Why I don't paint in grayscale anymore

Hello my friends ✨ Here are some thoughts about my painting progress over the years and how I feel about my work these days. Next week's video is going to be more informative; I'll be talking about color theory, color palettes, and lighting!

SOCIAL STUFF

[_OneGrape]

You're not the only one that goes through this. I tend to look at my old art and despite the clear difference there is, I feel like the older ones always looked better and that I hadn't grown as an artist at all. With scrapping unfinished work, I am guilty of that crime as well. I feel like the best advice that has kept me going is to just keep going forward, and try to find the things you like in your art and strengthen them from there.

[Waaaaaaha]

I just want to say, as an artist who used to be well-known in their small hole on the internet in their fandom, this video really resonates with me. I went through so much mentally last year and this year and now that I’m coming back to drawing again, I can’t help but feel discouraged with lack of interaction with my art. I can’t fight the thoughts like “you’re old news now” etc, but it does help to know I’m not alone with the struggle (especially because you’re such an incredible artist). Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable about it all.

[michelleip]

I INSTANTLY RECOGNIZED the character from the thumbnail! 😭 The way you digitally painted this character again is as though she gained more vitality and contentment as you have in your personal journey! It’s incredible to think that your characters and art have grown so much in conjunction with your own growth. I’m so grateful to have followed you for over 5 years now. Keep on thriving, Sara!

[alinandreea]

I'll be honest, I've been following you for almost 6 years now. I think you're the first art channel I ever subscribed to, and I must say that I love the growth you've had as an artist! As an artist myself, I can see the subtle (or not so subtle) changes in anatomy, blending, and colours that you've done, and I enjoy every last bit! I still look up to you even now, and I love seeing your videos on my feed! ❤
The part that really resonated with me is how an artwork you deem as "not good enough" never sees the light of day. I also can't stand an artwork that I've made if it's not up to my standards.

[eyjayy]

im shocked! i strongly prefer your new work and it seems very clear to me youve made a ton of progress recently!! people are much more likely to speak up when they are complaining than when they like something

[jax]

sara, I know you may not see it, but the improvement you've made over the years is incredible. your pieces are so much more vibrant and your use of color has improved so much. you've been a really big inspiration of mine as I continue to develop my own style, and I hope you get out of this rut soon because I know how it feels. keep it up :)

[elliotmakesart]

Always so excited to see a new Sara Tepes upload! I've been following you for around six years now, and I'm more and more impressed with your art every single day you post. One of the few YouTubers that I click on the notification as soon as I see it. You're growing so much all of the time, and I know how it feels to not see that for yourself! Doing redraws of old favourites always feels very cathartic, and really helps to improve how I'm feeling about my art because whether it's a week or a decade old, I'm always practicing and improving, and I can always find things I do different. Annotating them to show where I think I've improved, and writing down these positive thoughts ON the drawing also helps me a lot. It's very nice to hear that someone I've looked up to for such a long time has similar thoughts in their head to me.

Thank you so much for posting all these years, your videos have always been a massive inspiration, and hearing your worries and anxieties has always made me feel seen and heard, even if you can't see or hear me. Sending you so much love! <3

[cydmccracken]

I you're evolved style. The additon of bright colors adds so much life to the subject!

[bagandbroad]

The way you use color now is magical. Seeing those little hints of color always makes me happy.

[brittanysalzone]

It's beautiful! I love seeing the progress you've made over the years how you are so honest with your thoughts and feelings! Artists are their own worst enemies sometimes. Have a great week and thanksgiving!

[ESJohnson]

I never learned to draw from greyscale but the technique seems to take longer since you basically draw things twice. Once you grasp color theory well you almost never need to actually paint with true black. Keep up the amazing work. It’s beautiful. 😊

[MirandaProvost]

Thanks for talking about this. You’re not alone. I honestly don’t watch a lot of the art channels I follow because it reminds me that I don’t have time to make art.

[vanessarottencandy]

Progress happens gradually, so you can’t necessarily notice your growth, especially when you have really high expectations. I guess that’s a typical artist issue. Wen can't really enjoy our work, because we are the creators that are driven to evolve. We focus on our mistakes, while others see the beauty. Your artwork is amazing btw❤

[themeaningofweird]

I absolutely understand what you mean, and I enjoyed hearing you talk about it. I also loved watching you do this redraw painting process, it's very relaxing to watch, and I think I might also try this "redraw to remind yourself how you've improved" trick sometime. Thanks for sharing, loved it <3

[mjpete]

I believe that having goals for yourself is essential. I have enjoyed a 35+ year art career. I am in no way famous but I paid my bills and I am still trying to learn and improve. I sold fine artwork pieces throughout, working in several fields of endeavor. I know that social media pushes people to comparisons and feelings of not being good enough, you are not alone. You are truly inspiring and I believe that you have improved and are becoming a better artist and more importantly a better person.
Now only you know how much you have shared online and what is your truth. I do feel that you have been honest and true to yourself and I hope you continue to create art and sharing your art with us. Please take care of yourself and remember that to be an Artist is to question everything! I wish you only the best journey for YOU!

[BluePanda]

I love your new style! Its so lively with all the color you add.

[sayJuju]

personally, i like your current drawings so so much more than the old ones. i remember seeing that old grayscale picture back then and thinking it is so good and shows your skills and style well. but after watching your content for years now, i am just excited to see where your journey takes you. i love the way you develop your skills and try out different things, to me it always feels fresh.

[moodyandtheartist]

This painting is so pretty Sara!! I love her cheekbones and eyes. She's so glowy ✨

There is something called "change blindness". When there are changes in visual cues but the change isn't perceived. I've heard it talked about in the context of weight loss/weight gain. Definitely not just a you problem, it's a thing 🙂

[ChantelleArts]

I love the new piece! You can tell there’s so many different colours used and it really brings dimension and life to the artwork in comparison to the previous. Art is subjective and everyone likes different stuff, there will always be people that prefer different pieces of your art, but you’ve got to create what you enjoy 😊

[capala]

My art process was highly inspired by your tutorials. I haven’t touched my tablet in years because of college and would love to go back when I’m financially and mentally stable. You inspire me to continue 💖