Embracing the Ugly: Navigating the Stages of Painting with Confidence

Every artist knows the feeling of encountering the "ugly stages" during the process of creating a painting. It's that phase where the artwork appears disjointed, messy, and far from the envisioned outcome, which could often lead to the abandonment of the work. However, these stages are an integral part of the artistic journey and offer valuable opportunities for growth and transformation. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of trusting the ugly stages of painting, understand why they occur, and provide strategies to overcome them with confidence. Featuring my present day ugly staged painting!

Understanding the Ugly Stages:

The ugly stages in painting often arise during the initial stages of a piece, where the composition is taking shape and colours are being blocked in - for me this takes place when I start the underpainting. It's the moment when doubt creeps in, and the artwork looks well… dreadful. However, it's crucial to recognize that this phase is a natural part of the creative process and a sign of progress rather than failure.

Throughout this blog I’ll be offering a behind the scenes view at my own work and process up to the point it currently is! As a perfectionist is pains me to even include these images but its all part of embracing imperfection…

Embracing Imperfection:

One key aspect of navigating the ugly stages is embracing imperfection. Now I know for the many perfectionists out there (im talking to myself here) that it seems impossible, but its important to understand that not every stroke or colour choice needs to be perfect from the start. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, take risks, and explore different possibilities. Remember, it's often through experimentation and pushing boundaries that breakthroughs happen.

As you can see above…its not looking good, but thats ok! The faces weren’t working so I simple went over them ready to try again.

You are still fleshing thing out, making sure all the shapes are how you want them to be. Stick with the painting and have some patience with the creative process.

Patience and Persistence:

Patience is paramount when it comes to overcoming the ugly stages. Recognize that art takes time and progress may not be linear. Avoid rushing the process and allow the painting to evolve naturally. Stay committed to the vision and trust in your abilities as an artist. Persistence is key, as it takes multiple layers and adjustments to refine the artwork and bring it closer to its full potential.

Seeking a Fresh Perspective:

When doubts arise, it can be helpful to step away from the painting and gain a fresh perspective. Take breaks, engage in other creative activities, or simply observe the artwork from a distance. This allows you to return with renewed clarity and a new set of eyes. Often, the perceived flaws or ugliness may diminish as you gain a more objective viewpoint.

Exploring Techniques for Transformation:

To overcome the ugly stages, consider incorporating various techniques into your process. Experiment with different tools, textures, and mark-making techniques. Introduce new colours, layer glazes, or create contrasting elements to add depth and visual interest. Remember that the ugly stages can be an opportunity to push your artistic boundaries and discover new possibilities.

Trusting the Intuition:

One of the most important aspects of navigating the ugly stages is trusting your artistic intuition. While it's essential to seek feedback and learn from others, ultimately, you are the creator and curator of your artwork. Trust your instincts, make decisions that resonate with you, and allow your unique artistic voice to shine through the layers of the painting.

This is a long process, don’t ever feel as if you are spending too much time on any one piece - you know your process and work better than any one else.

Trusting the ugly stages of painting is a transformative journey that fosters growth, resilience, and self-discovery as an artist. Embrace imperfection, exercise patience, and persist through the challenging phases. Seek fresh perspectives, explore new techniques, and above all, trust your intuition. Remember that the ugly stages are not setbacks but stepping stones towards creating art that reflects your vision and passion. Embrace the process, embrace the journey, and watch your artwork flourish from the seemingly ugly to the undeniably beautiful.

Share your experiences and thoughts on navigating the ugly stages of painting in the comments section. How do you overcome self-doubt and embrace imperfection? Remember to support and encourage fellow artists on their creative journeys. Keep painting, keep growing, and keep embracing the beauty that lies within the so-called "ugly" stages.

Thank you all for taking the time to read! I’ll see you in the next one x