I BELIEVE YOU CAN PAINT

I know in my deepest heart of hearts that everyone can paint. We can all lay down ink on paper, acrylic on canvas — pick your medium. You can do it. What we struggle with isn’t necessarily skill, because that comes with patience and practice. What we struggle with is space in our lives. Not having enough room to even reach the place where we want to create. Feeling so burnt out that trying something creative feels daunting. I promise you, it’s cathartic if you allow it to be. You simply need to carve out a little room to explore.

Five years ago is when I first began painting. Out of pure boredom during the pandemic, I forced myself to try something different and experiment with something artistic. It had been present around me my entire life, but it was a form of expression I never allowed myself to consider seriously because WHO HAS THE TIME? I challenge you to give yourself an hour or two. Set it aside just for you and see what happens. It won’t be perfect at first. It never is. But you will look at what you’ve made and you WILL feel something. Maybe annoyance because it didn’t work out right away. Possibly a gentle surprise — huh, I didn’t think I could do that. Or total frustration because the paints wouldn’t mix the way you wanted, and what you envisioned so clearly in your mind didn’t translate onto canvas the way you expected.

This is the therapy. Take a moment to sit with what your hands created. Let it be. Walk away if you need to. But COME BACK. Always come back, because there is always something the paints reveal to you. It’s a bit like life, really… you don’t simply stop and walk away. You pause, learn something about yourself, and keep moving forward — adjusting along the way. Eventually, you’ll find your flow.

I promise — YOU CAN PAINT. Not perfectly at first, but through practice you’ll discover your own ability to regulate, reflect, and keep going. When you persevere, you’ll look back at what you’ve made and feel proud of it. I know this because I’ve seen it happen over and over again. Our eyes often deceive us and make us speak critically about our own work — but it’s a total farce. Once you step away and view your painting through a different lens, you’ll understand what I mean.

If you don’t believe me, then join me at one of my events. You won’t just learn how to paint with acrylics — you’ll discover how you interact with yourself and the things that ultimately hold you back. I’ve been told it feels like a mini therapy session. Whether it’s a Sip & Paint, an intimate workshop in my studio, or a two-day retreat — I’ll guide you through my process and show you that you CAN DO IT.

I hope to see you soon.

xo
MJ