STOP Your Negative Artists' Thoughts (For Good!)

In this motivational video for artists I address some of the negative mindsets that can leave you stuck and stop you from making the progress you deserve!

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PAINTS AND BRUSHES

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Stop negative mindsets about art introduction
1:33 I will never be any good at this
4:50 I am too old now
6:55 It's not worth buying decent materials when I am just a beginner
8:05 I can draw, but I can paint
9:36 That other person is so good it's not worth me even trying
12:12 Everyone will laugh at my efforts

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[marybusse]

Thank you for this lovely pep talk. I am in a senior art group with women who have much more experience than I have, some of whom have been painting their whole lives. It took a lot of courage and determination to stick with it. When I began at age 78, I'd never had an art lesson in my life. I very nearly turned around an went home before going in the building the first time.

It has been four years, and I am doing more than I ever dreamed possible. I paint a lot of notecards, and get a lot of support and encouragement from friends and some family members. Truth be told, while I am not as good as I hope to be, I consider it progress that I now know what I would like to do better next time.

I need to stop telling myself I will never be an "artist". Maybe I should tattoo on my wrist...I don't know how good I can become. I never became a clothing designer, but I created a lot of lovely clothing from patterns.

I am just a late bloomer. I learned to swim in my thirties, and am still at it. Started piano lessons at 50. I never got very good at it, but learned to enjoy classical music. I think the timing right. Even if I'd had the opportunity to take lessons as a child, my perfectionistic parents would have taken all the joy out of it.

I could go on and on...I hope this encourages anyone to start at any age. Every day is a gift. Enjoy it.

[scottford]

Love your Watercolor tutorial videos, I am self taught and your examples are great I.e.; cold, warm and neutral color and where they are best used. This was fantastic more me, pls keep up the great work

[jakea]

Thank you for this kick in the pants! I don't need to be perfect I just need to enjoy the journey.

[joanbrogden]

You are so right . Not every piece of art I complete is worthy of exhibit on my wall, but each time you pick up the brush, you get better . I am 76 and my only regret is that I didn't start sooner. There"s is so much yet to learn.

[greylance]

In my mind I'm saying: "Yes, Ma'am." In a very respectful voice and demeanor after getting a good lecture on my foolish behaviour. Well done!!

[sandradale]

I started at 59 could’ve the draw or paint I’m loving it and building in confidence xx

[carollycett]

Great. Video Michele at nearly 70 never painted or drew anything before, during lockdown my hubby bought me a artist box at Christmas 2020. Since then bought different grades of paper brushes etc paints It passes my days and some times have even framed a couple. So thank you for your YouTube video you are such a wonderful person 🙏💐💐💐🙏

[kpogs]

I love your forthright attitude and words of wisdom Michele!!! I will take these to heart while on my watercolour journey. Please keep doing what you are doing.

[valeriegehling]

I will be 74 tomorrow and at the weekend signed up to do your Landscape course! I’m not too old nor too stupid, I ‘m going to enjoy it!

[gardengal]

I believe one of the issues with getting disillusioned with my art is the mindset that being an artist means you should be able to sell your work. The term artist is a vocation with an expectation attached. Unfortunately, original art is not really appreciated in our mass-reproduced society. At 62, I have to change my mindset and just paint because I enjoy it. I will leave it to my children to decide what to do with this mega pile of paintings! Thanks for another great video 💗

[Abhi_shek]

Ur are the best artist i think u should have millions of subscribers but still i love ur art style i am incredibly inspired by u ❤️❤️❤️❤️ pls never stop making content

[thelynnjojo]

Thank you Michele. I’m 68 and just recently discovered art. I was invited to a paint night as someone cancelled last minute. I figured it would be good for a laugh because “I can’t draw”. I enjoyed it so much that my interest was tweaked. So I attended a couple more paint nights then I started looking for classes. The problem with the classes were they were basically the same as a paint night. The teacher did a painting then basically did a tutorial. I wanted to understand colour and perspective. I tried another class. This teacher was so different. He encouraged you to think outside the box and to dabble in mixed media. At first I wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted. I like acrylic paint. I’ve since done another class with him and it was focused on collage. My first week I was doing just like you said. My mind set was…I can’t do this. Then after a couple of weeks I decided let’s see where this goes. I really enjoyed it. It was very stimulating and although I wasn’t working with acrylic I learned a lot about colour and perspective. I did often feel like I was out of my depth compared to my fellow classmates but again I decided that I was doing this because I get so much enjoyment from it. Your advise applies to other aspects of life. I also picked up an instrument later in life and everything you said here applies there to. So thank you!

[rachelconnor]

Excellent video, thank you Michele. 😊 The final point resonates with me. I just want to reiterate for anyone reading these comments that the people in Michele’s Facebook group are immensely supportive, kind, and constructive. It’s such a warm place to be.

[bsbs]

We’re enduring a heatwave here in California so painting with fans is a challenge. On the days that I can’t paint, I find something else creative to do. Also, I am learning Spanish online which has been a lifelong dream to speak this beautiful language. Thank you so much for your encouragement.

[renemorales]

Oh Michele. . . How did you know I needed this message today? 🤓😺😉

I was in tears recently (okay, yesterday) thinking, "What is the point of trying to learn how to paint with watercolor if I'm never going to get any good at it?!?"
I worked through it and got your reinforcement today, so I'm better now. 😊

On a more humorous note.... Apparently in the U.K. one 'walks in front of a bus tomorrow' but in the U.S. one is 'hit by a bus tomorrow' -- proving yet again that American culture is inherently more violent than British culture. 😆😆😆

(Anyone taking that last comment seriously really needs to lighten up.)

[colleenmcchesney]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful supportive message/video. I began drawing & painting just before the pandemic started at 55. Definitely the first few resonated with me but I have gotten better with seeing how far this will go after almost two years now. I love watching your videos, & your FB group has been very supportive indeed. The last one kind of resonates with me to, as I always ask my family members how my paintings & drawings look when I finish them or mostly when something looks wrong to me in the artwork. It is funny sometimes because my son will say, “Mom, how do you want it to look? It doesn’t matter how I think it should look.” He does help me when I get my perspective on something a bit off though. 😁

[rayanneedwards]

you are TERRIFIC...Thank you for your positive energy.

[pragya]

Your positivity is infectious! Thank you Michelle for being so encouraging!

[Deedster]

Michele, this was such a GREAT video and so very appropriate for artists of all levels (and ages)! I am very much a beginner to watercolour and just coming up on my 65th birthday. I have been struggling with my sketching and experiencing many of the negative thoughts you spoke of. Then my younger sister said to me: “you used to be really good at drawing when we were growing up!” and that gave me so much hope and encouragement. So, I am now sketching something every day and I know that if I don’t give up, I am bound to get better. I have absolutely no support at home, it’s a long story… but watching your awesome videos and now having enrolled in your watercolour basics course, I am on the right track. You are such a wonderful person, Michele, thank you for everything you do for us ❤️

[patmcdonagh]

Brilliant, completely stirring and realistic at the same time, a strong clarion call to banish other people’s negativity from your creative work and life, a big thank you for that..