Creative Professionals Battling Self-Doubt
Several posts from artists and painters reveal a common struggle with self-doubt, overthinking creative choices, and seeking validation. They grapple with decisions about their work and express uncertainty about whether they are 'finished' or if changes are needed.
SOURCES (60)
“Hey Everyone!! I am new to this sub Reddit. I wanted to share this painting really focused on creating depth with the glowing brushstrokes and contrasting the cool sky against the warm light elements. Would love to hear your thoughts or constructive feedback! submitted by…”
“It is called STEEN (Stone in Dutch). Acrylic on gallery canvas. submitted by /u/rotterdameliza [link] [comments]”
“Day 26 of my July challenge to post a new painting everyday in July submitted by /u/suntmint [link] [comments]”
“This is day 3 of me trying painting and texture paint and this is the first proper canvas art I did(did canvas panels for first 2 days coz they’re cheap). How does it look as progress and what advice would you guys give me to improve especially in textured art? Thank you! submitted by /u/PassCurious5709 [link] [comments]”
“Everything from Micheals lol. I usually do digital or pencil sketches so this is a first for me. Not the best thing ever but yknow what it's something. submitted by /u/somewhatnichee [link] [comments]”
“Painted by me. Original photo by deepak karra on insta. His photography is to die for. I love it. His pictures reignited my intrest in painting again after a big break, thanks to this little study. Since then I have done more paintings, way more than I ever have. When I made this, I hadn’t used my acrylic gouache in ages. I had originally bought acrylic gouache to do nailart with. Back then when I tried to do anything but nailart with it, I hated the way it looked because I was kinda shit at mix”
what can i do to be better😩😩 this is a work in progress or course, currently using acrylics with a slow drying medium… but maybe it’s my time to try oils? help-…
“Fourth week of continuity. One painting every week. I need a hell lot of improvement for sure, and I am committed. I need the encouragement from this sub, like I have received in the last couple of weeks. Acrylic on canvas board 16 by 20 in. submitted by /u/Electronic-Tie-2398 [link] [comments]”
“This is my first attempt at abstract work after painting figurative and classical studies for a while. I wanted to create something dreamy and atmospheric. Would love honest feedback on what’s working and what isn’t. what do original abstract oil paintings of this size tend to sell for in your experience? It’s oil on canvas 30 × 40 cm. submitted by /u/No_Koala9627 [link] [comments]”
“My 3rd abstract painting ever! 30” x 40” in canvas. The first coat going over the old painting was what I used to paint the walls of my baby’s room. submitted by /u/Meganomaly [link] [comments]”
“I’ve been on this subreddit for a few months and I want to say thank you. I feel blessed to share this space with peers at every level of the discipline. Painting is hype as fuck. Every day I see something new and authentic and masterful. I also find myself looking for validation. I’ve taken down posts that didn’t get likes many times. I don’t know how to package my life into a catchy posts, and time it just right to garner thumbs and fire emojis, and when it flops I start to doubt the quality o”
“I really wanted to capture the feeling of freedom that comes with summer as a child! I grew up in Ontario, where lakelife is the highlight of every Summer. Hope this reminds you of your place 🩵 submitted by /u/laurenaimee-art [link] [comments]”
“I love drawing and painting animals and this is my latest piece, I also do embroidery and usually focus on that, so the way I paint is just the way I do embroidery. Tiny brushes that melt together. However I won't lie here I basically don't know color theory so this may affect me. I don't want to be 100% realistic I just like to paint cute animals. Any advice welcome 🐰 submitted by /u/letrophywife [link] [comments]”
Painted by me. submitted by /u/Any-Help9858 [link] [comments]
“I just picked up painting end of June this year and quite pleased with how this one turned out! I love how much I am learning!! submitted by /u/-Tranquilia- [link] [comments]”
“My first painting with Acrylic on Canvas. It represents the reflection of the self and the past. Constructive criticism comments are welcomed submitted by /u/mohamadchalak [link] [comments]”
“This is my first big oil painting. Used a board I had as the canvas. Title feels a bit preachy. Oh well. submitted by /u/pup_sparkie [link] [comments]”
“Painting again after a long break, this time with acrylics. Sometimes I question whether I have any talent at all. I still haven't found my own style .I rarely post my work, but I'd really appreciate your honest opinions and constructive criticism.I want to improve. submitted by /u/Unable-Worker6005 [link] [comments]”
“It's my first time painting watercolor since middleschool and I am surprisingly proud of it. submitted by /u/Soft_Part_7190 [link] [comments]”
“I haven't painted in quite a while, seeing as the weather's been nice over here I thought I'd give it a rough bash. Have a lovely day everyone! submitted by /u/TheVespertineKind [link] [comments]”
“A painting I did about stubbornness, rebellion, and how fun it is to be a jackass sometimes. Not really up to my usual standard but what the hell, it was fun! submitted by /u/MicSpence [link] [comments]”
“It was one of my first attempts on bigger canvas. I know there a some things I should improve. But I'm curious what you guys think of the painting itself submitted by /u/KichernderFuchs [link] [comments]”
“This is my first ever painting on c*mission! Very excited. submitted by /u/Capable_Ad_9350 [link] [comments]”
“Painting I made to study light and reflections on skin, upside down series submitted by /u/Sufficient_Parking_2 [link] [comments]”
“This is my current still on progress painting. Some work is remaining on house yard but I am confused about what to paint here that will complement my painting. And I also wanted to know how it turned out considering that it's unfinished.. submitted by /u/WinAmazing3604 [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone! After the response from yesterday and incredibly kind words from everyone I thought I would share a few more paintings I’ve done! I’m incredibly grateful for the warm reception I’ve gotten on this Subreddit and I know that it won’t be like that for every post but want to say thank you for the response on the other, I’m really shocked and gratefully. Let me know what you think of these and if you’ve got any questions I’m more than happy to answer! submitted by /u/bbe_des”
“Reference photo on the second slide. The clouds were what made me want to paint it. submitted by /u/Aksurana [link] [comments]”
“(The watermark is just because I’m paranoid when it comes to my art on the internet) submitted by /u/Ill_Escape_2447 [link] [comments]”
“just started painting, this is like my 5th ever lol. any tips or advice is appreciated submitted by /u/giantblackphallus [link] [comments]”
“I know this is a little messy. I’m still kinda new to painting. I made this for my mom and grandma. My mom is on the left and grandma is on the right. I really hope they like this submitted by /u/TheVeiledRuby [link] [comments]”
“Just got back in to painting this week after years. I’m not a quality painter but I love surrealism and just whatever pops in my head. Anyway, any suggestions for something cool to have coming out of the suit? submitted by /u/Bubbly_Fix4958 [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone! I'm working on a little collection of mini paintings inspired by childhood nostalgia Those simple, comforting moments that make you feel like a kid again. I'd love some honest feedback. Do these pieces feel like they belong together as a cohesive series? submitted by /u/TherapyWithLettering [link] [comments]”
“I really want to repaint this mountain. It’s not as detailed as i wanted it but I always make the issue of trying to fix a painting and completely ruining it and I’m really trying to control myself lol. I just feel like I could make it so much better. Does it look good as is or should I edit? submitted by /u/chan599 [link] [comments]”
“Thank you in advance ❤️ I’ve looked at it for so long I feel like I can’t “see” it anymore. And just need some fresh eyes. Acrylic on 6x6 stretched canvas. submitted by /u/MudZealousideal5680 [link] [comments]”
“Drew after a long time, weirdly I always end up drawing the face out of proportions mhghm submitted by /u/PuzzleheadedPoint361 [link] [comments]”
“First post for me. I started painting 2,5 years ago, after suffering from a sudden hearing loss. Thougt drawing and painting might help me to relax a bit more after work. I'm totally self taught, never took a course, just trying out different things. I really like watercolor and line art though. submitted by /u/Weird_Tower_7078 [link] [comments]”
“Just started with acrylics 2 days ago as a creative hobby. What’s something you wish you knew when you first started? I’m just trying to understand the ways light affects color at the moment, but not sure which direction to go first. Any tips appreciated ☺️ submitted by /u/Joonbugx [link] [comments]”
“Could you teach? Or do art therapy classes ? Or host art nights/meetups? My dear friend and her husband are both art teachers and they seem very happy. I wish you the best. You can do it!”
“Latest oil on canvas, 3 piece. submitted by /u/Serious-Pomegranate1 [link] [comments]”
“Yes, i know. Too simple to share or to call “Art”. However, I like that one, kind of cynical, ironic. What do you think? submitted by /u/mika_s_backyard [link] [comments]”
“I got up at around 4am, made some coffee, and got in the studio for a quiet, early session on this sunset sail piece. I feel like it’s getting pretty close now. 16x20” oil on canvas. submitted by /u/FlyingBuilder [link] [comments]”
“This is my first ever oil painting. I know the basic rules of working dark to light and thin to thick but that’s about it so any tips or suggestions would be great! submitted by /u/Frosted_Donut-69 [link] [comments]”
“This is "Seven Sisters" oil on canvas. submitted by /u/HaleyGrecoArtwork [link] [comments]”