The REAL REASON why you can’t PAINT LOOSELY (yet!)

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Painting loosely is one of the biggest challenges painters face. But there's likely one big reason why you're struggling to paint loose: perfectionism.
○ Austin Kleon blog post I mentioned: austinkleon.com/2020/12/10/qu...
○ *Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: amzn.to/3MG9H3o
○ *The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: amzn.to/37b0Fed
○ *Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland: amzn.to/3sW66Gj
○ *Atomic Habits by James Clear: amzn.to/3tE1ns2
○ Check out Carolyn Anderson's work here: www.carolynanderson.com/
○ To purchase this or other recent paintings, visit chelsealang.com
B O N U S C O N T E N T
View my full palette used for this painting, see my full list of holy grail art supplies, and download my favorite brushes all within my free guide to mastering your painting style: findyourstyle.chelsealang.com/
Commission a painting like this one: www.chelsealang.com/portraits
0:00 Intro
F O L L O W
Instagram: / chelsealangart
Facebook: / chelsealangart
TikTok: @chelsealangart
C O L L E C T
Website: www.chelsealang.com/
M U S I C
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[@dakotajones7655]

A tip I recently learned while painting is it’s ok to have a bad piece. I use watercolor as my medium, and I was painting a wilting daisy. I liked the way it turned out but didn’t like the first few petals because I had never painted a flower before and had to experiment to get the right look. It’s ok to not like you work. And my tip is, just do it again. I kept my painting, but I painted it again on another sheet of paper with the techniques I learned from the previous one. There’s so many different ways of doing art out there, and for me, this one works best.

[@pch2230]

Yes, the painting you're working on might turn into the one where you find the problems and how to solve them.

[@thedog4967]

Yeah yeah, a very wise man once said, "It's okay to start over, because you won't be starting from skratch, but from experience."

[@monicaant.1422]

I also use watercolor and want to paint abstract but have a habit of trying to make it perfect

[@ergotoxicosis]

This is great advice!!!

[@wolflahti412]

It's not only okay to make a bad painting-it can be downright helpful. A good exercise is to _deliberately_ make a bad piece. It is surprising how much one can learn from it.

[@johncoulter8023]

Thank you! I am a 70-year-old Vietnam veteran that lives in a single room in a friend's house. I see friends perhaps on two occasions a month - other than that I am alone - very alone. I started painting a year ago to combat my loneliness and I was initially thrilled with my results. Everyone who saw my work raved about it. A local wine tasting room asked me to display my work there, But because I am a perfectionist I don't want to take advantage of this opportunity until all my works are perfect. So for the last month, I've been going back to my old paintings and working them to death. I don't want to blow this opportunity But I want everyone to be thrilled or I'll feel foolish. To that end, I have not attempted any new work for the past month - just painting bandaids on old pieces to the point that I've destroyed what magic they once had. This talk you gave helped me - a lot. Thank you!

[@annenglish2935]

I am nearly 70... recently took up watercolor and will stop from time to time & for me it's like beginning again. My son recently inspired me not to hide the artwork I've done... ??? Well, others see with their own perspective... Paul Clark, from UK... is an absolute inspiration... bit of humor... God bless you for sharing 🙏... a California Gramma...

[@comfort-and-joy]

@John Coulter the local wine tasting room knew what they were doing-your work is worth seeing! I hope you’re able to share your work soon!

[@Kaylee-kl5wb]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve been an artist since I was little so I’ve had a lifetime of living and believing That I am a skilled and capable artist. That just became part of my identity. All the “wow’s” and compliments I’ve received have compiled to a great big bar that I’ve set myself, and seldom do I ever reach that standard in my art. I seem to continuously feel like I’m not doing good enough, and even in the high moments where I make something beautiful, I’m thinking I love this now can I ever make something this beautiful again. I’m trying to find that acceptance that everything I create is okay and enough and allow it to be. In truth it came from nothing through my hands by the grace of God and if He allows it, I have the chance to create again tomorrow. Some days I have a good mentality about and some I don’t. This video was brought a nice change of though.

[@annenglish2935]

@Kailey - Thank you for sharing... Art does reflect life... I tore up my Loose small tulip 🌷 watercoloring last night...then did it again on cheaper paper & kept it. I felt so awful that I couldn't "perform"... at my age, I know better. Yes God has gifted us with a hand, eyes and mind to create 🎨 art. For this I'm forever grateful - This is a very new journey for me... it's a reflection of my soul... for me it's personal. Thank you... Happy Easter!

[@James-nm6jb]

@@annenglish2935 hi ann !! You sound like such a nice and grateful person. I hope i’m like you when i grow up. Happy easter and good luck with your painting ❤️

[@NataweeTehCatxD]

When you said that perfectionism can lead to anxiety and depression I had a moment of realization about my journey in art. I have been aiming to make each piece the best possible and it all comes to nothing but burnout and sadness. Thank you so much Chelsea for making these videos :')

[@Marzinno]

I agree and just wrote a long comment but you said it perfectly in many less words …burnout and sadness describe it perfectly ..it’s also frustrating that painting should be doing just the opposite for all of us

[@krissyryhorchuk5691]

I agree with you two. Do you find that quitting a painting and waiting a while helps? Eventually I find that ‘man that looks really good! Like someone else painted it’. I’ll still have something to fix, but I’m not looking at it super irritated with how much more I have to do and how I don’t like it at all yet. Walking away may be my new secret trick because otherwise I’m reworking forever! Hamster wheel 100% lol. I hope more experience will help with this as well. No more perfectionism! ♥️

[@simim111]

Art and everywhere else.

[@hollyhayes9640]

I actually stopped drawing and painting because I was so focussed on it being perfect. 🙃

[@shaft2365]

Me too

[@lorriepaints1490]

I always comment to my fellow artists …there is an “ugly stage” to every painting …hang in till you get past that stage! We all think we must get a masterpiece right from the get go….and we get frustrated if that doesn’t happen within an hour . I Ordered her new book about 1 month ago! I’m getting more comfortable with trying new things . I did four peonie paintings today in about 2 1/2 hours….and they look great and really loose! I was thrilled! Fear be gone!

[@thebulletkin8393]

Me right now but with digital painting. I’m new but when I can picture something in my head but not put it down to paper it gets a little bit frustrating, but getting over that perfectionism is something that I really need to overcome

[@janet4900]

I know exactly what you mean. The youtube artist, Yupari, says there's always a "scary" stage to his portraits, cause he's painting people, and at some point they look like a zombie before he's finished.

[@josephososkie3029]

“..Ugly”....I like that.

[@lorriepaints1490]

@tanuki no yami I find with watercolour, working on more than one piece at a time keeps you allowing for time for each layer to dry…..no mud….try working on three paintings at a time that may be similar ….patience is the game in watercolour!

[@narrowroadtraveler4167]

A master piece take years to paint

[@RainbowRagdoll]

A best friend of mine, when I told her I was unravelling a section of my crocheted blanket over and over again because "I want it to be right." She told me that she calls those imperfections "a crafter's signature" and I find that to be a fantastic idea that I use in all of my hobbies (painting and drawing, clothing embroidery, regular embroidery, crochet, collage art) and it's just another tool I use to get over the hump of perfectionism.

[@annenglish2935]

Beautiful inspiration! My adult son asked what happened to a painting... & I said I'm going to use the back side for practice cuz' it just didn't work out right. Don't hide your work... hm... well, he's an inspiration though not fully agreeing ... thank you, a California Gramma ❤

[@beauteoussounds1156]

Native American beaders would purposely add a mis-colored bead in their work as a portal of sorts for the Great Spirit to pass through. They called it a spirit bead. I think things with ‘hiccups’ are so much more interesting! I pay it more attention than a perfect, machine made item.

[@angiepen]

I'm an amateur noob at art, but a professional writer. I've told students something similar, that you learn immeasurably more from writing six stories than you do from writing one story and rewriting it five times. Do it, learn from it, do another one, keep going. Fiddling with commas and struggling to find that one perfect "lightning" word, word by word, in your one and only story or novel for months or years, is self-sabotage. I'm not surprised it's the same with paintings. Good vid.

[@lukoshey79]

Something ill never forget from life drawing class at art school, we were a few weeks into the program and after a long 2 hour session with a model, the teacher said, 'ok, now i want you to tear it up, destroy it and throw in the garbage..! So many students objected but his response was, "You'll take these sketches home, theyll gather dust and in 6 months time, youll throw em away anyways..... Dont be too precious." . He was right..

[@chukukaogude5894]

Rofl, it's funny because I came to that realization when I was starting digital art. I wanted to be as close as a traditional painter as I could do I didn't undo, I didn't use special tools, I didn't use layers. Whatever mark I made, I had to paint over it. When things started going south. I would try everything to save the painting. Then one day I just deleted it and started over from scratch. The painting came out better. This is when I realized I should not cling to it. If I mess up move on. If my skills are so good, I can recreate it or make it better in the future. It's not a fluke that I painted it and it came out well that time. Over one year my skills jumped fast. I did a self portrait and posted it to YT. Then I started getting into landscapes, cityscapes, still life etc. Then I started revisiting all of the fundamentals including I missed learning. Now around my second year my understanding on how to paint, form, colors, etc. is where I want them to be. Now I can start learning the tools of digital painting. I won't be dependent on the tools too much to carry the painting.

[@user-rx7uh9mg4f]

I don't understand, what if the painting actually went well and you learned things from it? What's the point of tearing it up? Just sounds like extra drama to seem deep and edgy when actually it's unproductive. Even tearing up a painting if it went bad is a bad idea, because we need to see and remember where we messed up so we can improve and stay humble.

[@lukoshey79]

@@user-rx7uh9mg4f sure thing, but they were drawings, not paintings so the time spent working on them is minimal and we were producing hundreds of them per month, eventually they pile up and you do infact end up throwing most of them away.

[@janet4900]

@@chukukaogude5894 Sorry, but that is an obnoxious teacher. I'll decide when I want to throw away my picture. I enjoy "looking at pictures", and a student might want to save their favorite pieces in a portfolio. The teacher can go jump off a cliff.

[@megasauruss]

That's just horrible and obnoxious. I'd have refused.

[@lohkie2__3]

One of the weirdest things I've dealt with in life is hating the finished results of the majority of my drawings, all the while people love them and keep asking me to draw something else

[@adriannamarszal]

that’s because you notice all the little faults and they don’t! we humans tend to notice what is missing / broken that what it already there :) human nature! just accept that others like your paintings - I accepted to like mine too 😊

[@joshua.merrill]

It’s because you can see what’s in your mind and how you couldn’t completely translate it to reality. Everyone else just sees what you made, and can’t understand why you think it isn’t perfect.

[@danielbrissenden2555]

Bury them in the ground and forget about them for ten years. Then dig them up and look again. They are some of your old friends-- and ever loyal to you.

[@lohkie2__3]

@@danielbrissenden2555 the drawings or the people 😂😂 good idea though.

[@joshua.merrill]

@@lohkie2__3 I’m pretty sure he means the people. At least, that’s what Mother tells me.

[@astrxne]

As a young artist, this speaks a lot to me in overcoming perfectionism. Done is definitely better than perfect! Thank you so much for such a wonderful video! :))

[@BipolarCourage]

Perfectionism does make me feel anxious & not good enough. I worked through this by giving myself permission to 'make a mess' & avoiding 'realistic' & instead going for stylized, abstract, symbolic, expressive. I listened to music that fit my mood & went with my intuition. I "overpainted", many layers, pushed the boundaries. It was therapeutic. ,

[@hellohsaytin6813]

I came here to learn about painting, and ended up realizing what was holding back my musical aspirations. Thank you. ❤❤

[@wolf7379]

You are 'spot on' regarding perfectionism. Everything you described about perfectionism is what I have been doing. I'm very grateful for you having done this video. I now know what I need to do now in order to improve my painting. Thank you so much for your advice.

[@wolflahti412]

I knew that I tended to be too fiddly and overwork my paintings, so I one day decided to throw caution to the wind, as it were, and quickly lay down an underpainting using only a palette knife-with the intent of adding refining details on this loose base. So, in ten minutes or so, I blocked in the figures and environment, took a step back to evaluate what I'd done. And to my amazement, I realized... I was done. The painting was complete.

[@Flowerbloom-ft7ru]

What really made me so obsessed with art for 2 years straight every day, is painting one painting a day, and really small, full of comfort and exploration, that allowed to learn so much faster, by avoiding perfection, and by judging with the bigger picture rather than in detail, it’s the best thing that have happened to me

[@jennw6809]

I currently do watercolors but watching you makes me wish I had an oil studio :) I have been breaking through my perfectionism and fear by doing short painting sessions every morning before breakfast. Like the morning pages from The Artist's Way. Paint without thinking. I'm painting so much more and wonderful things are happening!

[@jennw6809]

@tanuki no yami It certainly is an exercise in restraint. Lay it down, don't touch it, let it dry. Painting abstracts disarms some of that ugly stage stuff.

[@wackadakka3134]

watercolours can be very unforgiving , maybe try Gouache

[@russgaulin3721]

Thank you Chelsea. Perfectionism, I have too much. In photography, the way to get more keepers is to shoot more, vary it, and "edit ruthlessly". With painting, it is a lot more time effort and expense, but that is my goal for improvement- just do more of it! Painted as a teen, with good art education, but now restarting after a 45 year hiatus! Love your philosophical approach. Learning from your channel.

[@annabelcleare138]

You are such an inspiration to me. I recently completed my first ever oil painting (aged 53) after almost a whole lifetime of wanting to try oils but not having the space and (more specifically!) thinking I wasn’t “good enough”. There is so much wrong with my first painting - but there is also so much right! And I LOVED it. Despite having suffered from crippling perfectionism all my life, it hasn’t put me off in the slightest. I shared the painting on Instagram and I will continue to share no matter what.

[@marydaugherty9442]

I finished my first oil painting at 52 and didn’t start for the same reasons! I’m now 67 and still love painting.

[@leroidethunes3913]

I agree, when i started learning the techniches of the great masters of ink painting like Liang Kai, Maruyama Okyo, Qi Baishi or Kikuchi Yōsai, i found myself focusing too much on making single, perfect brushstrokes, as these masters seemed to do with ease, overthinking about It and, paradoxically, making absolutely horribly telegraphed ones, It is only when i grew more confident in my skills and let loose that i started doing It right, It is a long road but when you learn not to overthinking, to trust yourself and let the chips fall where they may, it's something you do not forget and this is actually one of the unspoken principles of chinese and japanese literati painting, learning how to do It very meticulously to then willingly forget It and work on muscle memory, enlightening yourself in such a way, making something that appears complicated effortlessly, since It is effortless for the skilled painter

[@tessa6307]

Great video! I struggle with the opposite mindset: “good enoughism”

[@rebeccaartybeccawatkins6931]

This all makes sense to me. I have always felt a true artist creates simply because they enjoy the process and because it improves their skill. They aren't focused on what others think, they are focused on "doing," not "arriving at." They know every work isn't going to be great, but that's not the point.

[@ranvirchaudhary]

The word curiosity i lacked till now ! As a beginner, and believer of perfectionism, it shifted me for a moment. For me this video is a gem . Thanks

[@lauriebohon1836]

Thank you - I’ve struggled with perfectionism most of my life and you are right about where it comes from. For me, when I started painting two years ago, it was so liberating to put the brush down and call it complete, even though I could see things that weren’t perfect. It doesn’t have to be perfect - it’s the process I enjoy so much! This was very insightful commentary and I love watching you paint! Beautiful.

[@IMDtati]

I love how she is just coming to life with each stroke

[@matteow6090]

first time in my life that I hear about perfectionism being negative and it makes a lot of sense with my struggles thank you so much for this video

[@TaterKakez]

Thank you for making this video. I started to sob (with my mouth full, lol, was unexpected) when you said to give yourself grace. I am so hard on myself; put down painting for months at a time, because I get so frustrated that what I’m making doesn’t look the way I want it too. I’m not a formerly trained painter; had some art classes in high school and college, but never art school. Looking for teaching videos and tools online- KZbin, Pinterest, Instagram - can be so overwhelming. Seeing all these people so confidently present themselves, and so incredibly talented (and young!), makes me look at my own work and become ashamed. I so badly want to create what I see in my head. Time, and grace. Thank you

[@nikitashaitan9984]

14:46 i think the actual moral of the story is that we value grades and appreciation more than the process. It is the system of education that creates perfection in us. And we spread this perception of grades into art easily. It is one of the reasons i decided to stop my art related social media. I do not like thinking of being judged. This decision made me kinda proud of my work while working on basically anything. In the end of the day the only thing i’m looking for is personal satisfaction and oh boy how satisfied i am

[@brendajeannewyche2294]

CHELSEA, you are a Godsend. You have just FREED ME from “perfectionist prison” in my painting and my music. I’m kinda new at painting & I often try to paint advanced pieces (mostly from tutorials). I finished painting this dramatic sunset and splashing ocean waves. It was so exhausting & took so much out of me. Although I’m still very much inspired, I haven’t painted in a couple of months because it’s so exhausting & frustrating trying to get it “right.” I have to mentally prepare myself for all the drama. Haha. Then, I get anxious & depressed because I’m not painting. But from now on, whenever I fall into that anxiety and depression that you are absolutely SPOT ON about, I’m going to heed your profound words from this video. Thank you so much for this. You really lifted me up. I’m pulling my paints & canvas out TONIGHT! ❤️😁

[@debspaesart]

Wow...what a video... I'd never stopped to think about perfectionism this way before...your video came to me in a great time. I was in need to hear about this. Cheers from Brazil, you're lovely and kind. I could see it just by the title of the video. You inspired me a lot!

[@guts7752]

And the thing is if every artist didn’t push aside that ‘failure’ you talked about, they could use that as the subject that sets them apart from others art. If everyone’s art was perfect, and almost the same as others, there wouldn’t be a big difference in art ‘styles’. It would make everyone’s art similar. So I like to think every little stroke we make, good or bad, has it’s own purpose. It wouldn’t be ours if we didn’t make it exactly how it is. So no piece we make is a failure, that stroke just makes it Our piece.

[@jessicawood421]

How beautiful! A wonderful way to show that “perfect” is not just overrated, but detrimental.

[@magnumkenn]

i’m not an artist, just a programmer who stumbled across this video. But this is just good life advice for everyone.

[@sebastienbadia]

Thanks for your video Chelsea. Perfectionism is a question I often discuss with my students. I encourage them to make unfinished drawings or paintings but for certain personality it's very difficult ! For this kind of person, unfinished work is necessarily failed. As Tal Ben Shahar says in his book about perfectionism "our education teaches us to succeed, but not to fail". What is really perfect is to CONTINUE TO PRACTICE ! Greetings from France !

[@brennohsilver]

This was exactly what I needed to hear... Thank you

[@aloo._1034]

The fact that perfectionism is literally what I go through with all my art work not just including painting. I always think my art is not good enough and like people want to see better. My family has been asking me to draw them something and one of the reasons I haven’t is because I’m too scared. Scared that it’s not going to come out good enough, look bad or just disappoint them.

[@annenglish2935]

That thought of making a little watercolor painting for friends & family brings anxiety over the top... I'm a beginner and thought I'd get over this feeling at some point! Perfection isn't reality. Creating artwork is reality whether we like it or not. My grandchildren love what they create - never thinking to redo it... they love their creations! Happy painting!

[@djfunkychicken]

I am most blessed to be naturally gifted with the art gene.. but after school I ended up in a mechanical trade.. thinking it's more secure and stable income wise As a kid I drew a million things but as a young adult that "fear of not being good enough" or "many others better than myself" burnt my belief in an arts pathway This was a fantastic video and a reminder: *YOU are talented.. the MORE you create the BETTER you become.. PERFECT is a moment and not a level or destination!*

[@maplejames6992]

I love watching a sketch become a painting. This is so beautiful :)

[@HermanNucleosis]

Thanks chelsea. I think a lot of people, including myself, already know this but just can’t process and consequently can’t face this self-imposed hurdle. This is also not only exclusive for art but for everything else in life.

[@handleonafridge6828]

Perfectionism really does hamper me a *ton* .I have the entire process in my head on how I’ll make it and what it will look like in the end and anything less is a disaster. Recently I’ve come to terms with the “ugly phase” and started to trust the process a little more, but it’s still a huge problem that I’ve been working to break through by making painting that just involve a bunch of simple shapes. Like cubes, circles, squares, and things like that. It’s been working fairly good for me.

[@susannerauch8237]

I think you are very right about perfectionism. I often stop myself from even trying to paint something that struck me as interesting or beautiful because my very next thought is that I could never do it "right." This is really helpful. Thank you.

[@maatuhiss2259]

i just found your channel and watched many of your videos. i wanted to say that you are so good at what you're doing! the videos, paintings... the way you teach us. easy to follow what you're saying, very cozy and relaxing. 🐱💜

[@michaelkaiser5825]

I'm not a visual artist but everything said here applies perfectly to producing music. I needed to hear this. cheers

[@sobe9ograff]

i think this is a very important thing to realize. thank you for pointing it out and showing and explaining it so well! youre doing art a great service!

[@dawnemile4974]

It's wonderful how you have the right paint and brush handy when you need it for this painting. I wish I could have that kind of magical help.

[@theradicalcreative6804]

I’ve just discovered your art and am very grateful that you’re so dynamic and interesting to listen to ❤

[@angelcmercado2022]

Chelsea I just found your works and channel. Your loose approach and final results is what makes my senses come alive. Similar style is what got me interested in painting, some 30 years ago. I also enjoy the way you share your thoughts and knowledge. Keep up the good work!

[@carylpark7192]

This really was an excellent video. 100% I started my art career at the age of 47. There was no time for perfection i wanted to try everything. All subjects all mediums, all stykes and all sizes from tea bags to 2.5mtr paintings. Rignt now I am doing 365 small 5" x 7" and what Ive learned in 2 and a half months is incredible. There just isn't time to nit pick. Ioved this video.

[@CorgiNub]

Even though I do a completely different kind of art-drawing comics and illustrations, your videos are so helpful. So glad I subscribed!

[@nancybreiman6074]

Spot on! This is me and this was very helpful. Thank you!!

[@therealbacaboo]

I love your voice, philosophy, and art!!! Thank you. Glad I found you!! Subscribed!!! ✊💯❤️

[@lisazhang9165]

You are not not only artist. Your word is so positive. It likes medicine to inspire people.

[@julielevasseur7391]

I could really relate to this. It was like you were giving me some personal advice, ha. Thanks.

[@mariegutscher1183]

This video is exactly what I needed. Cannot thank you enough.

[@Gracklef1int]

This video reminded me of why I got into art, and you even quoted two of my favorite books on art. I had to buy them again because I let them go some time ago like I let my courage to fail go. Thank you. I’m ready to fail again and learn again.

[@maxiesart5258]

Amazing video and amazing speech Chelsea thank you!!

[@christinajordan9713]

Your video is basically the conversation I had with my therapist this week. I've been struggling with my new job and how to go about learning to do it correctly, or the best. At some point I realized I started believing that I should just know what I need to do. When I was in college, I would approach new subjects with curiosity, and I need to do that again with my job. My therapist also recommended the book Atomic Habits! I'm adding your other book recommendations to my reading list now too. Thank you!!

[@charlottehalsall5488]

My partner really helped me reshape the way I thought about the ‘mistakes’ I would see in my paintings from life or photo references, he said “they aren't mistakes, they are your artistic touches”.

[@sunnycapri8544]

Thank you! I don't even consider myself an artist I just do art sometimes, I clicked into this video curious because that's what I struggle with when I do art. This extends to so many aspect of my life that's beyond art, and this was exactly what I needed to hear.

[@Voltaire805]

Very good video. So clear and humble. Much appreciated!

[@howiwondrwhatur]

Just exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been so blocked from trying for all the reasons you said. Loved the parable. Thank you for all the links, also.

[@timmcdraw7568]

whew, you just described my family system, how I was raised to be! I was 39 and had been painting my whole life when I finally made the choice to give my everything...my actual everything to painting, which meant had to allow myself to stop acting like an expert in literally anything at all. I had to let all of that stuff go, even though I didn't know for sure I was anything underneath "what I was certain about", and I had to know nothing in order to fulfill the conscious commitment I made to my craft, because I find the best paintings don't actually come from my mastery, not skill alone, but my ability to get out of my own way so that I can listen to what the painting is asking me to do. I needed to collaborate with the painting itself... or my subconscious, or spirits, or my anima, whatever it is, its impossible to do if i'm an expert painter, or if im a perfectionist, or if I know exactly what I want the painting to be when I start itand spend the whole time trying to force the paint into my original idea, which I keep static the whole time, even though thoughts are never static (you and I are very different kinds of painters. I think the technical word you used for painters like me is a pantser. maybe im even a spacer pantser, so im just talking about my own experience here). And yes yes yes to failures and mistakes! Those are the biggest freedoms of all. all that is to say that painting set me free from the chains of shame that were forced on me as a child, and that I faithfully lugged with me for 39 years. im so grateful to it, because the culture of shame and fear of failure has a hard grasp, I can't imagine anything besides painting powerful enough to set someone's soul free. And I've tried a lot of things over the year trying to break free.

[@normanbannister9270]

Thank you! I needed this today.

[@lindabishop9787]

I just stumbled on your video and I AM SO GLAD I DID. Everything you said is exactly what I needed to hear. Fear of failure has held me back my entire life. That doubting voice that constantly tells me that I am not good enough and never will be. Most of the time I fight through it but it is ALWAYS there. I also took a workshop from Carolyn Anderson and made small strides afterward but that voice got louder as failures mounted. Your work is gorgeous and inspiring. I will keep fighting however and try to embrace those failures. I have taught others and tell them to embrace the bad paintings as they are out best teachers butI clearly need to practice this myself. Thank you and I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@TylorBennett]

Ive never painted anything, but this is the mantra I've repeated hundreds of times to myself in my work: "done is better than perfect"

[@pamelabritton1230]

You really opened a door for me! Thank you.

[@lukejackson4964]

Thank you so much for this! I needed this whole message!

[@armanhemat1479]

Awesome job Chelsea! Your are truly an inspiration!

[@designgroup6874]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I have struggled with perfectionism all my life and it's kept me from doing things I enjoy, or at least kept me from enjoying them. I'm not an oil painter, but I love to do ink sketches and watercolor and I really needed to hear what you said. I'll look at the books you mentioned too. And what a joy it is to watch the beautiful painting being created as you talk. Thank you so much!

[@MrKeroscene]

I love your words! and atlas of the heart!

[@rebeccaanne9863]

I’m glad this showed up in my recommendations. I taught myself to draw and it’s been interesting transitioning to painting (I’m using acrylics). Right now I’m learning to paint double stroke flowers which requires a steady and controlled hand but I can see how I might want to learn to paint loosely as well.

[@janetoleary6723]

This is the most helpful video I’ve heard … so true… thank you for posting this♥️

[@gloriam.sweatman3152]

Your video is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much.!

[@jenevewynter]

Thank you. I needed this 🙏🏾

[@sludgeypop]

This video was a shot in the heart. Thanks for sharing

[@philomena1539]

Thank you so much for this video! I am inspired to do quantity now towards a goal of having more fun and getting better with practice rather than labouring to produce one masterpiece that will earn the approval of others. Thanks again!

[@manofculture8848]

Thank you. Your words makes alot of sense and meaning to me at this point in life. I've been living my life in two modes- chaos or perfection, and things aren't going great so I gave up on everything and diverted towards living a messy life without meaning, waiting for everything to end. You may have not given a life changing advice but that's what I've decided to take it from this video. I ended up here because I wanted some painting tips, but I think it taught me something more.

[@stanmanmedia]

Because of your great input on perfectionist views and your reference to Brené Brown's book, I'm now on my second painting that is going so much smoother and I'm satisfied after very few hours compared to where I was at before listening to your great input. You are doing a great deal of good for others by sharing the mental/emotional aspects to painting. These ideas have helped friends and family in other areas too. I've sent them the book. Thanks again.

[@wagahongachi9320]

I LOVE YOUR STYLE OF PAINTING

[@VGAstudent]

I do like the way you speak of developing skills with repetition, and having the understanding that each piece of art is a lesson to yourself about your own skills.

[@rinnikfox]

I was searching out a video like this without really knowing what i was looking for. I just knew something felt wrong with my art process and i didnt know what to do. This video nailed exactly my problem to the point i choked up because i felt understood in a sense. Thank you for your insight

[@karphin1]

Perfectionism, and what others think! She’s nailed it!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you for your video and excelent commentary. I've seen the perfectonism bug in so many of my students and how it can hold back folks progress. I know I don't teach fine art classes but perfectionism can get into every part of your life. I strive to reach a new level with each painting but if not then that's OK. Its just a good reason to do the next one. Looking forward to more videos Chelsea. 🎨

[@irinaweiss7539]

Excellent video thank you very much

[@shonabranigan]

thank you so much for this, I have just begun a proper daily drawing practise after so many short term starts and stops over the last 50 years! Your links to books too is much appreciated

[@raksharky]

Thank you so much Chelsea. ❤️

[@dshepherd107]

Well I found this to be uncomfortably, & embarrassingly true of myself, in my recent endeavors into painting. You explained this really well. Thank you for sharing this. It’s really appreciated, & I’m going to really keep this advice about perfectionism in the forefront of my mind. Ive went from being a research scientist to an aspiring expressive tonal landscape artist. Perfectionism worked great in my previous field, but you’ve gotten through to me & woke me up, as it’s been a great barrier in my ability to make progress. Seriously, ty.

[@wajang1000]

It would be helpful to have the reference picture alongside in the video when you are painting. This would help to show how you interpret the different aspects.

[@Linda-zd6wu]

This was amazing...the talk and the painting!! Thank you! I never connected shame with perfectionism....wow...it landed with a thud!!

[@marcusbuckner5582]

Perfectionism can lead to ‘starting over’ compulsions: I’ve written/composed songs also for the last 3 decades: trumpet and guitar since elementary school. I’ve learned that duds are a part of songwriting. I’m slowly applying that to my oil paintings. We, as fine artists, have to learn it’s all about the process and not beat ourselves up when we have a ‘misfire’. It’s all a journey. Thanks for your honesty. Blessings to all!!! 😊

[@samiakhunji257]

I enjoyed watching you paint. The final work was fantastic. Thank you very much.

[@janapeony8561]

Thank you Chelsea, your art lessons are invaluable. This particular video directed me to Brene Brown''s vids and books and it helped me so much, Thanks again!

[@yvonnecatherhartnett5765]

Wow, I really needed to hear this! Thank you!

[@vernorexia682]

You actually are more helpful and explain things better than my Painting professors, thank you

[@Arthurnate]

This video helped me tremendously, I love your content.

[@julesjohnson7127]

I’m so impressed by your art that I truly stand amazed! ❤️🥰❤️

[@DiogoChris]

Thank you... I needed this ❤❤

[@christinelange9382]

Thanks, I feel more inspired now to keep going even when I feel frustrated and want to throw my work in the bin! I do expect myself to be able to do my art perfectly and after listening to you, will free myself and go with the flow more.

[@katya_fhs]

I was plagued by perfectionism for a LONG time. Then I realized it was just insecurity, fear of putting myself out there. I've progressed more as an artist in the last two or three years than in the rest of the 30 years ive been drawing and painting. When something is not working for me, I don't overthink it. I start over, and I don't allow myself to fuzz over things once they are done. The more new works I produce, the more progress I see in the quality of it. Great advice, and beautiful painting!

[@kpatricia7680]

What a great psychology lesson too! Thanks Chelsea!

[@davidsilverhawk3732]

Thank you Chelsea ! That was a wonderful course !!! You taught it so well!! I hope to start my first painting this week! I am a sculptor ,woodcarver ,blacksmith and Fine wood worker! I Loved watching you work!!

[@13amontalvao]

I loved this article! it puts in words some of my thoughts and confirms some ideas. Thank you!!

[@karenkingart]

Thank you for this video! I have wanted to paint more loosely and was just clueless on how to actually do it. Your work is beautiful and inspiring! Thanks again!