The Blank Canvas

There is a culmination of many emotions when confronted with a blank canvas or blank page (digitally or physically). Starting something new, even as a hobby is difficult. Mustering up the courage to commit to your creative intuition and allow that creativity to flow is sometimes the hardest part. If, like me, you feel instantly better for carving out time to discipline yourself to pursue whatever hobby it is is half the battle.

I have began investing time this week in painting on a daily basis since restarting the twelve week programme in The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I recognise that I spend, as many creatives do, a lot of time contemplating my creativity (previous blog post here) and could talk about it until the cows come home. However, one morning this week, I decided that enough was enough and if I wanted to seriously invest myself in my creative pursuit, I needed to act on it. I am currently therefore using gouache paints to gain more confidence as a painter in my sketchbook, focusing on landscapes and learning about colour palettes. In addition to this, I have learnt this week the importance of coming to the blank page with grace, taking a deep breath and having trust in the process. Goodness, when I look back at my various sketchbooks throughout the years I am honestly amazed at my progress and how my artistic style has adapted over time. Something I do envision myself doing eventually is to set up a sub-sequential Instagram account where I primarily focus on my artwork creations, the process behind them and whatnot. From spending time focusing on my artistic passion and routinely coming to – and confronting – the blank canvas, I have learnt that it is okay to feel apprehensive and equally, it is okay to make mistakes. The most important things are that I have allowed myself the time to pursue my painting and am kind to myself in the process of painting. I do give a lot of credit for me being able to make this leap to the aforementioned book above. I have been completing my daily Morning Pages, unscrambling my thoughts into my journal, and have also been on my own Artist’s Date. I have additionally been praying and communicating my intentions with God about how I wish to create and have found that through prayer I have gained a lot of clarity. I find it exciting to know that I am only embarking on this new chapter, I am still on page one, but goodness, does it feel good to have began!

With love,

Katherine x