As I was painting the other day it hit me how much the process of making Art is just a bunch of Yes and No decisions. Do I like this mark here or do I like it there? Yes or No?
I was having one of those days in the studio that was not very satisfying. It seemed like I was improving things but on the other hand I might possibly be making things worse. There is this sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know something needs to be done but you just can’t figure it out.
In frustration, towards the end of the day, I tried to just make it clearer whether I wanted to change something or not. For instance I wouldn’t change that blue patch unless I really didn’t like it. It had to be a definite No! And then once I made a decision I pushed it visually so it was really, really clear. If something was to be made bigger I made it a bit bigger than I was planning. If it was to be a more saturated blue I made it even more so.
Right away the painting started moving. Finally. I realized that I was seeing and liking my decisions better because they were clear. They were committed. It almost gave me more room to imagine the next step, as I knew more definitively where I was in the process. It was quite extraordinary.
As I was thinking about all of this, my phone rang. I almost picked it up and then caught myself. I have a promise that I will not interrupt my painting till I have painted straight for the 2-3 hour session. I tell people this and they understand. In fact they like it. Just saying this is a reminder for myself that my Art is very important and at least for part of my day I totally show up for it.
This clear boundary, this decision to say no to a whole host of potential interruptions, from phone calls, to emails, to even looking for something to snack on, while I am painting has the same kind of potency as the more definitive ones made in art making. It is a big strong No.
The art of saying Yes when you really want to and Saying No when you really need to seems vitally important not just in the process of making Art but also in making a your life the way you want it.
Yes and No are such small words but when used clearly and decisively can make all the difference in the world.
What do you say no to, so you can say yes to your Art?
I would also like to announce the winner of the “Key” painting from last week’s blog post is…Diane McGregor! To claim your painting, please email Ferris as fe****@************on.com with an address we may mail it to.
In gratitude, Nicholas
17 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
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Simple & Bold decisions and no distractions. That seems like a good way to keep things moving along.
Yes no distractions is the key–then you can really drop in—makes it fun. thx for commenting
I love the wisdom of the “yes” and the “no.” Next steps are often so hard and time seems to take care of some of these too. I can work on something and feel stuck, then “sleep on it” for a night and then the solution comes. Thanks, Pam
I find I can sometimes find an argument for either yes or no! that is tricky
I believe it is the higher Self or the gut that is the part of us that is saying “yes” or “no.” It is a clear voice; and therefore, we must not listen to the voice that argues. The argumentative voice is the ego, which is fear-based. So the “trick” or the meditative practice is to consciously choose not to listen to it. Or one could be more kind and soothe that voice by reassuring it that we are deferring to the higher voice. This is such an awesome insight!!! Thanks, Nicholas!
Wow Nick, you have an uncanny ability to send out these blog posts with messages that seem to fit my situation or way I am feeling right at this moment. This morning when I read your post it was as if you were speaking directly to me about how I was feeling about my lack of boundaries around my studio time. THANK YOU! Your post is really helpful, clarifying and reassuring. Starting this morning I will “show up” for my art. I will refrain from answering the phone, doing laundry, finding a snack or making tea…..there are so many distractions or excuses that I can make for myself to avoid the hard work in making those yes and no decisions but without them the art just remains “ok” not GREAT! Thanks Nick.
Well you know I write these to remind myself–and I have been struggling with this too lately..as usual we are on Parallel universe–been watching your work develop–u r getting so good–congrats to all your sales and shows–really awesome
Go morning Nicholas,
Very nice blog! Those “yes” an “no” decesions for me are the steps to the pinnicle of the painting, helping detrmine some success of the work. Too many of one and the descent begins, not enough of another and a whole other can of worms opens…I neve know, but the process is greatly effecte by these decesions.
I like to work in 90 minute brackets, within those, “NO” is the answer to any outside interruption. I’ll take 10 minutes to answer calls, put out fires, snack or step out of doors.
Thank you for a great piece of reading, I hope you are well
Best
Robert
Interesting–thanks for your comment…sounds like we work the same somewhat…
Nick, I love your art and your blog. Both are inspiring. I am one of those people who have been trying to say “yes” to my creative side for decades but work seems to consume all my time. Your wise words can apply to any endeavor. Thank you and keep the inspiration and beauty coming. By the way, this may make you smile — I came to know about you through my Irish Wolfhound. Because of his allergies I upgraded his food to Lotus fish dog food – which is simply the healthiest. This brand caught my eye because of the beautiful artwork on the bag — which I learnt is by none other than you!
Ha! that is so funny–I used to do illustrations and I just am still that guy who does those dogs…even crazier they all look like Maizy, my dog–however I did them before I got Maizy! Oddly my dog doesn’t like it, plus it is expensive!
Abstract Painting, especially, is an archive of decisions. (I am thrilled to get “Key”! I will frame it and hang it in the studio for inspiration – thanks, Nick!)
Oh so glad..I like your term “archive of decisions” bravo!
“In the beginning is the decision and the decision is ‘to be’!” L Ron Hubbard
Everything starts with a decision, any decision is better than no decision…I find I have to faithfully apply this to my work and my life too. And I don’t always manage it!! LOL
I’m age 55, and just now learning discernment.
For me, discernment is an additional facet to the art of Yes
and No.
Discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to
judge well (or the activity of so doing).
I like how you associated the word ‘Yes’ with the word
‘want’, and the word ‘No’ with the word ‘need’.
I am on a spiritual journey to know my true self.
Daily acknowledgment of Yes times and No times will help me
get there.
Thank you for your keen insight.
Love this post Nick. I have a term I coined, I call it “the just say no diet”. So if I am in the studio or don’t want to be interrupted, or changing a habit, or what ever it is, I tell myself I am on the just say no diet to….interruptions, distractions, bad choices. Clearly the opposite is YES !
This post is incredibly enlightening, thank you so much. What I like most about other people’s art is seeing the decisions they have made in the process of creating it. What drives them to make those decisions is a question I love to ponder. I hope to take this thinking into my own art practice, too. Thanks again for the lovely reminder.