Overcoming Intimidation of Blank Canvas

A blank canvas can give you doubts about yourselves, from being so excited to start a new painting to questioning if you can turn your ideas into reality. Oftentimes, you find yourself staring at it or keeping yourself away until you dare to start amidst fear.

I listed below the causes of the intimidation that I could think of based on my experience.

The Causes of Being Intimidated

The "how" and "where" to start.

"Should I start working with the background or the subject? Do I have the right palette? What if I mess it up?" These are questions that pop into our minds.

As cliché as it may sound, the beginning is always the hardest - that's because you already have all worries about the future consequences that are uncertain.

Fear of not meeting expectations.

Before we start something, we have our unwritten expectations. And who would've felt delighted if it goes below it? No one - and it's valid because that's our body's initial reaction. Also, there are times when a mistake could make us lose interest to continue what we are doing. We don't want that because it could possibly lead to the next cause.

To waste materials.

Art is expensive so the materials, resources, time, skills, and effort. You never wanted to waste anything, but to make the painting as how you perceived it to be.

You may not even be aware of where the fear comes from. Regardless, we have to find a way to rise above the intimidation that cripples us from starting to work on a painting.

Strategies to Overcome Intimidation

It isn't all about the product but the process too.

Embrace the unknown of the painting process and enjoy it. You might encounter ups and downs but there are still ways to make it work. You'll discover more about yourself and your styles along the way!

I personally took the first step by carelessly painting the base plain - no technique or style just trying to release the fear I have because nothing could make it worse now. It's not a blank canvas anymore! It's kinda funny but it works for me!

Make your space comfortable and inviting.

To have an art studio is not necessary. But you need a place or a space of your own to unleash the creative energy you have comfortably, keep yourself away from distractions, and of course with good lighting. It could be a small portion of your room/ house where you can set up your equipments and materials. Sometimes, you can do En plein air!

Rekindle your passion and inspiration.

A blank canvas could also give you a creative block and your inspiration and passion just dropped! To rekindle it, you take your time to go for a walk to reconnect with nature, and visit your favorite place or a new place - a museum, an art gallery, a bookstore, a garden, or a park. This will expose you to new ideas and new people to get along with. You can also find a lot of inspiration online on Pinterest where people create boards of things that inspire them!

Taking breaks is really needed.

Be kind to yourself. If you genuinely needed that break because you're not physically or mentally ready to paint, listen to your body. Forcing yourself to do so may lead to more complicated feelings and situations.

Always remember that a blank canvas can never do you harm. You are the artist and you have control over your art. Don't let your emotions get the better of you! You can turn that blank canvas into a masterpiece. Pick your brush up and start painting!