Somehow, I have managed through over 45 years not knowing this. Then as previously moaned, I hit a deep well of dark depression and decided to try my hand at painting with acrylics. It’s now three weeks later and I have just finished my third ever portrait on canvas:
My family is in a state of what I can describe as a “proud shock.” I am shocked too, because in fact my whole life I was convinced that I’m absolute rubbish at painting. I can now remember a mandatory art class in high school that may have prompted this self-belief – my old-school Soviet teacher yelling at me, because I just couldn’t get the point that the shadows are supposed to be purple. Once I got that, he stopped yelling, but I guess the damage was done. I have made sculptures before, but my artistic efforts have so far been limited to drawing princesses and unicorns on request. Even choosing a colour for walls was a drawn-out, painfull process of buying and painting on samples of no less than 11 shades of grey. When I started painting three weeks ago, I was hoping to just get my mind off the stress and the recent series of unfortunate events. My first painting was crap:
However, one magical thing did happen – I loved painting it. And I wanted to paint more. And true to myself, I wanted the next one to be better. So I watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials, bought some more paint and the next one was indeed a bit better:
So I watched more tutorials, bought more supplies, and the result surprised me. If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen the painstakingly slow progress shots, if not – here they are. Cause progress is fun!
Speaking of progress, I now have my husband’s agreement to indefinitely delay converting one of the two living rooms in the new old house into an awesome master bedroom. Because it is already awesome as my studio:
That’s all for now. I didn’t get a chance to write a post about Amazon ads, but will do so when I get temporarily sick of painting, which could happen. Hope it would be only temporary, if it does.
I also hope that if you suddenly remember someone yelling at you as a kid, something about how you could never do X, that you would immediately make plans to try X at the earliest opportunity. You never know what may happen.
Ana Spoke, author 
Yep – you can definitely paint!
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Thank you!
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Ana! I am in a state of proud shock!
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Thank you David 🙂 That’s so sweet 🙂
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Gorgeous painting and an inspiring story! What YouTube tutorials did you use?
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Thank you 🙂 I have seen dozens now – I basically search for specific things, such as “how to paint realistic hair” or “how to paint a blended background”. There are too many to mention!
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Ridiculously great! I had similar issues with singing – I was in chorus all through middle school and loved it, but my theater teacher freshman year got on my about projecting “too much “ ( basically because my other cast mates were horrible at projecting so my voice was to loud and clear in comparison) I shifted and it impacted my natural singing and so I stopped all singing.
Thanks for the inspiration- I think I need to revisit!!
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Omg, Deb – this sounds like an example of Australian terrible cultural phenomenon of “tall poppy syndrome”. Basically, anyone who is better than average at anything or worse yet – is trying to get better, is ridiculed until they pull their head in, get in line and strive for mediocrity. I never understood that. Sounds like you have been pushed down to make others feel better – please, please try again!
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I know I’ve told you on Twitter that I’m in awe of your talent but seriously I am. I used to paint and draw years back and never was I as talented as you are let alone right at the start. There’s nothing you can’t do and never, ever doubt yourself. What’s up with your invention? Did painting kick it to the cub? Ha,ha! I know painting is a huge stress reliever so keep doing what works for you and show everyone the results. You may have inspired me to take it up again! Keep up the good work and tell Josh hello for me. Your so talented. 🙂
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I know, you have been so supportive! Thank you yet again. The toy invention has definitely taken the back seat, partially because it got mixed reviews – while my paintings got 100% of “you go, girl!”
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Very impressive. I can honestly say I’m not good at anything visual, although perhaps I’ll give it a go sometime. (In my case, I’ve discouraged myself). Keep painting!
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Thank you again Olga. We can be our own harshest critics, I know that I am. Try it anyway, and maybe start by copying a tutorial on YouTube – they have every subject and level of expertise…
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WOW! What a discovery! Love the progress photos, too.
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Thank you 🙂 I love them too, especially because I have just started another one and it looks ugly as. But then I look at the previous progress photos and remind myself that I can sort it out…
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Remarkable! Congratulations to you, for uncovering your latent talent. These are just beautiful and I celebrate your every success.
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Thank you! You do, Annette, I appreciate it so much.
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You go girl! What a wonderful discovery! I’ve tried drawing in the past – a complete bust. My instructor was very kind. She tried to come up with something encouraging to say, but I could tell it was a stretch for her. I think I’m better off writing.
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Thank you 🙂 What about using a grid of squares over a photograph and canvas, to use as a guide? Can help keeping the proportions right.
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What a great discovery to make. I love painting, though don’t have the knack for portraits.
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Thank you 🙂 Have you tried to watch any tutorials? Maybe you need to start with a different sketch technique, such as sketching by drawing squares on a photograph and canvas, and using that as a guide?
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I’ve done the square technique but I’ll need to check out more of those tutorials.
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This is awesome!!
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Thank you 🙂
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You do beautiful work! I have no gifts when it comes to drawing or painting. Never got past stick figures.
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Thank you 🙂 The only thing I would say, try looking at some tutorials. Nobody has any skills without learning from someone else (and finding some things by “mistake” while persisting).
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Color me very impressed! Those are lovely portraits & they’ll only get better with each one you paint. YT can be such a wonderful place for people to pass on their knowledge & inspire others. Glad you found some helpful online teachers, but most of all, how wonderful to let out your inner artist. Looking forward to seeing more paintings.
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Thank you 🙂 I can’t stop! Another one already in progress…
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Excellent! Update us when you have time!
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Amazing!
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Thank you 🙂
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Wonderful! I love it!
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Thank you 🙂
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Very cool! I’m glad you decided to give it a try. So many people say I can’t do this or that, but actually don’t give it a chance. Good for you.
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Thank you. So true
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thank you for sharing!
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You definitely can paint, Ana…
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🙂 thank you
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That’s AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE your paintings! 🙂 (Reblogging this.)
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Thank you so much 🙂 my husband has gone to bed alone because I can’t put down the brush 🙂 this is seriously addictive!
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Pingback: Inspiration From Author and ARTIST, Ana Spoke – Roundabout Forty
Thank you for sharing, Juli!
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Wow!!! Absolutely stunning work!
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Thank you:-)
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Fabulous! Good for you, Ana!!!
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Hi!!! Love your work! Just started a painting blog myself! Look forward to following your work!
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Thank you so much 🙂 I have just started another one, looking forward to sharing it with you
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