Have you ever looked at your art and thought, “Why does it feel like I’m getting worse?” You’re not alone. As an artist, it’s common to experience phases where your progress feels stagnant or even like you're regressing. But here’s the good news: this feeling is a sign that you’re improving. Yes, you read that right! Let’s explore why these art highs and lows happen and how to navigate them.
Why Your Art Feels Like It’s Getting Worse
Art improvement is not a straight path; it’s more like a rollercoaster of highs and lows. When you first start painting, your skills develop faster than your ability to critique your work. You’re on an art high, feeling confident and proud of your progress.
However, as you continue practicing, your ability to evaluate your art catches up to your skill level. Suddenly, you see flaws in your work that you never noticed before. This is when many artists feel like they’re in an art low. But the truth is, this phase signals growth. Your critical eye is sharpening, and your skills are in the process of catching up.
How to Embrace the Ups and Downs
1. Save Your Old Artwork
One of the best ways to track your progress is by revisiting your past work. Seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly motivating. You might even recreate an old piece to clearly see the improvements in your skills.
2. Understand the Cycle
Recognize that art highs and lows are a natural part of the creative process. During an art high, enjoy the confidence boost. During an art low, focus on using your sharpened critique skills to identify areas for improvement.
3. Be Specific in Your Critique
When you’re in an art low, instead of getting frustrated, ask yourself:
- Are the colors balanced?
- Is the composition effective?
- Did I overwork or underwork the piece?
Use these observations to guide your practice sessions.
4. Take Breaks
Sometimes, a fresh perspective can make all the difference. If you’ve been staring at a piece for too long, step away and return later with a clear mind. You might find that what you thought was a “failed” painting is actually much better than you initially believed.
5. Avoid Perfectionism
Striving for perfection can be paralyzing. Instead, aim for progress. Remind yourself that every piece doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. It’s okay for some paintings to simply be “good enough.”
Why Comparison Is Your Worst Enemy
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your art to others. Remember, social media often shows only highlight reels—the polished and perfected works. You don’t see the struggles or discarded attempts behind the scenes.
Focus on your own journey. Look at your old work, not someone else’s. Celebrate the progress you’ve made and use your improved critique skills to grow even more.
Progress Happens in Two Areas
When you feel stuck, remember that you’re improving in two ways:
- Art-Making Skills: The technical side, like brush control, composition, and color harmony.
- Art-Seeing Skills: Your ability to evaluate and critique your work.
These two areas don’t always develop at the same pace. But over time, they balance out, and your progress becomes more noticeable.
The Importance of Kindness and Patience
If you’re too hard on yourself, you risk burning out or playing it safe. Experimentation is key to growth. Give yourself permission to try new things, even if they don’t turn out as planned. Every attempt teaches you something valuable.
Need Support on Your Journey?
Remember, art is a journey, not a destination. If you’re feeling stuck or need encouragement, join my free Facebook group! Connect with like-minded artists who understand the ups and downs of the creative process. It’s a safe space to share your progress, ask for feedback, and find inspiration.
Unleash Your Creativity: Resources to Get You Started
Ready to start painting? Here are some resources to help you get started:
- If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve created a free guide to help you kick off your watercolor journey. It’s packed with tips and resources to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Download here!
- Grab a copy of my book, “No-Fail Watercolor.” This comprehensive guide is packed with tips, techniques, and inspiring projects to jumpstart your watercolor journey. Click here to learn more!
- Join my watercolor membership TEAL! If you'd like to develop your watercolor skills, increase confidence in your art, and transform your creative outlet into a regular source of joy and peace while surrounded by a supportive community of watercolor artists, sign up to the priority list here!
Final Thoughts
Whenever you feel like you’re going backwards in your art journey, take a deep breath and remind yourself: this is part of the process. Growth isn’t linear, but every step—even the frustrating ones—brings you closer to your goals.
Remember, your art journey is unique. Embrace the highs and lows, and keep creating. You’ve got this!
Happy painting!