How to set your art (and your self) free

How we lock ourselves into our pasts, our expectations, and habits - and how to break free and give ourselves permission to be the artists we truly are. Best-selling author Danny Gregory tells his own story of feeling confined and stale, and how he escaped this cage we all build.
📬 MORE HELP: Subscribe to Danny’s weekly essay at dannysessays.com
🔈PODCAST: Listen to Danny weekly on youtube and at artforall.buzz...

[@djkuroneko]

Not gunna lie... that was inspiring as hell ❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

I appreciate your honesty.

[@lauramayer1734]

When I was about ten, I owned a yellow and orange canary named Herschel. My mother swore that he was the only bird who could crap sideways and hit her wall rather than the newspaper that I diligently kept clean at the bottom of the cage. One summer day when I wasn’t home, Mom put Herschel out on the back porch “to get some air.” She said the cage blew over, but I suspect Herschel’s door was also left ajar. Herschel flew free and was on to new adventures. Mom never had to clean the wall again. Here’s to the Herschel in all of us. Be bold and fly free!

[@angelwings7930]

Messed up.

[@elizabethtichenor]

A friend of mine was relaxing in his hammock one afternoon and he saw a flash of blue out of the corner of his eye. He look in that direction and among the usual birds at his feeder was a parakeet. The bird seemed nervous and was hanging out with the finches but a little outside the group. He watched the bird for a long time and it began to edge closer to him. Eventually it hopped up on his leg. My friend called out to his partner and told him to get a cage. When he returned with the cage the bird happily went in and never wanted to leave again. He had tried freedom and it was too much for him. They tried leaving the cage open but he didn’t even go near it. Thanks for your stories and inspiration. I will try to leave my cage and hope it goes better than it did for Chuzzlewitt! That’s what they named the bird. 💕

[@IreneFaivre]

Elizabeth, thank you for sharing this story about the wandering parakeet. It reminded me of a documentary called The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill about a flock of feral parots in the Bay area. I like the idea of keeping the door open on the cage, which actually just makes the cage into it comfy home. For me, that's kind of the difference between supporting oneself as an artist in the wild world of professional art and doing my art just for the love of it, with a day job to keep the birdseed on the table. It actually makes me more free to create than if I lived completely outside the cage.

[@Kathysart]

I truly appreciate this. Since my husband passed in April I rarely leave our home. People tell me, do your art. I’m stuck though in tears with no end. I feel alone and yet I don’t want anyone around me. I paint and sculpt women, but recently drew a honeybee for a gift. Maybe that’s a beginning. Each night I make plans to do my art the next day and each day I don’t. This KZbin of yours might just shed some light… onto my canvas’ and clay. Maybe. So thank you for your insights and understanding.

[@maxineboxer9714]

My husband passed in May, after 53 years married. You need company, maybe seek grief counselling, you need to talk about it, that helps. Anything that brings some relief. To get back to my art, I just started painting Christmas decorations, they are much easier than a full painting, and I could lose myself for a few hours. Planning a full painting is still too much for me, but I intend to do more sketching and see where it takes me. Maybe you could sketch with a friend, and then have a cup of coffee. All the best to you.

[@sarahyip2825]

A specially tailored program for specific losses is GriefShare from the US. Small groups of people with similar losses go through 13 weeks with great counselors fleshing out the anatomy of grieving via clips etc. Worth the time investment. Really.

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Am stuck and this really hit home. Retired now with all day free to paint, yet I don't, but this video moved me to set myself free. Thank you Danny.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciacassell1412]

I’m exactly where you are!

[@mariaperez8763]

Am the same way,retire all day free but I am stuck

[@sandrabeck8788]

You are not obligated to produce a masterpiece! Just do something every day. For YOU. You can do that.

[@mariakapatos9545]

I challenge myself most days to draw something in 10-12mins and so enjoyed your lesson on contour drawing etc. and on the 3rd try I managed the keys…I thank you sincerely Danny for all your posts, so appreciated.😊

[@ValerieFisk]

I felt like a wide-eyed child being told a beautiful story listening to this. You are very eloquent sir. From a fellow Hockney fan.

[@bobbiegraham7729]

Best video ever. And your joy was palpable and visible. I have a 12 x 12 art room, mostly I paint in it. Sometimes I just sit and absorb the beauty in the colored bottles that filter the occasional sunbeam. I miss the sun in LA, the food in NYC, but in the middle of the country I get sky, and occasionally two redheads that come to visit their mom. Life is good. Art makes it better.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Love that image, Bobbie!

[@kcsnipes]

That’s what I thought but then at the end I’m thinking it didn’t resonate and the bird analogy didn’t stick for me but he’s still an awesome storyteller

[@peterreece2340]

He is not an Artist, he is a psychiatrist. His videos are medicine for the mind. I just retired (sort of) and am getting back into drawing and oil painting again after over forty years. But, its almost like I am starting form the beginning. These talks are very encouraging. Thank you very much.

[@marit-6366]

I can relate so much to the rented studio experience. I moved into a new house and had a spare room. Even before actually receiving the keys, I knew inwardly that one of the rooms was gonna be my studio. Even though I am just beginning my art journey. And it's terrifying to actually have all the space and some materials and then actually have to START making. But I'm doing it step by step. Sometimes I don't have the courage to create for a few days or even weeks, but then one day I do and make something. This process repeats and steadily I make more. A few weeks ago friends saw one of my paintings and asked me to make one for them. I dread working on it every day. So I just paint a little each day and continue the next day.. Thank you Danny for your inspiration, kindness. It's really helpful to hear your story.

[@sandrabeck8788]

Just remember, you don’t have to perform for ANYONE! Just enjoy doing what you do.

[@paulabrown6840]

I call this video kismet.😌. Lately I’ve felt creative as get excited by art videos of all kinds... I’ve spent the last month collecting art supplies and watercolor brushes and pads...a lot of supplies. The other day I set everything up just so...then couldn’t bring myself to sit at the table 🤦🏻‍♀️. I ended up on line again watching beginning watercolor videos...🥺... your video popped up in my feed like a little “you can do it” miracle! 🙋🏻‍♀️... I am going to jump that hurdle thanks so much to you! New subscriber ! 💜

[@anndoshi8870]

That was such a beautiful message… I was scrolling through KZbin deciding what to watch and saw your lovely face and clicked! Thank you for the positive attitude and your art …it’s amazing!

[@sharonpitts5883]

😀 The best thing I ever came across was this channel. Almost brought me to tears when he said to try out your wings. I told the Universe my life needed to change, I had been retired and health issues really held me back, some from side effects from medications. Then I was lead to this channel, an answer to my prayer. Bless you for doing this, now it is time for me to follow your advice and fly.

[@janejohnson3395]

Your videos are so inspiring. I'm also teaching myself to do art. I have sold a few paintings and lots of Christmas cards. Now I'm trying to learn to paint loosely. That's difficult for me, but I think I'm getting it. You are the voice that I've never heard in my life; that you can do it voice. I married young and when I graduated from high school, I wanted to take an art class and my father in law came over to tell me I wasn't good at it and it would be a waste of money. I'm 71 now and determined to pursue my goals. No one ever wanted to invest in my life; not with money or verbal support. I have been picking up a following from facebook friends that I've had over my lifetime and share regularly. They seem to enjoy my art. At my last class reunion, I knew someone would ask why I didn't bring some art with me to show, so I took some and came home with more money than I went with....though that wasn't my intention at all, but I knew then that people enjoyed what I was doing. Thank you so much for being that positive voice I need to hear.

[@bieckerchick]

I needed to hear this! I am retired and so want to draw, paint and write- nothing stopping me....but me. I am that canary🙄. When you mentioned feeling anxious- I am the same. I also use busy work excuses (I'll start after I get this done, or that...) It's time. I'm going to step out of my "cage" and start. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!

[@SuzetteMorrow]

Your voice has a calming effect on me. I pick a video of yours when I need a mindful moment to calm down and find my feet. Thank you. 🙏

[@sandrabeck8788]

Wow you were terrified! Of that studio! Hard to believe this was you! You have had such a rich upbringing, and are multi talented, now providing others your rich thoughts and encouragement! I need this on a weekly basis. It IS making a difference for me.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I’m so glad!

[@chanceh4089]

Wow, that 11ft painting of your neighborhood is remarkable. I can tell just by looking at it how much fun you had making it. Your videos have been helping me so much, thank you for all that you do

[@robl9767]

Amazing and so true my friend. Since the pandemic hit I have become a total shut-in and after a surgery on my drawing hand that ends. Back to the bus and exploring Denver's cafe's to draw, read and meet folks. I'm tired of this cage I've been living in. Thanks I needed to hear this. (Edit a typo)

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

I got your book out of the library( I'm trying to save $$) & it's great! I like how u state that we should draw from life more than from pics as your artwork will have more dimension. Last night,I did a Gouache painting of a pair of Converse-knock- off sneakers I bought at 99 Cent Store & while it's no masterpiece,you're right! As a result, I'm going to try & draw what's in front of me rather than from my phone more often 👍

[@kde4608]

Danny, I just had to tell you this video stunned me into stillness. The depth and soulfulness of the message, I can't find the words to express. I was shocked to see it had 38,683 views in a little over a year, when it should have had at least hundreds of thousands. There is a whole audience that is seeking voices like yours who have missed this message. That's the spiritual seekers and others who truly desire to make the world a better place for humanity. I know artists and these groups overlap, but there are so many who art isn't their current focus, but who this message would mean so much. If you could get your messages in front of audiences like these, I think it would make a profound difference, especially now when the world is going through so much. The world could use more voices like yours. In all you do, I wish you the very best. You deserve it.

[@b.bailey8244]

i will be revisiting this as a daily meditation as i sit in my canary cage of perfectionism and remember that the door is ajar. (i love the freeing feeling of painting on throwaway stuff like cardboard, too!)

[@daydreamstar1707]

Thank you Danny, you have been such an inspiration to me. I have always loved art and mostly sketched as a teenager but I hated to add colour. Then life took over, home, family, job, until recently when I confided in a new artist friend and she encouraged me, it was fantastic to find someone who felt the same excitement for art. Hence I found your channel in my quest for artistic knowledge… Today I completed my first small painting. I’ve made a promise to myself to keep going.

[@Telindra]

I'd really want to break out of my habit of where I make art - which is at home. I'm terribly bored from it. I'd like to move it outdoors, into nature as I'm wanting to learn landscapes and different vegetation, plants, flowers etc. However. The second you go out, and stand still for more than a couple of seconds? You're swamped by mosquitoes and gnats. It is seriously torture. The nature around here is honestly breathtaking, and full of magical and inspiring places. That photographs never does true justice. I am very grateful to be fortunate enough to live in a place like this. That speaks to the very essence of your soul. It's just a tad frustrating how it's not a possibility to sit in a clearing on a mossy rock in the forest, and sketch the surroundings.

[@dolores2716]

Thank you! This was awesome. I've been feeling stuck and uninspired and your story woke me up.

[@wanderlustaesthete4117]

Same here! Sending you positive vibes

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm so glad!

[@sarahyip2825]

Was good in Art as a child although far from being the creative kind. And seems to run in the family. But i remember vividly telling my teenaged self, or rather repeating what I heard, that Art isn't gonna pay the bills etc etc and the notion of the poor struggling artist stuck. And so making Art fell off my life ever since. Until I ran into an old schoolmate 2 yrs ago and wow she's been doing her Art for quite a while with art pads to show for it. The "freedom" is scary maybe bcoz I had actively discounted its value pushing it down all the time. All work and no Art makes our eyes dull. Now it is slowly becoming my pick me up 🌱

[@carmengomez-munoz4723]

Standing ovation !!!! Simple, yet inspiring and thought provoking........

[@paperjellyfish143]

Thank you for such a relatable video. Much like the canary you described who ventured out of its cage for a glorious moment, I could relate. I am a photographer who has been dreaming of interviewing random people at a local farmers market for several years. I like the canary you referenced to, will venture out early tomorrow morning and see what this world has to offer and maybe, a person will sit and share a story with me. Thank you for the inspiration and wonderful story of a canary.

[@sandramillar9067]

This is SO good!!! Thank you Danny. I’m still ‘trapped’ in my thinking so this is very helpful.

[@zombie99999999999]

very sincere words. I feel the same fear. I was very brave when I was young but I guess I'm getting old

[@kikiy2972]

I've been watching your videos for a while, and I'm so grateful for all the content you create, the inspiration and encouragement you offer. I just ordered You Do You and The Creative License, can't wait to read them! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience!

[@peterney2402]

An excellent essay sir, your street painting is quite refreshing. A message to the young ones, stop trying to be the world's greatest artist, just draw, paint or whatever and keep drawing painting and whatever.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks!

[@Xophian]

What a lovely story.

[@connieebinger6343]

I love your neighborhood painting! So colorful and fun!

[@ArtistInNewHampshire]

Thanks for your offerings. I love listening to podcasts while painting and cooking! Cheers from a former New Yorker in New Hampshire! 🎨🖼🤗 Patty

[@SketchBookSkool]

Our pleasure!

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

After the last 2 years, I think a lot of people can identify with this, artist or not. Sticking your beak out of the cage door is definitely scary. We'll get there if we just remember to be gentle with ourselves. 😊 ❤️

[@wendycaughley6420]

Hi. I just have to let you know how much I enjoy your videos, I find them so soothing, therapeutic.....and validating! Each one provokes memories and healing for me. I like your authenticity very much and at this time of my life it allows me to heal some tough memories of put downs of my love of just painting to see the colours and the insecurity of my right now, disabled and quite housebound, 63 years old and newly separated, facing fears of my future but truly needing to revisit "painting just to see the colours" to heal neglected aspects of myself. This video really resonated and I am thankful for the gifts of your own understanding and experience. Thank you :)

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm glad the videos help.

[@windacollins29]

The way in which you express yourself envelopes this listener completely...it's as if a good friend or much adored uncle is sharing his truth and wisdom which engages and inspires mine. The only things missing are a back-and-forth dialogue whilst enjoying a good cup of coffee. Thank you for the lift!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Feel free to sip any libation of choice as you watch another video.

[@lorrainesaliba5469]

Hi Danny ! Those paintings on the cardboard boxes are simply joyful and I think I would hang them round a room and just feel the happy vibes they give me ! Thank you for sharing ! Always enjoy watching .... and listen as well regarding your Podcasts with Jack ! Warmest regards ... Lorraine 🤗🎨😁

[@connieebinger6343]

Me too Lorraine! I love the idea of big, bold and free drawings like that, I think they are wonderful!

[@lorrainesaliba5469]

@@connieebinger6343 😁💐

[@craving_artist_tee]

You’re inspiring me to start making videos on KZbin. Thank you sir for sharing your story

[@shell1756]

I love your stories. Thanks!

[@prophet71124]

THOSE WORDS ARE RIGHT ON! You are a man after my own heart! Kudos to youuuuuuuuuu......

[@loki_lokasenna]

Thank you so much for this. Again, the timing is so interesting. I went to a cafe earlier this evening and was playing with an old vintage birdcage and remarked how I love birdcages--and that I love seeing them empty.

[@trishlloyd8883]

Thank you 🙏

[@aroset]

Came across this 11 months after you posted it. Ringing true now and will continue to ring true. Thank you for sharing your stories.

[@myriamrizkallah7645]

I just love how passionate your are about art and sharing your creative journey! Thank you so much, you are such an inspiration! 🙏🏻🌹

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm so glad it's helpful!

[@cm-sx4kr]

Soul nourishment (bless you, thank you)

[@donaldtrudgett420]

Love that Story just realised on that bird and wishing in five years I would have my own art business Time to get busy thank you

[@charliemurphy1037]

After a long, long time of practicing drawing only with getting better in mind, only using pencils and black pens, I’ve realised how unmotivated I am because of how stuck I am in my approach to art. I am trying to liven up my sketchbook by using colour, collage, and trying to do new things! I’m trying to break my rules as well.

[@traceyannpapworthart]

Thanks Danny! Love hearing you talk about art 🎨 A couple of years ago I bought beautiful canvases and high quality oil paints. There they sat looking hopefully and then abandoned. Then a couple of months ago I found my old student gouache set and started painting on cardboard..no need to worry if I painted rubbish. Then I got daring and posted the paintings on Instagram. Phew! Noone said it was rubbish, I got a few comments and likes. I posted more and used it like a commitment to myself. Then a lovely lady saw a post and wanted to buy the painting 😮😊 I have made a promise to myself to do a little art each day. I wanted to be an artist since visiting an elderly relatives art studio as a child..it was a magical! Life is too short to deny yourself happiness so if anyone has a dream out there please do it ❤ Yes, I'm still doing the office job, but that pays the bills and in my heart I am an artist..and proud of it ❤❤❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@cassandro9445]

You are a true philosopher of art! Your thoughts are amazing, so relatable yet so mind-opening. I'm so grateful I bumped into your channel. Completely subscribing to your essays! Have an awesome day!!

[@hashsand]

LOVED this, such a joy to be with you and listen to you, Danny. I've just subscribed to your mailing list

[@wanderlustaesthete4117]

This video couldn’t come at a better time. Thanks Danny!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Happy to help!

[@marcus_hermansson]

Beautiful!

[@melissaartistry6041]

That was just wonderful! I really felt it. Loved your street scene, just magic 😍

[@lauraking1331]

Thanks so much, as always. Timely reminder to stretch boundaries and just play!

[@SketchBookSkool]

You got it!

[@lindaheath784]

Art class was the only thing I looked forward to in school. I am now a nurse partially retired. I started going to an art class then Covid struck.....

[@joannal7700]

This has got me wanting to just get started again too- been avoiding artmaking for too long- but just to start by playing around and trying different things... im looking forward to this! :) thanks!

[@SketchBookSkool]

You can do it!

[@elle325]

Thank you, Danny. I needed to hear this.

[@karenharnish8090]

Ahhhhh ….. I just loved your video. And your box paintings. So inspiring. Thank you from someone who has just stepped out of her cage - to spend more time on being creative and artsy.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm so glad!

[@elizabethbarnes3969]

Awesome Danny. You’re a winner!!❤

[@tsstechangel1649]

I needed to see this one today. Thank you for this video. I look forward to watching more in the future.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Please do. I post new essays all the time....

[@karenricher5244]

I have always wanted to draw and paint since I was a child but fear has stopped me…..that blank sheet of paper terrified me! I’m starting to draw, my drawings aren’t great but I don’t care! I am getting lost in drawing, thank you so much. You’ve no idea how much you’ve helped me to get starting. I’m so grateful, thank you 🙏 😊

[@SketchBookSkool]

Go for it!

[@birgitblume4980]

Gorgeous video!!

[@mikaelsoderstrom6663]

Super inspiring and calming, thank you Danny! 😊

[@donna-elizabeth]

Love the story of the canary 👏 such an inspiring idea. Thank you!

[@wagnerduro]

Hi, Danny! I really like your videos and watch them whenever I'm looking for motivation. Saber, in your stories about drawing I see myself in many of them, especially when I realize those small but intense moments of anxiety I have to start drawing in a square, outdoors, in public. Believe me, I'm still beating my 'inner judge' by drawing at home and your stories help me a lot and inspire me to continue more and more. I leave here a strong and friendly hug.

[@lobinski07]

Thank you Danny 🌞💫

[@christianlumberpondmachado4721]

I needed this. Thank you for this wonderful message and reminder…

[@judithburgess952]

Danny you are so inspirational. Sending many thanks and blessings to you.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Oh, good! I'm so glad you liked it, Judith Burgess.

[@msdeeandfamily]

Ugh. Now I’ve gotta try some scary stuff. 😅Thanks. You’re an amazing encourager!!

[@Rayneybee]

My art has been frustrating me for so long and I had no idea why. This was a good wake up call, thank you :)

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm glad it helped!

[@LoneJensenArt]

Your videos are now my way of meditating 🥰 Thank you

[@celinem8456]

This has to be one of my favorite DG's short videos! Great inspiration and.... wow! I just love those gouache paintings of your neighborhoods. I hope you still make "not-in-my-sketchbook" art !!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much!

[@nezukoismywaifu]

Thank you so much for this meaningful video. I hope to one day spread my wings with my art and life. This was the boost I needed.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You can do this Andrea Na. I started out by teaching myself and now I draw with confidence. Join me!

[@VixSy333]

You are precious! Thank you sharing yourself, this is inspiring and valuable on so many levels. 🙏🏻💕

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are so welcome!

[@annadreamsart9756]

Thank you. Just what I needed to hear. And your voice is comforting for my anxiety. Thank you.

[@margaretlindsay4129]

Thank you so much. This has helped me in so many ways. Love you. X

[@makalu877]

Danny, you are a good soul, thanx for being there. The picture of your neighborhood was awesome.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I appreciate that, John!

[@assel4225]

Thank you! I needed that encouragement!

[@SketchBookSkool]

You got this!

[@GratefulDeb270]

Thank you! ❤

[@aparimitus11]

Beautiful! You do a great job making these videos sir!

[@TrueColorsArtist]

So sweet, love your talk

[@neecywatson8250]

Love this!!!!❤️

[@LemonEyesNL]

Wauw, I was at first a bit scared of starting to watch it because its something I walk up against, but man this has been worth it!!!! Amazing story ❤ I feel more free now 😭😭🥰❤🕊

[@ColoringforComfort]

Thanks. Just what I needed right now.

[@SketchBookSkool]

👍❤

[@susan-sn7jg]

😭😭😭 Great video. Thanks for sharing. 🍁🍂🍁

[@rbrown9907]

This is so inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are so welcome!

[@lesliethompson4588]

You are so inspirational!

[@puccini70]

Thank you! This was really inspiring, as are all of your videos and emails. I wonder, what on earth will you (will I) do with all these sketchbooks when I get old? Not sure my kid will want them all.

[@silkeschafer5658]

❤ thx, that‘s exactly what I needed to hear today

[@LukenUSee]

Latecomer to this, but really enjoyed your message and the way you presented it. Looking forward to your essays.

[@fajer2808]

That was very very inspiring, calming and assuring. Thank you so much and those paintings specially the 11.5 ft wide painting that was astonishing very very beautifully done!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much 😀

[@rodicacretu1030]

I believe you forgot to mention something that you hadn't bought : the talent!

[@isabelmartin40]

In love with your work! Thank U for making my life (more)Wonderful😍!

[@christianmaier1836]

this is a beautiful channel

[@bobbiegraham7729]

I still love your neighborhood paintings, miss them in the background. I do like the ceiling fan reflecting motion in your fb button, but I miss the street scene. I replayed this because I needed some motivation, and once again, got it. Only trouble is that now I have The Who singing I'm free in my head❤

[@vda_lin2463]

i love this.................... i've just watched several of your videos, i find tem quite inspirational. Encouraging and guiding. thank you. 🤗

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Thanks Danny for sharing your story. Really enjoyed this video.🌷

[@SketchBookSkool]

Oh, good! I'm so glad you liked it, Tyra Thompson.

[@r.m.mckiernan4901]

Thank you 😊

[@CamperGirl03]

I LOVED THIS!!