trying to paint every day for 30 days to feel alive again

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[@ErklaerMirDieWelt]

Kayla: "I'm not good at painting" Also Kayla after a few days: "I painted these photorealistic fruits, no biggie" Girl, your definition of not being good at something needs some serious calibration.

[@EmilyJeanBlatt]

😂 my thoughts exactly lol

[@itbmedesiree]

Came here to say the same thing.

[@skullfullofbooks7398]

We're always our hardest critics.

[@scottfeller7014]

@@itbmedesiree .

[@hannahblackwellbooks]

💯

[@laurel217]

Liam's "You got me the big one?" was so precious! there was so much surprise and gratitude in his voice 😄 3:24

[@MR-nn2fz]

That got me, too

[@robyn8221]

Everyone is their own worst critic. Your paintings are beautiful and I wish I had 1/2 as much talent/artistic ability that you have. I’ve always fantasized about painting , but I don’t think it would come out anywhere near as good as yours.

[@Talyuhhh]

Don’t be afraid to try! You will improve even if you so bad at the start. Rejection is just redirection for improvement

[@steelcutoaths3033]

I came here to say that exact first line. 😂 Also, I love your profile pic!

[@robyn8221]

@@steelcutoaths3033 gotta love the BT photos ❤️❤️❤️ love your profile pic , too

[@AshleyZieman]

Same

[@gwynneio]

Who care's? Just go for it! :)

[@abbyziegler7550]

This video felt like a warm hug at the end of a terrible week and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it :)

[@BooksandLala]

💕🥺

[@samuelcappi5205]

Yes! I couldn't figure out how to describe it but this is exactly it

[@camillawatson3235]

Using references is not wrong. Almost no artist paints from their mind only. I guess the trick is finding the right references and not copying them completely, but using references is a very big part of any artist’s process!

[@Kamirose.]

Yes! And it's perfectly valid to just look up a reference and copy it entirely as a study image to learn from - just don't claim it's 100% original.

[@mandymckk]

I always like to find 2 or 3 different references to work from if I want to make sure a piece isn’t too similar to the picture

[@multicraftual]

I knit and crochet while listening to audiobooks! I started as a way to get over my perfectionism and now I have tons of lovely scarves and sweaters 🥰

[@jennifernicholson5585]

yessss crochet + audiobooks is my fave! crochet can be as mindless or as mentally stimulating as you want it to be based on the pattern and stitch you choose

[@rachelcunningham2498]

Me too I left a comment she should knit, I'm obsessed

[@HeatherSalterPurvesauthor]

I had that thought. I would love to see Kayla knit.

[@meghquinn]

I'm not even fully through the video, and I really want to see Kayla knit or crochet!

[@marieidk3888]

Yess i would love to see a video of her learning to crochet

[@TheAverageArtist]

I am here for this. I do bookish content on my art channel and now my favorite booktuber is doing art:?? YES!

[@luizafernandes3955]

When you are more comfortable with your painting skills you can paint a scene from one of your favorite books!! 🖌📚

[@carahamelie]

I LOVE your grapefruit one! A good tip for shadows is to just mix the opposite color on the color wheel into the original shade, it looks really weird and first, but always works out in the end.

[@ICHMUSSMALPIPI]

I find cross-stitching a great activity for listening to audiobooks

[@LadyRainstorm4]

I’ve been meaning to pick up my cross stitching for a long time. This might be a good way for me to get back into it. I’m so glad Kayla posted this video!

[@Jojojozilla]

I love cross stitching, so happy I picked it up this year. Beginner sets are cheap, maybe add some different count fabric and you are good to go. And I love pattern shopping on Etsy.

[@maddiesbookishthings]

cross-stitching is the best!

[@elysiacowan4167]

Count me as another vote for cross stitch or embroidery! I recently got into both after having a baby and needing something to help me unwind after he goes to bed. With the number of patterns on Etsy there's something for everyone! Liam could definitely try his hand at both too, if you're looking for something to do together.

[@jenniferchantler5794]

I love stitching snarky or popculture patterns. It's not just a grandma hobby anymore!

[@missnewvillage]

That avocado was top tier painting. I also loved the snow globe one. And the cacti that turned into flowers was so good. You’re way too harsh on yourself. I loved your paintings.

[@heatherr9959]

The beach scene was excellent. Every time I would watch the painting montage, I would think, “that one is extra cute. She is gonna be proud of that one.” And then you would share them and be like “I hate this one and you’re gonna hate it, too.” Girl, what. Trust yourself a little more.

[@kelandhershelves]

Kayla: “I’m disappointed in some of the things I made” Me: “My stick figures are quaking at this actual art…..”

[@brandie6652]

Girl. The amount of progress in this short amount of time is astounding! 🤯🤯 I love this idea as a series. I also need some new hobbies

[@EmilyJeanBlatt]

Okay but like you ARE really good at painting!!! I love everything you created!!

[@EmilyJeanBlatt]

Did you just casually do a face!?? Portraits are so difficult and you did it so well.

[@abigailroberts425]

My high school art teacher like to say that "real artists use references" and have us draw something from memory then with a reference to prove her point.

[@lightlawliet3526]

that's true. pros and art students use ref all the time.

[@chloefirth8559]

kayla: "I'm not good at painting" also kayla: the next picasso

[@CherreePanda]

Cardmaking is a lovely, varied hobby. K Werner Designs here on yt is doing her Holiday series right now and that always gets me in a creative mood. Also embroidery is a good granny hobby. And puzzles.

[@luizafernandes3955]

I found embroidery to be easier than I thought it woul be!

[@encyclopediaofelizabeth]

I got into making my own cards last year and it's so much fun. It made me order a wax kit so I can seal envelopes with wax. So satisfying.

[@mockingjayreads414]

Puzzles are my favourite audiobook companion :)

[@samuelcappi5205]

Thank you these are great ideas

[@kit3725]

I misread painting as praying and I was like this is a weird direction for Kayla??!

[@lanej.6458]

Hahaha oh no 😬😂

[@ninabailey8694]

😂😂😂

[@wings2769]

Lmaooo

[@taylor-vk4ni]

I love doing puzzles while I listen to audiobooks! I know it’s not super creative but I can just listen to an entire audiobook while I finished a puzzle some days

[@DesperationLasts]

Lots of great artists only ever painted from reference or what they were actively looking at. You did great. Your paintings were all pretty great, I could decipher what each of them were and enjoyed your color choices.

[@cinzuxatur]

Okay but every time Lala says she doesn’t like her painting & I’m like WOW those are so good!! The one of little Liam so good ✨

[@Kathadrion]

My favorite audio book listening hobbies are diamond painting and building lego. I like both of those because I find them super relaxing, but also rewarding because there's a specific end goal, and you can pretty much just buy a set and get started immediately, no talent or previous experience necessary. And then over time you just figure out your own preferred techniques and and ways of doing things and stuff, so there's still some development there.

[@EmilyJeanBlatt]

Have you tried Diamond painting?? I love doing that while listening to audio books. It can feel creative without needing to be good at it necessarily. It’s like paint by numbers but with little gemstones!

[@AnG-yr1lv]

Wow that’s so cool! I never even knew this existed until your comment!

[@EmilyJeanBlatt]

@@AnG-yr1lv oh my gosh there are so many available too!! I have one I’m working on for Christmas that is a picture of gnomes and says “chillin with my gnomies” lol

[@raelenedawn]

Diamond painting is my go-to when I want to listen to an audiobook! I find a lot of other things to distract me away from the book, but diamond painting has been perfect

[@AnG-yr1lv]

@@EmilyJeanBlatt omg thats so cute!

[@EmilyJeanBlatt]

@@raelenedawn same!!

[@jessicaward5777]

I listen to audiobooks while I crochet! I mainly do blankets because you can learn how to do one row and then just mindlessly repeat that while you listen. It is therapeutic, and I love having a product at the end that I can gift to friends and family. I'm excited for this series!

[@HJPeet]

Best paint remover for fabric is called “Goof Off!” It has gotten dried red nail polish out of my carpet.

[@lydiagappa3938]

I love the cacti they look impressionistic. Also this is so encouraging. Too many people hate on their abilities when trying new things. It’s a new thing! It’s the joy of trying, not being a master instantly! Thanks for sharing. Now I’m inspired to try something new :D

[@CallMeJazi]

The vast majority of these paintings were amazing!!! Don't sell yourself short! My favorite was the grapefruit from afar it almost looks real. Great job.

[@knz730]

I have a tip for you for references! All artists use reference, but if you don't want to just copy an image, use a basic image editing program (or literally just magazines you cut up) to make a rough cut and paste collage from several different reference images to give you something to work from that came from your own mind, but has dimensions and structure you can reference (which no one can do from imagination). You can also mash up references by picking one picture for the color palette, another for the lighting effects, another for the subject, and another for the details, and so forth.

[@alinareadsanddrinks9235]

Embroidery or making mugs and stuff from clay would be fun to see!

[@msellenandrea]

As a professional artist I LOVED this! You obviously have great taste and a good eye, especially for color. And it is super ok to use reference, I still use reference after 19 years :D And a warning, though I think you might have discovered this already: buying art supplies is a separate hobby from using art supplies xD

[@fiveafterseven]

I felt so sad listening to you be so critical about your paintings. They are lovely and really incredibly done and I hope you continue to try things that are outside of your comfort zone for the joy of the experience.

[@KerryAnnGL]

Whenever I make something that I think doesn’t look exactly how I want it to, I call it an “artistic interpretation” (the first thing I crocheted is an artistic interpretation of a square). And so I will say what a lovely artistic interpretation of the waves on the ocean (though I do think it is pretty accurate).

[@beckyduff]

My very first knit dishcloth is more the shape of a fish than a square haha! I like the idea of "artistic interpretation"!

[@breanneccc]

The wreaths turned out really well. If you want to improve your shadows, place a lamp by the object you want to paint or draw. The hard light makes it easier to see the contrast between the highlights and shadows.

[@allisonh2340]

I crochet while I listen to audiobooks. Crocheting is super easy once you understand the stitches. 10/10 recommended you trying it lol

[@taylorlien569]

Knitting is something I've been doing for a long time while listening to audiobooks and the nice thing is it's easy to learn and very repetitive!

[@lilypickett2386]

I love making roses with watercolors and they all look identical, but lordy I love them. It helped me get through senior year of college just spending some time with some cheap watercolors and a tv show playing in the background

[@courtneycowplant]

I know that you're focusing more on artistic hobbies and probably have a lot of ideas for those, but I think it might be interesting to try cooking or baking for 30 days. You could try new recipes and things from different places and cultures. If you're reading something foodie or with travel it would tie in especially well. And then you'd be able to eat it as a reward , which as a very food-motivated person, I think sounds pretty great lol. But if you continue this series for a while you could also try out Inktober. They do an October challenge or a week by week challenge with prompts and you draw something entirely with ink ( you can sketch it first though, if you want). It would be very different than painting but might be fun to try!

[@jordynmarie141]

I think cooking and baking can be very creative! This is a great suggestion!

[@klowne26]

Am so in love with this series concept! Never have I been less interested in you talking about a book than this video, I just wanted to watch you paint forever! Such a great video and definitely would love your to share more painting in the future ❤️

[@alisonfabi1081]

this is scary bc i'm the exact same way with not finding joy in doing something unless i know it'll turn out great AND i asked for a paint by number painting for christmas lol it's not the same as you (which yours are genuinely pretty good so idk what you're talking about) but as someone with literally zero artistic skills i'm hoping this will ease me into it

[@patienceholmes841]

I like doing embroidery and macrame while I listen to audiobooks! Find it really relaxing

[@anitarucker8589]

Kayla, your paintings are really good!! I like how you are learning self expression and style while doing this with your son and having fun! Amazing! Great work!!!

[@rachellevejby7421]

Diamond painting and cross stitching are my go-to audiobook hobbies. I highly recommend giving them both a try! :)

[@clockworklavender4036]

It's actually quite interesting which ones you like and dislike. You prefer all the simple ones, but I love the more complex ones! I think when it becomes more detailed you see the imperfections in your work more easily, but they're so much more interesting and expressionate!! Gorgeous paintings

[@chainilotus1117]

I suggest trying a diamond painting set. You can get everything you need in a 7-10 dollar kit and it is easy to pick up. It's relaxing and since your following a pattern there is less pressure.

[@enoughofyourbile]

Omg omg omg Can we do a members paint night one month?!?! Also loved this video concept! Looking forward to more episodes

[@BooksandLala]

Omg 🤩 what a fun idea!!!

[@lanej.6458]

@@BooksandLala heck yes, I would love this also!!

[@jennifers4142]

As an artist I can say you did a really good job and have an especially good eye for color! Loved seeing your progress. You inspired me to pick up my gouache again. 😊

[@readingintothevoid2930]

You are so naturally good at painting. I understand the self criticalness but seriously I loved everything including the succulents and the super basic landscapes! I love this series

[@readingintothevoid2930]

WOW okay I made this comment like halfway through the video and now I’m watching you grey scale paint Liam and HOLY SHIT I’m so glad you decided to try painting because this is definitely a natural gift of yours. Hope you continue enjoying it ☺️

[@george-vk8ke]

have you ever done any sewing ? i'm a costume design student so my days lately have consisted of making costumes or props while listening to an audiobook over two, three days!! one of the assignments i had is actually pretty easy to replicate but you do need a lot of fabric & definitely a sewing machine (to do that by hand would be madness) but we used 2nd hand bed sheets to make an underskirt and then 2nd hand skirts and fabrics to make a skirt to go on top, was really easy & really cool to see how much volume you can get with something so simple as a few folds and a cord

[@gennysantellan2771]

Idk how conducive to a video it would be but I have rediscovered a love of cross stitch and I know many people create their own patterns on the computer. As for audiobooks Braiding Sweetgrass is such a beautiful nonfiction that has a lot of different aspects to it. I believe the author also narrated it themself

[@genregarden]

I LOVED watching you paint! You are very talented! I'd love to see you try embroidery, knitting, or crocheting! 💞

[@TheWordN3rd]

Someone has probably said this before, but a lot of art and learning to paint/draw is using previous paintings/pictures to practice and copying them exactly. Eventually you'll get to a point where you don't need the references as much. These were all great and you did a really good job on them, even the ones that didn't turn out quite like you wanted.

[@sarahpowell6617]

Thank you for this comment, it really helped me! I often like how things turn out when I copy a drawing, but am baffled by the idea of just "knowing" what something looks like in my head. It's nice to know that copying is a legit part of the process of learning!

[@emmanovella]

I'm only 15 mins in - at the cacti you really didn't want to show - and I just want to thank you. As an artist, I am hypercritcal and feel like I can't do the things i want but I LOVE that piece you really don't and it's helped me to understand that there's no such thing as bad art - it's people who either appreciate it or don't. Sometimes that might be the artist themselves but everything that is created serves a purpose for SOMEONE and I'm inspired to get back into my art and sharing it

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

There's something so.. lovely about those avocados, Kayla..💚 I just can't look away. They look so fresh and professional! 🥑 Would definitely buy a print of them.

[@BlueEyedSkinner]

You should look up and consider stamping. It is so fun, colorful, and you can actually have card sets to send or gift. It would pair perfectly with your pretty handwriting.

[@sublimesagas8599]

The warm toned mountains/desert paintings give me Dune vibes 👀

[@Devi15]

Watched this video when I was crappy from flare-up of my chronic pain and this just soothed me Kayla🥺 I would watch anything you put up❣️

[@Laura-pr2yc]

Maybe try an acrylic (still watching so maybe you do further in) It looks like you got a guache (sp?) which is somewhere between acrylic and watercolor so it can be thinned out more water color style. Watching further, you are very talented. I play with painting and drawing as a "zen time" activity and I'm not nearly as good. It is a wonderful "non reading" way to relax.

[@HJPeet]

I’m an artist and I’ll tell you: this is all great! You (and many others) have this misconception that artists just come out of the gate magically pointing their brush at paper and a Renoir materializes before them. That does happen for a very small percent just like it happens with musical phenoms, sports phenoms, etc but it’s def not the norm. What you’re doing is how artists start and you’re very good for a beginner. You do have an amazing natural ability for art even though it may feel awkward right now.

[@HJPeet]

Also materials *do matter so good on you for getting good quality materials to set yourself up for success.

[@HJPeet]

And go ahead and take classes! Fun fact: artists also take classes. Classes are about learning the materials so you can get the most out of them. Just like a chef starts by either 1) following recipes or 2) making a cake destined for the trash, artists do the same!

[@girlandhergames9091]

Adult coloring. I absolutely love it!!! Didn’t think I would as much as I do but here we are. And there are you tubers that are in the coloring book world just like we are in book tube. I love to see their work and what they purchase.

[@kanner3831]

I recently enjoyed Lulu Miller's Why Fish Don't Exist. Part memoir, part biography of David Starr Jordan, part science/history mash-up. And I loved this book/painting video mash-up! Two of my favorite worlds collided!

[@chelseag3365]

also i LOVE the painting of 'cacti' or succulents or whatever you call them.

[@viennabooks741]

Ok you should totally illustrate your own childrens book Kayla! Your style of painting would suit it sooo well!!

[@withlove_nikki]

aaaah i’m so happy to see you on this journey! i’ve been trying something like this out for myself the past year and a half or so, and your videos have been accompanying me through my endeavors since (i was knitting the entire time i watched this one!) i’d recommend everything i’ve tried so far, that being clay crafts, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and cross stitching. i personally think crocheting & knitting have more of a learning curve - one of those is usually easier than the other for most people; i picked up crochet in a day or so but knitting took me over a month to get the hang of - but cross stitching would probably be the easiest and most relaxing and mindless to do with an audiobook in the bg edit: i almost forgot, but the painting at 8:36, where you tried to cover it, i absolutely LOVE. the white adds such a cool effect to it. to me it looks like the cover of a speculative fiction novel 💗

[@lanej.6458]

The beginning is very good advice. I also focus entirely too much on what the end will be and it stresses me out and makes my painting less fun for sure. Thanks for that. ☺️ Also, I hate that YOU feel dumb for what you’re showing in the beginning because it’s all so cute!! I don’t like comparisons with art because everyone has a different skill set, visions, etc, but truly they look great and better than if I were to attempt the exact same. I cannot wait to see the rest of the journey!!!

[@NububuChan]

While listening to audiobooks, I've played videogames (tetris, animal crossing), knitted, walked, solved sudokus, and made dungeons & dragons miniatures. Love seeing all the things everyone else does in the comments here!

[@abicadabi98]

This is an incredible series idea, and I really enjoyed the first episode! You should give cross stitch a try, it's much simpler than people imagine. It's also great for multitasking

[@cryingaboutbooks]

this was beyond comforting to watch

[@samanthawhitehead3678]

This is me. I decide to start a new hobby and I go all out buying the things to do it instead of starting small lol. I decided I wanted to start journaling but more scrapbook style. So I bought a crap ton of scrapbook stuff to make my journal look all pretty and I easily spent a couple hundred bucks on supplies 😂

[@megan_the_grey]

I started crocheting about a month ago and I am loving it. It keeps me from endlessly scrolling and an audiobook is a perfect pair!

[@tracey7241]

Since I pretty much exclusively listen to audiobooks I like having another hobby to do at the same time. Usually it's playing video games but I've been looking for something more artistic to do.

[@mandymckk]

Tip for anyone trying to do a Bob Ross tutorial: use oil paints! Acrylic paints won’t blend in the same effortless way his do, and it’ll be super hard to replicate the example without them. They’re not as scary as they seem! 😊

[@BookedandBusy]

I’ve realized I don’t have any hobbies anymore bc of Covid. Reading is hobby and I guess KZbin is too but that’s kinda become work. Travel was a hobby but also Covid 😩. Fitness is a hobby I guess lol but arthritis. Much to think about

[@BookedandBusy]

The copper flower one looks like your comforter!

[@EllieRoseMcKee]

You should feel super proud. These are awesome!

[@leilajaafari8436]

Love the art! Love the technical terminology 😂😂😂

[@shayesperle6386]

I love doing jigsaw puzzles or diamond painting !

[@c8youtube9]

Your paintings are so beautiful 💙

[@daniellemnvlogs]

Wow if I painted any of these, I would be SO proud. They are all so good!!!

[@MiszNe99]

Watching your progress throughout the video is amazing. You paintings are nice and can actually be use as workspace decoration. I have tried making needle felt plushie and clay keychain before, so maybe you can try that next time. Nowadays I usually just do paint by number but not actually follow the number but instead just paint as usual, because I felt like through that there's already and outline and colour pallette for me to choose from.

[@ericam9114]

Your a graphic designer? How did I not know that? I’m a graphic designer too, and an artist so this video was super fun for me to watch. Books and ART!

[@zoeedelaney]

This is sincerely my favorite video you’ve ever done. 🤩 I was so invested in your journey and literally LOVED everything you created. You are an artist! Thank you for sharing your art with us 💖

[@beckyduff]

Zoe, you could teach Kayla cookie decorating!

[@zoeedelaney]

@@beckyduff haha I would love that!

[@julies_reading]

id love to see you try crochet!! its a really easy learning curve, especially if you start with patterns that have easy bases, like granny squares!

[@emf263]

This video is so wholesome

[@hayleybernier6955]

Omg your work is awesome!!! Shush with saying it's not good!!! All of it is beautiful!

[@RainbowSunny1]

I like the succulent/ cacti picture you painted!!

[@books-n-cats]

I think all the pictures you made in this experiment look great! You’ve definitely inspired me to take on a similar creative challenge.

[@hannahjosmithheart]

Kayla! This was so fun and encouraging! I know you were hard on yourself but the paintings are beautiful! You should try cross stitching next!

[@isa0511]

The tiny detail of putting the book in the window frame at 7:08 ...I love it. I don't know why but i do... :D

[@BlessedByBella]

I’ve been itching to get back into painting for fun and this inspired me. Also you’re so talented !! I love how your artwork came out

[@jessdekkerreads8792]

Embroidery hoop art! It’s my fave hobby to do and was super easy to pick up!

[@thebookishpanda6992]

These are lovely!!

[@niiy2563]

An audiobook that I feel has that right balance of personal stories and learning (both about the diving industry/community and general life leasons) is Into The Planet by Jill Heinerth she also narrates her own audiobook :) ALSO it was honestly inspiring to watch your progress through out this video. I can relate to not wanting to show anyone what I've made. Since you mentioned you wanted to explore painting more I recomend Acrylics bec of their versatility. They can mimic different kinds of paint/styles from watercolors to oil paintings. For hobbies that are "mindless and mechanical" there's Diamond Painting, Crochet, knitting, paper quilling, paper craft (cutting and layering paper to make 3D paintings), pottery, Jewelry making, resin art, paint pour art, candle making

[@jacquib1985]

I loved so many of your paintings!

[@cryptic_cuties5875]

I need that cuttlefish one. I love these so much

[@taylorh8430]

I love the ocean one. Omg. Although, I can't draw a stick figure, so my basis of good is probably skewed.

[@madisonc310]

My personal favourite hobby is crochet!

[@16topher]

I love this video concept! It’s so creative and makes me want to do something similar. I’ve been in a reading slump lately.. this would definitely help me out. I also really enjoy your art and will be looking forward to seeing more!

[@beeboca]

I laughed so hard when you "broke" the brush ajbdjaknf

[@stevie__reads]

These were all stunning💓

[@beamingforbooks]

Wow! Love this video and idea! You go girl 🥰🥰🥰