Embracing the Messy Creative Process
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- Do you also wrestle sometimes with the messy creative process? I’ve spent years telling myself that if I were a better artist my paintings would develop easier, more quickly, and be beautiful all along the way. Where do we get this? It’s not even close to reality, yet I’ve perpetuated this idea by telling myself it should be easier, I should know where I’m going from the very start, and that every painting should turn out beautifully.
I’ve dedicated myself to the practice of noticing these bogus beliefs and purposely practicing a relaxation into the ‘real’ creative process, which is oftentimes messy, never a straight line, and not supposed to be tidy or predictable. In fact, the job of the artist is to explore and seek out the unpredictable. I’ve had my work become predictable because I had fully explored a concept or process, and found that predictable is actually quite boring.
In this video, I begin normalizing the messiness of the creative process for myself. Come along for the ride! And I hope you enjoy noticing your own thoughts about the creative process that aren’t accurate and don’t serve your development.
For information on my collage class, go to www.marabethquinart.com/colla...
For information on any future classes or learning opportunities:
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Video Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
0:29 Products and materials
2:30 Why normalizing the messiness helps us be better artists
5:35 Anxious thoughts that hinder the creative flow and what to do about it
9:36 Observing your points of anxiety; it's not just technique determining painting quality
11:26 Resisting the urge to look for beauty too soon
13:47 Practicing relaxation in the messy creative process
17:04 It's ok to not know where you're going
20:10 Your painting practice can be your teacher
28:18 These are natural, universal problems. That's ok.
31:00 Why creating a lot of work is necessary
35:29 Finishing up
Materials I used to create Trailing Beauty I + II: (**some are affiliate links)
Stabilo Woodies: orange and light blue amzn.to/3I5aj1M
Shuttle Art Tempera Paint Sticks amzn.to/3nJCwEc
Golden Glazing Medium amzn.to/3pmcLdK
Collage Papers: pages from a book of poetry and solid color mulberry papers amzn.to/3phbIeU
Acrylic Ink: turquoise deep, pthalo green, cerulean blue, flame orange Set of 6 amzn.to/3LYIUPY
High Flow Acrylics: yellow iron oxide, turquoise (pthalo) amzn.to/3I3ZXir
Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics:
Yellow Orange azo, amzn.to/3BBS3JP
Sap Green, amzn.to/42tfEbg
Quinacridone Burnt Orange, amzn.to/3LXYg7r
Quinacridone Magenta, amzn.to/3pBHR1a
Prussian Blue amzn.to/3nKus6o
You can find my current available work at my website: www.marabethquinart.com
Or to see more of what I’m working on today in the studio: / marabethquin
You can also find me on facebook: / marabethquin
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#artideas #mixedmediaart #mixedmedia #paintingprocess #creativeprocess #creative #artinstruction #artprocess #floralabstract #floralart
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Music: Words
Musician: music by audionautix.com
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/...
If you're looking to deepen your relationship with your creative process, you might also like this video I made: czcams.com/video/yj2bS8tu6f0/video.html
So true! My watercolor teacher said this! I watch MBQ a lot… it’s her words, her thought process, as well as her courage that truly help me. It’s like a pep talk… and she is so spot on about painting and life. I think it’s a personality connection for many of us! She’s just so encouraging!! I was such a perfectionist for so long… even thought I’d conquered it! Ha! It’s an ongoing challenge to go with life’s unexpected flow… and painting and art are so therapeutic! Bravo to Marabeth for her dedication to her art… and her therapy sessions … online… free!!🤍🫶
That sketch book is gorgeous. Please don't say bad things about it.
While i am seeing the paintings on the table come to life. When i saw those pieces in the sketchbook I was like Wow! Love them!
Your conversation over the video is really hitting hard and making me think. It has definitely helped me feel like I should approach my art differently and be kinder to myself. A lot of the things you mentioned are things that stop me from showing up at my table and making something. The fact that I have let myself be conditioned by the world's and in-turn my own expectations that I don't give myself a chance to create and so miss out on doing something that could be amazing.
Thank you for this.
So happy it was helpful! And I think having the realizations you are having is what an art practice is all about-we all have ways of stopping ourselves, or blocking our creative flow that we don’t know about until we really start looking in a kind and curious way. You’ll never lose by being kind to yourself. Xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing this! After having quit painting AGAIN the other day from feeling like I am really not meant to be doing this, you’ve given me a lot to think about. I love that you said that “the only confirmation you need is your interest”. I think I need to make this my daily affirmation! Thanks again and also I loved your paintings!
I’m so happy it was helpful, Kim! And I really believe that-we are interested in the things we have potential for. I’ve had to make this my mantra as well because going through the process of developing that potential can be difficult but it’s so worth it!
I am amazed how LONG it took until the painting came out if the messy stage. I must admit that I would have long lost the will to persevere and thought this is no good. It was almost like magic when the pieces turned into something so charming.
I know-it took me years to realize that I only have to stick with it. No matter how messy it looks, it can come together unexpectedly and quickly sometimes!
@@marabethquinart that is so encouraging, thank you!
Oh marabeth, I can't express in words how much I enjoyed your video
watching your creative process has really inspired me to give it a go. Let me say that you have explained this in such detail so thank you for taking the time
And sharing your videos with us, it's been a pleasure to watch and
the outcome of both paintings are beautiful and "green" is also my favourite
Colour. My five yr old granddaughter came home from school and handed
Me four A5 size picture's and when I looked at them (I thought now why
can't I paint like that!!) The where so loose but complete lol 😂😂 what the
Younger kids teach us too. So much so I'm going to frame them. Take care
And thank you again. 👏💙🌈
I’m so happy you’re going to give it a go, Janet! What’s the worst thing that can happen, really? There’s really nothing to lose. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it!
Your words and creativity are so inspiring! I don't know how I came across your channel but I could binge watch and be totally absorbed in your work and your voice! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Thank you Annette, I’m thrilled it’s inspiring to you. I do love the process and love to talk about it
Like many of the comments below I have been struggling with my art work , not feeling good enough or just wanting to give up. Hearing your words while I was watching your painting , was just what I needed. Practice, practice, practice is what we need to do. For me, I also realized , it's not about being better necessarily, but to enjoying my painting practice .
Thank you . Your paintings turned out to be so beautiful.
I love the painting philosophy you portray and convey. You are so right on, as I can relate soooo to your path of “getting there” in our work. Many times I have taken a piece and torn it in half discouraged and seemingly think it is lost somewhere in “artists nowhere land”. There are a few I wished I would have kept going and pushed through! Then again, the mindset is already at a defeated place so I’m not sure the psych can do it. Thanks Marabeth helping me to feel not alone in that space
I agree that the state of mind in those moments is probably not the one that could manage to keep going and produce something new, and that’s why I have realized I need a whole host of alternative thoughts to shift those ones that lead me off the cliff. You’re certainly NOT alone because I’m betting we all (or most, at least) struggle with these thoughts and reactions. I’m happy to say that with practice, I’ve been able to stay on the path a lot of the time. Thanks for watching and commenting, Denise!
Thank you so much. I have had the very same conversations and struggles as you have shared. What a relief to hear that someone feels the same- thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful-I actually think these thoughts are common to most people, so we’re not alone!
This was so amazing...I needed to hear your very words tonight. I have been so frustrated lately and watching you as you spoke my very heart at times has been such a blessing!!
Dawn, this makes my day! I know what you’re describing-I’ve had many times over the years of being so frustrated and felt held back. Learning to think my way through and not let the frustration keep me from painting has been such a game changer. Thanks for watching ❤️
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, perspectives, and passion. Your art is beautiful and I enjoyed watching it come together. I really appreciate your commentary; I felt you speaking to me…like you climbed into my “messy mind” where I tend to torture myself. Thank you so much for speaking my truths. Be well.
I’m so happy it’s helpful and comes as a relief, hopefully-I tortured myself for years (and can still fall into it) and so I’ve had to learn to think differently, and it’s has truly made all the difference. Thanks for watching 😊
I so appreciate your self reflection, questioning and changing what you think. The unexpected lightness of these paintings is a gift. . I will follow.
What a beautiful thing to say and so poetically. thank you, Mary. It makes my day. 🥰
I am in love with these two abstract florals! I have never "got it" like I did in this demo. I can't wait to get to my artroom to start my on versions of this project. I know as a instructor that you want to inspire and teach your followers and I want you to know that you are doing a great job! When you are talking, I am listening to every word and what you are saving is so true.
Thank you so much, Mary-your kind words are music to my heart. Thank you for them and for watching-I’m happy you’re ‘getting it’ because that’s what it’s all about. Those shifts in thought produce different results with the paint. 😊
A beautiful , magical looking painting! The layers with all the glazing is so delicate when finished!
Thanks so much, and thanks for watching!
I’m loving your process and your encouraging conversation. Beautiful”.
I’m so happy to hear that, Julie!
So inspiring!! It’s hearing your thoughts… your POV… about your work… life, art, all of it! A lot of wisdom and beauty in your artwork! Life experience is so evident in your work and in all u share!! Go Marabeth!💜
Thanks so much, Angie! 🥰
They are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your process Marabeth!
Thanks so much, Caroline! And thanks for watching. 🥰
Love your style and your relating life w/ your art. I can so relate. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent!
You are so welcome! It’s my pleasure 😊
Lovely … amazing and serene to watch this video. ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Please record more. I love it.
I like the way you talk about the process of art, and how we can argue with Ourselves , and thank you.
Thanks Chrissy, and I’m so happy to hear that it’s helpful or at least entertaining 😆 Thanks so much for watching!
@@marabethquinart What a great video and fantastic talk and advice given along the way. Thank u
Such amazing works of art! I really love how you explain how and why you place certain brush strokes and marks since I am very new at doing abstract art. I really learn a great deal from your videos, 😊
So glad it was helpful! And thank you for such kind words 🥰
I just found you. Thank you. Your authentic voice about the process really helped me calm down about how long it takes me to finish my paintings. I hope you will teach an in person workshop in the future, I will be there!
Hi Julie! I’m so happy you also find this mindset helpful-I’m still painting today because of it. 😉 And an online live workshop is definitely on my list of things I want to do. (I have some research and learning to do first!) But if you want to get on my list to be notified with new classes, you can sign up here: mailchi.mp/324cab991670/class-waitlist
Love de paintings and thank for sharing your thoughts !
My pleasure-I love to talk about embracing the process.
I really enjoy watching your process and the painting emerging out of the fog of beautiful soft colours.Very therapeutic .❤❤❤
I agree!! Thanks for watching and commenting 💗
I’m sooo happy to have found you!!! Your work is beautiful, you’re beautiful, I want to be you! XOXO
Deborah, that’s the sweetest 🥰 and I’m so happy and appreciative you’re watching-thank you!!
Lovely process, thoughts and results. Painting is fun, yes sometimes my thoughts or desire for a particular result interferes with the process, and then when I let go and enjoy the delicious art supplies….sparks of joy, energy and joyful abandon enters my process and something wonderful emerges. Really like your process, many thanks for a wonderful video. ❤❤❤
I totally resonate with that-I seem to go through that cycle regularly or getting attached to a result and then letting go into just the enjoyment of it! It’s so much fun. Thanks for watching.
Awesome love it , that is the spirit of, the artist at works
Agreed! And thanks for the kind comment 😊
❤ really enjoyed your video thanks for taking the time to share
My pleasure, Amanda, and thanks for watching and commenting 😊
WOW thank you so much for sharing
My pleasure!
Why didn't I watch this video before? It's just what I needed to see and hear! A big thank you.
I’m sooo happy you found it then-it took me years to begin to see that it’s just a messy process and supposed to me-we’re right on track! 😊
I really enjoyed this video, your are a very good teacher. I loved them. I think they are gorgeous.
Thanks so much, Laurie! I’m so happy you enjoyed them. 😊
I think I gasped a bit when you put that paper towel over the branchy bit with the leaves--WOW! I appreciate so much watching your process, along with what you say. BEAUTIFUL!!!
I’m so glad you get something out of it-I know that watching other artists work and/or hearing their process always expands my own in a wonderful way. Thanks for watching! 😊
I’m not sure if you did it intentionally or not but you basically laid out the meaning of how to get through life in general and especially with current events 🧐😜
Thank you I really appreciate your style (art & subliminal psychology)
🤔
John, A number of years ago I discovered that I could learn life lessons by paying attention to my art lessons-what my creativity demanded of me was also what my life was asking of me. One flows into the other, so it doesn’t surprise me that others make that connection as well. It’s one of my favorite things about being an artist ❤️
Lovely work and great advice!
Thank you, I’m happy it resonates. Happy new Year!
Thank You for your Meaningful Words, Thoughts and Inspiration. 💐‼️🙏🤲♥️Toom@CapeTown
My pleasure, and thanks for watching
Absolutely gorgeous! ❤️
Thank you Sheri!
Wonderful video. Very helpful. Thank you.
So glad it’s helpful and thanks for watching, Deborah!
So true, the painting should be from you inner self, coming out in thos 3d world. 😊❤
Absolutely!! 🥰
Love your work💕
Thank you Karen!
This is so beautiful!
Thank you Sheila!
Loved this, it really hit home.
So happy to hear that, Terry! Thanks for watching.
I was drawn to your video by the beauty of the painting. But what I enjoyed even more was your transparency and your wisdom. Thanks for talking about the things that sometimes hold us back without us even knowing. I learned some things about composition and color. But more importantly, I learned some things about myself. ❤
This is the sweetest comment ever. Thank you 💗 I’m so happy you found it helpful-painting always teaches me
About myself. Thanks for watching!
I have learnt a lot from your video. Now off to get the inks and acrylics and water soluble pencils out.🌸
Have fun! I hope you enjoy the process!
Thank you so much for this beautiful video… it has been so helpful in SO MANY ways! For me in this moment the most important things I have taken away from it 1) Every painting goes through the “ugly” stage (for want of a better word) and that is part of the process so keep going. Can not tell you how many times I have “given up” too soon. 2) The way you allow your palette to grow and evolve organically, never really going back to a colour always moving forward (WOW!) 3) The importance of not deciding too soon where you are going or what it “should” be. Just painting. This is so difficult for me. Your beautiful calm voice is wonderful too. I have been working my way steadily through all of your videos - and painted along to some too and am deeply grateful for them all. Thank you.
Natalie, this made my day-thank you for all of the detail and what’s meaningful. All of those things you mentioned as your big take aways are definitely still things I work on and seem to have to relearn over and over. It’s so nice to know that is just part of the process of creating! Thanks for watching!💗
Really enjoyed the video thanks for sharing
I’m so happy to hear that! And thanks so much for watching. 😉
Lovely. Lovely lovely
Thanks so much, Linda!
Just lovely! Thank you for sharing your process. You have a wonderful way of explaining things. One thing I get caught up on is composition and focal point. I think I try to figure it out to soon. In your process... when do you start on the composition and focal point? Is it on your mind all through the painting?
Hi Shirley, I’m so happy you enjoyed the video! I find composition and focal point to always be a challenge-I do think about it all throughout but I really try to wait until the mid-point or later. As you said, trying to decide too soon really messes up the unfolding process. I think it’s safe to assume it might be a challenge for everyone and just part of the process. 😊
Pretty and Interesting artworks‼️👌Thank You. 💐♥️Toom@CapeTown
Thank you! 😊
ok, i am saving this video! wonderful words that express my exact feelings on the creative process. Really exceptional and spoke right to me. :) thanks MQuinn! BTW my daughter is Mary Quinn :) first and middle name :) kinda serendipitous!
Hi Kate! I’m so happy to hear this and thanks so much for watching! Mary Quinn is SUCH a cute name!! It IS serendipitous 😊
They are both incredible 🥰
Thanks so much!
I loved ❤️
So glad! Thanks for watching!
These two paintings are so beatiful. Thank you for sharing and explainig your process. That is extremely helpful. And thank you for listing the materials. On which paper did you work?
That was awhile back, but if memory serves, it was a bigger piece of watercolor paper that I cut into two pieces.
So beautiful 👌🥰
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your videos. Love your mixed media paintings, and your tips. I don't see what type of paper you are using. Can you please give me a recommendation?? Thank you.
I use Strathmore Mixed Media Paper, but honestly, in this video I might be using watercolor paper. I can’t quite remember.
So pretty! And I really appreciate your talking about the messy part of the creative process. I love the idea that if you want to create art, you are an artist...product question- I had some tempera paint sticks that I foolishly got rid of while spring cleaning my art supplies a few years back and now I want to buy them. I am eyeing the pastel version of the ones you list. Are they permanent when dry? Do they go over acrylic well?
They go over acrylic very well actually-and I imagine they wouldn’t fall into the strict category of ‘permanent’ but they seem to hold up well. I really love using them and do so regularly!
Very beutyful 😍 thanks
Thanks for watching 😊
I love what you shared regarding the messy creative process! Thank you so much. I do have a question about applying the collage paper. What are you using as glue? You mentioned a medium I’m wondering what kind. And can collage paper. Be applied to canvas?
Hi Marilyn! I use Golden Satin Glazing Liquid to adhere the paper but any acrylic medium will do. I like the Glazing liquid because it works well with fragile papers and I can also make paint glazes out of it. And yes, you can apply the collage paper to mixed media paper, canvas and wood surfaces.
You express so accurately in words what goes on in my mind when I’m creating any piece of art. I particularly like when you said this (paraphrasing) … “What’s going on in your art is probably going on in your life” I love this and it really resonated in my spirit.
Just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing your beautiful insights and artwork ❤
I’m so happy you find it helpful! Thanks for subscribing and leaving such kind words in the comments 😊
I think this is great as ive noticed this process is done by so many painters online. And it makes art accessible to the masses. As anybody could do this art. You dont have to learn to draw or learn perspective. And im sure you all know you are not going to be the next Hockney or Gerard Richter or Marlene Dumas. So I appreciate this but I have a slightly different viee of art. I have done a couple of these style of paintingd and they are so free and easy to do.
Yes, being expressive should never be alienating. I think if it is, its probably more of a thought problem than an actual impediment of talent or education. Just being expressive and enjoying the process is entirely human and is hopefully accessible to anyone that is brave enough to try it. Thanks for watching and commenting 😊
Just discovering you. Left mixed media collage,which I love, to “learn to oil paint”. Not so fun. Considering coming back to my love of this kind of creative effort.
So happy you’re going to return, Kay! (And I think working with oils is such a learning curve…haven’t done it for a number of years and would be a little intimidated to return 😆)
My major professor in watercolor, taught that we'd need to throw away our first 100 paintings. Anyone whose learned to play a musical instrument knows that it takes time and practice.
Exactly-I’m not sure why, but we tend to expect such different things about art but everything is developed by practice, isn’t it?
absolutely beautiful!! the white squirt bottle you are using throughout the video? Is it water? thanks so much!!
That is Golden Glazing Medium-I’m pretty sure I have a link to it in the video description. It’s what I use to thin my paint and also to attach collage to my paintings-I love it!
Absolutely beautiful, thank you for the inspiration. Would you seal these paintings with anything? Just wondering if the paint pencils would still remain 'wet' or may rub off? Asking as an amateur ... thanks.
It’s a great question! I do seal with a varnish like Liquitex Satin Varnish, but before I do that, I spray it really quickly and lightly with a spray varnish like Kamar to seal the water-soluble things in place so that when I go to brush on varnish, they don’t move around.
@@marabethquinart thank you! 😊
Absolutely 😉
My pleasure-I love sharing knowledge.
So so nice! What size and type of sheets were you using? Hugs
I think they were 16x11” mixed media paper 😉
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎨👍🏻
Thanks for watching, Danielle!
What is the glue you are using for the collage pieces???
Golden glazing medium but matte medium would work as well
When I get to the point of wondering where to go next I end up not liking it and wishing I would have stopped. How do I avoid that? Is there a question you ask yourself before moving on?
I know exactly what you’re talking about-and sometimes I do go too far and wish I had sat with it earlier and truly contemplated how I felt about it. I think the question I ask myself at times when I wonder if I should keep pressing on or leave it is, “Do I love it? Am I crazy about it?” If not, then I can know that it’s not done. Learning to correlate the concept of ‘done’ with ‘loving it’ has been a huge shift in my work. I realize now that I frequently try to call things done even when I don’t really like them. So I keep going, realizing that I may go too far. It’s a risk in the process that’s worth taking though, and in the end, even if I go too far, I’ve learned something and that’s the real advantage that will serve future paintings. Hope this helps!
what is in the bottle you are using to put down your papers?
Golden Satin Glazing Liquid-I buy it in giant bottles so then I pour some in this smaller squeeze bottle for ease. I love it, but any acrylic medium will do.
Such a wonder "chat"
So glad to hear it! 😊
What is your base surface please?
Hi Terri! I was painting on Strathmore Mixed Media Paper in this video
Thank you for your thoughts about creativity and the process of making art❤
I love talking about the creative process. Thanks so much for watching!
Lovely. Your thoughts are those that nearly all of us think. I have to tell myself that it's only paper, it's only paint, enjoy the process the wonderful thing about acrylics is that they can also be painted over. Sorry but I found the music a bit annoying and prefer to just hear you talking. Thank you for sharing
Totally agree that these are somewhat universal thoughts. It made such a difference when I realized that, and realized that they are really just part of the emotional/mental process of creating. Thanks for watching and for the kind words. 😊
I don’t see the list of material
I have that listed in the description below the video, and for a full list of my favorite supplies, you can go here: www.marabethquinart.com/favorite-art-products
I really liked your video but found the background music annoying and unnecessary. I can’t get my subtitles to work otherwise I would have done that.
Hi Lindy, thanks for watching. So the closed captioning in the upper right cogwheel didn’t work?
I like your philosophy. Paintings are lit teenagers . They go through the uglies ! Ha !
Haha! Yes
😘❤❤❤
Thanks!
You make me realize that I stop painting when I start thinking. Lesson of the day : stop trying to paint, just paint with your finger not your brain and everything will be ok ❤ Thank you for sharing your experience @marabethquinart
It’s truly a personal revolution! Just seeing that when you start thinking, the painting is directly affected is a huge realization. You sound like you’re developing wonderful tactics for calming it all down. I think that’s crucial to creativity.