CREATE with Confidence

—by Diane Andreoni

Wonder why some people appear confident in their creative abilities while others seem to lack confidence? I did. I asked myself—Am I a confident artist? The answer is yes… and no. I have “doubting Di” days, too. Most people have feelings of insecurity, whether an artist or not. What to do? Take action. Seek support. Read on, and learn how to nurture sense-of-self and CREATE with confidence! 

Care about your craft…

What do you really love and want to be good at?  For me, I wanted to become a really good oil painter, and show and sell my work. So I went back to school and got my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Then, continued studying color theory on a deeper level. By painting a lot, I’m now becoming more confident as an artist, sharpening my skills and learning from my mistakes. Whatever you decide to do, do it well. Care about the results. 

"Michigan Coneflowers" 30"x 30" Original oil on canvas

Rehearse, practice makes perfect…

To be really good at something, you have to know it well. Which means practice! I paint at least three times a week. Sometimes more. The point is, I’m doing it. And, I love it. I get lost in a “flow” state of mind, mentally escaping into the subject of the painting I’m working on. It’s exciting and surprising to see the creative results when I’m not overthinking the outcome. Rehearse, practice… and you’ll be ready to bring your craft to life.

Details of new paintings available on andreoniart.com

Educate yourself with expert help…

There are people out there who know a lot about your craft. Find them! Listen to them. They’ll help you get better. Be open to criticism and new ways of doing what you love. Seek out different experts who approach your craft differently. I’ve been inspired by a variety of teachers. And, I’ll continue with painting workshops to keep learning. It’s good to get different perspectives. Once you do, take what you’ve learned and make it your own. 

"Lavender Fields" Michigan Apple Orchards 30"x 40"

Attitude, stay positive and enjoy…

Creating is hard. One day you feel like a superstar! The next, you’re doubting yourself. Ups and downs are natural. Without them, you’re not growing. So experiment, and stay focused and positive. It takes time, and can be costly—I try different painting techniques and use a lot of paint in the process ($$!). But the journey is worth it, especially when you have a “eureka” moment like, “At last, I mixed the color I was visualizing!” or “Wow, that new brush stroke looks cool!” Play. And enjoy!

Experimenting with new colors and brushstrokes

Teach, share your knowledge with others…

If you think you don’t know enough, stop believing that. Instead, trust that you do! Everyone has something interesting to say. I love interviewing other artists, or folks that I admire. I can learn from just about anyone. And, I hope people gain fresh insights from me, too. Talk, together. If you don’t speak up, you, and they, will never know. Say what you’re thinking. Teach, and be taught. 

"Tulips of Luxembourg" 24"x 36" Diptyque 

Experience makes you masterful…

“Fake it ‘til you make it!” Ha ha, this can be true for some, but it feels so much better when you actually know what you’re doing. And the more experience the better. When I paint, no matter what the result, I’m becoming better at my craft. I want to be an expert, and I'm working towards that! This is the key. You need to want to be the best you can be. As long as you have time, don’t waste it. Use it! Be master-full. 

Guess what? It’s time to CREATE! 

Care about your craft. Rehearse to get better. Educate yourself by learning new skills. Stay focused and keep a positive Attitude, especially when your ego gets the best of you. Collaborate—learn and Teach—offer others advice inspired by your own Experiences. Take action and do what you’ve always dreamed you could. Starting now. Yay!