When I took this photograph, I was looking at the white flowers of the Common Heath (Epacris impressa). Years later, when looking for a subject to paint, I noticed the wonderful colours and forms in the background. What a happy accident! This post is about trusting your vision. How I learned to trust mine.

A Turning Point

I attended an art workshop to learn how to paint. This was shortly after discovering the background in the photograph. At that point, I was really only a photographer. I wanted to know if I could paint. To my surprise, I was quite happy with my work. I knew it wasn’t perfect, and I was trying to figure out my painting style.

The tutor came over, took the paintbrush out of my hand, and painted over the lowest flower. At that time, I had no idea if this was usual practice or not. What I did know instantly was that her style was NOT what I wanted to paint. This was the most important art lesson I have ever had. To trust in myself.

That painting remains in my studio, but I have not made another mark on it. Perhaps one day I will return to it, or paint over it. For now, I need to leave it at that strange point, where a frilly detailed flower has been added to my impressionistic buds.

Trust Your Gut

So, to everyone starting out on anything creative, trust yourself. Listen to others, consider their advice, but don’t abandon your ideas. Only you can know your vision.

My vision grew into my abstract work. Often no-one could see what I was striving for, not even me. But I followed my intuition. I trusted my gut, and I think it is taking me in the right direction.

Into the Future

I’m into the last 25 days of my 100 Days of Art where I am examining my own art process. All of the work I have highlighted in these posts stems from that art workshop, where I knew what I didn’t want.

You can read more posts in the 100 Days of Art series here.