Do you put pressure on yourself to get the painting resolved every time?

Ocean Lights oil on canvas

The Day After a Masterpiece: Why is it sometimes your Next Painting is a Disaster?

You have just finished a painting you absolutely adore—it’s honest, vibrant, full of energy and sings to you. Yet, the very next painting becomes a disaster. Have you ever felt like this too?

This isn't a sign that you're a bad artist. It's because you're immediately putting enormous pressure on yourself to repeat that previous success.  When you finish a strong vibrant piece of art it’s natural to want to feel that again with your next piece. This pursuit can lead to pressure, which causes you to tighten up, play it safe, or overwork it. We freeze expecting the next piece to be as successful in resolving it to perfection. If this is just not working out, our creative flow is stifled and stale. That's when the magic disappears.

The truth is, your paintings aren't meant to be identical twins. One will feel resolved, the next might feel chaotic, and the one after that could unlock a new skill and show us something we never knew before. So my advice is to to stop worrying and trust the process even if you are not entirely satisfied with hte result. It's all part of the journey we experience as artists. Keep painting, keep creating, keep the flow going. The world needs your art.

So stop asking, "Why can't I repeat that success?" Instead, ask: "What is this painting trying to show me?" Mayybe I can resolve it if I remove my favorite part? As sometimes it could be that 'favourite part' of the painting that is holding back the rest. Sacrifice certain areas for the greater good of the work.

Every single painting—the successes and the apparent failures—is crucial for building your unique artistic voice. None of them are wasted efforts. Can you relate to this cycle? Share your experience in the comments!

'A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step'.

Have a beautiful sunny paiinting day

Much love and many blessings

Ali x