Things I’m doing in 2025 to grow as an artist
And what I’m cutting out
Recently, as I painted one painting to another, these questions kept surfacing: Do I want to continue painting in this direction? Do I enjoy the process? Is this me? Do I feel comfortable or settled to hone in towards this direction? Or, shall I continue exploring…
I couldn’t answer my questions. I felt stuck. I am stuck.
Since I started this artistic journey, I’ve been consuming information/gathering inspiration—reading newsletters, listening to podcasts, taking creative courses, following other artists. While beneficial in one way, the noise kept me in a loop of preparation and exploration, rather than progress. As I look back on how my art has evolved, I see a pattern of not digging into one direction long enough to let it grow…
Suddenly, I feared for my [artist] life. That—because of the lack of focus, I’d become my own stumbling block for growth.
So, this year, I’m making a shift.
I’m cutting distractions.
The outside noise from podcasts, newsletters, classes, Instagram, etc. Less input = more clarity. Too much outside noise creates confusion rather than progress.
I’m focusing on going deep.
The key is to reduce external influences while staying open to learning. Instead of looking at finished works by others, study principles of colour, design, and abstraction through structured learning.
For example: In painting, whatever medium it is, there are core pillars, the fundamentals: Colour, value, composition, brushwork, drawing, edge. Based on how comfortable I am with the different core pillars, my natural tendencies, and what I am interested in, I ranked composition as my top strength to push. And I want to dive down this rabbit hole.
While I’ll never stop exploring, there’s a time to step back from being driven by looking out, to start looking in, and growing as an artist.
Maybe you’re in a similar place—needing less noise, more focus. If so, what would you cut out to grow?
Good news
A young mum came on board the metro, carrying her baby, with a toddler holding her hand. While the rest of the younger-than-senior passengers remained seated, looking at their phones, an old man gave up his seat and offered it to her.
See you again next week in your inbox, February is a short month!
🧡
Melinda
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