Feel Good Painting Like a Kid
You may be thinking, why not aim to paint “like an adult”? Even though not all adults would be drawn to painting within the conventions, there is something about “doing it right” and making sure it is pretty that can make us feel proud or accomplished. That’s nice…but does it mean it is fun to make? Not necessarily.
Yes, kids can make hideous stuff.
Yes, time, money, and energy spent mastering an art form shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
However, even if children may not be the most technique-savvy, they certainly seem consistently happier artists. Beyond them not having to worry about adult responsibilities, there is something special about the way they make art.
Don’t get me wrong, Elizabeth Gilbert said it best in Big Magic; it’s not about being childish (impatient, foolish) but rather child-like. This is where we willingly complement our adult knowledge with the intrinsic wisdom of our much freer inner child, unafraid of the consequences of “not getting it right.”
WHY PAINTING?
I’ve identified as an artist for most of my life but never a painter. Why start now? Because something is fascinating about giving me permission to be curious, messy, and colorful in the way that many of Keri Smith’s books invite. It's liberating for me to explore this virgin territory.
I’ve been drawn to painting patterns lately because of experiencing a lot of uncertainty. If I can repeat shapes, I can create some sense of control and predictability. Aiming for texture helps ground me into the present moment, where all my personal power resides.
For you, it may not be painting. This exercise works for any creative expression as long as you can table the conventions and explore freely. This is the most effortless practice with an art -form you are not classically trained on. Take a moment to notice any resistance you may have. When in doubt, air on the side of least resistance.
SURVIVE THE INNER CRITIC
Can you drop all expectations of results and just practice for practice’s sake?
Can you consider yourself successful just for showing up fully?
Can you allow anything that needs to show up to come out to play (even uncomfortable emotions) to genuinely feel good afterward?
Are you willing to witness your internal dialogue especially when it turns ugly and nitpicks your creation?
Will you choose curiosity over judgment?
LITTLE TEACHERS, HAPPY ARTISTS
One of my all-time favorite influences, Austin Kleon, has documented that artists of all kinds can learn a lot from observing how children make art. In fact, in his book Keep Going, 10 ways to stay creative in good times and bad times, he mentioned making art with children is one of his go-to things to feel happy. He also said how inspiring it is to see his son detached from his creative expression results. On top of that, his son demonstrated being “medium agnostic,” meaning that his available tools were enough. The restrictions were just opportunities to experiment. As Meera Lee Patel says, “Start where you are.”
What if you have fallen so deep into the pit of seriousness that you wouldn't know where to start? Consider Kim Piper Werker’s book “Make it mighty ugly. It provides practical exercises to vanquish self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure, creative blocks, and procrastination.
This and all other resources in this blog have been a lifeline for me in the last few years, where my crippling self-judgment almost made me give up art altogether twice. Granted, these “demons” always come back because expanding into new territories naturally brings up fears, but at least all these resources have supported me to rise up for the challenge. Ready to feel good?
