I move paint, scratch lines, and use ink so I can’t erase. I trust myself and trust the process. There is no such thing as a mistake: this is the art of imperfection. The wrong way is only a lesson that teaches the right way. Eventually, I will arrive there, but until then, I will keep splattering, scratching, and dropping water onto my sketch pad to see what kind of magic it has for me.

“Dare yourself to believe in your creativity, wherever it may lead you. Trust that where it leads is exactly where you’re supposed to be. Your authentic self knows where you’re headed. Don’t wrestle with the Spirit, collaborate with it.”

Sara Ban Breathnach

I have taken an interest in this style of loose sketching, which is fast becoming the perfect companion for my creative journey. All of my sketches come from a reference photo of my own, one someone has shared with me, or something I have seen in a magazine. Wet on wet with watercolor and sketching with ink before or after I play with the paint keeps me from worrying about mistakes or getting caught up with trying to be perfect.

This method is tricky for me. I look at multi-dimensional photos, turn them flat in my mind so I can figure out which way all the lines and curves are going, and then sketch in a way that tries to add depth to them. It’s not complicated, and I know that with more and more practice, I won’t have to think about it so much.

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”

Mary Lou Cook

This is where my trusts comes into play. I know exactly where I need to make changes and the commitment it will require. I already have a pretty good track record of busting though my fears. It wasn’t easy, I’ll give you that, but now that I have , there is no looking back.

Maybe this is the difference between doing it and not doing it. I know where the improvements are needed, and I am not afraid to put them all here for the world to see. They are lessons, my lessons. Every creative person has a beginning, with no exceptions. I come from the same mold. The clearest path to self-improvement is trusting your process and believing in yourself.

“Create. Not for the money. Not for the fame. Not for the recognition. But for the pure joy of creating something and sharing it.”

Ernest Barbaric

Fear will prevent you from living your best life. Fear will push you to the end of your creative journey without delivering a single gift to nourish your soul. Trust your process, and let your splats, blobs, and scratches lead the way.

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will have truly defeated age.”

Sophia Loren

Talk soon…

G