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Original poster

To think I should know how to paint!?

36 replies

AllyHayHay · 27/02/2025 19:55

I was a digital designer and illustrator for many years before going into a new field. Also started working with an animal charity and this took a good few years of my time and energy.

When the urge to make art returned, I really wanted to paint. Like with actual paint, traditional media, which should have been somewhat seamless, right?

Well I'm awful. I have been trying for a few years and still don't have one single piece to speak of.

My background was in illustrator (digital) and photography, phD, working with clients from Atlantic records, Penguin, Ikea and Zara. I obviously understand design, colour, composition, etc, but just CAN'T bloody paint.

I get started with great ideas (never short of those!) but my head falls apart within minutes. Nothing makes sense, and the materials seem to work against me. I don't think it's anxiety or expectation, this has been going on for around 7 years now.
I don't really want to go back to how I used to work, I have no real passion for that, so what's the point?

So, is it silly of me to expect to be able to paint a bloody picture on canvas at this point in my life?

OP posts:
Howyoualldoworkme · 27/02/2025 20:07

I can't paint. But I can draw anything and draw portraits in pastels that are very highly thought of.
Put a brush in my hand and my confidence evaporates!
You're obviously artistic and skilled, you just haven't found your medium.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 27/02/2025 20:06

Picasso knocked out a load of stuff and apparently he pics are worth a load of money now.

They don't look that good to me, but I wish I had one to sell.

SleepToad · 27/02/2025 20:06

And I should have played centre forward for England after all I spent thousands of hours from the age of 2 kicking a football.

You are brilliant at what you do. I was average, at best, at football. I'm great gardener, a good person manager, I pour a great pint, I make people laugh, I carve beautiful walking sticks.

I'd like to paint I've tried, I'm not good...hopefully with some practice I might get better but I'm not Leonardo.

Franklet · 27/02/2025 20:05

Why don't you take your digital work seriously?
Or alternatively: why do you feel you should be doing serious art?

Original poster
AllyHayHay · 27/02/2025 20:05

I've tried, over the years. I am good at life drawing with charcoal, all the A+ in uni, etc, but can't bloody paint.

I think to me, it felt like a natural progression that doesn't work.
I wouldn't care so much if my heart wasn't so hurt by it Sad

OP posts:
Franklet · 27/02/2025 20:03

Crossed posts!
I'd really recommend doing a course in painting specifically if you haven't already. This one from west Dean college looks good: https://onlinecourses.westdean.ac.uk/course/oil-painting

Original poster
AllyHayHay · 27/02/2025 20:03

KrisAkabusi · 27/02/2025 20:01

I don't understand why you think you should be good at something you've never tried before. Using a brush is nothing like using a mouse or stylus. It's like expecting to be a great soccer player because you're good at Fifa on the playstation!

True.

OP posts:
Original poster
AllyHayHay · 27/02/2025 20:02

Interesting question! In my heart, immensely! In practice? Frustration and confusion. I don't recall one session being pleasurable. It's quite sad.

I think it's a bit bonkers really because logically I SHOULD be able to. But of course life doesn't work that way.

I gain great pleasure making painterly digital scenes. I do this to relax. Unfortunately I can't take them seriously. Even though they're quite good. I am a harsh self critic.

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 27/02/2025 20:01

I don't understand why you think you should be good at something you've never tried before. Using a brush is nothing like using a mouse or stylus. It's like expecting to be a great soccer player because you're good at Fifa on the playstation!

Franklet · 27/02/2025 19:59

Have you had any training? Learning a new medium is always a learning curve and your ability will fall short of your taste/critical judgement for a long time.
Do you actually enjoy painting?

Original poster
AllyHayHay · 27/02/2025 19:58

BTW, my education was in both photo and fine art foundation, then visual arts degree and later a fine art post grad. I never really touched painting, although did sculpture, textiles, printmaking and collage.

OP posts: