Frustration: A Gift!

I am posting an excerpt from a conversation with a student of mine but this information is valuable to all artists:

Enjoy your high level of frustration.  Confidence in your self-perception covers a lot of distance but it can’t protect you completely from the struggle.  Growth occurs in the struggle and frustration.  When you stop being frustrated your art will become mundane.  Never become mundane!

Here’s a little list from me:

I had to drop perfectionism – it was killing my creativity.

I had to accept my short-comings and work hard to make up for my lack of drawing skill – knowing if I worked hard enough I could learn what I needed to know was difficult yet necessary and, in the end, fulfilling.

It takes time to develop – period.  Nothing can replace time.  The earlier you start, the more time you have.  That’s all there is.  Just wish I knew this part when I was 18.

Talent is wonderful to have – but there is no talent that can replace hard work.  Period.  The talented are often lazy or not driven.  Be driven.  There is always more to learn.

I used to be bothered by the fact that there was no “end point” to learning in art.  Now I embrace the journey.  My change in perception came with time and experience.  The more you do, the more you’ll love to do and the less afraid you’ll become of the work required to achieve your objectives.

Find an excuse to explore, practice, affirm, or challenge yourself everyday!

Happy Painting and Drawing!  Never stop!

Anna's Peeps, student painting in acrylic