Have you ever noticed that when you are making your art and it is all working out that it is almost as if you are not entirely there? You are driving the bus but it seems like you do not have to try very hard. Almost like it is driving itself. Art making sometimes can feel that easy.
I love it when that happens but it rarely stays that way for long. If I overthink and concentrate too much I lose that ability to just let the art unfold naturally. Instead it feels hard and somewhat forced.
I realize I tend to tighten up when I am over focusing on a new technique or, perhaps, trying something I haven’t before. It seems like the making of the art just goes slower. It becomes more effortful.
However once I have learned that new something, once I have done it a few times it starts to become second nature again. I think it just takes time to integrate new information. And then I start to get those days that art making feels super easy again. It is like I am not even trying.
It reminds me of how I did things as a child. I remember just naturally getting involved in something, following my curiosity wherever it wanted to lead me. There was no agenda. No particular reason to do anything except for the simple joy of doing it. Everything was approached that way.
This is actually how I wandered into art in the first place. It was simply enjoyable.
I found this quote the other day by Pablo Picasso “It takes a long time to become young”
Which got me to thinking.
Maybe that is why it feels so refreshing to occasionally get totally in sync with our creativity. When our art just flows. It feels good, especially now, as busy adults with a world of concerns and long to do lists following us around. Maybe when we fall into that easy place where art making is simply effortless it is a reminder of what is still possible. The way it is supposed to be. Or rather the way it all started out being in the first place when curiosity and joy were simply enough.
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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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This is so right Nick! Reminds me of how I used to love drawing on the walls as a child. Sooo free!! And then I’d sign my sister’s name so I wouldn’t get into trouble. Hahaha- but she couldn’t write yet! Freedom! Even now, old.
Haha! That’s a great story!
First, I want to say what a beautiful piece of art you posted above the article! I love the layers, both transparent as well as opaque. Pretty awesome. 🙂
Your words are true. I am always hung up of over-thinking my work. If I think back as a child, I loved to create then. No fear, just make something from nothing. Oh to paint like a child, again! Picasso recognized this process. I love the quote you shared. There are many he has referring to creating from that place of innocent freedom. The trick is tapping into that place. All good things come from there.
Well said. I love the Pablo Picasso quote
Your so right. If your a runner, it’s the same as the runners high you get after you get into the zone. It doesn’t happen often but it’s a wonderful experience.
I’m always suspicious of my work if it comes “too quickly” or “too easily.” I like it and may be surprised by it, but then I wonder if it is really any good or if I just got lucky or if had I worked on it longer or harder would it have been better.
Have to agree with all the people who have already commented! Love the picture you posted with this post, the mix of curves and lines, colors and transparency (the shapes remind me of Christmas decorations). Its always a worry when things come too easy, but when they do its because you have reached the zone – a reminder that we have to work hard to get there.
I love this painting – the shapes remind me of curtains my nan had in the 50s – very retro – and I adore the patina – working on some new pieces – trying achieve the aged manuscript look