Creating Daily

At the beginning of the year I published a blog post about adding value to your life by creating things, making things, learning a skill, etc. Well, since then I have been digging into my artistic roots. I have been creating something almost daily. And let me tell you, it feels great!

Every day I can end my day knowing I created something. I created something with my hands. I created something that adds beauty to the world. I created something and by doing so I am improving myself. It's a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

As well as my 'new year resolution' commitment, I was also motivated to create by another source: shopping. I would be walking through Hobby Lobby and Home Goods, and I would see the most simplistic paintings (literally just lines of paint sometimes) selling for anywhere between $20 to $100. $100! It's not like these paintings didn't look good, they did and I liked them enough to want them in my home. But I COULD MAKE THEM. Why spend money on something I could make myself? I could save money and work on improving my skills simultaneously. Boom! Motivation.

I set out to keep up with my art through acrylic painting as well as drawing. But then, one day, I decided to experiment with watercolors. I tried to watch a YouTube video to learn the basics but true to form, I basically ignored it and dove right in without instruction. (Side note: I've been trying to learn guitar as part of adding value and that I definitely need instruction on! I'll keep you posted on that progress.)

At first I started small, painting a mini rose wreath, a pineapple, some clouds as practice. Then I went for it with a fox with some foliage. I posted my project on Instagram and asked my followers for requests and the response was awesome. My friends jumped at the chance to give suggestions and I also got a few comments from strangers. Among the requests, I have painted a realistic rose, a beach scene, someone's cat, and I still have quite a list to conquer. I'm really looking forward to creating the "otter in a top hat" request.

This experience has been extremely beneficial in my learning process. It has also been motivating me to keep creating in other mediums. I have since then, drawn realistic hair for the first time and completed an acrylic painting I've been working on for over a year. I've ventured off the canvas, painting on wood and other materials. With each new piece my creativity flows more and more.

So I guess the point of this post is if you've been putting off trying something new or getting back into an old hobby, just go for it. Go for it in a big way and tell your friends about it.

My mom once told me I'm afraid of judgement. She was right, I totally am. I'm sure most of us are, but getting over that fear and posting my not-so-perfect art was liberating. Not everything I've painted so far has been a masterpiece (my sailboat was not good looking, trust me) but I shared it anyway and still had an encouraging response. It didn't hurt me, it just motivated me to keep going, to keep getting better, and to share my growth.

I urge you to try something new, get back into what you love, and share it with the world. Show them how awesome you are and how how awesome you can be. Let them encourage you and let them critique you. It will only make you stronger.

If you'd like to keep up with my progress, follow me on Instagram: @catienicoled

I also have a some on a blog you can check out by clicking here or the "Art" tab on the menu at the top of the page.

Happy creating!