Reviving Your Painting Passion Post-Art School

Art school was a journey of discovery, where you honed your skills, learned the nuances of composition, and discovered your inner artist. However, after graduating, the excitement often fades, and you find yourself struggling to reignite your passion. This article will guide you through the steps to rekindle your love for and enjoyment of painting.

Overcoming the Fear Factor

When you first began your art career, the idea of painting was to become an artist, not just a hobbyist. But somewhere along the line, the pressure to produce something of commercial value can overshadow the simple joy of creation. The fear of not being good enough can be paralyzing. Painting for the sake of it is essential. Even if the result isn't perfect, embracing the imperfections is where growth lies.

Trusting Your Artist's Eye

Art school should have instilled in you the importance of developing a critical eye, but more importantly, learning to trust your instincts. Likely, you were encouraged to emulate older artists, which can stifle your unique voice. Now, it's time to find your own style. Trusting your eye means listening to what your instincts tell you, even if it means deviating from conventional wisdom.

Setting Goals and Challenges

One of the best ways to reignite your passion is to set clear, achievable goals. Writing down your goals or creating a target can give you a sense of direction and motivation. Whether it's painting a specific subject or number of paintings, setting a goal forces you to focus and push through the inertia that can settle in after art school.

Travel and New Perspectives

Another effective way to reinvigorate your creativity is to travel. Take the time to see different landscapes and people, and let the diversity enrich your work. Travel doesn't have to be an expensive trip to far-off lands. It could be as simple as visiting a museum, going on a hike, or exploring a new city. These experiences can inspire you to capture new subjects, techniques, and moods in your paintings.

Experiencing the Joy of Painting

Ultimately, the most important thing is to enjoy the act of painting. Don't assume that you need to produce a masterpiece to make a living. Artistic success comes in many forms, and sometimes it's the simple act of fulfilling your inner artist that brings the greatest joy. If you start by expanding your skill set with new techniques, you might just find that the joy of painting is its own reward.

Conclusion

Rekindling your passion for painting doesn't have to be an insurmountable task. By addressing the fear of judgment, learning to trust your instincts, setting clear goals, and experiencing new perspectives, you can reignite the spark that lit your initial artistic journey. Remember, the joy is in the process, and analyzing the results too closely can be detrimental. So, pick up your brushes and let the painting begin!