Art is a Journey, Not a Destination
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- čas přidán 7. 04. 2021
- This week, I work in my sketchbook while I discuss my thoughts on the cliché “Art is a journey, not a destination.” What does this really mean?
For me, waiting to get to the results spoils the fun of getting there. As soon as I start worrying about if my work will sell or if I’m doing it “right,” I lose track of the joy. Because I’m not worried about the end results, I can keep working and enjoy the process even when things aren’t going right.
Think about your own work-Is there a way to do something in your art that is enjoyable and playful, and without passing judgment and worrying about the result?
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Love this philosophy, Louise. I love watching you make art. I'm an introvert, so to me it feels like I have pulled up a stool next to you while you chatter away and I drink coffee and nod a lot.
Love that! (fellow introvert here)
🥰🥰🥰And it's in the journey that we learn so much...❤
So true! Thanks for watching!
Perfectionists (like me) need to hear this message, thank you. Control and perfectionism cause me to procrastinate getting started or getting back to a project. I appreciate you how you encourage us to get in there and do it for enjoyment. Very difficult for me. I love your creative spirit.
You got this!
Louise, I so enjoy your videos. I couldn’t agree more with you! I used to think there was something wrong with me, because I did not create art to show or sell. People would ask me what I do, I would tell them I was an artist, and then the first thing they would ask was if I showed my work and if I was selling my work- even my accountant and fellow artists😬😬. As if the only value in creating art was to show and/or the financial gain. I finally figured out that I loved creating art because I enjoyed the making of art. It stimulated my brain, it challenged my problem-solving skills and I delighted in the exploration and play. Showing and making money was secondary to me. I no longer think there is something wrong with me, I just am following a different path. Thanx for the videos!!
You are so welcome x
I Absolutely am on the same page. The ideas and expectations that art is for public viewing or financial can confuse and stifle the creative process. ... almost like being a closet artist!
I know just what you mean. We lived in Cyprus for 11 years and people would say Oh that must be wonderful a s I would reply 'after the first few months it is just life. No difference ' Thanks for all your insight always
Thanks so much Louise! I want to be less “judgemental on myself” and not worry about creating a art I can sell.
You can do it!
You've become my morning ritual: watch one of your demos, and then get to painting while I listen to you talk sense and encouragement. My take away today is I'm missing an important tool in my arsenal: that marvelous giant "eraser" brush! My smaller ones just don't do the same job. Thanks, Louise :)
So glad I could help! Happy painting!
Yes... when we try to hard we end up 'white-knuckling' our paint brushes and making everything tight. Our brush strokes and tool marks reflect the energy we felt when we painted a piece. Whether we feel peaceful, relaxed, excited or joyful, playful or mischievious... it will end up in the final piece. I love your channel so much, Louise. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks for watching!!
Yes, yes and yes! I want to sell my paintings, but then again, I know should-and do-simply enjoy my creative learning path. Worrying about how and when I'll sell these things does create anxiety and self-doubt. I'm doing still lifes and abstracts and landscapes and enjoying every one. I don't know if I have "my style", and that sometimes creates anxiety. I just keep focusing on enjoying the work. It is how I get ready before and unwind after a day of work or house chores.
The work you most enjoy will be the stuff that sells quickest xx
I really love everything you were saying in this video! Thank you so much!!! I really find myself upset & depressed because it is as if my painting should be a result, should say something about me, should define me in some way, but it's not. It's just the way, & starting the work I also don't know where I will come. Thank you once again!!!
Glad it was helpful!
I could listen to you talk all day, Louise. Not just your voice and the way you speak but also the thoughtful, accessible content. I teach, as well, and I tell my students: "One of your biggest tools is to ask yourself 'What if I try this?'. Thank you for this week's video...I needed your perspective...AGAIN! lol....
Wow, thank you!
Love the podcast and videos. I'm an ADHD artist, creating is the only time I feel at peace. Selling them is the last thing on my mind lol
Thanks for watching and listening!
Do you have your own channel Rob? 🤩 I love finding creative activities that keep us in that peaceful state 🥰
@@suemckendrick7904 I do not have a channel. My kids take up most of my day. It's always in the back of my mind.
@@Rob_TheOne
Our children, the most beautiful creation of them all! 😍 Enjoy your artwork Rob 🦋
I love that you explain that art is a journey not a destination! For me its always been an end product destination and I so want to change that. I came across your videos and will be binge watching for inspiration. Thank you for addressing this issue!
You are so welcome!
And I loved it at the end too ... and all the way through ... I felt the joy of your spontaneity. Thank you ❤️
You are so welcome!
Louise, you've put into words what I have been feeling lately! Thank you for sharing your process in order for us to loosen up and play!
You are so welcome
Making more & more sense to me: “the TRYING is the problem.” It stiffens my hand, losing spontaneity. 💕
Yes exactly! When we stop trying, the creativity comes through
I love your watching your videos and listening to you. Every time I watch I'm inspired..... Thank You!
You are so welcome
So encouraging.... ended to hear your advice today😍 I love your work and colour combinations. Many thanks for your generosity!
thank you for watching!
Loved this video. I wrote to you with exactly that complaint that my paintings were too busy and not cohesive enough. Thank you for showing that you too feel that way about some of yours also. The way you randomly add to the pages without any set plan really helps. I have ruined many paintings by getting frustrated and just not sitting back and enjoying the process. Would you consider showing us how you edit one or two of them to make them less busy and explaining what you look for to improve them? Thank you for all your guidance and validation for beginners like myself .
Yes check out this one: czcams.com/video/ml2kJ_ZjBKI/video.html
Such a lovely point! I'm learning to paint now and decided to switch my focus from realism to more abstract and impressionistic styles. I'm having so more much fun because I have no clue what's going to happen next! It's very freeing 🥰 Thank you for this great video!
Wonderful!
Your philosophy is so helpful to me, because I get stuck in fear of failure, fear of making something unattractive. Thank you!🙏🏾
You are so welcome!
Thank you Louise for sharing! In the last days I startet more and more painting with my fingers and my hands were looking like yours. It was such a fun...couldn´t get inough of it.
Wonderful!
Thank you ☺️ for another brilliant video Louise. Love ❤️ that’s it’s about the journey!!! I’m just about to start a new sketchbook and you’ve inspired me to just have fun, play and explore! 😊👏👏👍
Wonderful! I bet it will look amazing!
You have helped me so much. I now love experimenting and just playing with no expectation and not worrying about making something to sell but I have cut work out of my journal to sell. So create with no expectation and if something turns out great you can just cut it out slap a matte on it and sell it! I just view it as a little extra bonus.
Great attitude!
Always benefit by hearing your invaluable encouragement ❤️❤️❤️ Your work is gorgeous (even the stuff you don't like)!
Thank you so much!
Yes Louise!!😄👏👏👏
Thank you Louise, I really needed to hear this today!
I am glad it helped :)
Many happy returns Louise! Thanks so much for this reminder, and for the newsletter that it arrived with. Wonderfully written & so very important to remember! Thank you 😊
Thank you so much!
Love this thanks Louise
Thank you, great advice!
Love your free & fresh approach!
Thanks for watching!
Love watching you explore with no pressure. ⭐️⭐️
Glad you enjoy it!
Hi Louise
I can listen to you talk and watch you paint and create beautiful art for days. Everything you said in this video is exactly what I needed to hear - THANK YOU 🙏
Thank you so much 😀
Thank you so much Louise for another interesting and inspiring video. I love and absorb them all because you are truly a "soulmate" in the sense that the way you perform and enjoy your art and the way you think is so connecting. Extraordinary! Thank you
Wow, thank you!
Am especially loving your messy hands in this one! But a great demo of just doing and not overthinking!
Glad you liked it!!
It's so great to watch how "free" you are while you are working. It's something I know I need to incorporate into my own art making. Have been doing a lot of collage - which I did in art school many, many years ago - and love the process. I was a mix media sculptor before coming to painting and like the process of adding and subtracting. Appreciate all you do for the art community.
Thank you so much for watching!
Thank you for the view into your process and your sketchbook. I love the idea that you're just playing, and experiencing in the moment.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the reply. I really do love your videos. No complaints there. Found your podcasts too. Fun to work while you are chatting.
Awesome! Thank you!
So much information and help once again Louise thank you.
You are so welcome!
Awesome friend,love it💕💕💕👍.
Thank you! Cheers!
Hi Louise, Loved watching you in this video. Just to be so free, loose and spontaneous is very inspiring to me because that is what I want to be able to do! I definitely agree that Art is a journey and not a destination
You can do it!
I greatly enjoy your videos. I feel inspired when watching them!
Glad you like them!
Dear Louise, I love your series of collage arts. They looks great.
Thank you so much!
Really enjoy your videos. I agree with your premise. The journey is the thing and it’s good to share that with you ☺️
Thanks so much! 😊
I’m a new painter, I love abstracts but I found out quickly how challenging it is to make work I like that isn’t contrived. I’m working on a painting on and off that I’ve probably covered with layers about 7 times. I am an anxious perfectionist so it’s an excellent exercise in self- love to challenge myself to do something over and over that “im not good at.”
Thanks for sharing!
Just about to watch but had to sat I just LOVE that big fat mess of a first page shown. It’s wonderful that we all see and love differently ... therefore there is always someone who loves everything ❤️❤️
So true!
Thank you so much Louise for this video! I really want to be able to let go of the results as you are able to do! You are so right! I am convinced that this is the way we are forged as artists, and as human beings too! I personally find it very difficult to let go in my art and so much in my everyday life! It is a beautiful challenge for me and also a very difficult! I wish myself to decide to finally take it up.
You can do it!
I love watching you. I found out that if I don't like a piece. If I keep going, after a while, I do see something I like!! Thank you.
So true!
I learn so much from you! Thank you thank you thank you!
You are so welcome!
Loved this Louise getting my sketch book out now thank you !!!!! Trish x
Have fun!
Thank you for the reminder.
Always!
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this as you worked. I love the color combo too
Thank you so much!
I hear and agree with what you are saying. That’s why, for me, sometimes my art making can be so enjoyable but exhausting. I enjoy watching you work. You are very inspiring. 😊❤️
Well said! Thank you!
This is what I needed to hear right now. I have a piece in process that I know is not good, I just need to start playing with it instead of worrying about how other people will see it. Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
I'm very glad I found your channel. I hope to join your "tribe" soon (though I'm not an abstractionist or acrylic painter). I really like all of your insight and encouragement for focusing on our own artistic development and voice. Thank you!
Please do - there are all sorts of different artists in the group - we do not focus on any one type of art.
I JUST fined your work such an inspiring and happy work xxx
Thank you!
Have to say I loved the original page over all others, but watching this was as well really entertaining :D
Glad you enjoyed it!
Live your philosophy. The challenge is my head. Not to sell art, but if I could just let go snd not focus on the end results. I totally love your style and so want to be free like this make paintings of this style that I enjoy and approve of .
You can do it!
Happy Belated Birthday Louise.
thank you!
Finally clicked in my brain: just keep experimenting. I love your videos!
Yes! And keep noticing what feels good to do and what you like xx
Thank you so much for this video. This morning when I came down to my studio, I was feeling pretty worthless with my art. I forgot that I need to do the art for myself not for others and selling. Again thank you.
You are so welcome!
I'm in your 2021 FYJ Course and so appreciate all your wisdom. Having fun with Module 1 😄
Thank you!
Happy Birthday and thank you!!!
Thank you!!
need a sketchbook...have a box full of bits that i want to assimilate into a sketchbook...love your affirming, reassuring videos.
Go for it!
I love that now
Great video Many thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Louise I love watching you work! Thank you for reminding me that it’s about the process and exploring, not the final piece. Can you tell me how you make that lovely creamy colour. Thanks x
That was white with a tiny bit of cad orange light I think
My goal, after years of production pottery, is to make art and not care if it sells. Just to play, have fun and give myself the permission to paint over a piece .This was fun to watch all the transformations of the page. A sketch book or piece of paper seems to lower the temperature because the materials aren't expensive/serious, if you understand. Really enjoyed this.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Me gusta mucho, felicidades 👏👏👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
Louise, what you said about 'what the work says about me' hit me suddenly. that i am looking for validation from my work to feel like a good artist. i need to think about this more. many thanks, karen
I'm glad it resonated with you!
I only joined the tribe just over a month ago and I've learned so much! The biggest part of which is it's ok to play and making stuff that doesn't work is good too, I've stopped kicking myself and just add even more paint he hee it's not just relaxing it's great fun now :D
Great to hear!
I think we always feel pressure to "make money" and that interferes in our creative process. I DO want to share what I am making, I don't necessarily need to sell it to make it worth my while. Your videos are always on point. Thank you for sharing your process :)
The irony is that I think we make more money more easily when we stop trying
YAY another video!!😄💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@ThisPaintingLife always!!!😉
May I ask what journal you're working in? Love all you do
Funny, I REALLY Love this page. I kept saying in my head, "no no no don't change it, leave it, sleep on it, and then you'll wake up and LOVE it as much as I do." Then I realized you already MADE this video, so I am too LATE. Bahaha. Thanks for sharing your journey, Louise, so we can enjoy ours.
It's funny how people want me to keep things as they are even when the whole point is not to get attached and keep changing it. This is such a valuable lesson though. Yes the page changed, but what was lost? If the value is in the journey, then we can let go of attachment to any one page or painting xx
@@ThisPaintingLife yes totally true. So often people want me to keep a painting, but I say nah, and paint right over the thing, haha. I know it's underneath, but I need the journey, because today I'm more "evolved" than yesterday. I totally get it. Also, people like different things, and I loved all the simple blues of the original page. Both valid points of view. But you're in charge with this one. I'm in charge of my art, haha, just as you're teaching us. God, I can hardly wait for June!!!
So gald you posted this and talked about something that occours for all of us as artists,but I don't think it's a cliche,but a definaite ongoing reality.
creating art is a never ending journey possibly that wends up being lifelong, it's also an ongong learning curve too of exploration and experimentation,I wonder if there is ever a final destination in our art. We can finish a painting,but I feel when this happens that finished painting is a stepping stone,a starting point for another path or stage on our creative journey. On the journey we try things,question and resovle things as we evolve a piece we are working on and working through be it a ainting or a page in our sketchbooks.The exciting thing onour creative journey is that as we work it can take us in whole new directions,that maybe we had an idea of or that are unexpeted but also inspiring. Our work is always in progress so it folows our creative journey is also a work in progress, it has moments of joy when something falls into place and frustration when something doesn't work but throws up other ways to think about.We learn about ourselves as artists on this journey and about our work as we create it and as the work changes on the journey. If a result happens it's a definite bonus,but we should never expect to get results,but be hopefull they will happen on the journey,but have fun on the journey and embrace unexpected results that yield creative treasures,and look forwards as you go.
well said :)
@@ThisPaintingLife Thank you Louise ,it's Matt French,by the way I have just changed my profile name on yoytube for pratical reasons. I love how you look at questions like this in relation to art and then talk about them in a really insightful wand illuminating way annd through your own expolration of them in your amazing work.
I love that jump cut when the tan/cream paint strokes suddenly appear while your narration continues like it was magic. It gave me a good laugh. Thanks!
You using Indian Yellow or Cadmium Orange? Love the contrast with Phthalo (?) Turquoise. It’s like the yellow-orange just strode into the painting, looked around and said, “Well, hello now! What have we got here? Not much happening, eh? Move over, I think I can help!”
It's cad orange light - no yellow
Thank you! I loved this video. Can you tell me what kid of glue you use? thank you!!!
No idea what this was - anything I can get my hands on!
Thank you for this! I try so much with the intuitive approach and using my sketchbook etc but always I'm too controlled. I'm learning to "let go" and your film really helped me. You mentioned the GAC 100. May I ask why this is your preference? I have tried so many finishes but have always felt I'm not using the right one, but I don't know why I have this feeling. Thanks in advance! Sue x
It's not particularly my preference, it's just that I have lots of it just now
Where do you get those types of sketch books that fold out? I love your work. And thank yo for your review on CVP!
they are seawhite concertina books
@@ThisPaintingLife Thank you so much!! Your work has inspired me to paint again. Thank you!!!!
hi louise, can you tell me what do you put your paints on? your actual palette?
love this. I get way too cerebral with my art!!\
We all do sometimes!
hi Louise could you please tell what brush you are using in the beginning of the video? I like the shape and marks that brush makes. Thank you :)
I'm sorry but I have no idea. I just pick up brushes along the way - no idea what any of them are called. Some are housepainter brushes and some are from art shops but I don't know their names
@@ThisPaintingLife I like the short brittles, I will look around :)
When frustrated a favorite teacher (Carla O Conner) would bring out her “magic” mat and every thing would come together. Putting a mat down on your painting can help connect your line and design. I use a white mat with a black core. It’s the process not the product.......mraz
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
Very reassuring, Louise! I already feel the energy and I am not even doing ST ... 😅 However I wonder ... what if you are not working in a sketchbook where nothing matters but start to work on a canvas or a panel ... is it also that easy to just play ... or do you think ... now it HAS TO BE RIGHT ... 😅😅???
Every one of my paintings starts this exact same way. It never has to be right!
I’m curious…What kind of sketchbook are you using for your painting? Your techniques and colors look beautiful❤❤
I use all sorts of books - that one is a Seawhite
Thanks Louise for your sharing! I do completely agree with the concept (but didn’t reached that point yet), but what bothers me is.. what if I am playing and I end up making something really beautiful that I love and I regret not having it in a proper paper/canvas or size? For sharing it or selling it...
For sure I will not remember how did I get to it and also -if I knew it- I don’t think I will have any fun “copying” it... have this ever happened to you? or when you switch to the canvas, doesn’t it feel like “you need to make something good because you’re not in the sketchbook right now”?
When do you work on canvas if you don’t like to plan your paintings? Sorry if I asked too much stuff but I’m a bit confused! Thank you !!! I really like your style and approach
If I make something beautiful in my sketchbook, I just enjoy it and move on. The thing is, we have infinite creativity, so if I did it once, I can do it again, Not the same thing, but something just as good. Or better. The same applies to you. Once you understand this, you lose all fear and preciousness xx
Your paint goes on so smoothly! Why doesn’t mine?
Do you add water?
That must be it. I haven’t been during CVP.
Loving your work and philosophy. Art2Lifer?
I took Nick's CVP in 2018 - changed my life!
Thought the same! Was apprehensive to take the course because so expensive.
What is the colour blue u r using
I can't seem to get my paint to flow or create soft edges. I'm using Liquitex acrylic paint. Are you dipping your brush in a pail of water to get it to flow?
Yes!
What brand of journal/notebook do you use, please?
seawhite in this video
How do you keep the pages from sticking to each other?
I don't. I just peel them apart x
What brand of acrylic paint are you using.
all sorts
Some of us are minimalists, and consider a few of your pieces "finished" when you do not. I would happily offer a few of yours for sale....that's me. I have sold art for a long time so, I stand by my motto: someone will like it.
But the point is that art is made by the artist. If you are a minimalist and I am not, your edits are irrelevant to me but very important to you. This is my entire point ... you must do what is in YOUR heart and only sell what YOU believe in. Otherwise this is not art, it is business.
Hi Louise, what are your sketchbooks made of are they board or paper..thank you ..
I use all sorts - these are Seawhite concertina books
@@ThisPaintingLife Thank you Louise 🎨🌺
The ads today were so intrusive. So. Many of them. Can they be reduced? This wasn’t worth it this time.
Thank you for the feedback. I wasn't aware how many CZcams put in there. I've tweaked the settings so it should be better next time!
I wish you would cover the surface you work on with clean paper. It is hard to see the work. I don't mean your sketch book. Under neath the board is too messy. Good work.
I'm a working artist not a video maker and I'm not going to re-cover my bench every day. It would cost a fortune! If you were paying, it would be different :)