A Daily Dose of Painting Courage

And Overcoming Masterpiece Anxiety

The first painting I remember having an immense amount of pressure to get right was in my GCSE art exam.

For the final piece, I moved into new territory and arranged my own setup of objects in front of my easel.

I thought a still life would be the easiest choice for a timed study.

It felt doable, and I was too nervous about tackling a portrait. I also knew there were a few rules I should stick to.

A harmonious colour palette, good placement of objects and strong directional light.

After moving a vase, a bottle of wine and a bunch of grapes around for a little longer than anticipated, I reckoned I should just get on with it.

And some aspects of the finished painting worked ok. They really did.

My drawing wasn’t bad and the composition was balanced, but the hardest job was judging the colours from life. The light kept changing, I remember desperately trying to block off bits of the window and the immense pressure to create a ‘finished piece’ really lost all the logic and joy of observation.

I know we don’t often find ourselves in art exams, but the same pressure of having to make a great painting every time we pick up the brush often results in unfinished work or worse, unstarted work!

I’ve found the best way to get around this and bring spontaneity back into my studio is to try and paint daily.

Do a quick small study of something I already have lying around the house, try a new technique, colour palette and subject with no expectation.

Just thoroughly engage in the process.

15-min sketch of garlic onto Raw Umber & Titanium White Ground.

45-minute total painting time.

I make it as enjoyable as possible. Comfy seat, a strong cup of coffee or pot of tea, often Vanessa joins me, the neighbour’s cat if we’re lucky and we set the clock.

What can we achieve in an hour?

If it’s just one line, it’s better than a blank page.

One delicate flower head from a vase of flowers or an impressionistic sketch of an entire bowl of eggs, all beautiful in their own right.

Using Ultramarine Blue & Burnt Umber looking at warms and cools.

It’s not a masterpiece, it’s not a finished painting but it is something.

And that’s how you create.

That’s how all creativity starts, from the process, not from waiting for an idea to get inspired.

50-min total painting time

I like to call these meditative studies my Morning Paintings, inspired by Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages. (Morning Pages is a writing ritual Julia Cameron suggests in her fab book ‘The Artist’s Way‘)

They are regular practice but they feel hopeful and fun.

What I also think is interesting, the set up is usually at our kitchen table in sometimes not the greatest light, which can become quite challenging, and without a fully established composition, it’s just an object that you’re observing.

These Garlic’s were popular! now experimenting with a Raw Umber wash and Titanium White

Because it’s not a perfect situation I’ve found it sends you down a path that you didn’t expect.

There’s no right or wrong outcome but you do learn very sharply about what is important in making a painting ‘work’.

Using a Yellow Oxide paint marker for the drawing out.

I’ve learnt to say ‘how fascinating‘ (inspired by Benjamin Zander) when it doesn’t go to plan.

It’s just one day, one study and we’ll try again tomorrow. The best bit is you start with a blank page, one hour later you’ve created something new and it’s still the beginning of your day!

Grab a brew!

So when you’re faced with a creative block, try a one-hour slot of uninterrupted freedom to create, don’t try to ‘finish’ the painting or worry about the end result, you’ll be surprised to find it’s where all your new ideas are hidden.

This Post Has 150 Comments

  1. Pauline

    Thanks Will. This is my first time receiving your newsletter/ideas.
    Very refreshing and inspiring in a relaxed way – just what I need to help me experiment without expectations!
    Thank you,

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased you enjoyed it Pauline, nice to have you along.
      Will

  2. Beatrice

    Thanks Will, this is a great point of view and I shall apply starting next week!

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Beatrice, pleased it helped.
      Will

  3. Jo

    Hi Will, just wanted to let you know that your newsletters have never failed to inspire and cheer. And this particular one comes just as the perfect time for me – I’ve been feeling stuck lately but you’ve showed me how I can get back on track and learn to enjoy the painting process again. Thank you!

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks for your kind words Jo, so pleased it was timely for you.
      Will

  4. Rhonda

    Good Day Will,
    I love Julia Cameron’s Artist’s Way, and your great idea for morning paintings. Think I’ll give this a go. Are you making this a regular daily practice?
    Cheers!
    Rhonda

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Rhonda, yes it’s a great book. Yes, it’s usually either a morning painting or morning pages, both can be very handy in getting that underlying creative energy out onto a page.
      Will

  5. Caroline

    Thanks so much Will for this idea and sharing your process. I really appreciate your warm encouraging style of communicating, and reminder that it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Thankyou.

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Caroline, glad you found it helpful.
      Will

  6. Christine

    So true Will – you understand the reluctance, the trepidation us “newbies” feel every time we begin an art project! A daily ritual without the dread of finishing or making a masterpiece would hopefully free us up! Thank you again for your wise words!! Christine from Sydney

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Christine, yes the trepidation to create happens to us all, another good book on the subject is ‘The War of Wrt’ where Steven Pressfield talks about ‘Resistance’. It’s mostly related to writing but equally applies to all creative endeavours.

      “It’s not the writing part that’s hard. What’s hard is sitting down to write.

      What keeps us from sitting down is Resistance.”
      ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle

  7. Humaira

    Hi Will, Just wanted to let you know that your newsletter is always appreciated and this one was as if you knew what I was going through. I am not a professional artist but I do love to paint and play with colours and you are so generous in sharing your self and your techniques with us…very reassuring and inspiring…thank you so much..

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks so much Humaira, very kind of you to say so.
      Will

  8. Peter Salvietto

    Hi Will,

    My first post, but all I wanted to say is you’ve done it again!
    Provided inspiration, and (in my case), a wake up call to stop thinking, and get doing!

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Peter, thanks very much. Yes, you can easily find yourself getting stuck searching for the perfect painting, I find getting started changes my mindset.
      Will

  9. Peggy

    Thank you, Will. I always look forward to your emails and the lessons! Blessings!

  10. Liz

    Thanks Will, this is really helpful and reinforces how I’ve felt recently. I’ve noticed that I put far less pressure on myself these days because I’m drawing and painting more often. I actually laughed recently at how terribly a sketch went, which is a long way from the pressure I felt when doing art A Level years ago.

    1. Will Kemp

      Ha, ha yes, laughing at how wrong a drawing goes can be such a healthy attitude to take Liz, so pleased you enjoyed it.
      Will

  11. Katherine

    Hi Will

    Thank you for your newsletter it came at such a good time. I was a little stuck and this has given me a way to move forward.

  12. Tina

    THANK YOU SO Much!! HAha- I was doing exactly what you described- In this lock down I needed some tidbit to help me move forward. Doing it. You’re the best!

  13. Sabine Kärcher

    Dear Will
    Thanks so much for your encouraging idea! It is exactly what I need right now and I love the playful way of getting into painting and drawing again. Thanks so much, I really want to make time and try your idea out!
    Kind regards,
    Sabine

    1. Will Kemp

      Really hope you enjoy it Sabine, yes playful is a good way to approach it.

  14. Gail Abbott

    Love the article and love your sketches and color palettes
    I love that your work looks fresh and never overworked
    Thank you!! Gail

  15. Margaret

    As ever your comments provide a lift to the spirit! I have been practicing (very badly) some watercolour work. With so many mediums I never know whether to practice them all or stick with acrylics! I get very confused and then your lovely newsletter drops into my mailbox full of inspiring ideas and reminding us that it’s all about the process.

    1. Will Kemp

      So true Margaret, pleased it was of help.
      Will

  16. Karen

    Good morning, Will, from Canada. Your words are such a gift! As an amateur I find myself becoming overwhelmed that each piece has to end with perfection. Your newsletter is a reminder that each strike provides an opportunity to learn.
    Thanks for sharing your talent.
    Karen

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Karen, yes the thought process and overthinking can really create a block, really hope you find it helpful.
      Will

  17. Janie

    Thank you for encouraging us to just get to it and enjoy ourselves no matter how the painting comes out. I enjoy your helpful tips sent in your emails as well. Look forward to each one!

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Janie, glad you found the lesson helpful.
      Will

  18. Colleen

    Greetings, Will, from the State of Maine in the US. I, too, look forward to your upbeat and thought-filled newsletters. I’ve been spending time on youtube in the early mornings with some painting related programs, but it’s beginning to become a way to put off the actual painting and drawing practice. Your message has given me a push. Gotta go now. Want to try out that new sketchbook.

    1. Will Kemp

      Great to hear you’re feeling inspired to create Colleen!

  19. Steve .welham

    Hi will thanks for another excellent painting lesson kind regards Steve

  20. Susanna

    Thank you, Will, you always encourage and inspire!

  21. Karen

    Good Morning, Will – Once again your newsletter gave me the “kickstart” I needed – thanks so much for your continuing tutelage and enthusiasm. I am a complete amateur and just started painting during Covid after I found your website – it has been an absolute gift to me! You are most appreciated!

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased the website has been of help Karen.
      Will

  22. Cecilia Golumbeanu

    Oh my, right on the spot! I thought it was the spring. Indeed getting rid of expectations mode is the hardest. And to think that they are my own since I am my harshest critic. I’ve been stuck with the tulip canvas for quite a while now. Thank you, Will!

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Cecilia, yes, we do tend to be our own harshest critics, hope the article helps.
      Will

  23. Jeanne

    Will, you’ve done it again!! Thank you so much for inspiring us!! I’m going to try this beginning today!

  24. Jacque

    I love the loose flower! I’ve been doing this, a half hour to an hour on many days (can’t say all as I love seeing my little grandson)!

    Thanks for the invaluable info. as always!

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Jacque, pleased it has been working well for you.

  25. Eithne

    Thank you Will. Absolutely what I needed to hear today, Eithne

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Eithne, pleased it was helpful.
      Will

  26. Justin

    Just what I needed Will. I was just telling a friend yesterday how the fear of making a mistake gives me so much anxiety I will actually go months without picking up the brush/pen. And it’s such a silly way to look at something I’m supposed to be doing for ‘fun’. Thank you Will!

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased it was a timely article for you Justin.
      Will

  27. Lisa G

    Love this idea! Question: what material do you recommend painting on daily that won’t break the bank, but also doesn’t hinder the process by being difficult to work on?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Lisa, you can either use a thick paper/card, canvas paper or canvas board, or homemade wooden panels.
      Cheers,
      Will

  28. Jane

    Brilliant! Just what’s needed for a kick start and a stop to all the excuses. Thank you Will.

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Jane, glad it helped.
      Will

  29. Rose

    Hi Will
    Are these paintings done in oil?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Rose, these are all acrylics.
      Cheers,
      Will

  30. Deb

    Thanks, Will!! Your timing is perfect, you’ve inspired me.

  31. Cyndy R.

    Thanks Will, your newsletters are always informative and inspiring :-) I’ve just started the videos for your acrylic portrait course. Happy Friday :-)

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Cyndy, really hope you’ve been enjoying the acrylic portrait course.
      Will

  32. Angela

    Thank you so much for this reminder to just create and enjoy the process. And it seems that my best work happens on the second piece after I’m so focused on making the first one perfect.

    1. Will Kemp

      So true Angela, often our painting goals are best achieved indirectly.
      Will

  33. Jean Byatt

    Hi Will, it is not often enough that I reply to you. But I always look forward to hearing your news and especially receiving all the inspiration you find. How do you do it? Spot on again this time. You really are a talented, kind hearted and inspiring artist. I have always held you with the greatest esteem. Still miss the drawing classes! Keep up the good work, happy painting, You really are one of a kind x. Jean

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Jean, so pleased you’re keeping well, thanks for your kind words on the teaching, yes the drawing classes were great fun!
      Will

  34. Carole

    Thanks Will – been feeling uninspired recently but this has given me the impetus to paint daily

    1. Will Kemp

      Great work Carole, so pleased you’re feeling inspired.
      Will

  35. Frances

    Thanks Will, I haven’t painted for well over a year. I’ll start again and hopefully not get stuck again. Thanks for all your hints, they are great.
    Frances

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Frances, we all get stuck from time to time, glad it helped.
      Will

  36. Elizabeth

    Thank you Will. I’m sorry I don’t often read your emails. Today I decided it was time I took time to look at your email. You are inspiring to me and so consistently there for artists. I’m one of many who struggle with not getting started with a painting because of the perfectionist stigma. I have great ideas but getting started is not easy for me, however I promise to get the lead out so to speak and get going.

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Elizabeth, so pleased you enjoyed it.
      Will

  37. Joni

    Will, your timing is incredible! I needed this inspiration and as always, you’ve come through for me. Thank you!

    1. Will Kemp

      Fab to hear Joni, great that you’re feeling inspired.
      Will

  38. Margarita Konstantinidou

    Thanks Will for those articles. Seems that you know exactly what we need ! For me it was informative and very supportive !

    1. Will Kemp

      That’s lovely to hear Margarita,
      Cheers,
      Will

  39. Ken

    Hello Will. You seemed to really hit a sweet spot for many of us out here struggling with even getting started, much less finishing. I like the way you suggest a stress-free, even fun approach to this kind of exercise. I have a hard time getting that kind of thinking and feeling going, and so I avoid even starting. Also, I notice in your sketch drawings that you’ve got some grid-type lines showing … does this help you get an effective drawing easier and faster?
    Thank you again for your continuing inspirations.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Ken, so pleased it helped, I often draw out with straight lines to indicated the far edges of the subject, and can then tweak these to try and get the whole subject balanced within the piece. You can see the technique at the start of the apple drawing tutorial,
      Will

  40. Deb Reed

    Thank you! I needed this advice. I’m one of your online students – a retired IB Theatre Teacher – daughter of an art teacher who spent my life watching Mom. Now Mom is gone; I’m getting old, and desire to be an artist too. Ha

    I was in an upscale shop in Mobile, AL, USA yesterday looking for art for my daughter’s new house. I showed the owner one of my paintings from your beginner class. Her reply thrilled me and gave me hope. She said, “You could sell those!” I took that as: Get busy painting! Another ha for now.

    The reason I liked this article is because I want to paint my own. I don’t know what to paint. This helped.

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased it was timely Deb, and glad you’ve been finding the lessons helpful.
      Will

  41. Ana

    Love this! Thank you for writing and sharing this article. Great inspiration and a great reminder to just paint and let it flow :)

  42. Terri

    The timing of this article is perfect, Will! I’ve been stuck for awhile waiting for inspiration that just isn’t coming. This takes me off the hook–I see now that I can paint anything just for the sheer pleasure and practice! And best of all, it’s okay if it’s not finished.

    1. Will Kemp

      Yes Terri, taking that pressure away to finish the piece can really help to just engage with the process so much more.
      Will

  43. Barbara Swinton

    I’m running off to grab a paintbrush…MANY thanks:)

  44. Vicky

    Having fallen off the daily habit, this is a timely and lovely reminder to actually create daily and have fun as a way back to a creative life. Your newsletter and photos are just wonderful and make it all seem so obviously doable! Alas, it’s been paralysis by analysis for me this last year and you’ve inspired me to just give it a go, on a daily basis. Thanks so much!

    1. Will Kemp

      That’s brilliant to hear Vicky, really hope you enjoy it.

  45. Camille

    Thank you so much for this, I find this pandemic interfering with my creativity, this advice will keep me going!

  46. susan

    how inspiring!
    thank you soooooo much!

  47. Barbra Joan

    How fun is that coffee maker. I had just made a cup in my pot.
    Thank you Will, you always inspire.
    Barbra Joan

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Barbra, glad you’re feeling inspired.

  48. Shelley Harkness

    Thanks so much Will for your inspiration. I always think it is so interesting to find that tips like this seem to arrive just when you need them.

  49. Pam Strachan

    Thank you, Will. I so needed to hear this. I have been feeling very pressured; all self induced!.
    I feel so much better after reading your article.

    1. Will Kemp

      Glad that it’s taken the pressure off Pam, really hope you enjoy your paintings.
      Will

  50. Mike

    Very generous of you, Will. It jump-started me after a few days of excuses for not painting. You’re a gifted teacher.

  51. C-Marie

    Hi Will, Love your newsletters, Love your painting ideas, and Love the way you truly care about people!!
    God bless, C-Marie

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks for your kind words C-Marie, very much appreciated.
      Will

  52. Mary-Anne

    Thanks Will, just the reminder I needed. I’ve been away from daily practice for over a month due to moving house, moving studio and travelling. Just got back to it yesterday.

    1. Will Kemp

      Great that it helped kickstart your practice Mary-Anne, hope the house move went well!
      Will

  53. Nurit

    Hello Will,
    I was really excited to read you last newsletter and ideas. It came just in the right ime when I needed your inspiring advice: how to create without too much expectations !
    Thank you!
    Nurit

  54. Ben

    A couple of years ago, I joined an art group for some lessons. The teacher was horrified when I told her it did stress me up: the fear of being compared to the others, not performing as well, being criticized… I ended up finding it less than enjoyable. I would however love to get back on track. So, thank you for giving me a new perspective (pun unintended). Your tips and enthusiasm are inspiring. So let’s go….

  55. Silvano

    Hi Will
    Just like to express my appreciation of your work and this article. A little reminder every now and again does wonders.
    All the best

  56. Peter

    Hi Will
    I,ve been following you for a couple of years now. You were my first true teacher. Love your online instructional videos. They are of much more help than many l,ve seen. Love your upbeat, relaxed manner. Thanks for all you do to inspire us beginners.
    ,

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Peter, nice to hear from you and so pleased you found the teachings helpful.
      Will

  57. Martha

    Thank you so much, Will! This is exactly where I am right now. Terrified to do a commission! I have started and made changes a few times. I thought it’s my lack of self-discipline. But you have really encouraged me. Thank you so much.

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased to hear it Martha, yes those commissions can crank up the anxiety!
      Will

  58. Petra

    Hello Will!
    This was a good help and nice tip, because it can be so frustrating wanting to paint and start a new one. It becomes so hard because of the pressure to create a masterpiece, every time.
    I just want to thank you for your always inspiring newsletters! I like also your positive energy in all the things you write or say in your videos. Your tips and techniques are really appreciated too. I paint with oils, but I still watch your techniques for acryl or any other medium.
    Thank you so much! Have a good day!

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased you found it helpful Petra.
      Cheers,
      Will

  59. Paris

    Thank you so much will! This was exactly what i needed! Very helpful

  60. Huguette

    You are so right Will, fantastic tip, I’ll try the morning pages.

  61. Christopher Hemsworth

    Wow, 94 comments, Will! I almost didn’t bother commenting but I felt compelled too after reading (much like everyone else that commented, I’m guessing!). Your newsletter / blog posts are one of the few I really look forward too. Your humility and openness is SO incredibly refreshing in a sea of artists who guard themselves and put only some polished version of themselves and their work forward. Secondly, this is truly inspiring as others have said, and motivating! “Masterpiece syndrome” is such a problem and prevents us from making a single mark sometimes. I am crippled often by never settling on “something” to paint. It’s terrible. Your line “a single mark is better than a blank page” is just brilliant.

    Anyways I just wanted to take this time to say how much you are appreciated. ALSO! I recently bought your water-based oil painting course and am just LOVING it!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Christopher, thanks so much for taking the time to write. Fantastic to hear that it struck a chord and really hope it helps with getting into that creative flow. And so pleased you’ve been enjoying the water-mixable oil course. Have a great week.
      Will

  62. Joan

    Great insight and wisdom Will. It’s so easy to get caught up in the demands of life. But this IS (Painting) life, now.

  63. Gretchen

    Will, I have been holding myself hostage to Masterpiece Anxiety for a month. Thanks to you for helping me realize it! Tomorrow is a painting day; no masterpiece required.

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased to hear it Gretchen, enjoy your morning painting!
      Will

  64. Bob Adams

    Will, Thanks for this tidbit. It rang true to me. I have not painted in over a month as both moving and my business have kept me very busy. I am about 3/4 of the way through a commission dog painting and feel I am procrastinating because of the “masterpiece” phenomenon. Perhaps I will set it aside in the morning and do a quick “garlic” study.

    1. Will Kemp

      Really hope it helps Bob, yes having a break from larger more complicated pieces can really help to come back to them refreshed.
      Will

  65. Randi Wilson

    Love the quick small paintings. Do you have a place that lists the paint colors you used for each painting?

    1. Will Kemp

      Pleased you enjoyed them Randi, unfortunately, I don’t have a list of all the paint colours for all the demos.
      Will

  66. Carol

    Many thanks Will, I always enjoy your newsletters and your enthusiasm for painting. Look forward to starting a morning painting sessions.

    Carol

  67. Catherine

    Thank you so much! This arrived a while ago and I forgot to read it. Just got my art studio (!) back after our son returned to uni (it’s supposed to be his bedroom, haha) and was in there for a while yesterday and the day before with all my stuff, and I felt so excited getting paint out again, but then I’ve just done some disappointing painting that doesn’t say what I wanted it to say at all! How fascinating!! I paint some abstract as well, and the same principle applies I’m sure. So then I thought, I know I’ll read what Will Kemp has to say: and you’ve nailed it once again! I love all nature and I even live in the countryside. What am I doing?! Off to find something small to paint. Where’s the garlic? :)

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased you enjoyed it Catherine, hope the new reclaimed studio is working well!
      Will

  68. Nancy

    Morning Will! Such a timely subject! This was definitely written for me! Every painting has to be a framable piece. I have printed this out and put it over my art table so I can read it every day. Such wise words. So invaluable to me! Thank you.

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Nancy, so pleased you found it helpful.
      Will

  69. judieO

    Awesome article Will. So inspiring — I’m definitely going to try it. I appreciate all your encouragement and experience.

  70. Esther Buckland

    Thank you Will. I’ve just started doing this and it’s been so lovely. Your blog is great and always so positive and inspiring! Thank you!

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Esther, so pleased you’ve been enjoying it.
      Will

  71. Judy Crosher

    Hi Will
    Could you tell me what you used for background wash and for the ‘black’ in the cafetiere painting. I’m sure you’ve explained this many times – it must be basic, but I’ve just joined.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Judy, it’s a mix of Ivory Black & Titanium White for the grey background, then using the Ivory Black for and Titanium White for the greys of the silver and then using Burnt Umber for the coffee.
      Cheers,
      Will

  72. Jerry

    Hello Will, thank you so much for this. I’ve had the block for a very long while now. I’m just getting back on my feet with it. I am also trying out acrylics for the first time. I’ve noticed that it is more fun, when I’m more engaged in the process than stressed out with the pressure to get it accurately at the end. I’m also just now learning to take it easy on my self these days.

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased you found it helpful Jerry.
      Will

  73. Linda

    Thank you, Will. I’ve enjoyed all your videos and work, and it was very helpful to read and view your background experience with pressure to paint perfectly. I have been stymied by masterpiece anxiety since childhood, and your advice is exactly what I need to follow to return to painting. I stopped when I moved last September, but now that I’ve been settled in my new home for awhile, it’s time! You’re newsletters and painting instructions are very much appreciated.

    1. Will Kemp

      That’s fab to hear Linda, so pleased you enjoyed the article.
      Will

  74. Stella

    I love this post so much! I’m just starting out and absolutely feel the pressure to “make it great,” even though I’m only learning the fundamentals! I ordered Ms. Cameron’s book and workbook thanks to you, and am about to start reading it. You offer a treasure trove of information, thank you so much!

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased you found it helpful Stella, it’s a great book to be starting out with.
      Cheers,
      Will

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