THE COURAGE TO MAKE MISTAKES
Continuing my efforts to create figurative pieces that have abstract passages and exude emotion. Also, paying more attention to mark making. © 2017 David Limrite
“All painting is an accident. But it’s also not an accident because one must select what part of the accident one chooses to preserve.”
Francis Bacon, Artist
The Courage To Make Mistakes
First of all, there really are no mistakes. There are only opportunities, choices and unfinished pieces. A mistake just means that you, as the artist, have more work to do.
Mistakes go with the territory. A mistake just means that you are not there yet. That you haven’t found the right solution. That it doesn’t look the way you want it to. Yet.
Be bold. Be brave. Be courageous. Fear of making mistakes can prevent you from creating at all.
Some artists feel that if they make a choice (such as a color, a brushstroke or a value), and it turns out to be the wrong choice, that they are then beholden to that choice forever. This is fear of failure. However, failure is necessary for meaningful growth.
Have the courage to make choices, try things and take risks, and embrace the fear that goes along with doing so. Make a choice. Go for it. And move forward. A mistake can always be repaired or changed.
You try something. You make your best effort. You evaluate. You change. You redo. And then get on with whatever your painting needs from you.
Best,
David
