a chronic illness, I feel very motivated and less alone after watching this video. Thank you, Robin!!

[@Jamie.Nicole1]

Thank you, i really need this. Im just getting back into drawing from doing it a lot to very little over the last 10 yrs. It's been a very frustrating expierence and I feel very defeated and am really pushing myself not to give up even though i want to run away. I know what i can do, what i want to do and feel huge shortcomings like you said. This is exactly what i needed to hear and to be patient with myself and the process of re-learning everything. This was so great!! I'm subscribing now, thanks for the inspiration.

[@ashliecameron492]

You have inspired me! I’ve been out of practice for a long time. I recently completed my very first portrait. It was a portrait of Freddie Mercury that a friend asked me to paint and even paid me for. I was so scared for a long time to even complete it because I was intimidated and even scared I couldn’t make it look like Freddie or that it’d be a disappointment to my friend. I was actually mostly pleased with the outcome and felt an overwhelming desire to get back into art. Thank you so much! I feel like you’re almost holding me by the hand and leading me back into it all and I’m so grateful for that. Keep creating!

[@aerybh2214]

OMG. I needed this, love. THANK YOU. I've been in a rut for years. And stopping even before I could grow further was/ IS the one big regret I have. I've just started going back to art two years ago and it's been a very slow process since work-life was eating most of my time (not art-related). I'm making more time for it now - even attending workshops whenever I could, just so I could get out of the depressing thought that "I don't know how to do what I used to love" and that "I couldn't be a good artist." I've got more friends now who are supportive of me chasing back my passion. Yayy to that. Thank you so much for reminding me that I'm not alone. ❤️

[@emilygrace3526]

OH MY GOSH IM NOT ALONE!! Thank you so much for this video Robin!

[@christined9131]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Robin. This video hit the spot with me. I am going through the same thing with my artwork.

[@mx.noname4710]

I first watched this video years ago, when I was in school and doing different kinds of art every week. I was interested in your story, but mostly in your painting process. I liked the lighting for the cloud, I thought the acrylic underpainting was really cool, I thought using a reference photo was intimidating, and I really wanted to use oil paints one day. I’m so glad I watched it then, because I remembered it and found it, and now the rest of it is more relevant to me. I have to make myself get back into making art. I have to get over myself and my fears, all the times when I think I can’t draw. (I have held since I was three that anyone can draw. I forgot about that.) So I know this video is years old, but it still helps. Thank you so much for keeping it.

[@Tassycrafty]

I just made a big floral oil painting which I hate- I am so disappointed with myself but I have also posted first few shots of the process on my instagram and now people want to see the end product- the art work is already ready to be primed again to start a new painting- however I like what you did with that portrait! So thank you so much for this video! Means a lot to me right now. I need to paint what brings me joy- realism does not. I will try a mixed media piece soon as this is what I feel the most happy doing. Will subscribe right now. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@softlanding138]

I took all pressure off myself as far as showing my work and went into a study mode! Its wonderful. Thanks for all your great ingo!

[@niv7966]

I love how honest you are with your journey in art. You are a TRUE inspiration and your videos are truly amazing. Loving the silly moments !! 💗

[@borahae7305]

I stopped drawing for awhile since i developed other hobbies and focused on them more. Drawing was my first hobby and i wanted to get back into it again. I’m taking “baby steps” right now and you inspired me a lot to keep stepping up. When you said “You are not alone, i am here with you” it warmed my heart and comforted me since i feel bad since i kinda abandoned drawing and now i feel like i suck. Thank you! I’m still a bit frustrated when my ideas don’t turn out right. I also want to take off that mindset of making something perfect. Telling myself that art is about creativity and expressing myself. I hope we both get better!

[@Danidoodle]

Thank you for this, I got insanely sick for a whole year and can't help but feel like I'm struggling to get back on my feet artistically. It feels a bit comforting knowing that it is a struggle to try getting back to where you were.

[@dinaatjuh]

Your videos have been so incredibly inspiring. Thank you so, so much. And I'll admit it, I love to see you make mistakes (I'm such a noob, I can't see your mistakes) but your overall message of being allowed to make them hits home hard for me.

[@LycandaArt]

I so needed that! I myself had a 5 year hiatus a while back and have been struggling ever since to get back into a regular habit to practice and finding the right way for me to gain the skills I need to depict what I want (as I need a lot of guidance in the inital stages but then can move on and play fairly quickly). Thanks to instagram and tumblr I have no problem with sharing my art, especially in between stages though. Thank you for sharing your own journey with everything that it entails. Lycandaart

[@DevonExplorer]

I haven't been able to do any art for several years now and when I've tried to get my hand back in my work is really bad. I used to be a jobbing artist and when I look at my previous work and designs I'm gobsmacked at how good they are. I've been really ashamed at how I let it go. You've given me hope, Robin. Great video; just what I needed. :)

[@Fairysona]

Thank you, I needed to hear this and hearing about being out of touch with art from someone as amazing as yourself, truly makes me feel like I’m not alone and their is no shame. I shall now convert what was once my sketchbook into a junk book

[@whitewitch44]

Thank you, I really needed to know that today. I've felt so rusty and disappointed in my skill, but it's so encouraging to know that others experience it and it's totally possible to get back on track. Also knowing that it can take really long to get there, because then I'll know to keep going. I love the idea that I'll get back to a very high skill that I don't even know I've gotten to now (I've been out of the game for quite a while). Thank you! 🌻🦄

[@matthewjamestaylor]

I am a guitarist and composer and I find exploring the creative process helpful. Even looking at a visual artist. The creative process has common elements across media. I enjoy your videos and I enjoy trying to apply what you teach to what I do. You make me smile. Cheers.

[@keira.4444]

Man haha I needed this video right now. I’ve been super depressed the past half year and stopped drawing for around four months. I decided to draw yesterday and MAN was I surprised that I wasn’t able to put my idea on to paper as well, and really didn’t remember how to either. That and this video really reminded me how much it’s worth doing creative things I love :)

[@TheNemmiemi]

Thanks so much for sharing this footage! Nowadays the thought of painting makes me anxious about all the paint I’ll inevitably waste so it’s nice to know it isn’t just me. It’s a part of the process

[@cuty5954]

9:22 I literally needed to hear this advice. I cracked open a new style of painting which I’m super excited to practice more but it needed to have an “off” stage before I could get to where I had that “AH HA” moment.. unfortunately both those stages were in one single painting. The details and the love that I poured into the first portrait made it hard for me to destroy it once I realized the second portrait really looked so much better. I avoided eye contact with it for a week, but I think I’m ready to take white to it and start again. Thank you so much for your clear advice, forgiving nature, and philosophies on learning. You are a reflection of myself that I only want to see more and more of. 😄❤️

[@AK00777]

Wow, very cool video. I needed to hear this. I've been getting so frustrated and felt like I was regressing skill wise. I switched to smaller canvas boards and doing small studies. It has helped immensely. As does hearing this from another artist. Thank you!

[@bethag]

I don't think my current fear with art at the moment is getting back into it, but trying something new, because doing something new is scary and a place where you can mess up easily. I'm going to be recreating a painting from a famous artist that was originally done in oil, and I will be recreating it in acrylic. I don't paint often so I'm terrified of messing up, since it's going to be a final piece for an art class project, but I think even though this video was talking on a slightly different subject I can still take away lessons from it that can apply to my situation. This new experience can be an opportunity for me to learn, it doesn't have to be completely perfect, what's more important is learning my strengths and weaknesses and where I can learn and improve. Thank you, Robin. :)

[@dewberry150]

Thank you art mom I really needed this, the not wanting to be limited by your skill level is a constrain I’ve been feeling a lot lately

[@bobemobile]

Thank you, Robin, love what you say and how you say it! Haven’t done my art in over 20 years...took my first step and did a drawing today.

[@PaintingwithEnrique]

I love this video because its not a voiceover, your talking directly to us.

[@starvingartistscollective]

Ahhh Robin....so, so true!! Away from my practice and teaching for 3 years and I feel like a failure. Possibly not true but the struggle to kick start my confidence again is real!!!!! Great video as usual and so refreshing to see the highs and lows of other practicing artists unfold. Thank you for all you reveal and are so willing to discuss. TFS!!

[@0BluePanda0]

This is the situation I've been in lately! You give good advice and I'm so glad we will be seeing more of you and your art again!

[@sandramattsson6132]

Robin, I must say that this is the first video of yours that I've watched since probably August 2018 (that was when I moved from home and my life just sort of crumbled). Before that I watched pretty much all of your videos, and learned so, so much from them - from you. Seeing this video now, I'm realizing how much I've missed you and your advise. I guess I have found myself in a similar spot as you. I look back at old art and see things - styles - that I've lost over the years. Sometimes it feels like the deeper I go into artschools and the further I educate my self, the less I actually draw. I sometimes even forget I can draw at all, and I just feel lost. I really love you and your painting, and I hope that I as well can grow with you and find my relationship with art again.

[@jackiedunienville404]

I also really needed this video..I was actually thinking last night as to where you had disappeared to as your vids inspire me and I've had "artist depression" for a while now, I have all the ideas but just thinking of doing it is exhausting and scary. Thank you so much because now i really feel as if I'm not alone.

[@safire9425]

i really needed to hear and see this video. seriously thanks so much. i’m trying to make art that people will want to buy because i am also a working artist but i feel like i’m putting less effort or passion into them because it’s not what i would prefer to draw or paint. but i also want to push myself and get out of my comfort zone and be better at painting in that style as well but it’s frustrating because my skill level has gone down since i have been painting for myself not others for so long now. so thank you for this i feel motivated to get better at different styles of art.

[@FunnyxFroggies]

Thank you so much for this video. I really needed to see this. I put so much pressure on myself to create things that I deem worthy and it’s really put me in a stump where i just don’t create anything at all 😞 knowing that i can just create because it feels good to me and detaching from to outcome to see each individual piece flourish makes me really hopeful

[@JeffOates]

Very motivational. You and Painting with Jane are my favorite teachers. You have no idea how much painting has helped me deal.

[@lorieboo4320]

I don't know how but this gave me the motivation I needed. Thank you ♡

[@warmteacosy]

Really happy about the direction this channel is going in.

[@IxBelongxInx1920]

I love this! Some of my favorite paintings are ones where I start over and approached it in a different way! I have wiped off paint many of times, took a drive and come back and it becomes better!

[@grafoy]

Hey Robin, After 6 years i came back to drawing whole pictures (not only sketches for paintings) and i have to thank you for this video. I dropped drawing, beacuse a couple of years ago someones told me that im better at oils than pencil and it affected me so much that i really stopped doing it. Now, even with knowledge that we loose skills over time, i feel like im really doing what i feel i should do and not just what im the best at. I know that im not the only one that felt very encouraged by this video so thank you again for your honesty and that you said it outloud.

[@mack_makes]

Thank you for this. I always slip for a few months when I get a job and go to school and I wind up needing to relearn some skills that I used to have. Videos like yours always give me hope that if I work hard enough to improve that maybe I could quit my day job and do what I’m actually passionate about. It might be time to take the plunge

[@InspiredArtDolls]

I love your honesty and the techniques you've used. Great advice and great video! :)

[@lolapage1105]

Love this video, and love your openness! I have been stalling on a project I've been wanting do to for a while - a white on black portrait in pastel pencils. I don't really know what I'm doing but of course I want the outcome to be perfect. Thanks for reminding me that it's okay to make mistakes. Really there are no mistakes. And it's okay to just have fun with it and learn through the process. Thanks for the inspiration! :)

[@caleighjohnson5543]

Wow. I needed this a lot. A few months ago I got really burned out. I kept trying to force myself to get back into sculpting a writing. But I kept getting so frustrated. I wasn’t going fast enough and I’d focus on the details while ignoring the peice as a whole and it felt like I was going, well, nowhere. Just letting go of the need to make it good, something clicked in my brain. I find it funny that while I may not be a painter, lessons transfer across platforms and into completely different aspects of your life. Dunno if you’ll read this, but I love your videos :)

[@cosmokitcey8156]

This is amazing (im failing right now soooo) you are a good send

[@RobinSealark]

[@Dommelien]

This was so motivating. I've been taking a break from art for years now because I never made time to do it once I entered University. I really want to start again, but every time I do something it doesn't come out how I imagine it and that's frustrating. You gave me perspective in that :)

[@AndrewRiscart]

great video. I appreciate the transparency of this content. It really did help me understand I'm not alone in where I am right now, just returning to art after 10 years off. truthfully. I am doing quite nicely all things considered.

[@grafikspatlaj]

Tku so much for this video. Getting back at it after a decade made me think I'd lost it...but you just made me realized that i need to enjoy the ride...

[@camiporter3634]

This is so true. I got down on myself and felt like I couldn't make art so I didn't really paint for maybe 2 or 3 years and when I got back into it I felt like I had "peaked" in talent when I was 15/16 which is embarrassing that I had incredible paintings when I was a teenager and I felt like I should be wayyy better when I started again. I'm glad I got back into it and I have learned so much and I love watching painting videos and I still have SO MUCH to learn about tone and color and drawing! Art is awesome. No matter what "level" you are at or what type of art you like to do, you should do it!! Trying is awesome and making art is awesome!