Painting is an outlet for expression and creativity. It is something I really enjoy doing, but I don’t do enough of it.
I grew up with an interest in art and I liked drawing and painting ever since I was in grade school. In middle school I was in the art program. In college, I took a painting class and it allowed me to develop my skills. My teacher encouraged me to continue after class ended. I said I would, but it took me well over a decade before I picked up a paint brush again.
My Return to Painting
In 2015, as part of an unofficial New Year’s resolution, I decided to paint again. I bought supplies from Michael’s and started painting in February. In the past, I would finish my pieces quickly as I felt accomplished starting and finishing them as soon as possible. I liked the sense of completion and having something tangible to show. This return to painting would prove to be a little different.
I took a photo from my Arizona trip the year before and decided to recreate it in a painting.
It had been so long since I painted that I forgot some of the techniques for depicting landscapes. I referred to YouTube as many of us do when we want to learn something. And then, I started to paint.
Ugh, I Messed It Up
I spent about an hour or so each day. I was working on the mountains and I was happy with how they looked. I’m not sure what I was thinking. Maybe I thought I was improving on them, but I messed them up instead. In my mind, I had ruined the painting and that upset me. I couldn’t paint anymore because I was frustrated and hard on myself. Plus, I didn’t know how to fix it. It really bothered me.
The painting was on an easel in my living room and I saw it every day. Each day, I would be reminded of my mistake. And every day, I would shake my head with regret. I finally picked up a paint brush again after three months because I wanted to finish it before my birthday. I know it’s just a painting, but it took me that long to accept it and to work through my feelings.
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
This painting was a symbol of the more serious mistakes I’ve made in my life. It gave me the opportunity to reflect. It taught me to be more accepting of my mistakes and to be kinder to myself. I learned to let go of regret and be okay with making a mistake. Making a mistake wasn’t the end of the world. I can course-correct along the way and I don’t have to rush through things.
I was thrilled when I finally finished my painting. It’s not perfect and I’m okay with that. I was so pleased that I framed the painting and hung it over my dining table.
Painting taught me to be more patient with the process of painting, but more importantly, it taught me to be more patient with myself.
