Do You Like Your Artwork?
First of all, how does this question make you feel? A little uncomfortable perhaps?!…Maybe because the answer is not always a “yes”! In fact, you might even be at the stage of not liking any of it at all.
The reason why this question can feel so difficult is that quite often we pour a lot of our heart into our paintings and when we take a step back we aren't quite seeing what we want to see. We also are used to seeing people share all of their best work so it's easy for us to compare and think that everyone else's work is perfect.
Do you remember when you were young? When you would create endless crayon drawings and proudly present them to your parents and family members, without ever doubting or calling into question your artistic abilities? Well, unfortunately, it's not realistic to get back to that stage, we get older and wiser and we end up becoming our own worst critics. However, it's not all doom and gloom, it is possible to like and even love your work, but it does take a bit of effort.
I want to share with you a few things throughout my art journey that have helped me:
Tip 1 - You will get better
Starting off can be the hardest part, it's where there is a gap between what you want to create and what you are actually able to produce. It takes time to develop your hand and that involves many many pieces of artwork that you are not going to like. This is completely normal and so the first thing I would say is that it is ok to not like your artwork. However, it's important to not let that stop you.
Tip 2 - Focus on the positives
We see flaws far too easily, we do that with everything and it is all too easy to look at your work and dislike it. We see the parts we wish we didn't add, or the angle isn't right or I used the wrong colours or the composition looks off. Well, it's normal to see those things but can we look at our painting a little more objectively? What parts do I like? What areas did I improve on? What can I do better next time? Can I see my painting as a step in the right direction rather than a failure?
Tip 3 - You aren't always going to like what you create
I always thought that if I practised hard enough then I would get to the stage where I would be in love with all the artwork that I produce. Okay, so there may be some people out there who love everything they create, but for me, I came to realise that I don't like everything I make. You get good days, bad days and mediocre days. This is also okay and completely normal. My studio is surrounded by discarded paintings but I now realise that these pieces of art are not bad but actually help me to learn and allow me to get closer to the pieces that I do love.
Tip 3 - Take pride in what you have accomplished
Creating art can be hard, you start with a blank piece of paper and yet you turn it into something that never even existed before. Be proud of the fact that you accomplished something, that you produced something with your own hands and added a little beauty into the world.
So critiquing your work is a natural part of growth. It's okay not to like every piece you create but focus on the positives, take pride in your artistic journey and show yourself a little more love and that will reflect in how you see your artwork.
