The importance of painting for myself

I have been painting professionally for about five years now yet I still sometimes get anxious whenever I start a new piece or collection.

I worry about whether the artwork will be good enough; will it be to everyone’s taste? Is the theme/subject/choice of colour a good idea? Will it sell? Is it reflective of how people view me as an artist?

Green is my favourite colour so naturally I love using it when painting, but I worry about the urban legend that no one buys a green artwork. I refuse to let that kind of thing dictate my practice but there is always the element of doubt. I know second guessing myself is silly and I should direct my energies in other ways but it’s hard not worrying about such things when there’s a chance they might affect my business.

I am sure other artists have the same worries. In fact, I know they do. This is why being part of an artist community is so important - but I’ll right more about that another time!

I used to draw and paint just for the pure pleasure of it, when I was a child and later at university. As soon as I started painting with the aim of making it my business, I would be lying if I said it didn’t take some of the joy out of it. That’s why I periodically create paintings or drawings not for sale, that are just for me. There is less pressure when I know I don’t have to put that piece up for sale, that it doesn’t need to please anyone else but me.

That’s not say I don’t enjoy creating the paintings I intend to sell, I love all my works, it’s just that the ones I do for myself takes a little of the pressure off!