This last week I’ve been creating content for my new course FIX & FINISH. In this course I will equip my students with a process so they can expect to finish all their paintings and be happy with them. They will start a painting knowing that they will be able to navigate to the end and solve any problem they encounter on the way. In the back of my mind I can hear the doubters saying “Wow, that’s a tall order. Every painting?” Yes, EVERY PAINTING!!

I know this is possible because it’s the way I feel when I start a painting. I know that I will finish them all and be happy with the results. I even expect to be surprised with how strong they are, and I know that I will absolutely LOVE some of them. I will bring all to a resolved conclusion but there will be some that really hit the mark, where I do something I haven’t done before and that point me forward to a new direction.

This is where I am now, and I know that anyone can get to this level of surety in the outcome. The path was not special, there are no secret processes or formulas. I don’t have to wear a particular combination of clothes or get out of bed a certain way. I don’t chant mantras, or burn potions. It’s available to anyone who wants to learn and apply the learning to their work.

I will say though that a few elements do have to align. Knowledge + Practice + Mindset. These are the three ingredients I believe have to come together in order to grow as an artist.

You must acquire knowledge about basic Artistic Principles such as Design, Value, and Colour. You must gain knowledge about materials and media. This can be learnt by experimentation and trial and error. However, you can take a shortcut and avoid wasting materials by learning from others. This is where it is so beneficial to being part of a community of artists who are all using the same materials as you. There is no point being part of a community of watercolourists if you’re up to your elbows in acrylic paint and mixed media.

It’s important to find a community who understand what you are trying to achieve in your work. If you’re an abstract artist get into a group of abstract artists. As much as you admire the realists and their technical expertise in portraying the world, they are not going to get your love of the accidental mark. Your desire to portray a loss of control as you squeegee some thick paint across the canvas and contrast this with an exquisitely drawn abstract line, will be lost on them. Their pursuit is entirely different, although equally valid.

Practice is the second element essential for growth in making Art. A daily or weekly practice so that progress can be made and seen. A certain momentum has to be in place to move forward otherwise all efforts just end in frustration. These days I certainly don’t have a weekly practice but there are certain points in the year when I do. When I am creating paintings I try to paint daily for at least 2 – 3 hours. I find that if I paint for longer than this I get tired and decision-making suffers. Sometimes if I’m really in the flow I can go over 3 hours, but usually my back tells me it’s time to pack it in for the day. Maybe if I wasn’t so ancient I would have more stamina, but you deal with what you have.

When I was putting in my 2000 hours – (this is how I refer to the time when my confidence was low but growing, and paintings took forever to resolve and complete); I would paint almost every day for at least 3 hours, sometimes more. I was applying the learning of basic Art Principles and constantly problem solving my way through to completing the paintings. I had to think very hard but I discovered so much in this time. I learnt what types of marks I loved. What media combinations and methods of applying it gave the effects I loved. Of course, I’m still learning this stuff, but then it was all new and I was finding my style and process.

The secret to accelerate the learning is to keep the work small. You will have to problem-solve and navigate your way through the painting in exactly the same way as you would if you were working large, but you will use less paint, it will be quicker and less physically demanding. When you know what you love and feel confident in your style, then gradually increase the dimensions. Baby steps folks, walk before you strap on your elite running shoes and head out on that marathon.

Lastly, but the most important element for success is MINDSET. I wrote about this last week. I can’t stress how crucial it is to have a positive mindset in place as you learn. If you don’t those critical voices won’t give you a moments peace. You will be constantly seeking validation from others “What do you think of this?” “Do you think I’m improving?” “What do you mean you like this one better – WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE OTHER ONE?” “Why isn’t my work like this, that and the other artist??” Anyone within a 500m radius will head for the hills as soon as they spy you donning your painting apron. How do I know? I speak from experience. I still see my poor partner negotiating a minefield when I take him on a tour of my latest work. Fortunately, I value my opinion more and no longer need him to utter the correct adulation in order to validate my work.

See each piece of work as a stepping stone in a lifetime journey. Focus on the positives and be open to learning. Learning is progress and really is the higher goal. Producing work that you love is the bi-product. Ban any negative language from your studio. Speak to yourself as you would speak to others.

So this is the content of my course Fix & Finish. If you would like to go deeper, be coached for 8 weeks and emerge with a toolkit of questions to ask your paintings as you take them to the finish line. Yes, EVERY painting to the finish line – register your interest here. I’ll be in touch over the next week or so when I’m ready to kick it off.

If you’re looking for a community of artists to learn and share with, come and join The Upbeat Artists’ Group. It’s a growing group of supportive artists all in pursuit of developing their Art practice.