Turn your Inner Critic into Your BFF - Painting and Drawing Tips

It is a wonderful feeling to open fresh paints, pick up a new pencil, shake out the canvas.  Excitement is in the air.  Life is Good. 

LITTLE TROOPER - Sketchbook Practice, Pen & Ink 

But then disaster strikes!! . . .  

You are frustrated, unhappy, disappointed.  Materials are put away and creativity is done.  

What caused that sudden change.  Why did your mood change.  How can something so much fun and filled with yearning and excitement change so quickly.  It was your Inner Critic (IC).  He trashed you.  (I have never really decided if  IC is male or female, but calling him male seems to feel right to me. 

"That line is wrong. Those shapes look dumb.  Boy, you are really bad at this."  Some of his more favourite comments. He is generally mean, outspoken and doesn't give a darn for your feelings.  

But your IC really loves you and wants to help you!!

Right.  I know, you are now thinking I am crazy.  But IC does care about you; he is trying to protect you from disappointment. He has a wealth of information.  After all he sits in your brain and watches everything.  He remembers everything.  However, IC has no Social Skills and the Language Development Level of a 3 year old.

Drawing the Bow - 3 lines, trying different angles.  

You need to teach your Inner Critic how to talk to you. . . .

The next time your start a project, don't let him trash talk you. Nip him at the bud.  When he says the line is wrong, ask him why. Where should that line go. How long should it be.  What part of it is right. Now let him show you.  

Here's how to teach IC to talk in a productive way: 

First of all, teaching IC has several implications for how your work.  You need to make a few small changes in your techniques.  For example, when starting a layout drawing keep your lines light so they are easy to change without damaging your paper.  Dark enough to see but easy to erase. 

After Mr. IC is happy with a line, the others are erased. 

Move your eraser a long way from where your are working.  (4 or 5 feet will do)  Now start your drawing.  As soon as IC jumps in, stop.  His first comment will be about a line or shape being wrong.  Your first reaction was always to erase and start again.  Don't erase.  Ask him why it is wrong.  Is it all wrong or only part of it.  Lightly make a new line.  Does it work.  Try another if not.  It make take 2 or 3 times to get one that works.  Now, erase the ones you and IC don't want.  

For more on Training your Inner Critic see my video: How to Train your Inner Critic

See How to Train the Inner Critic Video Here

Sometimes things are harder to resolve with IC. . .

When a quick change doesn't work it is time to step back from the drawing.  Most of us tend to sit when drawing.  (Let's face it, that is way more comfortable than standing) But when sitting our work is flat and very close.  It is hard to get a good perspective of what is happening.  Hold your work upright and move back.  

This is where IC can really shine. . .

As you stand back start asking him questions: What does he like? Why? What is not working? What is the matter with it? How can it be fixed?  What is the best way to go about it?  Don't be surprised if IC is overwhelmed.  He is use to giving a quick criticism and moving on. Suddenly he is expected to justify his comment and come up with a solution.  

Place picture in upright position and study it and reference at various stages of the drawing. 

A solution may not be right there . . .

IC may be stumped.  Give him a little space.  Don't sneak in an make a change, talk it over with him and together move forward.  I find only disappointment comes with those desperate quick changes.

When IC and I are having trouble with a drawing, we will often: 

*go for a walk.  Somehow not seeing the image makes it easier to visualize what is needed

*check another reference.  Sometimes not understanding what you are trying to draw or paint makes it hard to visualize what needs to be done. A shot from a different angle may explain everything.

*look in reference book.  You are probably like me and have a library of books to look at and of course check the internet too

*study the reference and drawing and ask more questions: What makes this shape look like a tree/owl/flower?  How does my eye know it curls/lays flat?  What kind of pattern tells me it is cedar rather then pine tree?  What are its 'treeness' qualities?  (not sure if treeness is a word but you know what I mean)

*dissect my values pattern.  IC knows that is often a problem for me.  Because I work in layers I don't always remember to bump up the values in another area.

You will find if you encourage these types of questions and discussions with IC that rather than destructive criticism you will be having very productive conversations. (with you and IC of course).  Just remember, don't let him trash talk.  Make him work.  

Do you have big/small projects on the go?  
Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and IC looking to expand your discussion.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  

Cost: $45  
June Dates: Tuesday, June  16, 23, 30.   Saturdays June  20, 27

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy