I started to paint in April 2020 during lock-down for FUN. I took your free course in June 2020 to understand more about colour, composition and grab any tips I could to help me enjoy my painting more. I loved learning about how to harmonise my colours and how to use almost anything as a tool for painting. I learned how to paint freely and how to use contrast to bring things to life. Then I made a mistake and started to read books on art. I became hesitant and almost frightened to paint - just in case I broke the rules. My solution was simple - stop reading about rules and start having fun again! I don't care if others like my paintings I just want to enjoy creating something which only I could produce - that's one of the key things I took away from last years course. Enjoying what you do is so much more important than impressing others. I can't wait for this years course - thanks Louise for all that you do to inspire our art.

You made me laugh out loud Louise, saying the opinion of people near you (family, neighbours etc) are as valid as the opinion of one’s dog. We should indeed put aside that need for approval - it will free us up big time. Looking forward to 3 June.

I am a traditionally trained artist in America. What Louise says is very true. Starting in 1973 I was a high school art teacher for 9 years. However, I was so focused on helping my students, I stopped my own art practice. This was a grave mistake. Then I married. I allowed “life” to control me, instead of me controlling my self-care. My health plummeted. In1996 at age 45 I became disabled and unable to perform activities of daily living and had a near death experience. In 2018, I regained enough health to re-start my art practice. I do not paint, but I’m a multi-mixed media hobby artist. What Louise is saying is true for all fine-art makers…poets, film makers, musicians and more. I suggest that you listen again to this video. I’m signed up for her free taster course…it will be another “first” in my journey to regain my authentic artistic self. Thank you Louise and all the artists I listen to on a daily basis…there are many. ❤️xo

I used to believe these things until I said sod it, I love to paint. I have to paint it's how I relax, disappear from the world around me, am I any good? I get nice comments which are lovely but often about pieces of work I'm not that happy about, one person's trash is another person's must-have, I love what I do every day, the act of painting. That is all that matters to me.:)

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you for reminding us how easy it is to get off track and for reminding us why we drool over a tube of glorious colour or phone three friends when we find a great new mark making tool . And you could tell us this over and over....for its easy to lose the footpath. Thanks x one million from Canada...

You obviously have a degree in art counselling! Your words are very empowering.

Right now it's the "I'm too old" voice in my head. I'm 55 years old, trying to get back into art with the intention of getting a body of work together, participating in shows, gallery representation etc.. I went back to school when my kids were young and I was in my 30's - got my degree in fine art and graduated in '07. Many circumstances happened afterward though and I was just not able to pursue art with any level of seriousness. Now I have the time but this age thing is a big hang up. I love your work and channel btw!

"Their opinions matter as much as your dogs!" AWESOME! I can't wait till June 3!

Back in the 90s, during an illness I was invited to go to an oil painting class, and the intensity of learning photorealism kept me happily working on color theory, doing precise copying of my own photos, and creating beautiful paintings that looked "exactly like a photo." I loved this, moved into a shared studio, and for years thoroughly enjoyed working. I would look at a piece later and say "How did I ever pull that off!" For years that was enough to satisfy me. Then I realized that I could not paint ANYTHING without a photo in my left hand and a magnifying glass in my right, unable to let go, a craftsperson, maybe but not a real painter. The satisfaction disappeared leaving no emotion or joy. I survived, got a lot older, basement filled with paintings that I'm not proud of. My free work ends up like mud. I believe you are offering concrete ideas of how to decide what I love now. I am looking forward to your workshop.

Oh, gosh, Louise! You are my guardian angel! I fit every one of these six categories in varying degrees. I will be there on June 3rd with bells on! ❤️

Yes, yes, and yes... I often but not always feel like I’m not good enough or talented enough. I do enjoy the process but get frustrated at times when everything seems to come out ugly. And I worry that I just paint and don’t often have a specific message or inspiration.

Louise is 100% correct! The art world (and the world in general) can be a scary place if we don’t have confidence. By confidence, I don’t mean never having doubts. Just the opposite, in fact. The confidence we want is the kind that says ‘I know what I’m about’ and that’s all I need to know. It doesn’t mean we have everything figured out, it means we know we have the right to a place in the world. Everyone, everyone deserves a place in this world. A chance to create and share and support one another in the arts is a precious group to have.

I find myself worrying about making a mess of my kitchen table, floor etc. This makes me feel very constrained. Even if I have a drop sheet and know that acrylic paint is so easy to scrape off after it dries on the floor or table!

Thank you for saying these things out loud. There are so many misconceptions about an 'artists life', especially here in the USA. It is so true that the best work comes when we get out of our own way! Each day I commit to the studio, some are more productive than others, but we all have these voices.

This is awesome. These limiting belief have been undermining my artistic efforts for 50 plus years. Thank you!!! They are in my dust

I believe that you do not learn how to paint. You paint to learn how. Anything outside of the process of actually making the art is but a distraction. Have fun! Don’t take it too seriously - it is an adventure to explore your curiosity and provide some sauce for your soul!😁💪🏼🦉✌🏻🎨🙏🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖❤️❤️‼️

Another brilliant and insightful take on things that as artist we all encounter,but don't always know how to deal with. I used to wonder if these fears came from that idea of imposter syndrome,not feeling we are good enough to be an artist in the first place,I also used to wondef if these fears came from wanting to be an abstract painter. I was a figure and a portrait painter for a few years but it never realy fully engaged me and I always felt more drawn to abstract painters and abstract art it resonated more with me. And knew I wanted to paint this way myself,and I did make the change over time, but always I was scared that people who loved how I used to paint would turn away if I went totally abstract.but I felt as an artist I was doing the right thing for me,I did find a few people turned away, but when I fully embraced being an abstract artist and realised how natural it felt and how much I love it and viewers could see it too in my work that in the end I discovered a bigger audience for my work. I had all the fears you speak off here,but somehow I just I had the push of creative motivation and kept going in what I felt deep down was the right direction and I was able to let them all go in time.I'm happier now as an artist that I was back then and I hope this finds a form in my work and I don't expect to create perfect finished pieces every time and just enjoy exploring where my creativity takes me each time I step into my studio and I do belive being able to paint is part of my wellbeing.These recent videos you have uploaded have really struck a chord and I sense they have for others too,thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts and experience with us.

Yes... such important thoughts. I have gotten past most of this, but it took several years... it was very hard at first to call myself an "artist"...And you are correct, sometimes people in your own family don't appreciate your art, but others do

If I never sold a painting I would still have to create art. It is like breathing, I have to do it to live. I don't negotiate breathing with anyone so I can't see caring what others think, however, arriving at that point sure took time. I think I was slow to realize the things you spoke of. I am 62 and have been plodding along for a long time to arrive at a place where I finally get it. I appreciate you Louise, and I suspect a lot of budding and seasoned artists do as well. Thank you.

I needed to hear this. A hundred times until I believe it and act on it.. Thank you.

Yes, I fear going to my desk and starting a painting because for the last 5 months, I've wasted a lot of time and money with no good results. Yes, I feel like quitting. Yes, I feel that maybe I'm not cut out to be an artist. But, something in my soul needs to create and provide joy to others. I'm unhappy when I don't create and I'm unhappy when I do create because what's in my head does not translate to the paper. Who knew it would be this kind of struggle? Thank you for helping with this.

I have been staring at the beginning of my painting for two weeks, hoping something will pop. And yes it is fear that keeps me from finishing this. Loved this KZfaq!!! Signed up for your 7 day free course. I'm so excited!!

a trick i use to keep loose is to listen to a book, not music, on my ipod. my therory is that my conscience brain is being distracted by the words i am listening to so my subconscience can roam free. does it always work? no, but it does sometimes! even the ritual of it helps. so nice to read all the comments and see the connections. woo hoo for june 3rd!

Pure brilliance. Thank you for saying all of this out loud. Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!

I’m anxious for class. I’ve had those beliefs of wasting my time as I’m not an artist!!

Thank you so much Louise! I've wrestled with 1&2 today alone. I need to change my mindset completely. When things get difficult in my work I return to the art that is safe and comfortable, but it is not what I want to create. I'm really looking forward to the course.

Thanks Louise so much for this very concise reminder! Can't hear it often enough. This hits me at the perfect time as I am getting back to painting after an 9 month period of illness that prevented me from doing my art. All the fears came up. You and your wonderful courses and art tribe are such a gift! Thank you thank you!

Perfect timing! I needed to hear this today. I have every one of those limiting beliefs. Signing up for your course right now!

Even though this video is old(fish), it is still one of my favourite "lectures" to listen to when I am in that unsure place and just want to chuck the whole thing. I'm an experienced artist with decades of dedication and work, have a studio (25 yrs.) and exhibit, but this week was another of those periods when not much is looking good and I'm sure the well has dried up. I have saved this video for just such periods, and will be watching again and again and again.

Over the past few years, I have worked out of some beliefs that I was not a good artist, and could not make good paintings. However, I do trust the process and when I spend the time in my studio I can and do a lot of exploring and have fun...most of the time. I still struggle with the one belief that I need to make finished paintings. I have done a lot of work on watercolour paper using only 140 lbs and enjoy it. I have been thinking about using the more expensive 300lbs wc paper but a little voice says oh they are too precious so don’t waste.....lol

Thanks so much Louise for your matter of fact dealing with every one of the voices in my little head! I do still want to hold on to one voice; the idea that when I let go and play and process with all that I am, something happens that often brings transformation and meaning to me and sometimes to others. I can't work through a painting trying to say something exactly, but I do want to go through the playful and deep process with the idea that I may well grow, learn, and come to say something that could mean something to others. In the Zen tradition of archery, for instance, one must not focus on hitting the bullseye or simply learn the form, but one must let go and become one with the process. In such a way there is a new grace and power in the archery that is both of the archer and beyond the archer. When the process becomes authentic play and work, I guess, we both let go and find ourselves at home, at the core where meaning for us can be rich and life-giving for us and others. On a lighter note, I spent a month in Aix-en-Provence before the pandemic trying to understand Cezanne. I alternately love and am terrified to hear the stories of him slashing his paintings in momentary fits of frustration or throwing them out the window so that people would find his works in the tree limbs! All part of the process!

Thank you so much. I recognize every word you say...There was never a teacher who told me what realy matters when I struggled when painting and talking to myself it was no good. I saw always others which paintings where better than mine. So I could not enjoy what I was painting and I stopped making art. I discoverd your channel 6 months ago and I am painting now again. But still...I don't thrust myself . You are so helpfull. Looking forward to 3 June!

I know this video is old and I watched it the first time about 6 months ago. I will just say that I have been able to get rid of all those false beliefs and my art has changed dramatically for the better in my opinion - which is all that counts. But most importantly, I love the process and it brings me so much peace and joy. And a bonus is that I also get more good art. I also love just working in my journals. I can’t wait for the 2022 class to start - 10 days!

Hi Louise, thank you. I love being creative and started exploring art/junk journalling last year. I had all of the hang ups you mentioned in your video but I decided to dare to be brave and join the community and make youtube videos. I wanted to share my love of creating and show others that its not important to be 'good' its the joy of creating ..... and making a mess is fun! I'm going to sign up for your classes as I want to learn and grow. Thank you so much for sharing. Penny 🌼🦋

I love the way you talk about the psychology of creating art. Often times fear of ruining what I've already done stops me from continuing a painting. I really want to learn to paint worrying free.

I’m a passionate artist for 8 years I do both traditional and digital illustrations. I always loved arts and I’m always passionate about it. However lately, I got this fear of drawing or going back to art or even continue doing art. I find the chance to draw and I just get that sudden fear and I start to run away from it. I really want to overcome this issue and continue doing art without fear of failure and constantly practice to draw and feel proud of my work and most importantly enjoy which is something I forgot. Thank you so much for the video it gave me a little bit of reassurance.

I've never let what others think influence my own opinion regarding my art, however I am guilty of not giving it the time I deserve. Lots of great advice here and I am looking forward to the 2022 workshop.

Such important things to hear and I am almost at that point of not caring about what others say except when I have an unsolicited critic from a fellow artist in a public forum. I am still finding that hard to deal with. I find it hard to respond to and perhaps that is the answer....not to respond....a bit of dead air...Anyway I am so looking forward to your upcoming course!

Working from these used books, gives new life to them. I stain the pages first with ink, water color, coffee , and tea. This makes a great background.

Thank you Louise for such helpful and practical tips to get rid of those negative thoughts. I have been struggling with 4 canvases and each one "has gone wrong". I don't know why I just can't crack it, so your your video was jusr what I needed in reminding me I am trying too hard to please other people. Canvases are now put away for another day and I must get playing again. Thank you and looking forward to the course very much (again!)

Thankyou for all of these wise words, to get past all the limiting factors wastes more time than actually getting to the process of creating. Fear is indeed our enemy.

Wow! Thank you so much, Louise.

I loved this video. Favorite quotes are " A finished painting is a byproduct of the process I love" and "To go on a journey with yourself" "art is necessary self-care." I truly believe that.

Everything you talked about was like hearing my inner brain telling me no in different ways! Thanks for sharing.....I already feel better about my artist self.

I majored in Art in College - went to two different art schools, but mostly studied ceramics and Life Drawing. I love to paint and do mixed media pieces, but now, for whatever limiting belief it is, I feel like I see other’s paintings and I can see mine are pretty lousy compared to theirs. Which shouldn’t make a difference (I’m 68 and ought to know better), but it somehow instills a fear in me that whatever I do it is never “good enough”. I’m signed up for your 7 day course. HELP! When I was in Art School, I never even considered comparing my work to others - why is it happening now?

You are so helpful and inspirational

You’ve given me hope that I can really begin to express myself through my painting as I’ve wanted to since I was 10 years old. Time stops for me when I’m painting. I love the process very few of my creations are satisfying to me. I can hardly wait until June to finally find my voice. Thank you for your generosity.

Didn’t know about Monet’s crisis of confidence. If such a brilliant artist struggled, well, you are right - everyone does. And the cost? Yes, it IS as much my right to buy art supplies as sport-loving folk are entitled to their their relaxation. Brilliant comparison, thank you Louise!

When I decided to try to make abstract paintings, I started with the 100 Day project. I already did it last year with the theme 100 day of doodles and I had fun. This year I apply the same spirit with 100 day of abstract, I wanted to explore, experiment and learn during the process, and mostly have fun! Results, like you said truly, are byproducts. I produced and posted some good ones and bad ones, but the idea of moving forward was there at all time. Now the 100 day project is done and I'm still painting with the same spirit, learning, exploring, having fun and improving my mental health. And it makes me happy.

I'm looking forward to your class! I haven't taken any painting courses, since in the last one the teacher got upset with me in a group talk, and she came over and painted over my painting and wiped out everything I'd done for 2 days. The whole class gasped, and I was appalled. I have not been willing to risk another class since then. She only wanted to teach us to make her paintings, and I thought she was going to teach us more about painting and encourage us in our own work. It was so painful, and took me a long time to process and get over. I really hope I can learn things in your class that will improve my own work. Thank you for your excellent and encouraging videos!! I get a lot from them : )

Can’t wait ... I just love what you said !,

Yes, yes, yes.... ! Thank you, Louise! Eva

Thanks Louise looking forward to the course

Love you so much, thank you ✨

Needed this, thank you!

Thank you. ❤️

I just finished the FYJTaster and I believe that I started it with everyone of these beliefs. It’s kind of a life long “disease”. Thank you for giving me the “antibiotic” for these beliefs. I feel I now have weapons to move forward.

Thank you Louise. I really resonated with your comments this morning as two days ago I finished what was a “good” painting but something niggled . I kept looking , going away , coming back , re-looking repeat repeat . Then yesterday I painted over my good painting and the good painting has become part of the process to something more authentic to me. Hence the relevance to listening to your thoughts this morning. I went to a well known art college in the early 70’s and left with low esteem. I spent years unlearning what I learnt then!

Thanks for this Louise! I’ve heard a lot of people talking about doing it for the process, but your description of the canvas magically filling with a completed painting really resonated. Nailed it!

Looking forward to the course!

Thanks for the sound advice, Louise! I have been painting for 3 years, not having picked up a paintbrush since the first years in secondary school many moons ago. Painting was a way of escaping from a stressful job, family turmoil and low mood and for that, I'm grateful. I wouldn't have survived without my art therapy! Finding like-minded people at an art class two years ago added another layer to this and helped my confidence as an artist, but the pandemic lockdown has caused confidence in my artistic ability to diminish. I'm really excited about participating in your course and looking forward to rekindling the joy in painting.

Thanks Louise , looking forward to your course ! Love your video, says it like it is!!

My struggles are primarily with caring what other people think & that spending time on my art is taking away from other things I "should" be doing. - like decluttering my house after 35 years here. I know the truth in each of your counterpoints in my head, but not yet in my heart. Thanks for all you do!

I needed to hear all this!

So helpful Louise. Thank you!

Thanks so much Louise. I'm looking forward to the course 😀

Thank you ♥️

Nail on the head with each point! You read my thoughts.

I am prone to all of these beliefs at any given time. What resonates most with me is to return to that wonderful feeling of being lost in painting. Exploring how things behave. Thank you for that reminder. I'm looking forward to your course 😊

Thank you so much Louise I can’t tell you how helpful this video is for me. Really looking forward to the course! xx

Great reminders. Thanks Louise.

Love this. You described my fears in full. So liberating to focus on overcoming them

Very pertinent observations- thank you!

I love everything you say. Looking forward to tomorrow NZ time

Thanks so much Louise. Really needed this talk today.

Thanks! Looking forward to June!

Some great thoughts there Louise, thank you 🙏 It's so interesting isn't it the words we use, for eg "proper artist". What do we think qualifies as a "proper artist"? I think as soon as we start to draw into comparison it can kill creativity. "Well so and so is a proper artist, they do XYZ and I don't do that so that's why I'm not a proper artist and I will never be as good as they are". It's not until you stop and actually listen to what we are speaking over ourselves that we think "hang on a minute, I can do this, I love to do this, it brings me heaps of joy, and the art I make is good and acceptable for me". Hope this makes sense 👍🏻

Thanks. Yes, I feel exactly this way, I m waiting for your next course very excited. Thank you very, very much.

Thank you so much, Louise!!! Exactly what I needed to hear today.

So much of this resonates. Thanks so much for the insights and time.

Thank you. I am inspired every time I listen to you. You Rock!!!

Self care.... absolutely! Thank you!

Louise you are such a blessing, you always KNOW what we need!! And that is my WHY..to see that magic 🖤

Thank you 😊

Bingo! So important to unravel these believes! Thanks Louise!

Thoroughly enjoyed your video, Louise. Wise words. Thank you. Charlotte Timmins, Canada

I absolutely love this. Thank you so much! My biggest stumbling block is "wasting time." There's always one more thing that needs my attention before I can sit down to paint. So when I finally do, it feels like so much is riding on that precious time. It's not even like "I need to make a great painting" but more like "I don't want my mind to wander, I have to focus, I need to get SOMETHING out of this." But even saying this is helpful--just thinking about it out loud is good! Thank you again--your channel is awesome.

Louise you are so correct. I have been an artist for thirty years. Many experiences. I have had , a painting, mixed media collage comes to mind. , When some people first saw it, the feed back was negative. I believed in it so I ignored many not so great comments. It went into a show, won an award, traveled the state for year then was purchased by the Mayors office. It won many awards. So I mention it to agree with you, listen to yourself as an artist. No one else knows what you are doing. I will add as I experiment and and like most artists I love to experiment with different media etc., I do remind myself if I feel stuck. Do what you know how to do> go back to what you know is deeply you. Thanks so much for your insightful thoughts. So very important.

I love listening to you and how you tell me..because i feel you are just talking to me.....that I can draw what I love drawing. No matter what spouse or friends think. I love my crazy drawings. So thank you!

I can’t wait to start this class! I love this video!

I’m so excited to start this course😋

Amazing Share. I appreciate your advice 💜💜

Hi Louise, great advice. Look forward to the course. What a fabulous studio!

Thank you for pointing out all the beliefs we all carry around. . I am looking forward to starting your course tomorrow 3/06

I love what you mentioned,I really do🌹🌹thank you Gave me more confidence ❤️❤️🌹🌹

This is spot on and all points absolutely true! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Thanks Louise!!!!! this is very helpful. Looking forward to joining your course. Pilar

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Gonna share this with my artist friends!

Thank you.

Hello, Thank you for this wonderfully informative and helpful video. I'm so shy about my art . Not too many family or friends even know I paint. There are many schooled artists in my family and among relatives. However, I'am not one of them . Its helpful and comforting to know I'm not alone in my quest to learn to process my fear in a better way.. 🙌💜