Give Yourself Permission to Make Bad Art

Up until around three years ago, I never attempted anything resembling art. This was mainly because I didn't know how to draw, and figured anything I attempted would look like a five year-old made it.

That all changed once I saw the paintings that graced the walls of my former therapist's office. Hideous does not even begin to describe them. It was then that I realized that nothing (and I do mean nothing) I attempted to draw or paint could ever turn out quite that ugly. So, I bought some art supplies and started experimenting.

Here's what I learned:

• I had more ability than I ever gave myself credit for having
• I was right. Nothing I attempted ever looked as hideous as the paintings in my therapist's waiting room.
• Most importantly, I learned that the process of making "bad art" is just as important and enjoyable as the end result.

The Joy of Art: A Creative Guide for Beginning Painters