"I've Lost Joy in Painting"... How to Deal with Frustration and Discouragement

You don't control your painting, the painting controls itself through you.
Art is frustrating by default. You’re basically trying to push matter around to turn it into something beautiful, it’s unavoidable that there’s going to be resistance: the paint is not going to let you do what you want and with this resistance comes frustration.
Painting, like any creative endeavor, can be both rewarding and frustrating. The journey of an artist is often filled with moments of doubt, self-criticism, and the temptation to give up. On this channel, I never shy away from showing my mistakes, my failures and how I start over. I’m often asked how I deal with frustration, how I find the patience to keep going and start again… Maybe it comes from my background, I didn’t study art in school but philosophy: during this time, I got familiar with many essential thinkers and certainly the best philosophy to learn how to react to frustration is Stoicism. As an artists, adopting a Stoic approach can help a lot. So here's why you just can't give up, with a Stoic perspective.
Chapters:
00:00 Stoicism for Artists
02:04 Dichotomy of Control
03:50 Premeditatio Malorum
07:12 Self-Worth and External Validation
09:06 The Impermanence of Things
12:23 The Paradox of Control
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About me (bio) :
Website :
www.florentfarges.com
I am an artist living and working in France. I learned the techniques of the Atelier of the Nineteenth century and now I try to share some of my knowledge with the rest of the world, because I think that beauty still has an important role to play in artistic creation. I do mostly drawing and oil painting, and my goal is always to provide techniques, thoughts and explanations that can be useful to anyone, from beginners to more advanced artists.
The material I use most of the time (not necessarily in this video) :
Drawing
✓ Kneaded eraser
✓ Plumb line (DIY)
✓ Small mirror
✓ An old synthetic brush
✓ Masking tape
✓ Cutter
✓ Sandpaper or sanding block
✓ Mahlstick or Hand rest (DIY)
✓ Level ruler
Graphite
✓ Pencils 2H, HB and 2B
Charcoal
✓ If available: Nitram charcoals (H, HB and B)
✓ Square charcoals
Black and white chalk
✓ Sketch pencil Conté white
✓ Square Conté noir : HB and 2B
✓ Chalk or pencil holder
✓ Pencil sketch Conté Pierre noire : H and HB
Sanguine
✓ Sketch pencil Conté : Blood and blood Medici
✓ Crayon Polychromos Faber-Castel : sanguine
✓ Sketch pencil Conté white
Oil painting
Palette
(Extra-fine paint, recommended brands depending on availability: Sennelier, Lefranc Bourgeois, Winsor and Newton, Royal Talens Rembrandt, Blockx, Michael Harding, Gamblin)
✓ Titanium White PW6
✓ Flake White (or substitute) PW1
✓ Cadmium Yellow light (or "lemon") PY35
✓ Yellow Ochre PY42
✓ Raw Umber PBr7
✓ Transparent Red Oxyde PR101
✓ Burnt Umber PBr7
✓ Venetian Red PR101
✓ Pyrrole Red PR255
✓ Quinacridone Rose PV19
✓ Quinacridone Magenta PV19
✓ Ultramarine Blue PB29
✓ Mars Black PBk11
✓ Cobalt Teal Blue (turquoise light) PG50
✓ Phthalo green warm PG36
Brushes
✓ Filbert hog bristle and Synthetic sizes n° 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12
✓ Flat Synthetic brushes (same size)
✓ Round sable brush or round Kolinsky sable n° 4, 8, 10, 12 (from the size of the nail (about one inch) or synthetic imitation
Medium
✓ Linseed stand oil
✓ Odorless mineral spirits
✓ Or Alkyd medium (Liquin, Galkyd, Flow'n'Dry etc.)
✓ Safflower oil
Surface
✓ Linen canvas, fine grain universal coating
✓ For studies : Canson oil-acrylic oil paper Figueras
Others
✓ Palette
✓ Sponge and spalter brushes
✓ Palette knife in the shape of a water drop, no souldering
✓ A few small pots, containers, jars...
✓ Paper towels
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#art #painting #inspiration
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Thanks for watching !

[@travisnobleart]

This is a video for all artists. We are all going through this, no matter what stage we are at. It's so hard dealing with failure, especially on a project that's taken a really long time. And the hardest thing to do is to recover from it by doing more in the preplanning stage. You need to change your approach, or you'll repeat those mistakes, and sometimes it's really really hard to come up with a better plan. Often a better plan isn't very good. You fail again, wrong plan. That's painful too, but it's important to keep trying different plans, backed up by theory and your experience, and eventually you will find one that works. A bad plan is better than no plan because it eventually helps guide you to the one that's right.

[@FlorentFargesarts]

A "bad plan" is what I call most of my new projects. 😅 having no idea where it will lead is the point...

[@kevinhawley4992]

how many paintings of "the Greats" didn't we see?! look that up for Van Gogh (hint* he made 2,000+ )... and then.... keep painting. They're not all going to be masterpieces. Enjoy the process or move on. 🫠👍

[@travisnobleart]

@@667hodge You might be onto something.

[@susanahlstrom1953]

I’m a beginning painter and often start a painting session watching a KZbin art video or by doing a canvas sketch for the next painting something that puts me in the mindset. One of the first things a realized was I had to get over the anxiety of painting ugly. Painting is not something that can be read or lectured into a person it has to be done and each small incremental lesson learned on the canvas. So my plan is to paint ugly until it’s not. I also found it interesting that you talked about Stoicism, I had just downloaded a free amazon book to read about because I realized my anxiety about doing something new was because I set my expectations too high. Love your channel and your classes. I learned so much from the color class, wish I could buy one of the posters. Thanks for putting such great content on KZbin.

[@lilbaement9890]

One really nice thing about canvas is that you can always repaint it, I can't count how many of my paintings have other paintings under it. and they aren't even what I would call "failures" usually. Sometimes I just feel like I can do a better job now that I've learned more and don't feel like buying a new canvas, sometimes a painting just looked at me crossways and I don't want to look it anymore. Letting go is really important. realizing the value of the time spent rather than the final product is really important too

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

I learned something from this video that mistakes we will make you understand that you see your mistakes will make you a better artist not a failure as a beginner or experienced artist 😊

[@artunplugged]

I was an artist - and a good one, you can see for yourselves if you look me up. At a certain point it started making me miserable. I gave it up and dedicated myself to working with refugees. (I abandoned my KZbin channel too.) Best decision ever! I feel happy and fulfilled and I am making a difference. Conclusion: do not fall for peer pressure that tells you to persevere with something that makes you miserable and serves no good to noone. Life is too short - do what makes you happy and makes the world a better place!

[@beatusqui]

Take all the art out of the world then as it serves noone?

[@SilviaM63]

I’m obsessed with your content, and yes I was going through the same thing. Sometimes it’s good to take a break away from painting, or start some courses to improve certain areas etc Great video as usual 👏👏👏

[@stephent2700]

Florent, thanks again for exploring the forces that shape art. My experience in art (and everything else for that matter) supports the proposition that the more you try to control the more you limit your abilities to see opportunities and let the art evolve and if something won't work, move on.

[@danadelcastilloforeman5373]

Thank you for the valuable insights shared. It really is about the internal and external process. 🙏🏼💕

[@jinarizk1135]

Love your lessons , and I live the joy even if it is a process of frustration and satisfaction , but it is a personal improvement each time I mix colors, Love painting , love you too 🎉❤

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Thank you so much ❤✨️🎨

[@brazilfem]

This is a great and wonderfull message ❤we need to remind ourselves of this

[@peterquest6406]

I don't do anything wrong in my paintings.I just incorporate them into the picture in some one,by changing what the picture was going to be,painting over it and creating a whole new world.

[@B1ackDahlia767]

@Florent Farges - arts, I enjoy studying psychology, philosophy, & metaphysics. I also practice Stoicism. 😉🖤

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Then this type of video is perfect for you 😉

[@B1ackDahlia767]

​@@FlorentFargesarts😉

[@ianbrowne8871]

There are many artists who deal with the practicalities of painting. You are unique in providing the philosophical underpinnings for what we do. Stoics provide a very good sense of balance and free us from the emotional pressure which is so common in modern western culture. You ask the importent questions and draw attention to the illusion that we are in control? There might me some hope with oils but hopeless with watercolour! I am finding that may have planned wall, but I only get the sense a painting will work when I am over halfway through the exercise!! It is always fun finding out!

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Thanks. Actually understanding that I can't really control my work and that it sort of has a life of its own helped me a lot.

[@ianbrowne8871]

@@FlorentFargesarts I am doing a course and the tutor comments that his success rate is 1/10. The important thing is that I learn something from each attempt. Nothing fails like success!!!

[@chrishynes6091]

I always get scared before I start a painting. Kinda like stage fright. This often causes me to put it off to the last minute of the deadline I set. I felt better after I'd read Robert Henri say that a true artist is always terrified when starting a new canvas.

[@hantise666]

Merci beaucoup pour la vidéo

[@kerryallen6476]

Your wisdom is astounding. The information in this video is so thought-provoking and helpful. You've given me plenty of things to contemplate. Thank you for your generosity of information!

[@pburress06]

Just want to say thank- I enjoy all your videos, and these on Stoicism piqued my interest to look into that. It's interesting, and falls right in line with what I believe.

[@luisadebarnot3251]

Merci mille fois pour cette vidéo❤❤❤

[@ecstatic_charcoal7706]

Wow found this video on the right time thankyou ❤️

[@changemymind06]

Wonderful & truly helpful video that can be carried into other areas of life's endeavors! I've found that sometimes if I'm super stuck and have lost my confidence, i will do a small side project that i know i can do well and in one sitting/evening (like a quick watercolor painting or a graphic illustration). Everyone should remain stoic through these trials, for every 'mistake' is how NOT to do something, which is just as important. And when you do figure it out, it's like - woah, i did that! So, yes - enjoy making the painting while making the painting! 😊

[@sylvainst-pierre8725]

Magnifique ! merci

[@Rbkamel]

first love your videos now I know why you have the right answer. hope you give me answer for one more problem the missing of motivations and losing passion in drawing

[@owvon222]

I began my oil painting journey few days ago from just pen and pencil drawings. The frustration is real with managing brushes and colour and paint but im enjoying the process. One day I will stand on the side of art in our history. Stay stoic everyone🗿

[@cynthiamarston2208]

Add old age to the mix of discouragement and frustration. Im gonna do a little stoicism study because that not needing validation has been my path but it’s still forced. I will become taught so my effort to grow without validation and let go the frustration and discouragement. Around daily activities I tend to turn in to a bull. I break things and kick the wall and hit stuff and get out of the way when I get something from the pantry and other stuff falls out. Same with fridge and freezer. Throw it back in hard. Its my hands are stiff weak etc…the old people drop things a lot. And the rage is precursor to some form of dementia. At least its not every day or every moment! When I’m tired and painting makes me tired if I persist a moment too long. And control….well yeah a lifelong demented state of being! Man this is great. I’ll throw it on every few days. Humans need to hear a thing and really listen at least 7 times for it to start taking hold. My puppy is 8 months next week. I moved the “studio” again. Right in to the kitchen with the biggest window plus Northern lighting. I never eat at the table anyway. It was just a contrivance and piles of stuff catcher. Now it has supplies and headphones TV for broadcasting a larger version of photo I’m using. Yeah I’ll be stuck with photos forever no doubt. Sometimes I get one blown up to size which really is better….just tape it over the TV screen. Also the kitchen and living room are the only rooms I control the temperature. Heat in Winter Air conditioning in Summer. And it really is a process of correcting throughout! That comes with the territory. Must turn that in to opportunities in my mind and find the dopamine reward! Uhhhhh. Thanks for sharing. LOL? I do tend to drive myself crazy! We all are already a little crazy!

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Visualise what you want to paint. Its already there. 🤗

[@dagoelius]

Also applies to musicians as well.

[@GayRocker81]

Yes, indeed.... ..... we musicians are artists as well

[@8a38palakdewangan6]

Wow beautiful ❤️

[@natv6294]

Hey Florent, I went through your list of items but couldn’t find a recommendation for a camera.. I’m trying to build a setup to record but I don’t know what to get, do you have a recommendation? Something that can last for a few hours and doesn’t heat up? And thank you so much for this very helpful video, I needed this. Thank you for all the help you give us!

[@freedomvassigh3998]

Thank you is all i can say .

[@8a38palakdewangan6]

Hi there,Your style evokes so many emotions 😊💯 your art works are so beautiful are they for sell?

[@hhmarts4805]

Sir for blending skin tone do we need to just touch the edges or transitions of skin colours with clean blending brush for getting smooth skin tone ? Pls do guide me 🙏

[@ronpaulick8395]

Sorry! This is not a comment but a question. First, I am new to your videos. So far I’ve viewed a few and in one of those there was an offer to purchase a complete set of educational videos. It was priced around $60 (US?). My question is would you please send me a link so I may review. Thank You! I like and appreciate your teaching method. Ron Paulick, Montana USA

[@WolfgangToeglhofer-gm9ep]

maybe an opposite topic of this one might be: how to paint brimming and engaging and powerful paintings (vis a vis a boring narrative making onefall asleep after a few minutes of watching it)

[@torgo_]

I think it's somewhat obnoxious for an artist to create paintings and then expect to receive mountains of praise and encouragement. Creating works for this purpose: it immediately destroys the work and exposes the artist as a fraud. I have been painting for 20 years, and I've rarely shown my paintings to anyone. The act of art and creation should be a joyful experience of discovery and expression, not some showboating act for the sake of ego and validation. If I ever have problems with motivation, I just drink more wine and then add more paint. It never fails.

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Thanks , love the idea of the wine and paint (with moderation though...)

[@travisnobleart]

There is a different route. Art could be made for its service. But whether praised or left alone, I do believe, in a sort of holistic way, all art fulfills a purpose that extends beyond us. Even the obnoxious kind.

[@desertsunset8025]

Baloney, we all are insecure of criticism . But that's what makes us better artists . You should show your work to your friends and family and start there . By not doing that , you are closing yourself off to what is a difficult thing to do for most artists . We all want our paintings to be great . That's not show boating .

[@lilbaement9890]

i don't know about expecting it, but I love earning praise on something I've worked hard on and proud of, everyone likes to be told something they've done is good and there is nothing wrong with that. I often use the praise I receive as criticism, if people just don't seem to care about a painting, I'll often scrap it and start over, if people seem to really love it, I'll keep refining that painting.

[@torgo_]

@@FlorentFargesarts I find that a glass of wine helps to allow the hand and wrist to move freely, to make bold brushstrokes. Because some days I'm cowardly when I paint, and I approach it with a small brush and fiddle around with details in the corners and turn it all to grey mud. I believe that the greatest paintings require bravery, bold strokes, confidence. The other method is to work on a strict time limit, or on a very small surface. That's the purpose of the glass of wine: a potion of bravery, just one or two to calm the mind and steady the hand. Not to paint quickly or thoughtlessly: make the marks passionately, with violence, emotion and intent. And if I fall, that's ok too, mistakes are precious morsels: a disastrous painting is a rare gift to the experienced artist, and it should be embraced and treasured.

[@GayRocker81]

OMG, Flo... Why is it that you always post a specific topic that somebody, somewhere (present company included) needs to see?? Lol .....I mean, at the VERY opportune time...

[@FlorentFargesarts]

I guess we all share similar feelings so it’s easy to connect. 😄