Most artists (including me) only show you their best work, finished paintings they are proud of and have worked on until they’ve decided they’re finished.

But more often than not, paintings go through an ugly stage, that moment when, as an artist, you look at the canvas and think what am I doing?!

For example, here’s a pic of my recent painting Feeling Floral when it was very much in its ugly stage:

At this point, I absolutely questioned my decision to create this piece and the techniques I was employing to do it. I stuck with it and eventually I was happy with the outcome:

Why am I telling you this?

Creating a piece of art, like most things, doesn’t just happen. It takes learning and skill, time and effort, commitment and thick skin.

It’s hard when you’re at the ugly stage to keep working at something. The internal dialogue is telling you this isn’t good and it’s really hard to remember to add the word “yet” to that thought.

Whatever you’re doing, particularly if it’s challenging or you’re tempted to give up, you need to remember to add “yet” to the negative thoughts.

I’m not happy with it yet. It isn’t finished yet. I’m not skilled yet. I’m not fit yet.

It’s a gentle reminder that it’s OK to be where you are. Even if it’s not where you want to be. You’re just not there yet.

How do you get yourself through the tough or ugly stages of your projects?