Do you know how to delight in your art? That’s something I’m embarking on in 2023. I’ve got some ideas to get started, but will be focusing on DELIGHT throughout the year. 

Tutorial: How to delight in your art

For the audio portion of this video, I wasn’t watching the screen – I just sat with the mic and told stories. Read on below for more info on the colors and supplies, as well as some ideas I have to learn how to delight in your art!

Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!

How to delight in your art

While I’ll be exploring delighting in my art, my business, and my life through 2023, I’ve got a few ideas to start with! (And I’ll be looking back on this list periodically to keep myself in check!)

1. Stop comparing.
   Don’t look at others’ work and compare your numbers of likes/views to theirs. 
2. Celebrate your success with others.
   Remember that those who ARE seeing your work are the ones who love what you do. Even if it’s five of them. Appreciate them and cheer them on too!
3. Note your favorite creative moments.
   Is it the blank page? First color stroke? The sound of the pen on the paper? Figure out which parts bring you delight! Pay close attention to each step in your process if you don’t know the answer to this question.
4. Share anyway.
   Even if you’re feeling unsure – maybe ESPECIALLY if you’re feeling unsure – share your work. You can find a safe place like Artventure if you feel uncomfortable on large public sites. But find someone to share work with who can be your cheerleader.
5. Become a cheerleader.
   On your most “down” days, create a cheerleader post that speaks to where you are. If you’re feeling discouraged, write a post to lift up others who are downtrodden. Are you feeling like a failure? Find a quote or meme about success coming from failure and let that encourage others like you. 
6. No dwelling.
   If you’ve found yourself for weeks, months, or years complaining of a comment/action/illness/job problem/etc that holds you down, turn it around. The more it’s repeated, the more hold it has on you. Declare aloud that you’re not a victim – and seek friends who will remind you of that truth. This isn’t about ignoring your pain, it’s about not letting it rule you.

Need some DELIGHT in your home?

Purchase the original piece HERE, or order a full size or miniprint from Society6  – or maybe even a zipper pouch! (Be careful on the pouches, check the placement of “delight” in the preview images; I could only upload one option for all of them and it seems to get cut off on some sizes.)

The new Daniel Smith colors

These won’t tell you how to delight in your art – but they might help you MAKE delightful art! I’m curious if any of these will try to nudge into my palette…see my notes about what intrigues me about each.

Kings Royal Blue | Chrome Titanate Yellow |  Iridescent Vibrant Raspberry  | Janes Black Red/Green  | Janes Black Blue/Orange 

Thoughts on these colors

As noted in the text with each of these – I may consider some, but will paint with them a while before making decisions. The blacks have me intrigued so I might have to play with them in mixes and see how that goes before choosing! In good news for Jane’s colors – I’m not sold on any of the blacks I’ve been trying, so these stand a chance.

Supplies

1. Chrome Titanate Yellow
2. Kings Royal Blue
3. Iridescent Vibrant Raspberry 
4. Janes Black Red/Green 
5. Janes Black Blue/Orange 
6. Arches Cold Press sheets
7. Artist tape 3/4″ 
8. Ampersand Hardbord
9. Spray bottle
10. Winsor Newton Kolinsky Sable Series 7 Round #8 
11. Da Vinci Mottler Flat Wash 

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