The ugly stage

Dear Artists,

13 years ago, I was working on Wading, a series of lithographic crayon drawings.

I was having trouble getting the figures to look dimensional. Lighting is often what creates the illusion of form, so I sculpted these figures, and then lit them.

The 12" x 4" drawing above was my trial run for this process, and ultimately confirmed the path for the final works.

Yet, I almost walked away from that first drawing.

I hated that drawing while I was working on it. The figure looked bulky, dark, and flat. I had worked on it for hours, but nothing was improving.

When this happens, I give the drawing 1 more hour no matter how I feel.

If nothing changes, I give myself permission to move on. More often than not though, the drawing does get better.

I suspect the reason we start over is that it's uncomfortable for us to sit there and stare at an terrible looking WIP.

Learn to be okay with your rat's nest of a WIP.

You need resilience to make progress. That's why Art Club starts with:

1) Building a sustainable practice

2) Setting up a productive work space

3) Steps to gain confidence

Art Club enrollment is closing TODAY!

You start with a 1 on 1 onboarding call with me.

Join

Hit reply with your questions, or a get video reply by asking here.​

xoxo Prof Lieu

The online community for self-taught artists

Stay accountable and feel energized inside a community of 92 artists in Art Club.

Get quick answers on the fundamentals, art supplies, selling, exhibiting, and careers in live group mentoring calls.

Learn more

Questions? Hit reply or get a video reply here.