This week we studied the style and techniques of Anne Marie Bone and applied them to an image of a bird in a tree at sunset.

My first reaction when I saw our reference picture was “Oh my God, trees again!”

Every time I have a picture that needs trees, my initial reaction is to go into panic mode – I don’t think I’m very good at trees. Yet when I look back across the pictures I’ve done, and the trees that I’ve painted, there is a significant improvement from where I started six months ago compared to where I am now.

When you practice, you don’t just get better with technique… you also build confidence. Being more confident with a brushstroke. Being more confident with the amount of paint on the brush. Being confident just to go with what your intuition is telling you.

And we need to remember that in life our actions (and reactions) are habits that have been programmed over decades. Even when we have done work on ourselves and KNOW we can do something, old beliefs can still be triggered.

It’s at times like these that it is good to look back, to see the improvements we’ve made from where we were because that not only proves that the techniques we are using are working, it builds confidence in us trusting ourselves.

It brings to mind the quote attributed to Henry Ford “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” If I keep telling myself I’m no good at painting trees, then, strangely enough, I won’t get better at painting trees… 

… or will I, if I just go through the motions of painting with technique?

I believe it actually takes both.

You need to believe you are capable, worthy, good enough… Whatever it is you need to believe… AND you need to take the action to improve.

Practice in action without belief can bring you so far.

Practising belief without action can also bring you so far.

But when you combine both… Wow… You really can create whatever you want.

Where are you struggling right now? Where can you take positive action to move you forwards?

If you’d like to find out more, drop me a line. 😊

With love xx

If you’re struggling and would like a confidential chat, reach out jez@jezhunt.com

#acrylicpainting #lifejourney #continuousimprovement #stayfocused #accidentalartist