this post was submitted on 11 Dec 2025
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I’m really not feeling inspired to paint or draw today. Not feeling art at all. The paint isn’t nicely buttery and I’m feeling insecure about my sketching ability.
I guess there’s always landscapes. I might just gesso a canvas tonight, get one ready to see if that smooths the surface and makes it easier to lay down colour more evenly. It shouldn’t take long to coat one before I have to stop to get the furbaby fed and med.
Also I was actually reading one of the op shop art books and it’s legit to use your fingers to paint. Of course you need to consider toxicity of the colours and wash your hands well after but it helps spread paint thinly over large areas. Something that may be necessary for grounds, and helpful when you aren’t using thinners or mediums.
Me: stressing about technique, tools, toxicity
Respected traditional fine art book: lol just use ur hands bro 🤙
Why are you spending your energy being insecure about something that no body else has to see? That no one else can judge unless you let them? You've been spending time on your own technique which no one else can comment on because no one else understands it like you and that is admirable and AWESOME. Enjoy the colours, enjoy the coats, the smears, the fingerprints if you want to follow an op shop art book... of course understanding you have to make sure you clean up and protect Melbcat. But when you can, enjoy the art for what it is.
I hope that doesn't sound judgy or mean or harsh or anything, I just wish you the best and the enjoyment and just a moment of peace from all that you deal with.
Oh of course there was plenty of thought on how cleanup and disposal needed to be handled and how Melbcat could be protected. That was the top priority.
It almost prevented me trying oils in the first place and led to trying to figure out a technique that involved no solvents or added linseed oil and allowed soap and water cleanup. (It’s a pain in the neck.)
But yeah I don’t know. Hobbies aren’t fun lately. Life has been really hard, a lot of recent heavy happenings, and trying to do positive activities just feels like another chore.
so many hugs, ( I really relate )
I have positive things I should do, skills and health issues, have low motivation, but I know that it will make my future better, and I have loved ones too who need and want me to do well, ( you have melbcat who needs you )
so I'm just going to force myself
Yeah. A lot of hobbies have boring parts and potential for skill issues, even developing anxiety around it, and if you don’t have a lot of energy or lost your spark they can turn into straight up drudgery.
But you have to do something.