Comments on: Dealing With Artistic Frustration – When Things Don’t Go Your Way

By: Mary Benton

Mary Benton — Mon, 06 May 2019 23:47:48 +0000

Great wisdom in this, Matt. Thanks for sharing it. I find that sometimes I am simply trying too hard and I need to step away from something I’m working on. One piece I had to cover with a sheet because I couldn’t bear to look at it. When I came back to it in a couple of days, I was able to do what needed to be done. It is also easy for me to over-value a work, because of how much time I’ve put into it or the meaning I attach to it. The letting go can be sort of a spiritual process as I learn to focus less on myself…

By: Cora Thomas

Cora Thomas — Fri, 03 May 2019 08:33:45 +0000

Hi Matt, this is what I also needed to read.I was struggling for sometime and didn’t know how to explain that feeling. So I quit and started crochet. Finished 8 blankets up to now but after reading your letter I am thinking of going on with art but a different medium I think oil

By: rachel kennedy

rachel kennedy — Wed, 23 May 2018 22:23:11 +0000

Yes, your words are wise and encouraging. I walked away from a piece of work I was experimenting with – ugly. But I am learning and know this is part of growing and finding what works for me and what doesn’t.

By: Nick Paulsen

Nick Paulsen — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 07:11:00 +0000

Matt, this is what I needed to read. You truly know how to encourage people so well, and it’s inspiring. This is definitely something we all struggle with and will always face, but learning how to deal with it is the most important thing. I can’t help but feel refreshed after listening to this! Thank you Matt, back to the sketch pad!

By: thevirtualinstructor

thevirtualinstructor — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 14:18:00 +0000

HI Serena! Thanks for sharing! We all go through this and it’s a completely normal part of being an artist!

By: Serena

Serena — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 11:11:00 +0000

Thank you for these beautiful words. I have been in a lack of inspiration for days and i am still on it. I am feeling so frustrated, but every time i go through an art block, then my art gets better. ^^ so, i think its better for me to rest and maybe recognize that my value as an artist is not based on one single piece. :’) Your words made me feel better, thank you again!