The timing of this video is totally wild because I chose the word "loose" to be my word for 2021. I struggle with perfectionism, and frankly it just keeps me on the sidelines - in nearly every aspect of my life. I don't want to hold on so tightly and try to control everything. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experience!!
omg I feel so much lighter! I was feeling so stuck lately, even felt like I'm going backward and contemplating to stop painting. Now i'm realising how much pressure I put on myself (because of covid this is now my main income and it's not much) But honestly, I've stop having fun, I'm so stressed out before starting a painting! My head goes straight to "This one has to sell", "this one is gonna save me!" 😅 I see it now so clearly! It was not only killing my painting, but mostly killed all my creativity and inspiration. I can't thank you enough for that video ❤
Ohhhh Valerie!!! I’m so glad this was that helpful!!! THANK YOU for taking time to write and share how helpful this one! Can I also just say - the way we “talk to ourselves “ is practice - it will take practice for you to push back against the patterned way you’ve been thinking. So have patience. Schedule in some “no pressure “ painting times and see how you do with those.
Note to myself: I must NOT watch your videos right before I have to go to bed... I'm SO inspired and want to start to try all of your advice. But I really need to sleep now (it's almost midnight here in Germany)... I think I calm myself down by telling me I will watch it again tomorrow...😇 Thank you so much for sharing your art and your lovely kind of talking about it and the process and everything... it always lifts me up ❤
Sandra this cracked me up!!!! It's so much fun to fall asleep thinking about the art you're going to do tomorrow though - so hopefully that will be the case and not insomnia. Thank you for such a fun comment!
I am going to have to watch this over and over. I am a senior citizen and all my life I have wanted to create and in my mind the voice tells me "it's not going to be any good and you're just going to waste paper. You won't want anyone to see it so don't even try" Thank you for saying all this out loud.
Sandi, I will try to keep this short- God Bless you, my friend! I'm 57, a self-taught artist- living in the Pacific NW, w/beaches, whales, landscapes, etc. I am a perfectionist- everything I make, is seen by family members, (do to small house with limited work space for me in the dining room), so nothing is hidden, and they like to critique my work- with good ideas,-but in the self talk pressure of "Will I be able to SELL this?" so after watching your video, NOW I feel like I can ":BREATHE, & instead of sitting, stand up to paint (I am seeing a chiropractor for my left shoulder, and spine issues, and the minute I put my work up on the easel, that I had laying on the floor under the table with my plants!....I held the brush out in front of me, holding it as you did.... the stress and pain i was feeling in arm was decreased and my whole JOY of painting came back to me. My neck from looking down all the time is better. I LOVE your artwork, All I can say is that I am an avid fan of yours now- and I KNOW the Lord brought me here today! My whole afternoon turned around for the good today! Thank you so Very MUCH! I Love your dog, too! Kelli
Ohhhh wow Kelli!!!! I’m so glad to hear that!!!!! I deal with shoulder and neck issues too - most all of us do. I do strengthening exercises to help my muscles not over compensate and lots of stretching. So glad this video was so helpful!
Thank you Sandi!!! The best thing happened to me when I started watching your video - I had to stop it about 5 minutes in and take my pastels outside and sketch. I truly appreciate the energy and inspiration you give to other artists. I did, eventually, come back inside and finish watching.
Amazing. I just rented a top floor finished attic apartment and decided to use the tiny side for my living room and sleep on my futon living room sofa just to dedicate the large, airy side to a full art studio. I do leatherwork, drawing, painting, carving, etc and it's been years since I've had a space to set up and walk into and just get inspired! I"m doing that now and your video is so on time because my struggle is always, always, getting looser. Thank you so much!!! Valuable, usable information.
This is my current goal. I love being an artist, but creating art stresses me out and overwhelms me to the point where I don't want to create. I took a semester off of art school and I am focusing on learning how to love creating art again.
I "normally" work with graphics and sculptures, on paper I had mostly been drawing, never really painting. After decades I found myself having the biggest creative block I ever had. Now I treated myself with some Sennelier Oil sticks, Caran d'Ache Neopastells and several soft pastels and I feel like a little kid that is entering a whole new world (although I as well paint on my sculptures). Your channel is an absolute joy, I learned so much already. And you are one of the few people who does material reviews and tutorials who as well makes work that I find amazing. If this is now just my personal art therapy or if I add the works to my portfolio one day does not really matter right now. Losening up in one material also helps me loosening up with others. Thank you so much for all the effort & love you put into these videos!
I will always include you in my prayers of gratitude. You are such a blessing. I am 70, teaching myself, and so always looking for resources. Finding you and your videos, IG, etc, has brought so much to my fledgling practice. Thank you.
I'm just starting learning loose and abstract. I feel like I'm learning a new language. Thanks for your videos. I just found them and am so thankful for them and enjoy your southern charm.
Thank you!! I was taught to put a small folding table with my pallette on it in front of my easel to keep me from getting too close. Also, tape a brush onto the end of a stick, extend your arm all the way & draw.
To end loose you need to start loose - excellent tip. Thx. I find not wearing my glasses until I reach the highlight stage helps me stay loose, keeps everything slightly out of focus so I can't focus on fine detail too early.
I hope you dont mind an old artist in his later years saying thank you Sandi ,,,,,,so much for a lovely half hour listening to your wonderful chat ,I have subscribed so I can come back and listen to you again
I have got so much from this video. I’ve been a watercolorist for decades but have started in acrylics in the past year and want everything to be loose and joyful. Thank-you for sharing your experience and great tips! I feel like jumping up and down after watching this!
That makes me sooo happy to hear Wendy!!! Thank you for taking time to share that with me! I don’t know if you saw this but I have a new online class that’s all about acrylics that you may find useful
I am grateful for the time you've taken to create this compassionately cohesive & comprehensive guide. I used to draw and paint and create with zest and joy, but a painful illness filled me with an even more disabling fear of failure. I'm not physically capable of the realism that I used to create...I allowed this inability to hold my body in the ways that I'm used to to prevent me from even trying anymore. It's been hard to forgive the lack of control that I have been blaming on my shakey hands & arms. I guess what I'm rambling towards is this: Thank you for showing me how to relinquish my desire for control so that I can also let go of this last bit of anger that I've been harboring against my own body.
Ohhhhh Lena, I'm so sorry to hear you're dealing with a painful illness - UGH!!!! That can be so draining! Could I encourage you to use the shakiness to your advantage. Some of us that like to paint loose look for ways to stay loose - I know I'm not the only one who likes to paint in the car for it's shakiness. Monet painted some of his best work when he was losing his eye sight. I would encourage you to use these things to your advantage and work most on just enjoying again. Perfectionism can kill joy like nothing else. Pick up some old tools (pencils, marker, etc) and just get in there and do the thing.
In one of your videos, you showed us these fabulous hand made...sketchbooks. It was like they were old books converted. I would love to get one. Thank you for the best channel ever... kindred spirits.
Oh man, you are the opposite of me. It was like you were speaking straight at me. So tense, so tight, every piece has to be 'the one'. Thanks for your advice. Now, can I have the courage to put it into practice!?
It’s not courage you need - it’s more like building muscles - it takes practice to change that way you think or to talk back to all the “famous artist” stuff. I still have to work at it too but it does get easier with time
I love your videos! I've been trying to figure out what brings me joy when I paint, and your loose landscape work resonates so much with me that I keep watching just to see your painting process. Thank you for sharing your joy with us. I do wish you did online workshops because, as I live all the way in Asia, learning from you in person is out of reach for me.
This week’s video is on landscapes so I’m sure you’ll enjoy that. I’m doing an online workshop this spring but it’s full but I’ll be doing more this year so keep an eye out for them
I'm watching this video AGAIN!!! for more inspiration and encouragement...thank you for posting this video...it's wonderful encouragement for those of us who might need it!!! Thanks, again!
Finding your channel has been a revelation!!! I do art as a form of therapy and I always face the problem of being to uptight, rigid, just tense and over thinking It. Thank you so much!!!
I love your personality and approach. Certainly will loosen up in my sketchbooks more with your tips. While my work is the opposite of yours (very detailed and controlled) I do agree on the "no hope, no expectations"' when working. If you mess up, just move on. Desacralizing art is the best way to do art day in day out and still having fun along the way. :)
I’m glad you enjoyed the video even though your style is different. I kind of with I hadn’t titled it about painting loose because I think it’s more about the way you think about your art more than anything
Painting the value instead of the colour you see is one of the most inspiring pieces of advice I have come across in a long time! Thank you for sharing this video; I've just enjoyed a relaxed art session by my window using coloured pencils (with a loose grip 😉) after watching it!
I’ve had artist block for a couple of years. This video makes me want to get out my supplies and just mess around. I’m only getting older, so I’m wasting time! Thanks for the inspiration!❤
You are so generous! What I love best is that you are able to say it and mean it -- that it MATTERS to just do it. You are an artist with no "side" no "pose" because you are richly in the middle of your work and so your joy and focus spill over. There's enough for all!
Thank you thank you thank you! I am so happy to see a really experienced artist talking about how art is really made. I binge watch your videos. I am a full time artist and an old Crone and I need the message as much as anyone...
I have drifted away from painting, the expectations, perfectionism, tightness, and lack of joy! Every piece had to be a masterpiece. WHAT!!!??? You have given me hope and the courage to try again. I want to PLAY this time with looseness, color, mark making and messing up. Using colors that aren’t in the subject? So fun!! Looking forward to a morning walk tomorrow with my marker and small sketchbook! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Awe - thank you so much for sharing this!!! I hope you have a great time sketching on your walk - just remember - it's not meant to be good (I'm still reminding my self each morning when I walk).
Thank you Sandi...been watching you for so long now and my twins are artists too (along with me.) I've shared you with my young 13 year old girls bc I just love everything about you!!! As a human to another human...You are immeasurable as a good person bringing wellness to the art life in an approachable way. Thank you for putting amazing content out there!!!
Listening to you talk about Mary and I had so many, yep that is me moments! I won't like it and then when I look at it weeks later I'm like, wow I really do like it. I don't understand why I don't see it either, lol. As you're talking I'm getting more and more excited to just get going on projects. I bought the biggest canvas I have ever purchased today. I have never worked large and the anticipation is almost overwhelming. One of my issues is I don't practice, I just start right in, I need to practice and I know that now. Trust the process. Use a sketch book!!! Love the bird page, may do a smaller painting similar to that. YES!!! Very helpful, every single part. Will be watching this like 1000 times.
Many don't understand, (Like my husband), they think great paintings are just boom done and every painting a "real artist" makes is a masterpiece, but really it's the 80/20 rule. I personally feel I must create a masterpiece for validation- I want to pursue art, I want my husband to see my painting and think 'yeah, you should go for it'. I've won competitions and been in exhibitions but never got that validation from him. So I needed to ask myself why do I paint? Is it because you just have to, to enter flow state or because you wanna sell a painting? And if it's because you enjoy it than you have to learn to just move on- cause you'll get to make another! Stop working on that one you hate and move on, when it's dry paint another over it. Successful artist ENJOY the process.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is about the most useful art related thing I have ever seen! So much so that I think this is the first RUclips comment I've ever left! I'm so annoying and perfectionisty and tight when it comes to art, and though in theory I've heard a lot of what you've said in different places before, somehow you made it actually click in my head! ....now to get on with happily making plenty of rubbish (hopefully improving) art!!!
Thanks for letting everyone in on this, Sandi! So many need to hear this from you.... Thanks for being transparent and vulnerable (and of course, funny!!)! Well done, as always!
Thank you for sharing! Going to jump right in with your suggested exercises. I could use the electrical zapper on my pantry. Ha ha. Even your "bad" art is eye candy for me. Peace.
Sandi - This video is awesome and I will watch a few times. What really helped is that you mentioned that our negative inner voices can tighten ourselves up and wreck the fun. I'm glad to learn that I'm not the only one who goes through this and hope others can learn to catch themselves. I laughed out loud during your story about showing your niece your "mistakes". I also laughed when I did a double take when I saw you painting with a stick! Very fun and informative and I will try some of these ideas.
When I was on my art foundation course at college my tutor said we are going to do life drawing, only, SHE would hand out the tools. She gave me this scrubby looking 2inch wide decorators brush, sepia runny ink and A6 scraps of paper. I was like "WHAT THE...? HOW am I meant to draw with THAT?!" Well, it was such a fun session, very liberating. Especially when we had to draw with our non-dominant hand too or without looking at the paper. Very fun. I'm coming back to drawing after years of being distracted and I'm having to relearn fun. Love your words. Thankyou!
I wish I could like this video again, each time I watch it. When I first saw it, it really ignited something in me, and I really let go. For about a month, I was pumped to paint and painted daily. Life, serious life happened, as it does, and I got tight and stressed again. I was thinking back to that month and the paintings I did, and what was going on then, and remembered this video! Thank you for sharing this!!!!!!
Sandi this has great information for all of us who are trying to loosen up. I thank you for sharing it and I want you to know that from one of your other videos you reminded me of the blind contour drawing. I had done it many years ago but forgot about it. I’ve been trying for years to paint a self portrait to use as my face on Facebook and Instagram but I’ve never succeeded. Now that I am doing these blind contours I’m starting to really enjoy the looseness and the kookyness, Let me know if you would like me to send you one. I thank you again for your videos and vlogs and I hope you never stop because I’m addicted to watching you now. You’re so much fun and I wish I could meet you in person!
Ahaha just stumbled across your channel last night, and oh lookie there, there's Katie and Helen from the Good Ship Illustration (who I've done training with and I'm friends with Katie, they're all such lovely human beings). Lovely video, thanks very much Sandi. ❤
I resonate so much with you and found you when I needed this most. Never been able to fully let go...your advice is priceless and I will practice and enjoy as suggested. Big hugs from South Africa 🫶💃🏻
OMG, this is an amazing video. You asked for what was helpful, are you kidding. It was all helpful. Loved it all it will be saved in my library as a resource. Wonderful. I laughed out loud when you talked about your niece and her asking you about your mistakes. I did a wonky sketch of my grandsons and showed my son and I could hear a pause . Ahh...he didn’t understand and that’s ok. Some of my best paintings are when I am not planning and I start with using my favorite colors. I could go on....thank you so much for sharing your art and knowledge. Words can’t express how much I appreciate you. Looking forward to another year of art with Sandi....ha ha. ❤️🙋🏼♀️🌻
Suzi, Oh my - I'm thrilled this was helpful - whooohoooo! Thank you for taking time to let me know - it really gives me fuel - or just confidence to know I'm on the right track with what to share. Loved "looking forward to more art with Sandi" :)
I loved every second of this video. I got sooooo much out of this, that I can't wait to paint tomorrow!! It's almost midnight now and I must go to bed!! You covered so much and so many important and enlightening subjects that I needed to hear!!!! Thank you for putting this out there!!!
That was seriously great. This is the second time I’ve watched it. I don’t know why after years of painting professionally I’ve had to come back around and humble myself to really having a beginner’s mind, but I’m grateful that when I really needed the help I stumbled upon you. Thank you so much. You’ve really helped me break through a terrible terrible block.
I came back to this video just now.. searching in my history to find the very first video i watched of yours.. this was a springing board for me and my artwork (a new level so to speak), it was timely to help me then and I am re-inspired now.. Even when creating more craft/artisan work (not paintings) ..loosening up is such a great lesson. Please make more of these wonderfully intimate, inspirational chats.. i yearn to have artist friends and sometimes this is as close as i get. You're the best Sandi.. Thank you a million times over...
There wasn't one thing that was helpful...THE WHOLE THING was amazing! Thank you so much for the tips on how to alter your thinking BEFORE you even set pen to paper. I know I am guilty of trying to create 'masterpieces' every time I sit down to paint. (there's another thing...NO MORE SITTING!) You have been such an inspiration and you have the most joyful smile and encouraging way. Thank you again!
I like to think that I am pretty loose already, somewhat of an anti perfectionist 😂 my boyfriend sometimes asks when I'm going to finish a sketchbook spread and I'm like "it is finished" I don't think he understands looseness. But I have been picking up some good tips from your videos. I really want to try painting from my sketches more. I just did some quick plein air sketches at the weekend, so maybe I can use those this week to paint from!
I'm so glad to find your channel and this video in particular spoke to my current issue. I just started painting last month as a way to loosen up do to my Parkinson's and boy am I having 😊. Thank you for your teaching, Francesca H
Going to watch this over and over to remind myself, such helpful advice! I struggle with the fear of messing up when I feel that the painting is close to being finished because I'm scared of messing it up after all that work
OMG! I have for years tried to become more loose and what a help this has been. I am doing the 100 day project and trying to paint loose abstracted florals. Now I will try not to worry about them not being any good but just to experiment using your ideas. Thanks so much.
The way you explained it all made it so clear to me, it made sense that its important to enjoy and play, I have noticed that my drawings are tight and now I understand that I have to begin with a mindset in which I am relaxed and playful, if I am not concious about that its difficult to achieve a loose artwork. Thanks for sharing so many tips, much appreciated.
This video was very encouraging to me. So many times I find my inner critic saying this paper, sketchbook, canvas is to precious to mess up. I also feel that drive to make sure everything thing I paint is perfect, which I know is ridiculous. I love painting and really want to enjoy it and if I like it wonderful, and if not move on. With some many other skills we know we have to be bad before we turn good but for some reason we tend to feel differently about our art. As I watched this video I pulled out my paint and just had fun.
I’m getting back into painting, I feel the inner need to paint… then when I get down to it I feel guilty spending my free time doing it (I’m newly retired) and I find I’m holding my breath as I paint… I really want to chill and enjoy it…. so helpful Vlog….
This was so helpful. Especially the examples of other artists and their looseness. I have fibromyalgia so pain can have me tightening up. I paint to escape , to be fully in the process, to enter into my inner world, to come into my real self. I keep thinking I want to paint more like I did as a child and increasingly I am Thank you so much.
I’m so glad you found it helpful Jan! I’m so sorry to hear about your pain - I know what you mean about how you forget about your body when painting! It’s a great escape!
Watching some of your previous videos, you invited me to enjoy the process, for example: something as simple and basic .... as making the color guide of the new materials ... I painted each color in the shape of a flower ... In the end I am relaxed with a very nice color palette that will facilitate my work. By the way, I also have the habit of using a mirror ... after working on the painting for a long time it is for me the best way to see the details Greetings
Great life lessons in this one. I needed to hear this...over and over...and over...”Trust the Process”. I’ve been debating what I want to focus on with my art journey this year... until now. I want to be less precious with my art, to be bold in my exploration and less fearful of “failure”. you’re inspiring. thank you.
Wonderful! That's so awesome! I have to preach this to myself ALL the time - it does get easier over time though - you create new 'muscles' and the old 'muscles' of negativity get weaker!
Wow Sandi so glad I found you 🥰 I’ve been an artist for many years and have wanted to become looser in my painting for soooooo long, I found playing is the key but you are next level! Love particularly what you said about picking different colours based on the values….yes! 🎉 thanks for sharing your pearls of painting wisdom ❤❤❤
You touched a very interesting point: I get tense when I paint, to the point of getting a pain around the right side scapula, which is the side where I hold pencil/pincel. I cling to the material and get a tense arm. I noticed this because I got into some watercolor classes, as I don't know how to use it. But the exercises have right/wrong and we have a group in Telegram with very advanced students, who do botanical illustration, so I keep feeling the poop of the bandit's horse. In acrylic and mixed media painting I'm starting to get loose, but in watercolor I find it impossible, so I found your example of an aquarelist interesting. In fact there is no sense in such physical and emotional stress to create. I found it a super happy coincidence that you approached this issue at the same moment that I'm realizing it. The video was very useful and will be revisited many times. Kisses!
Wow Lilian - that's crazy timing! Man alive I'm so glad this was that helpful! I hope this can help you not have that paint - eek! Thank you for taking time to write me and for letting me know how this video was helpful - sooooo encouraging!
I think I have watched this video half a dozen times as I struggle to paint loose. So thank you for making it. I would love to see start to finish how you prep and paint with acrylics in your sketchbooks. I find myself only using certain supplies in my sketchbooks (craft paint vs my artist paints) then I find I can get the same feel when I paint it on the canvas. Thank you. Aka. Ladybird 💕🐞💕
Wow - that really blesses me that you’d watch it that many times and find it helpful! I suggest using the same supplies in your sketchbook as you do to do a “finished” painting. You will learn the materials so much better and I think in the long run it will really be a help to you. Thank you for your kind words!
I want to thank you for this video and basically all of your videos. I am an artist and realism is my nook. However, painting loose is so much more difficult!! I strive to paint loose and this video has truly inspired me. So thank you and God bless you and your journey in this. May you be successful in every turn you take 💜
SANDI !! This is the most amazing video ever ! I smiled all the way thru ( unless i was laughing --and at one point crying ( in a good way ) ) I will watch this again & again and it will help me every time. It's such a RELIEF when i can let go of tightness and have fun -- when i quit trying so hard. This is so encouraging and uplifting and so deeply thoughtful and as always downright crazy generous. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are a brilliant artist and teacher and person.
Well Judy, I don't even know what to say about this response and kind comment! Though everything in me wants to to be helpful I just never know if it will be or if people will be bored to tears. Thank you, Judy, for taking time to tell me how this video landed on you - thank you, truly!
Watching again…because we need constant reminding until it becomes internalized!
🤗🥰
The timing of this video is totally wild because I chose the word "loose" to be my word for 2021. I struggle with perfectionism, and frankly it just keeps me on the sidelines - in nearly every aspect of my life. I don't want to hold on so tightly and try to control everything. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experience!!
That is crazy Stacie! I hope this year you can enjoy making more art as you practice just enjoying it!
omg I feel so much lighter! I was feeling so stuck lately, even felt like I'm going backward and contemplating to stop painting. Now i'm realising how much pressure I put on myself (because of covid this is now my main income and it's not much) But honestly, I've stop having fun, I'm so stressed out before starting a painting! My head goes straight to "This one has to sell", "this one is gonna save me!" 😅 I see it now so clearly! It was not only killing my painting, but mostly killed all my creativity and inspiration. I can't thank you enough for that video ❤
Ohhhh Valerie!!! I’m so glad this was that helpful!!! THANK YOU for taking time to write and share how helpful this one! Can I also just say - the way we “talk to ourselves “ is practice - it will take practice for you to push back against the patterned way you’ve been thinking. So have patience. Schedule in some “no pressure “ painting times and see how you do with those.
Note to myself: I must NOT watch your videos right before I have to go to bed... I'm SO inspired and want to start to try all of your advice. But I really need to sleep now (it's almost midnight here in Germany)...
I think I calm myself down by telling me I will watch it again tomorrow...😇 Thank you so much for sharing your art and your lovely kind of talking about it and the process and everything... it always lifts me up ❤
Sandra this cracked me up!!!! It's so much fun to fall asleep thinking about the art you're going to do tomorrow though - so hopefully that will be the case and not insomnia. Thank you for such a fun comment!
@@sandihester ❤
This is me right now XD
@@MariaAlves-xz6lb 😂🤗
Ditto :-)
This video opened doors for me that I didn't even know existed. Thank you. I'm having a BALL like never before.
Eeeeee that makes me so happy to hear!
I came for the tips about painting and left with deep wisdom for my life as a whole! ☺ So lovely, thank you! 🙏
I am going to have to watch this over and over. I am a senior citizen and all my life I have wanted to create and in my mind the voice tells me "it's not going to be any good and you're just going to waste paper. You won't want anyone to see it so don't even try" Thank you for saying all this out loud.
You could say that or... You could say “who cares how it turned out - I’m going to have so much fun!!!” I say GO FOR IT!!
Sandi, I will try to keep this short- God Bless you, my friend! I'm 57, a self-taught artist- living in the Pacific NW, w/beaches, whales, landscapes, etc. I am a perfectionist- everything I make, is seen by family members, (do to small house with limited work space for me in the dining room), so nothing is hidden, and they like to critique my work- with good ideas,-but in the self talk pressure of "Will I be able to SELL this?" so after watching your video, NOW I feel like I can ":BREATHE, & instead of sitting, stand up to paint (I am seeing a chiropractor for my left shoulder, and spine issues, and the minute I put my work up on the easel, that I had laying on the floor under the table with my plants!....I held the brush out in front of me, holding it as you did.... the stress and pain i was feeling in arm was decreased and my whole JOY of painting came back to me. My neck from looking down all the time is better. I LOVE your artwork, All I can say is that I am an avid fan of yours now- and I KNOW the Lord brought me here today! My whole afternoon turned around for the good today! Thank you so Very MUCH! I Love your dog, too! Kelli
Ohhhh wow Kelli!!!! I’m so glad to hear that!!!!! I deal with shoulder and neck issues too - most all of us do. I do strengthening exercises to help my muscles not over compensate and lots of stretching. So glad this video was so helpful!
Thank you Sandi!!! The best thing happened to me when I started watching your video - I had to stop it about 5 minutes in and take my pastels outside and sketch. I truly appreciate the energy and inspiration you give to other artists. I did, eventually, come back inside and finish watching.
So glad it inspired you!
What an honor to be included in this video Sandi! Thank you for teaching me/us!!!!
You are so welcome Mary! I love you so much friend!
Amazing. I just rented a top floor finished attic apartment and decided to use the tiny side for my living room and sleep on my futon living room sofa just to dedicate the large, airy side to a full art studio. I do leatherwork, drawing, painting, carving, etc and it's been years since I've had a space to set up and walk into and just get inspired! I"m doing that now and your video is so on time because my struggle is always, always, getting looser. Thank you so much!!! Valuable, usable information.
That’s awesome Mary!
This is my current goal. I love being an artist, but creating art stresses me out and overwhelms me to the point where I don't want to create. I took a semester off of art school and I am focusing on learning how to love creating art again.
I "normally" work with graphics and sculptures, on paper I had mostly been drawing, never really painting. After decades I found myself having the biggest creative block I ever had. Now I treated myself with some Sennelier Oil sticks, Caran d'Ache Neopastells and several soft pastels and I feel like a little kid that is entering a whole new world (although I as well paint on my sculptures). Your channel is an absolute joy, I learned so much already. And you are one of the few people who does material reviews and tutorials who as well makes work that I find amazing. If this is now just my personal art therapy or if I add the works to my portfolio one day does not really matter right now. Losening up in one material also helps me loosening up with others. Thank you so much for all the effort & love you put into these videos!
I will always include you in my prayers of gratitude. You are such a blessing. I am 70, teaching myself, and so always looking for resources. Finding you and your videos, IG, etc, has brought so much to my fledgling practice. Thank you.
SANDI THE BEST.
I'm just starting learning loose and abstract. I feel like I'm learning a new language. Thanks for your videos. I just found them and am so thankful for them and enjoy your southern charm.
You’re right - it is a new language! I feel like I’m still learning too!
Thank you!! I was taught to put a small folding table with my pallette on it in front of my easel to keep me from getting too close. Also, tape a brush onto the end of a stick, extend your arm all the way & draw.
To end loose you need to start loose - excellent tip. Thx.
I find not wearing my glasses until I reach the highlight stage helps me stay loose, keeps everything slightly out of focus so I can't focus on fine detail too early.
good tip!!!!
I hope you dont mind an old artist in his later years saying thank you Sandi ,,,,,,so much for a lovely half hour listening to your wonderful chat ,I have subscribed so I can come back and listen to you again
Thanks so much Alan!
I have got so much from this video. I’ve been a watercolorist for decades but have started in acrylics in the past year and want everything to be loose and joyful. Thank-you for sharing your experience and great tips! I feel like jumping up and down after watching this!
That makes me sooo happy to hear Wendy!!! Thank you for taking time to share that with me! I don’t know if you saw this but I have a new online class that’s all about acrylics that you may find useful
@@sandihester I went straight out and bought a new paintbrush. I will take a look at your class.
Watching this again and again because I need to be reminded again and again! Thank you!
hello :) your energy is very good..like a happy child :) it's like you're bringing some of my things to the surface.. love from turkey
This video is the gift that keeps on giving ❤. I’ve watched it several times and always enjoy the lesson! xx
I am grateful for the time you've taken to create this compassionately cohesive & comprehensive guide.
I used to draw and paint and create with zest and joy, but a painful illness filled me with an even more disabling fear of failure. I'm not physically capable of the realism that I used to create...I allowed this inability to hold my body in the ways that I'm used to to prevent me from even trying anymore. It's been hard to forgive the lack of control that I have been blaming on my shakey hands & arms. I guess what I'm rambling towards is this:
Thank you for showing me how to relinquish my desire for control so that I can also let go of this last bit of anger that I've been harboring against my own body.
Ohhhhh Lena, I'm so sorry to hear you're dealing with a painful illness - UGH!!!! That can be so draining! Could I encourage you to use the shakiness to your advantage. Some of us that like to paint loose look for ways to stay loose - I know I'm not the only one who likes to paint in the car for it's shakiness. Monet painted some of his best work when he was losing his eye sight. I would encourage you to use these things to your advantage and work most on just enjoying again. Perfectionism can kill joy like nothing else. Pick up some old tools (pencils, marker, etc) and just get in there and do the thing.
In one of your videos, you showed us these fabulous hand made...sketchbooks. It was like they were old books converted. I would love to get one. Thank you for the best channel ever... kindred spirits.
Excellent excellent excellent! I will be watching this over and over! Thank youuuu!
Awe - so glad to hear that Gretchen!
Oh man, you are the opposite of me. It was like you were speaking straight at me. So tense, so tight, every piece has to be 'the one'. Thanks for your advice. Now, can I have the courage to put it into practice!?
It’s not courage you need - it’s more like building muscles - it takes practice to change that way you think or to talk back to all the “famous artist” stuff. I still have to work at it too but it does get easier with time
@@sandihester thanks. Love it. :)
I love your videos! I've been trying to figure out what brings me joy when I paint, and your loose landscape work resonates so much with me that I keep watching just to see your painting process. Thank you for sharing your joy with us. I do wish you did online workshops because, as I live all the way in Asia, learning from you in person is out of reach for me.
This week’s video is on landscapes so I’m sure you’ll enjoy that. I’m doing an online workshop this spring but it’s full but I’ll be doing more this year so keep an eye out for them
@@sandihester I will! Followed you on Instagram so I could catch the next one!!
I'm watching this video AGAIN!!! for more inspiration and encouragement...thank you for posting this video...it's wonderful encouragement for those of us who might need it!!! Thanks, again!
Awe - thanks Emmie 🥰
Finding your channel has been a revelation!!! I do art as a form of therapy and I always face the problem of being to uptight, rigid, just tense and over thinking It. Thank you so much!!!
I'm so glad this channel has been a help to you!!!
I love your personality and approach. Certainly will loosen up in my sketchbooks more with your tips.
While my work is the opposite of yours (very detailed and controlled) I do agree on the "no hope, no expectations"' when working. If you mess up, just move on. Desacralizing art is the best way to do art day in day out and still having fun along the way. :)
I’m glad you enjoyed the video even though your style is different. I kind of with I hadn’t titled it about painting loose because I think it’s more about the way you think about your art more than anything
Painting the value instead of the colour you see is one of the most inspiring pieces of advice I have come across in a long time! Thank you for sharing this video; I've just enjoyed a relaxed art session by my window using coloured pencils (with a loose grip 😉) after watching it!
I’ve had artist block for a couple of years. This video makes me want to get out my supplies and just mess around. I’m only getting older, so I’m wasting time! Thanks for the inspiration!❤
I agree with you so much! I finished two large scale pieces for the first time in twenty years or more BECAUSE I was having fun and enjoying it🤗
Great job!!!! I wish we all had more fun in our process!
You are so generous! What I love best is that you are able to say it and mean it -- that it MATTERS to just do it. You are an artist with no "side" no "pose" because you are richly in the middle of your work and so your joy and focus spill over. There's enough for all!
Thank you - I appreciate that!
Thank you thank you thank you! I am so happy to see a really experienced artist talking about how art is really made. I binge watch your videos. I am a full time artist and an old Crone and I need the message as much as anyone...
I hope it was helpful and thank you for watching ❤️
I have drifted away from painting, the expectations, perfectionism, tightness, and lack of joy! Every piece had to be a masterpiece. WHAT!!!??? You have given me hope and the courage to try again. I want to PLAY this time with looseness, color, mark making and messing up. Using colors that aren’t in the subject? So fun!! Looking forward to a morning walk tomorrow with my marker and small sketchbook! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Awe - thank you so much for sharing this!!! I hope you have a great time sketching on your walk - just remember - it's not meant to be good (I'm still reminding my self each morning when I walk).
Thank you Sandi...been watching you for so long now and my twins are artists too (along with me.) I've shared you with my young 13 year old girls bc I just love everything about you!!! As a human to another human...You are immeasurable as a good person bringing wellness to the art life in an approachable way. Thank you for putting amazing content out there!!!
😭 thank you Stephanie!!!! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the kind words ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Listening to you talk about Mary and I had so many, yep that is me moments! I won't like it and then when I look at it weeks later I'm like, wow I really do like it. I don't understand why I don't see it either, lol. As you're talking I'm getting more and more excited to just get going on projects. I bought the biggest canvas I have ever purchased today. I have never worked large and the anticipation is almost overwhelming. One of my issues is I don't practice, I just start right in, I need to practice and I know that now. Trust the process. Use a sketch book!!! Love the bird page, may do a smaller painting similar to that. YES!!! Very helpful, every single part. Will be watching this like 1000 times.
Many don't understand, (Like my husband), they think great paintings are just boom done and every painting a "real artist" makes is a masterpiece, but really it's the 80/20 rule. I personally feel I must create a masterpiece for validation- I want to pursue art, I want my husband to see my painting and think 'yeah, you should go for it'. I've won competitions and been in exhibitions but never got that validation from him. So I needed to ask myself why do I paint? Is it because you just have to, to enter flow state or because you wanna sell a painting? And if it's because you enjoy it than you have to learn to just move on- cause you'll get to make another! Stop working on that one you hate and move on, when it's dry paint another over it. Successful artist ENJOY the process.
oh my-I'm actually crying-this video was so helpful for me at this time in my art! Thank You!!!!!
Sooooo glad to hear it was helpful!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is about the most useful art related thing I have ever seen! So much so that I think this is the first RUclips comment I've ever left! I'm so annoying and perfectionisty and tight when it comes to art, and though in theory I've heard a lot of what you've said in different places before, somehow you made it actually click in my head! ....now to get on with happily making plenty of rubbish (hopefully improving) art!!!
Awe - I’m so glad it was helpful and clicked!!!!
Thanks for letting everyone in on this, Sandi! So many need to hear this from you.... Thanks for being transparent and vulnerable (and of course, funny!!)! Well done, as always!
Thanks babe - thanks for supporting me and laughing with or at :) me
@@sandihester awwe he is so supportive of you!
@@JenFetzer he is!!!
Thank you for sharing! Going to jump right in with your suggested exercises. I could use the electrical zapper on my pantry. Ha ha. Even your "bad" art is eye candy for me. Peace.
Sandi - This video is awesome and I will watch a few times. What really helped is that you mentioned that our negative inner voices can tighten ourselves up and wreck the fun. I'm glad to learn that I'm not the only one who goes through this and hope others can learn to catch themselves. I laughed out loud during your story about showing your niece your "mistakes". I also laughed when I did a double take when I saw you painting with a stick! Very fun and informative and I will try some of these ideas.
When I was on my art foundation course at college my tutor said we are going to do life drawing, only, SHE would hand out the tools. She gave me this scrubby looking 2inch wide decorators brush, sepia runny ink and A6 scraps of paper. I was like "WHAT THE...? HOW am I meant to draw with THAT?!" Well, it was such a fun session, very liberating. Especially when we had to draw with our non-dominant hand too or without looking at the paper. Very fun. I'm coming back to drawing after years of being distracted and I'm having to relearn fun. Love your words. Thankyou!
I wish I could like this video again, each time I watch it. When I first saw it, it really ignited something in me, and I really let go. For about a month, I was pumped to paint and painted daily. Life, serious life happened, as it does, and I got tight and stressed again. I was thinking back to that month and the paintings I did, and what was going on then, and remembered this video! Thank you for sharing this!!!!!!
Im glad it’s been a helpful video!
Sandi this has great information for all of us who are trying to loosen up. I thank you for sharing it and I want you to know that from one of your other videos you reminded me of the blind contour drawing. I had done it many years ago but forgot about it. I’ve been trying for years to paint a self portrait to use as my face on Facebook and Instagram but I’ve never succeeded. Now that I am doing these blind contours I’m starting to really enjoy the looseness and the kookyness, Let me know if you would like me to send you one. I thank you again for your videos and vlogs and I hope you never stop because I’m addicted to watching you now. You’re so much fun and I wish I could meet you in person!
Awe I’m so glad that video helped you so much!!! That’s so exciting!
Ahaha just stumbled across your channel last night, and oh lookie there, there's Katie and Helen from the Good Ship Illustration (who I've done training with and I'm friends with Katie, they're all such lovely human beings). Lovely video, thanks very much Sandi. ❤
I resonate so much with you and found you when I needed this most. Never been able to fully let go...your advice is priceless and I will practice and enjoy as suggested. Big hugs from South Africa 🫶💃🏻
OMG, this is an amazing video. You asked for what was helpful, are you kidding. It was all helpful. Loved it all it will be saved in my library as a resource. Wonderful. I laughed out loud when you talked about your niece and her asking you about your mistakes. I did a wonky sketch of my grandsons and showed my son and I could hear a pause . Ahh...he didn’t understand and that’s ok. Some of my best paintings are when I am not planning and I start with using my favorite colors. I could go on....thank you so much for sharing your art and knowledge. Words can’t express how much I appreciate you. Looking forward to another year of art with Sandi....ha ha. ❤️🙋🏼♀️🌻
Suzi, Oh my - I'm thrilled this was helpful - whooohoooo! Thank you for taking time to let me know - it really gives me fuel - or just confidence to know I'm on the right track with what to share. Loved "looking forward to more art with Sandi" :)
I loved every second of this video. I got sooooo much out of this, that I can't wait to paint tomorrow!! It's almost midnight now and I must go to bed!! You covered so much and so many important and enlightening subjects that I needed to hear!!!! Thank you for putting this out there!!!
Sandi, Sandi!! Thank you for this video!
You’re so welcome!
That was seriously great. This is the second time I’ve watched it. I don’t know why after years of painting professionally I’ve had to come back around and humble myself to really having a beginner’s mind, but I’m grateful that when I really needed the help I stumbled upon you. Thank you so much. You’ve really helped me break through a terrible terrible block.
Awe Kimberly I’m so glad this was helpful!!!! Thank you for letting me know!
I came back to this video just now.. searching in my history to find the very first video i watched of yours.. this was a springing board for me and my artwork (a new level so to speak), it was timely to help me then and I am re-inspired now.. Even when creating more craft/artisan work (not paintings) ..loosening up is such a great lesson. Please make more of these wonderfully intimate, inspirational chats.. i yearn to have artist friends and sometimes this is as close as i get. You're the best Sandi.. Thank you a million times over...
There wasn't one thing that was helpful...THE WHOLE THING was amazing! Thank you so much for the tips on how to alter your thinking BEFORE you even set pen to paper. I know I am guilty of trying to create 'masterpieces' every time I sit down to paint. (there's another thing...NO MORE SITTING!) You have been such an inspiration and you have the most joyful smile and encouraging way. Thank you again!
Thank you Pamela! I really appreciate that!
So awesome! Thank you Sandi! Great way to start the day!
I’m so glad to hear that!!
Your thought process is the same as mine. Every piece you do is a stepping stone to improvement. It's a learning tool for the next piece you create.
I like to think that I am pretty loose already, somewhat of an anti perfectionist 😂 my boyfriend sometimes asks when I'm going to finish a sketchbook spread and I'm like "it is finished" I don't think he understands looseness. But I have been picking up some good tips from your videos. I really want to try painting from my sketches more. I just did some quick plein air sketches at the weekend, so maybe I can use those this week to paint from!
I’m so glad you’ve picked up some tips from this platform!🤗
Love the paintings of churches ! Thank you for the inspiration !❤️
I'm so glad to find your channel and this video in particular spoke to my current issue. I just started painting last month as a way to loosen up do to my Parkinson's and boy am I having 😊. Thank you for your teaching, Francesca H
Oh that’s awesome! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel!
Going to watch this over and over to remind myself, such helpful advice! I struggle with the fear of messing up when I feel that the painting is close to being finished because I'm scared of messing it up after all that work
Thank you so much for this video. So many things sound like what I hear in my head.
OMG! I have for years tried to become more loose and what a help this has been. I am doing the 100 day project and trying to paint loose abstracted florals. Now I will try not to worry about them not being any good but just to experiment using your ideas. Thanks so much.
Love this video. Gunna watch it again and again. Thank you Sandy. I enjoy both your art and yr lovelie self. You are a gift to the planet and to me.
Thanks! Marvelous! So glad I discovered you!! Another silver lining oh having to recover from Covid!!
Thanks Julie!!!
You are special. Thank you for sharing!
Awe- thank you!
SO helpful!!! Thank you! And your enjoyable personality jumps off the page to infect and inspire me!!
Wow…just WOW!! Thank you!!!!♥️
Awe - thank you Elena!!!!
The way you explained it all made it so clear to me, it made sense that its important to enjoy and play, I have noticed that my drawings are tight and now I understand that I have to begin with a mindset in which I am relaxed and playful, if I am not concious about that its difficult to achieve a loose artwork. Thanks for sharing so many tips, much appreciated.
I’m so glad it came across clear!! Hope it helps!
This video was very encouraging to me. So many times I find my inner critic saying this paper, sketchbook, canvas is to precious to mess up. I also feel that drive to make sure everything thing I paint is perfect, which I know is ridiculous. I love painting and really want to enjoy it and if I like it wonderful, and if not move on. With some many other skills we know we have to be bad before we turn good but for some reason we tend to feel differently about our art. As I watched this video I pulled out my paint and just had fun.
So glad it encouraged you to pull out your paints and just have fun!!! 🤗
Watched and rewatched and will happily watch again 😄
Thank you 🙌
I’m getting back into painting, I feel the inner need to paint… then when I get down to it I feel guilty spending my free time doing it (I’m newly retired) and I find I’m holding my breath as I paint… I really want to chill and enjoy it…. so helpful Vlog….
Yes, I know all about holding your breath 😂. Just keep at it - it gets easier as you do it!
@@sandihester Today I tried being “looser “ holding the paintbrush near the top as you suggested… so taking your comments onboard…
@@suesummers8813 AWESOME Sue!!!
This was so helpful. Especially the examples of other artists and their looseness. I have fibromyalgia so pain can have me tightening up. I paint to escape , to be fully in the process, to enter into my inner world, to come into my real self. I keep thinking I want to paint more like I did as a child and increasingly I am
Thank you so much.
I’m so glad you found it helpful Jan! I’m so sorry to hear about your pain - I know what you mean about how you forget about your body when painting! It’s a great escape!
Watching some of your previous videos, you invited me to enjoy the process, for example: something as simple and basic .... as making the color guide of the new materials ... I painted each color in the shape of a flower ... In the end I am relaxed with a very nice color palette that will facilitate my work.
By the way, I also have the habit of using a mirror ... after working on the painting for a long time it is for me the best way to see the details
Greetings
Oh, thank you! What a GREAT IDEA to make your color chart into flower shapes - I love that!!! I hope I remember that the next time I do a color chart!
Great life lessons in this one. I needed to hear this...over and over...and over...”Trust the Process”.
I’ve been debating what I want to focus on with my art journey this year... until now. I want to be less precious with my art, to be bold in my exploration and less fearful of “failure”. you’re inspiring. thank you.
Wonderful! That's so awesome! I have to preach this to myself ALL the time - it does get easier over time though - you create new 'muscles' and the old 'muscles' of negativity get weaker!
Oh yeah I am gonna try your tips! Very nice video 👍
Wow Sandi so glad I found you 🥰 I’ve been an artist for many years and have wanted to become looser in my painting for soooooo long, I found playing is the key but you are next level! Love particularly what you said about picking different colours based on the values….yes! 🎉 thanks for sharing your pearls of painting wisdom ❤❤❤
You are so welcome - I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel!
This is the best art video I have ever watched.
Ohhhhh that’s so good to hear 🙌. Thank you!
I absolutely love your video's! I started painting in the 80's and am still learning. Love you dear. Take care !
That was great Sandi, thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks
I’m so glad Susan! Thank you!
You touched a very interesting point: I get tense when I paint, to the point of getting a pain around the right side scapula, which is the side where I hold pencil/pincel. I cling to the material and get a tense arm. I noticed this because I got into some watercolor classes, as I don't know how to use it. But the exercises have right/wrong and we have a group in Telegram with very advanced students, who do botanical illustration, so I keep feeling the poop of the bandit's horse. In acrylic and mixed media painting I'm starting to get loose, but in watercolor I find it impossible, so I found your example of an aquarelist interesting. In fact there is no sense in such physical and emotional stress to create. I found it a super happy coincidence that you approached this issue at the same moment that I'm realizing it. The video was very useful and will be revisited many times. Kisses!
Wow Lilian - that's crazy timing! Man alive I'm so glad this was that helpful! I hope this can help you not have that paint - eek! Thank you for taking time to write me and for letting me know how this video was helpful - sooooo encouraging!
Very useful tips Sandi. Thank you for sharing 👍
You bet Ignis!
I enjoy the book A Passion for Watercolor, Stefan Draughon. Thanks for the video ❤🎉😊
Thank you. Inspiring and reassuring that my messiness is my fun zone
You bet!
i love your attitude - your art is a reflection of your positivity, hard work and love for the craft
Thank you!!!
This video is useful and very helpful and wonderful thanks for sharing your experiences 👍🏻🙏💐👌👏
So many nuggets of wisdom in this video... thank you. 😊 🎨 🖌
I love watching your videos, I always feel so much better and more inspired after 🥰
This video was filled with many priceless insights and tips. Thank you so so much Sandi! ❤
Sandi! I so appreciate the shout out!! Especially from such an accomplished artist/teacher as yourself! Xoxo Peggi
Peggi, you are SO sweet! Thank you for watching!!
Wonderful video - thank you so much!🎨🖌️❤️
I think I have watched this video half a dozen times as I struggle to paint loose. So thank you for making it. I would love to see start to finish how you prep and paint with acrylics in your sketchbooks. I find myself only using certain supplies in my sketchbooks (craft paint vs my artist paints) then I find I can get the same feel when I paint it on the canvas. Thank you. Aka. Ladybird 💕🐞💕
Wow - that really blesses me that you’d watch it that many times and find it helpful! I suggest using the same supplies in your sketchbook as you do to do a “finished” painting. You will learn the materials so much better and I think in the long run it will really be a help to you. Thank you for your kind words!
Very interesting and helpful, thank you sandi 👍👍👍👍👍😘
You bet Marilyn!!!
I want to thank you for this video and basically all of your videos. I am an artist and realism is my nook. However, painting loose is so much more difficult!! I strive to paint loose and this video has truly inspired me. So thank you and God bless you and your journey in this. May you be successful in every turn you take 💜
Awe - thank you for sharing! I’m sooo glad to hear it was helpful!!!!!
There are so many good ideas in here, it’s really wonderful advice!
So glad to hear that Aleta!
SANDI !! This is the most amazing video ever ! I smiled all the way thru ( unless i was laughing --and at one point crying ( in a good way ) ) I will watch this again & again and it will help me every time. It's such a RELIEF when i can let go of tightness and have fun -- when i quit trying so hard. This is so encouraging and uplifting and so deeply thoughtful and as always downright crazy generous. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are a brilliant artist and teacher and person.
i don't know why it looks like i tried to mark stuff out. i didn't.
Well Judy, I don't even know what to say about this response and kind comment! Though everything in me wants to to be helpful I just never know if it will be or if people will be bored to tears. Thank you, Judy, for taking time to tell me how this video landed on you - thank you, truly!
I figured it was a weird glitch! technology - urg!
I was laughing at this video as i recognised myself in so many things you said 😂 I needed this advice.Thank you ❤
Thanks so much Sandi! You inspire me. Love your approach love your art. Enjoy your videos so much. I appreciate you ❤
Your tips are so valuable to me! Thank you! 🙏
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you!