This is the mindset shift which has helped me the most in my art making...

[@HelenWellsArtist]

FREE MIXED MEDIA ART CLASS, Fall in love with your sketchbook, loosen up and play with mixed media: helenwellsartist.com/signup

[@ipurplepi]

There is so much joy in your work. I've been so inspired by you recently, so thank you for these videos and the peeks into your vibrant sketchbooks.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thank you so much! That's just so lovely to know. Helen xx

[@mvswaaij]

That is exactly what I learned from you, and it is really the way forward and the way to be happy making and studying what I make. Also: do not try to find your style, find the proces that makes you happy ! Thanks Helen, these thoughts really helps me. X

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Great to hear! Glad it was helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼 Helen x

[@sheilacym]

This is so true…and what you say here is very similar to what I recently wrote to a friend about this business of ‘finding your style’ . It was actually irritating me to keep hearing this….and I totally agree with you about enjoying the process of discovering the many wonderful art supplies available .

[@maryannsiano3128]

Helen, this is just what I needed to hear. I always look for what’s wrong instead of what’s right. That’s going to change today! As always, thank you for always inspiring me.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Glad it was helpful! And good luck, I found that the more I practiced concentrating on what's right, the easier it became x

[@LittleFrenchHen]

This is a really valuable lesson! Setting aside the notion of bad art = bad artist, it struck me that even just judging a bad art piece in itself is like hitting a wall. There is no moving forward from it, or anything to learn from it, because it is simply dismissed as "being terrible" and it goes in the bin. Whereas "good pieces" are looked at quite often and perhaps worked with in a different way to see what else works with it. I'm going to look through my "not so great" stuff today and see what I can like about them. Thanks for sharing your thought process :)

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Such a good idea! Thank you for sharing and good luck. Helen x

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

We are our biggest critics! I concur with you about changing the mindset. What you focus on gets bigger so the fact that you concentrated on the things you liked, they got bigger and better! Thank you for your insight Helen. x

[@HelenWellsArtist]

So true! We are. Thank you Simone x

[@PaulWalesArt]

Great reminder which could apply to so many aspects of our lives!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

So true! Good observation. Helen x

[@alison64able]

Thank you Helen, so very true. Thank you for inspiring us to find the good and beautiful

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Absolutely! The good and the beautiful are good signposts! Love Helen x

[@gayleyip6689]

Helen, I absolutely love what you had to say in this video. So helpful and so positive. Thank you!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much Gayle xx

[@megan.murillo]

Thank you. I am a few years into creating and I love your perspective and post. Thank you!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wonderful! Thank you so much Megan xx

[@janetdowns9533]

I look forward to your videos every week Helen. You are such an inspirational person. your art is amazing.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh well that is just the loveliest thing to hear! Thank you Janet. That means a lot. Helen x

[@ulrike1995]

du hast die schönste Skizzenbücher, die ich kenne , so wunderbar farbenfroh und immer interessant gemustert. So sind Stillleben Motive viel interessanter. Ich freue mich auch einmal auf größere Bilder. Liebe Grüße Ulrike 😊

[@thewanderingstarseed]

I had these issues too. I quit art for 15 years and when I went back. I expected to pick up where I left off. I realized that I have changed, therefore my art would be changed. I had to start all over again and let go of control. A quote from “The Artist Way” ~ “when is comes to making art… think delight, think fun. Do not think duty, do not do what you “should” do. Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you, think mystery, think mastery”.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wow I love that quote just so good! Thank you for sharing. Helen x

[@claireskey5439]

Thankyou so much Helen. You hit the nail on the head. I just need to put the positive into practice. Easier said than done. I also suffer from high anxiety which doesn't help.😟you make me feel better. Much love, see you soon.🤗💞🇦🇺🎨🖍🖌💞

[@HelenWellsArtist]

I'm so glad it resonated and yes you are right, sometimes easier said than done, but I found that the more I did it the easier it became. Good luck! Love Helen x

[@claireskey5439]

@@HelenWellsArtist perseverance, persistence and patience. I lack all 3 . You help me lots. I'm 51 and keep to myself. No need for not so colourful details here. Thankyou Helen for being so colourful. Virtual hugs.🇦🇺🖍📚🎨🤗💖

[@debbiedrawsfunny]

I love this approach, Helen. Focusing on what we DO like as opposed to what we don't will definitely encourage growth in our art practice rather than being shrunken down by the shame of what we aren't happy about!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you Debbie for that lovely observation, I think you’re so right. Xxx

[@debkennedy9397]

This is exactly what I needed this week. I've been stuck for a while - making the art I make but not stretching it to what I would like it to be - beating myself up - working harder - not finding joy in the process. Thank you for your generous sharing! Mindset is switching going forward. I will try this.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh well I really hope it helps for you. Joy in the process is a very good mantra. Love Helen x

[@TammySouthgate]

Thanks Helen...I relate so much to this video...The inner critic very often stops me before I even start because in my head I know it won't be good enough! thanks for your kind words positivity and encouragement it really does help!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh wow Tammy…you’re very kind. Wishing you every success with your creativity x

[@bethdiiorio3640]

❤LOVE LOVE LOVE your insights and wisdom from experience Helen!!! You are a super-hero in the art world. I'm constantly inspired and intrigued after watching your videos. THANK YOU!!! ❤

[@HelenWellsArtist]

oh wow Beth, what is just so super duper lovely of you. Thank you xx

[@marybarnaby6162]

“I enjoy it when……”. Great advice. Thank you

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Good stuff thank you xx

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

This is a now word, wow this video came in the nick of time👍 thank you for creating.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You're so welcome! Thank you and happy creating! Helen x

[@cassandra1345]

This video was SO helpful for me. Diane Antone recommended your channel and I’m so glad she did ❤

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh gosh did she? how wonderful! Thank you so very much and a warm welcome x

[@artbyjune]

This rings so true for me too. Now I aim to switch from the inner critic as in charge ...(judgemental and mean).... to being a good supporter of my work. Seeing the good. I like that. I'm sure I will enjoy my art more.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wonderful! We can sometimes be our own worst art critics… this change was transformational for me… love Helen x

[@mrd736]

I love this. A positive mindset shift always helps with any problem in life. :)

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Yes it does! Thank you for your lovely comment xx

[@stockholmpearlsandviews4772]

I will be starting your latest course in a few days. Looking forward to it very much.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh that's so lovely, I do hope you enjoy it, shout if you have any questions... Love Helen x

[@dolores2716]

Such an important point to make. Self-criticism can be useful when it makes us strive to be better, but it is delving into who we are that will make artmaking the most satisfying. As always, thank you for thought-provoking inspiration.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You are most welcome, thank you Dolores x

[@xtheinsomniac4624]

This is such a great way to get better at art (while analyzing it) as well as being kind to yourself and get closer to find out what sparks inspiration 😲! I feel like this way you'd get better over time while also not burning out because you exactly know what you like!! Thank you very much for this insightful advice!! 🙏😄✨

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thats such a brilliant summary! Thank you so much Helen xx

[@deirdrelewis1454]

This is quite a paradigm shift for me. I have no natural talent but have learned to produce reasonably good doodles. I have started doodling over watercolour backgrounds and some of them are not bad. I love what you said about doing what you enjoy. So…I’m off to have another go!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wonderful! Enjoy! Xx

[@bonniemiller3587]

Another awesome kicker Helen. I always do that with anything I make…the flaws jump out at me and make me mad at myself! Must be a personality thing I think…and I do this especially if anyone compliments the work…I immediately point out the ‘mistakes’! It’s just as well I don’t Make For A Living…I’d be a very poor person. However it doesn’t stop me making. I still enjoy the process and give away my excess to family and friends who seem to like them and have sometimes ask for more. I am content.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh you are lovely! And enjoying the process and being content sounds like a brilliant place to be... go you. Thank you Bonnie x

[@aga7894]

Thank you so so so much for this message. I only maybe few weeks ago realized that I dont even know what I like in my art. I would be very unhappy when I dont do nice artwork, which is most of the time. This video really speaks to me and you just made my day. 😀 Thank you!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You are so welcome! Good luck with your art journey. Love Helen x

[@filmhundtia9896]

I found you just yesterday through Facebook and I love your art and your colors! And your Videos Are very inspiring! Happy New Year! ❤🌸⚛️💗🤩

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Gosh that’s nice of you! You are very welcome thank you so much for following along x

[@Redroo11]

What a delightful and meaningful video. Love your approach to mark making and thank you for sharing your journey through finding fault with everything you do to finding what you really enjoy in part or all of your art pieces. I have been in that place for the last year. It has really sapped my energy and made even finding inspiration a travail. It’s also made me so afraid to start a drawing or painting. So glad I discovered you and your channel! Thank you, again.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You are so welcome! I do so hope you find the path to finding joy in what you create…your story sounds very similar to mine…xxx

[@boulbon08]

You are so inspiring. I just discovered your channel, and I love your positive energy as much I admire your art. Your sketchbooks just make me happy!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh wow. A very warm welcome to you, thank you so much for your loveliness. It is much appreciated xx

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Thank you for sharing your struggles, triumphs and discoveries, it is such a help. I heard a man on youtube say that it is terrible to 'should yourself' so don't...he wasn't talking about art, but boy it fits.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh you are kind thank you. And you’re so right “shoulds” are seldom helpful! Helen x

[@chelseybranham1608]

Your videos have really helped me realize how much I love very colorful pages in my sketchbook and im having so much fun!

[@chelseybranham1608]

Also your art makes me very happy , especially the very colorful ones

[@HelenWellsArtist]

`oh you are lovely, thank you xx

[@annecanright4918]

BEAUTIFUL! happy colors and interesting shapes. I just want to see more!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

More to come! And thank you so much Anne that’s lovely of you x

[@triciastclair7599]

This has really hit the spot. I am so grateful for this insight. I know this way of thinking in most of my work and personal life - I say I am a Cup Half Full person. However I fall into the self critical trap with my art. Time to stop and look at it differently. In mindfulness, they say Be Curious. I will be curious.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh good stuff, good luck with following your curiosity! Helen x

[@jdevereux9155]

🎉 Thank you You have delivered the ‘Golden Ticket’ with today’s video 🥰

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thank you x

[@gillianbrown1175]

😊 Just discovered you, already feeling inspired!!!! 😊

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wow Gillian that’s lovely of you. You are very welcome here, happy creating! Love Helen x

[@wendydashwood7879]

Thank you for such an inspiring story. That's basically where I am now. You've definitely given me a new approach to find my way through 😊❤ xx

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh good luck Wendy… making art is not always an easy thing.. it’s putting ourselves onto the page and there’s a real vulnerability that can come with that. We have to learn to be kind parents to our creative selves. Wishing you all the best with your creative endeavours…love Helen x

[@gillhayter3730]

Thank you for this.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

My pleasure! Helen x

[@Courageouswomanco]

This video is so helpful for me. You described exactly where I’ve been for about two years. And after watching your video and color, I decided that I’m going to play with the colors that I have in my gouache collections that I have right now. I have so many colors in my gouache set and my neo color twos, that I never use because I don’t like them more. I can’t figure out how to put them together on the page. So I’m gonna combine these two videos of yours and the other one about sketchbooks and using them to create paintings later, and paint to have fun and explore and play in my sketchbook this weekend.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Well that sounds awesome. I hope you have a lovely playful time, enjoy it and discover a little something along the way. Love Helen x

[@kristinedraws]

Oh I needed to hear that today. Bad art doesn't mean bad artist. I've been doing art my whole life and struggle with "masterpeiceitis" and "inner critiqueitis" I need to play more.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you so much Kristine. It’s definitely a thing.. it’s natural to want to create the best art we can, isn’t it? but to make good art we have to try things and be prepared to make not so good art… I’m still guilty of oerfectionitiis sometimes… it’s hardwired, I just try give myself a small talking to about play, discovery and growth… good luck xx

[@SN-sz7kw]

Thank you!!!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You're welcome! Thank you 🙏🏼 Helen x

[@mandybridger4630]

Thank you ❤

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You're welcome 😊

[@jaysea5873]

Awesome advice! In art and in life!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh I’m glad you think so! Thank you. And you’re so right… it is also very applicable to life! Art imitating life… xx

[@HeleneBlonsky]

Always an inspiration and so uplifting! Just what I needed to hear as I’ve been very judgy of myself and my work . I’d love to hear your opinion on the issue of enjoying (too many) things/mediums and styles and not focusing on one and making ourselves known just for that. It’s often said that we need to focus on one thing but I find myself getting bored. How do you find balance? I enjoy painting and creating surface pattern designs, photography and painting on various other surfaces such as ceramics and furniture but I’m only one person 🤪 too many ideas and no plan to follow. I’m also useless at marketing myself and knowing the best outlets for my work. That’s a lot 😆 maybe food for some more vlogs ❤

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thank you so much. And on the topic of having more than one interest. I've got a blog on this issue.Link here helenwellsartist.com/blog/2023/1/3/eclectic-and-varied I personally just follow my interests and they are varied and multi-faceted and everything informs everything else...

[@studiotezart]

very good advice with focusing on what I like with my art :D Thank you

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You're so welcome! Happy creating and thank you 🙏🏼

[@RoseWildsmith]

I love the sketchbook pages which you’ve cut out to be the shape of a jug 😍

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thanks so much! 😊 It was a fun little mess about... x

[@danarenfand3384]

Thank you for the kind words we need to give ourselves. We forget sometimes to quiet the monkey brain!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you Dana, yes that monkey brain can be quite loud! Love Helen x

[@prinzessinaufderknallerbse]

You are supercool and inspiring!!! So glad I´ve found you :)

[@HelenWellsArtist]

How lovely of you, I don’t think I’ve ever been called supercool before but I’m very happy your think so! Xx

[@prinzessinaufderknallerbse]

@@HelenWellsArtist 🥰 your mindset is so powerful, you have no idea how much fun I´ve had with my sketchbook and on my canvas while listening and watching your videos. Your channel is a safe and warm place for me which is priceless and just lovely 😀. Thank you so, so much!🐞

[@lilianeveyssier4681]

merci beaucoup ,vous etes très généreuse dans vos explications et elles m'encourages a continuer de dessiner dans mes petits carnets encore merci

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Merci pour vos commentaires adorables.❤️

[@sofar_sogud4929]

Thank you for sharing

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Ah thank you so much for watching and your kind d positivity…

[@Susan-lk6sl]

Have you included the music credit for the song at the end of your vlog? Thank you for being honest. You are refreshing to watch.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh Thank you .. yes the music credit is in the description it’s a band called Ludlow and the song is called Masterpiece of Mess. It’s a lovely song x

[@ultraviolet734]

Hi Helen ! I like this advice a lot. I have an unrelated question : do you have a video that explains how you created your art business?

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you so much. I don't I'm afraid, I tend not to give out business advice as I don't feel it's my areas of expertise....xx

[@creativecompanion]

How do we move beyond the mindset of seeing certain art pieces as horrible or disasters? Just yesterday I made something that I nearly tore up. I had to exercise immense self control to stop telling myself it was terrible. It was a card for my husband. I gave it to him and he loved it, but my mindset was a challenge.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

It’s not easy is it? I think it can help to try and enjoy the process of creating and not be so concerned about the outcome. Find methods and approaches of making you enjoy. Try and be a kind friend to your creativity… and practice looking for the things you like in your own work. Even if it’s a small aspect, colour combination etc. I think as with any mindset change it takes practice and commitment…good luck 🍀

[@doloresh.4515]

Beautiful direction; I need to know what I would change or do differently (what I don’t like) but I need to really need to follow what I like & get excited about more. Also, another commentor asked if they should concentrate on just one genre of work as they learn. That’s been a puzzle for me too-what do you think?

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wonderful! In terms of concentrating on just one thing, there is no right or wrong, just what works best for you. I love to work in all sorts of different materials and ways and I embrace my eclectic interests and think that everything informs everything else. I have a blog post on this subject here: helenwellsartist.com/blog/2023/1/3/eclectic-and-varied

[@amoraslucha]

really appreciate your channel and what you share with us!! i would love to hear about your habits, like if you use warm up exercises or have a set routine and what it was like building it/figuring out what works for you. if this is something you've alreaady done i'll make sure to search your channel too :)

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you… that’s an interesting idea… I guess these three ideas in this video are examples of my warm up exercises, and everything I share on this channel is how I get going…my sketchbook work is all an example of the way I experiment and play. I don’t have any set routines or definite practices that I use in a specific order as it depends what I’m working on. But I have a clear philosophy of 1.play and experiment. 2. Develop and evolve ideas 4. Repeat and revisit the idea in different ways 3.refine and finesse x

[@amoraslucha]

aw thank you so much for going into detail / framing it like this, super helpful!!@@HelenWellsArtist

[@JoanThraves]

I love your videos. Can you tell me what the song is in 'My mindset shift please

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you. I think it’s in the description, I usually try and pop it there. it’s from a band called Ludlow, Masterpiece of Mess…

[@sheilagilleland4312]

One more question, do you have a book out?

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thanks Sheila. I do indeed, it’s not new though, it came out four years ago it’s called Expressive Sketchbooks published by Quarry Books x

[@rikadehombreux4573]

💖💖💖

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you x