The Project I Didn’t Mean to Create
I don't know why I do this to myself ... every year I think "this will be the year I kick back and relax a little bit. Maybe do some gardening or read more books."
And then summer comes around and I start thinking of teaching again, and the little invasive thoughts start creeping in. Things like:
'You know you've done the same thing for x number of years"
and
"wouldn't it be fun to add a twist?"
So I start to tinker with things, and play with new ideas, and then it happens. The idea bolt strikes!
Last year - at the very last minute - it told me to design a whole advanced course called Momentum. That was so much work!
This year, despite my best intentions, it told me I had to rework my free annual course and start from scratch.
I tried bargaining, saying things like "surely I could keep most things the same and just re-record the videos?" but I knew that lightning bolt wouldn't agree - it's a harsh mistress lol.
The truth is that I knew the lightning was right. This has been a tough year for many around the world. There is economic uncertainty, there are wars, and there seems to be a lot of anger, divisiveness and even hate in many parts of the world. Not to mention that many of us have physical pain or illness or have suffered personal losses. Life can just be tough.
So I wanted to create a learning space that felt warm, welcoming and safe. I wanted to create a giant arty hug to envelop anyone who needed it.
So, I set to work back in May redesigning everything. I clarified the point of the free course, refined the tone, and developed new lesson plans and painting exercises. I then spent the best part of a month recording and editing videos.
This project pulled me away from my own painting, which was hard at times, and took all of my energy. There were times when I wondered why I didn't just go back and re-use what I had already created ... but I'm sure you know that feeling. I'm sure you've stood in front of a painting saying 'surely this is good enough' and the little voice in your head says 'no, you can't get away with that - you know you can do better.'
Bloody annoying, those little voices!
Anyway, it DID get done and the good news is that creating all the new painting exercises got me fired up. I'm finding new life and energy in my own work, which has been a nice surprise. And I genuinely feel that I succeeded in that goal of creating a giant art hug - which feels amazing.I can't wait to start doling out those hugs!
As a result of finishing this project, I have a question for you this week:
Is there anywhere that you are settling for OK when you could push to amazing? Is there a painting that wants more? Is there a technique or medium that's been calling to you? Would you like to upgrade your skills?
Settling for OK is definitely easier but pushing for GREAT feels much better :)
Oh and amazingly, over half of my regular readers are NOT signed up for the reset... this is CRAZY to me! You regularly open my newsletters so I know you enjoy them and yet you are not joining me live to do some painting. I am baffled!
Maybe you think it's not for you? Maybe you think it's only for abstract painters or only for beginners or only for experienced pros. Maybe you think you've done my free course before so this won't be any different. Maybe you think there's a catch?
Let me just say - this reset is not a repeat of anything I've done before. Only one painting exercise remains the same - everything else has been revamped.
It is for any style or any level of experience because I don't teach how to paint like me and I don't teach rules or techniques. I teach how to connect with yourself so that your art becomes more genuine and unique - and you can learn that no matter how much experience you have or what style of painting you like.
I've added some practical details below so check those out if you have more questions but I really do hope you'll come and join us. Just CLICK HERE.
Oh and don't forget to ask yourself one question this week: what could I take from good to great?