How to Start a Painting?

Question I got: How do I start a new painting? My paintings have no consistency.
Do I just let it flow? Or does in need to have a set direction?
This is the question that comes up when we begin to take a more focused approach to painting. When it becomes for us more than a pastime or hobby and becomes a passionate pursuit or profession.
Usually, it’s not the painting that’s tough, it’s the thoughts that come up - the judgments, the inner critic.
Things to try:
1. Create a studio journal. Writing before starting a painting. Blurt everything out.
2. Step back from the thoughts that are coming up. Become aware of what the quality of the thoughts you have while painting.
3. Set a timer during your painting process and step back, pause every 20 minutes or so and notice what is going on. Check in with your body, emotions, thoughts.
4. If the thoughts are not supportive, replace with more supportive thoughts.
5. Take out all your paintings completed thus far and look at them as a group. Journal about them from a curious, non-judgmental perspective. Don’t worry whether you love it or hate it. Just get curious. Write down from a neutral voice what you are noticing.
6. Think from a broader perspective about what the paintings are about. What are they teaching you? What are they showing you?
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[@nonane2390]

This is the most fascinating conversation about art and the creative process. Take a stand and trust yourself , no second guessing allowed in this studio. Know inside that you will find the light in the tunnel at some point.We have to be strong. Perhaps we get to simplicity going through complexity . Tune in to sensations in your body so that you can become a window through which something greater can come through.Bring imagination and gut feeling together into play.

[@mimibuckles]

Beautifully put, Panevino! Thanks for adding your voice to the conversation.

[@nonane2390]

THANKS MIMI@@mimibuckles

[@MicheleTheberge]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience here!

[@francescacostanzo335]

Hi Michele and thank you so much for taking the time to "personally answer" my email. Your answers were spot on, especially where I am uncomfortable sitting there with uncertainty. I've taken your advice and began my sketchbook (the first thing we are taught in art school and the first thing we push aside when we're busy freaking out over our work process). Thank you thank you thank you. I will keep you updated of my progress as I "work through" your suggestions." Peace + Love, Francesca

[@MicheleTheberge]

Awesome, Francesca! Do keep me posted!

[@EllePlowPlow]

Francesca Costanzo is there an update?

[@henryoliver3962]

Hello Francesca

[@kristinebauer794]

I just started this past summer, it gives me peace through difficult time. This video is spot on for me. Thank you.

[@MicheleTheberge]

Kristine Bauer You’re welcome. I’m so glad making art gives you peace during the challenging times. It does, for me, too.

[@EARTHLING74000]

I throw/dump/pour paint on a fresh canvas, make an abstract or two, at least I have something done that day. This process of childlike playing with my "cheap" paint often stirs my artist side into action, and is quite fun. I like the abstracts and they often become useful in the next real painting I make as a background or inspiration for a color mix. Thank you for all your effort to make these videos. Your work has helped me many, many times, from starting a painting, to removing the pant from my favorite pants. You are so nice. All the best to you.

[@lifetree5640]

hi Michele! thank you so much for all these informations. you are awesome! I did a little bit of fabric painting while in school. but can't call it an art. now at 58 ( though I don't feel my age) I want to paint and your videos are helping me a lot. they are so short and concrete at the same time descriptive. thank you very much!!! And you are very motivative! waiting for more videos from you....

[@mollymuzette5860]

Michele, Thank you for creating instructional videos. I've learned a lot! I have an interior design background so I had learned rendering techniques with pencils and markers but never learned to paint. I took the leap and started learning a few years ago. My tendency is to plan out designs in a calculated, thoughtful way- but they never quite live up to my expectations. My inner critic is loud. I followed your advice and looked at the body of work I've created and see that it is joyful and playful in nature. That surprised me because life has been very hard for me the last several years due to severe medical issues. I guess I was not fully aware of how happy I am when I'm painting. Thanks for the simple yet powerful lesson. -Alena

[@lisatousignant7082]

Thank you for answering this question. I have often felt a general sense that, “I need to know how to start a painting.” But, I never really stopped to consider exactly what question to ask about it of anyone...I just plowed on through...so I thank the person who asked it of you. My deepest desire is that my art is created to serve in some way. Your “Noticing” exercise described toward the end of your talk is a practice I will begin starting today! My paintings come forth from within with messages, lessons, and understandings about the things I am experiencing in life, but I don’t necessarily take the time to journal in words those messages so I can talk about it with others. I am quick to release any messages to the viewer or to the new owner as theirs and my thoughts no longer hold the center stage. In some regard, I think this is right thinking. But, I am also coming to realize I’m not totally receiving the fullness of their gift to me. So, today I will sit with a small series I am making because a client wanted something small to go with another piece of art she has...and she preceded her request with... “anything you make will be fine.” This can relieve my inner critic from its duty...not really, and , well, I now want more from my paintings. I want my art to serve me just as deeply as I want it to serve others. Thank you for your message Michelle. I am so grateful!

[@MicheleTheberge]

Hey Lisa! You are welcome. Great to hear from you. And I was grateful for that question, too.

[@NicoleDeAngelis]

I just came across you video and I am enjoying so much of the knowledge you have to share! Thank you! I just started painting again for the first time since collage (except for a few random paintings). I just turned 40 this year and something shifted and I am falling in love with painting again. Thank you for sharing your passion with the rest of us it is so inspiring! I heard in your last video that you are from Maryland. I have been living in Costa Rica for a while but I grew up in Joppa, MD. 💝

[@Freebirdshearth]

I am so thankful for you, Michele! I just started a course as a brand new painter (eeeeek!) with Shiloh Sophia. She is inspiring and really encourages us to work from our intuition. But I found myself lost. I didn't even know which questions to ask! I have been watching your videos all day and, of course, I've subscribed. You are a godsend. Thanks to you, I am building some understanding. You are a marvelous teacher and I look forward to a long journey with you!

[@jennyleak]

Michele, thank you! I wanted to share that your advice was spot on for me. I've found a lot of creative flow of inspiration after guided meditation and yin yoga, and this video was a bridge today... it helped me connect those yoga practices to my art practice in a new way. Thank you for putting this into the world!

[@anitavandenbroek1153]

Thank you for this answer! I am just painting for nearly 1 year, never got a lesson I just began. I even sold some work. I started painting when I had a depression and painting helped me to go through that. Some people tell me that I am very talented and off course that is nice to hear. I don't think, I paint. I love to put some colors on my palet and let the brush and paint lead me. That is when I make the best work. If I have to think about difficult things in live, like we all have sometimes, then I need to paint so I can get the right mindset to think about my problem at that time. I can see it more clearly than because I don't think about it when I am painting. Do you know what I mean? It is difficult to explain aspecialy in english. When you read the question I thought girl pick up your brushes and paint, don't worry if anyone likes it. You have to like painting, the proces, and what you paint is good when it feels good to you! Thank you for your video's.

[@juliec7302]

Michele thank you so very much for taking the time out of a likely very busy schedule to answer this person's question. My husband and I are self employed and work long hours at a very demanding and stressful business. I am also a nature photographer but we don't get away nearly enough for me to indulge that passion, so I decided that this year is going to be my year to find something else that allows me to give my right brain a spa day (for lack of a better phrase). I have latched onto your videos as well as those of a couple of others who've actually reached that side of my mind and made me think that this is something that I can do so long as I keep the self critique in check and remember to let my inner child play. I am not an "artist" per se (can't draw a straight line with a ruler sort of person), and, undoubtedly, have a deeply buried traumatic art class memory from when I was in school that sets my inner critic on high when I've tried artistic endeavours in the past. So, thank you so much for this video because it was very comforting to those of us who are foreign to paints, pencils and brushes and the concept of being "artistic" (in the classic sense).

[@MicheleTheberge]

Julie C Hi Julie! Just saw this comment now, hence my late reply. I am delighted for you that you are able to take some time to follow your passion and please that these videos are helping. Feel free to email questions/topic for other videos here on youtube to [e-mail]. All my best to you!

[@monicaeggleton4510]

Extremely helpful guidance. This is the nudging I have been without. Having a "gift" is wonderful, knowing technique/color/media effects...are all chatter that starts the process. Going within to play and be playful with the supplies that speak to you is a challenge that can bring in the slug of life/internal conflict/doubt/need for approval/etc. Success, when it comes, comes from the soul and flows with an ease often associated with the clam experienced when in prayer/meditation/centeredness. So, any assistance to self direct, to enrich your internal space, to tap into this place within which speaks from your heart/soul/being and directs the brush on the canvas.

[@mcdowellra7892]

Very inspirational. I really enjoy your positive outlook and kind words. Recently I had been struggling in my own work and your videos have been such a wonderful pick-me-up and a breath of fresh air.

[@emerylendvay2694]

The videos are so good. You seem to have an exceptional talent for expressing the breadth of your knowledge of painting and creating while keeping it seemingly effortless, natural and charm-filled. Thank you so much and please let me know if you have other videos, books or learning tools available.

[@GalacticHeroOfTime]

I recently came across your channel and I love it! Thank you for all of your tips and knowledge! I was thinking of starting a huge project with a series of paintings but was kind of hesitant and critical of myself. I have a background in graphic design but have always loved traditional art. I haven't painted for some time now, but after this video, I got the motivation and courage to start painting again. Thank you! :)

[@MicheleTheberge]

+Crimson Loftwing This makes me so happy!

[@pyrogirl793]

Loved your comment on finding satisfaction in your work first; letting it serve you first.

[@janisvogt1079]

This is great advice. I'm still new to the creative process, but I get stuck easily in front of the canvas. Out and about, I come up with great ideas and take awesome photos of subjects I want to work on. But when I sit down to get to it, I get bogged down. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@Branman345]

You helped me with your advice thank you. I was at a cross road I'm new to painting to I've drawn my whole life and that's what I seem to do just draw, doodle, whatever it may be it might be lines on a page that's all that counts and it gets my creative juices going. I loved this video great job and thank you for your advice it makes sense.

[@MicheleTheberge]

Thanks, Brandon! Glad it helped. There are so many, many potential answers to this question.

[@Branman345]

Your welcome. There are so many answers to that question and you did well answering it.

[@jnequest99]

I have enjoyed your videos over the past 4 months. Especially the technical ones focusing on blending and mixing. Thanks!!!

[@MicheleTheberge]

I appreciate so much your taking the time to say, so Ryan! You are welcome and more to come!

[@robertfassler8718]

Hello Michele, I want to start using acrylics and really have no experience with them and after viewing some of your videos, I have concluded you are an amazing teacher. Your approach is very holistic and goes beyond mere technique. I have a degree in intaglio printmaking and in the past have worked with watercolor and oils, but have not done any painting of any sort for around 35 years. I own a stained glass business and do a lot of glass fusing to satisfy my desire for artistic gratification that I don't always achieve when doing routine commission work for others, which typically does not allow me to exercise my creativity so much. I am also a cancer survivor going on 5 years now and I just want to express myself in another medium for a change. I want to do some fairly large impressionistic landscapes and seascapes that always bring a sense of inner peace to me and have the power to transport me to a calm region in my mind. Can you give me any tips on what a typical color palette you would use for a caribbean sun set, for example, or a midwestern prairie sunrise? I have a little bit of color blindness that has always been somewhat of a handicap for me, but not so much that it has kept me from pursuing my art. Thank you for being such a wonderfully charismatic and knowledgeable instructor. I am very happy to have stumbled upon your videos!

[@christywinkleman9830]

I know exactly what she is talking about. when I started painting I there out a lot of work, because,I later figured out, it wasn't good to me because it wasn't finished. I was wanting it to be done, but it just wasn't. when they say paint through it, it just means it isn't finished yet so keep going. once I learned not to judge it before it's "finished" I saw magic happen! I CAN paint!!! I work in acrylics most if the time. I like the flexibility of this type of paint ...that I can paint over what I don't like....change it. it's like it's alive until it's done. for me, I have creative days and others that are not so much. I have learned not to try and push through a uncreative day. If nothing seems to behave like you want, set it aside and come back later or even tomorrow. what was a struggle for one day is child's play on another. it will get easier with practice. and remember painting should be fun, relaxing, and connection to spirit....after all you are "creating" from nothing more than a piece of fabric and a little paint. it's all amazing to me. 😁

[@hungrysponge634]

Awesome , you are mesmerising , incredibly so , and you’ve actually made me sit down and stop my workflow .....to listen to your voice Infact Iam now questioning my application methods even though Iam a Confident painter You’ve reminded me of a particular reflection regarding Prep. , longevity , health , colour , vitality and tactile connections to ones work projects. I find my thoughts annoyingly distracting as an Artist , often I produce nothing physical Even after days of thinking and silent study then more contemplation , .... This is my first attempt to Create a Gallery of my own personal Works , So I always try to stack ideas experiments and a Gallery of finished pieces in my Mind first so I can nail it all in one go ......Wet in Wet ! Your Videos are well cool and you have an Amazing glow . Thankyou

[@LindaUrsin]

I'm not the kind to think what I do is crap, or get stuck. But I have a feeling I need to work more with my hands. Get my fingers in the paint. Any recommendations on what paint to use to make it safe?

[@MicheleTheberge]

Great question, Linda. I would try the highest quality kids tempera paint as that will be a non-toxic binder and non-toxic pigments. Probably not as archival colors and binder as acrylics - but I would follow your gut and get your hands in the paint. Would you consider wearing thin gloves? Then I would say go ahead and do it with acrylics. There are pigments that are much less toxic than others. You can research that if you are committed to an archival fine art paint and use invisible glove to protect it from getting in pores or tiny cuts or cuticles.

[@LindaUrsin]

Thanks Michele :) I've been using acrylics lately. Washing my hands immediately after each color. I do have some medical gloves I can try using.

[@ajiaww17]

Great tips, thank you! The inner critic can be quite annoying so I will definitely take your advice and do some journaling today before I start my next piece.🙂

[@shelbizimmerman2320]

I am so glad I came across you in the KZbin world. I aspire to have courage as you do in facing my thoughts and showing them the door. I need a little boost in how to be my own creative self. I am a painter of 4 years and can find a painting and duplicate the idea and make it my own ..how do I get away from that and be an individual? thanks in advance for being you!

[@mariangelaalhanati8267]

I am very happy that I found you and all your videos. Since I have started to watched you videos, specially this one, I have been thinking differently, and also looking and talking to my paint differently. All your videos, Teaching and up lifting words amazing, and are helping me a lot. ! I am a self taught painter. I have been painting/dyeing on silk for about 4 years. When I started to feel that something was missing and I need to spread my wings and experiment with something else. Then, I have decided to go back to exploring acrylic(s), as I used to do on my teenaged years. Long, long shot 😂Thank you for all your amazing classes, words, and work. Please, keep posting them. Many blessings and love. 🌟💖

[@MicheleTheberge]

Thank you for your beautiful comment! It touches my heart. I wish you all the best with your creative pursuits.

[@christinaczarnecki625]

You are sooooo inspiring!!! thank you Michele!!!

[@Diozark]

I'm a new artist and just tried working on some small canvases 12x16, tough to paint detail in little faces, but the holy cow that's awful feeling I just step back, laugh, and keep going, by the end of of the 4, 5 hour session I have something good, not what I was trying to make but it's original so I'm happy.

[@MicheleTheberge]

I hope others are inspired by your easygoing attitude. Keep following the fun!

[@JoeyRauts]

Very helpful thoughts and advise/suggestions. Thank you very much! xx

[@MicheleTheberge]

You're welcome, Jo! Thanks for watching!

[@bigrayink2155]

Omg this video was so helpful 😊 thank you for sharing

[@MaraMaracuya]

Thank you so much for this, Michele.

[@seahorse5689]

Such a helpful and thoughtful video. Thank you! just recently found your channel and have subscribed.

[@lofenoialof5320]

What would you recommend for easy quick brush clean up? Sometimes I have like 30 minutes to paint and clean up. Do to recommend 2 water buckets for rinsing the brushes? Thanks so much

[@MicheleTheberge]

Yes! That's what I usually do while in the process of painting. One of the initial rinse and one for getting more paint off. But at the end of the painting session it's really important to wash with soap and water. It may seem like a pain when you have little time but you'll have to spend more time on the other end working for money to buy new brushes if you don't! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rl61mYWErtqDq6M I like to think of it as the closing ritual to my painting time.

[@bobbienovemeiaquatro]

Thanks!!! You are a wonderful teacher!!!

[@MicheleTheberge]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@angelamaxwell59]

I love all your advice and your videos!👍🌈

[@catllionare]

I really resonated with this video. In August 2014 I started to paint and I felt so much passion, so much excitment, but now and then I feel kind of lost for not knowing how to get where I want. I paint abstract and I love abstract but I also want to be able to paint photo realism. Someone really close to me once said that people who only paint abstract figures or simply abstract show they don't want to risk to paint realism (or can't paint realism, the person may have said that). That kind of got stuck with me. I appreciate beauty in both but so far I only successed in one. I have been trying to paint by looking at a photo but they look blocky just how I feel at the moment. How do I get rid of my self doubt? Also, how do I shut off my mind to medidate? My mind is always so buzy like a anxious lightining party. thank you for the video. I'll watch it more times and try your suggestions.

[@MicheleTheberge]

Viviane Belladona Dear Viviane - Thanks for writing. I wonder why anyone would feel the need to tell others HOW to paint as if one type of painting is "better" than another? Or that is has to do with skill? Was that person familiar with one of the world's most respected living painters - Gerhard Richter? If not, You might want to study his work together and then revisit that convesation that one would only choose to paint abstractly because they can't paint realistically or that it is more "risky" to paint realistically. Generally it's the other way around. Most everyone starts painting realistically. This type of thinking is generally coming from someone who has not deeply studied painting but still has a superficial relationship to it. It's important to cultivate one's own voice and OK to listen to others feedback but don't let it affect you adversely or lose your center. Also, I did make a video on a simple 5 - minute meditation that you may like. All my best, Viviane!

[@DailyStrike]

Do you have a video that addresses the different painting surfaces? Such as Canvas, canvas board, artist board, paper etc. Pros and Cons of each. Thank you Scott

[@mimibuckles]

+Scott Vaughn Great idea, Scott! I'll put it on the list.

[@atolliver91]

i never thoght about that , i usualy write after i draw something ,but i think i'll give it a try before & after ...thanks...

[@MicheleTheberge]

atolliver91 You are welcome!

[@lisacarbajal4866]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge , in teaching the begginers like me who want to live their passion and lack the basics. Your videos will be a foundation for me , thank you again :).

[@richardbarksdale3810]

Then all the best thoughts for painting come back and we're good to go 😀

[@blancaagostini1628]

everytime i watch your videos you transmit me a very positive energy! you are a very good teacher tho :)

[@richardbarksdale3810]

Sometimes I just feel like I have painter's block just like a writer may get writers block. So what I do is take a walk through the park or run down the beach to get the blood circulating to my brain.

[@ellib2231]

Thank you for this. It was what I needed to hear. Your artwork and videos are wonderful.

[@MicheleTheberge]

+Elli B Thank you Elli! Your comment was just what I needed to hear! : )

[@ellib2231]

Aw, bless you :)

[@ForceFreeTrainergirl06]

Good advice. My inner critic is far worse than anything anyone could say to me!

[@lauraven1979]

Thank you thank you I am stuck !!!

[@whileistaysecluded]

Michele, do you have any advice on selling art work... I'm struggling for funds and I have a lot of completed original pieces but I don't know how to sell them.. 💜

[@MicheleTheberge]

Hi! This deserves a whole video post on it's own. I am doing a free facebook live today at 1 pm Pacific Time (GMT -7)and would love to talk about this there. facebook.com/Michele-Th%C3%A9berge-artist-141639189231397/ if you can make it, please join! The video will be on that page after to watch.

[@MicheleTheberge]

Also, there are channels that deal specifically with this. I met Corey Huff when he interviewed me years ago and he has devoted himself to helping visual artists in this way and has lots of solid info here: kzbin.info But hopefully you can make it to the call today or listen to the recording as i have lots to say, too.

[@hioart001]

Thanks for the info.

[@MicheleTheberge]

You are so welcome! Thanks for writing!

[@mtskeeter2]

do you have to be a talented artist in order to paint a decent picture??

[@MicheleTheberge]

Wow! Sorry I missed this question last year. My mom died and I was out of the loop for a while. That's a really big question! I feel like it deserves a video all of it's own.

[@SunshineLeclair]

thanks for sharing ;) Donna

[@sajjadali-lu6wb]

great work Thanks :0)

[@cliffdariff74]

There is the notion of paying close attention to your process, during the process, not the final outcome....And also follow the art more than your idea. Another words don't escape from what you are doing, rather escape from your concept of what the final painting is.... then just move on.

[@christhebarber87able]

You should look into making ASMR videos about painting you have a great voice and speak clearly....

[@chuckbenwitt789]

Gosh....you forgot to tell us how to unscrew the tube and which end of the brush to use, maybe on your next video

[@sajjadali-lu6wb]

awesome advicve

[@mylesadams1662]

Huh.. cool video,amazing how it ties into certain spiritual teachings that spiritual teachers share… Basically have be in our non judgemental child likeness and be willing to leave aside our adult judgement and conditioned ways of thinking and perceiving.

[@MicheleTheberge]

You speak to my heart and understand exactly where I'm coming from. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@mylesadams1662]

@@MicheleTheberge nice to hear didn’t expect my new interest in art and painting to hear this sought of thing ☺️ I followed you on Instagram I post cloud photo and art on there sometimes.i saw you like meditation in your bio you might like a spiritual teacher that came into my life spontaneously his name is Mooji.he has a KZbin channel on here.take care Michele ☺️. 🙏❤️❤️❤️🌸🌸🌸🥰

[@MicheleTheberge]

@@mylesadams1662 I'll check him out. Thanks!

[@marlenevincent6019]

Your sound is not much good can hardly hear.

[@MicheleTheberge]

Aww sorry you couldn't hear on your device. Did you try turning closed captioning? Also, I wrote a description of the contents below.

[@veritas6335]

Blah blah blah. Eleven minutes of mush. Says nothing. There’s one simple answer to the motivation dilemma which is this: failure is part of the process. Learn from it and keep going.