I absolutely loved what you said. I have not been doing art for too long nor have I ever had any "formal" education. However, I was asked to teach some art through my spiritual center. Then Covid hit and I have ZOOMed classes for over 2 years now. My objective is to "teach" some fun art stuff but mostly just giving people the opportunity to connect with others. I have stressed from the beginning, THIS CLASS WILL BE FUN!!!!!! I just finished a class in painting without a brush. I even described it as possible finger painting opportunity. I have true artists who join in and heard about painting with a potato. Next I took my classes to the next level and teach classes for seniors through our local university. I ALWAYS state that no one has to have any art experience. I did the best I could when people were truly not going out (COVID) and gave alternative art supply lists. " Use a ballpoint and copy paper" I have pooh-poohed TH-cam artists that say, "NEVER do....(fill in the blanks)." I am the "think outside the box" kind of person and when I hear those types of statements I think it crushes creativity. Some of the "nevers" are things I actually did to learn the kind of art I wanted to do. You talk about teaching kids. Well, I have offered projects that I did in elementary school and offer them to mostly adults. So, trace your hand and draw a turkey!! Again, thanks, Louise (teaching at 74)
In the days before TH-cam (yes there were some), I "taught" art to 6 developmentally disabled adults. Together we rediscovered the joy of smearing paint on paper or canvas and ourselves. They'd been told not to make a mess for so long they were intimidated to even touch the supplies at first and then went on to win blue ribbons at the county fair! Bless them all. I learned so much from them about overcoming fear in art.
I am bawling my eyes out watching this. Its ok. Its a release …. And needed. Thank you once again Kristy. You know …. Some of us (me) never really learned to play as children ….. this video is quite freeing so thank you for reminding us all of the importance of playing …. Discovering…. Finding the joy. Love it.
Oh friend ya know what, I rewatched this before posting and I too cried. It’s a topic mixed up with a ton of emotion and honestly in learning some trauma. I’m honored to be having these conversations❤️ So important
I can't believe, I had the exact same reaction, started crying, and it did feel like a release & I needed it. I often cry, as I am a sensitive person, but I was a bit surprised I got emotional over something lighthearted, even though it was actually very insightful & deep, I felt silly for crying. Thanks for sharing your experience, as I read it, I no longer felt silly for getting emotional.
Thank you for this!! I'm so anal and fearful that I won't do "it" right!😭but I'm forcing myself with the help of a dear artist friend to stop the judgements on myself and what I do. It IS about the play and the journey! And this video is the last piece of the JUST DO IT puzzle I e been messing with. One thing I'm going to do next is get a dagger brush and just play with it and learn from that. I'm excited for my art future! I'm 65 and that just proves you are never to old to learn new things and play and have fun!❤❤❤
Started my watercolor journey last summer at 68... enjoying everything about it... the beautiful colors, the fun tutorials, the learning - then nothing. I felt like I had to perform, make a finished picture... when it didn't go well, I was OK at first, but - stopped. Had paper "taped" down for a few weeks, waiting to do wet-on-wet - it just created anxiety. I have grandchildren... and like you said, they just playfully create!!! And they love everything they do!!! They NEVER say they wish they would have done something differently ❤ Last night I swatched colors - playing, no objective in sight... today, I cut my paper & have a bookmark! Then you made this video Kristy!!!❤ Thank you so much... I needed to hear this! Bless you for sharing, a California Gramma ❤
When you can't call mom... Kristy has risen to the occasion again!!! She will say something and it goes straight to the heart ❤ where it does its work. We all carry wounds... & for some reason, watercolor seems to be a revealer and healer! Happy painting! A new California friend! ✨
I relate to everything you said, it's like you just told my experience nearly word for word. I had never realized others went through the same thing. Thanks for sharing
I’m a writer who took up watercolor during Lockdown. Previously my art education consisted of four years of line drawing through pen and ink with a tyrant who taught hyper-realism. So I’m a little… constricted. But writing! I know what I’m doing, there. And I always talk about that blank page and how it’s not a scary blank page, it’s POSSIBILITIES, and how it can be a tech article, or a novel, or whatever I want it to be. Your pep talk has made me realize, I need to see the blank watercolor paper the same way. Gonna work on that. And I need to just play. I think my trigger word is going to be something profane, aimed at the shade of that old art teacher.
Profane shade as a trigger word. Ima voting YES!!! It’s unbelievable how many stories ai hear about ART teachers who literally break creative spirits. Again and again. It’s maddening. I’ve found there is a lot of high brow attitudes in the art community. There’s a rigid fear of newbies coming in and shaking things up. Well hang on, we’re shaking it alllll down!
Wow Kristy! I have just 'found' you and I'm never gonna let you go! I have dithered for years trying to find someone to teach me 'the right way'. You have inspired me to just get off my butt & get on with it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love your teaching style. You're one of a kind!
This made me cry. It is such a powerful reminder to just let go of all those things that are holding us back. Fear, making a mess, doing it wrong. I’m just learning watercolor and I realize I’ve been seeking the recipe to perfection rather than enjoying and soaking up the experience of learning through pure joy. Thank you so much. ❤️
You are sooo welcome. There is good in the tediousness of learning… but finding a balance in our emotions is so important so we can still harness all the joy!!
This was beautiful! As a long-time professional artist, I’ve felt like I’ve really lost the “play” spirit when I sit down with my tools. It’s really damaged my progression and growth. Until I spent two weeks teaching art to 10yr olds this summer!!! OMG, what an amazing eye-opening experience! Now, every morning, I’m forcing myself to play. To run from perfection and throw myself headlong into the void of creativity. And I’m having a blast!
Wow! My son was just asking me today why have I not painted in so long? All of this rings true. Thank you for the Pep Talk, I really needed to hear this.!
I love this channel! I started watercolor during the pandemic with just playing. I loved watching the colors spread through the water. I loved the blooms that would form and the bleeding of colors together. I sat at my kitchen table almost every night that spring of 2020. It truly eased my mind and took me away from all of the craziness of the world at that time. Then I started making paintings and wanted the end result. I have all but stopped, even though I have a dedicated space now. So, tonight I am going to my space, picking five colors and one brush at random and see what happens. Thank you for the inspiration. I will let you know how it goes!
Just remember the joy you were able to wrangle in spring 2020. That joy is just sitting in you, waiting to be reawakened. Report back, can’t wait to hear!!
It took me so long to figure this out. I finally learned that I paint for me. I only listen to watercolor teachers that say things I like to hear. You win, hands down. The question I ask for each thing is "where's the joy in that?" Yes, I do have a "snarky tone" when I say it. But if I'm not finding the joy then why bother? And there's no such thing as "wasting" supplies. I own them, how can I be wasting them ? I can't believe it took me this long to find you. ♥🎵👍😼🌻🎨
I recently started painting with watercolors and finding your channel has been so wonderful. The way you approach things is so different but as someone who typically worries about the "failure" stage of learning, I've been able to overcome a lot of my fear of the medium!
Can I just say i adore you!!!? You speak from the heart and i heard you. I have been playing a wee bit. I run from the mean critics in my head fast...as I play. They are at a long conference table with their coffee and donuts just ready to get down and dirty with criticizing me. I keep a cheap sketch book by my art project and if they start....I write it down. And write and write. Then my therapist....yes I have one....and I deal with them and their donuts....I am going going to play a bit now while the coast is clear! You scare them! I am grateful for you!:)
This morning I woke up grabbed one of my previously burned wood burning, & used watercolor all over it. It felt so good to not be worried if the colors were right or if it went outside online little here and there. I haven’t felt stress-free about art like that before. There’s a perfect piece that’s so freeing when you don’t worry. 🥰👍 Thank you so much!
Saved to “Favorites!” Literally laughed out loud when you mentioned trigger word - I immediately thought “pizza”, and then THERE IT WAS! Such great advise and positioning, “mindful activity to cast out fear” (paraphrasing!).
Play equals happiness. Love your philosophy and encouragement. Somehow we lose it as adults so need to recapture it. Inspirational. Thanx so much for your wonderful videos.
Oh My God Kristy! I cannot tell you how much I needed to hear this lesson of yours. With a few exceptions only, I cannot remember the last time I really let go with my painting, or with anything else for that matter and just had a blast. I have known what is going on for a long time, but I truly needed to hear someone else say it to me and I honestly feel I was guided to your video and of course, I have subscribed now. I have so much anxiety at 72 years old and I love doing art work because it does help me cope, but it has gotten to a point that I am so rigid in doing a lot of my work (and I do a lot of watercolor) and I think it is because I am too afraid to let go and be free!!!!! To try something new, to screw it up and just do another one, to just plain try something I have never done before and you can only do by LETTING GO!!!!! Oh, I can't tell you how truly grateful I am to have found you. The way you even say it is so wonderfully cool and healing and I am sure that anyone who listens to you would get these positive vibes!!!!!! Thank you so very much Kristy!!!! ❤❤❤l energy.
Dance teacher here. I found the same dynamic -music starts and the kids are jumping, twirling, laughing. In the adult classes when the music starts, the adults freeze and look petrified. Gotta keep your " baby soul" moving, the part that never stops playing and learning! Wonderful video!
Love, love, love this message. Kristy, you are *such* a blessing to us. I hope you know how you are impacting lives, bringing the light, banishing the shadows. Your influence goes waaay beyond art. This is mental health *via* art. Thank you for all that you do!
Oh you are simply (in a very GOOD way) amazing. I usually have my ad blockers on but I turn then off for you. That's how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you SO much!!! In 30 mins I start. After watching many of your vids and learning SO much. I am finally starting :)
@@KristyRice L O V E this pallet! Do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?? lol. Imma Thrive, Growth and Blossom kinda gal. Throw in some Delve. LOVE these!!!! And yes the neon yellow works! I saw what you did with it. You are simply amazing!
This is a very beautiful and powerful message. Thank you for sharing🙏🙏💖💖💖💖. We must remember how great it was to be a kid with no Fear. Just enjoying life.
Oh my goodness, you are right this is the most important video I will ever have watched. I am/was stumped by my fear, so much so that I have watched your videos, bought a dagger 1/4 brush, placed it next to my watercolours, stepped away and watched more videos. NOW AMEN Sister, I am fired up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and art. Lots of love. 🥰 🎨
The awe and wonder that comes from creating is healing. That’s my a-ha! Every time I step back from a painting (that I relaxed and played while painting) I am floored that it came from me! I have had to overcome so much insecurity in regards to art, and picked up the paint brush for the first time only 2 1/2 years ago, and now I just want to share with everyone what it’s like to watch the colors bleed, and how it feels to splash it on the paper. I feel like it isn’t me or my skill but I’m an observer of the paint and water and I get a front row seat. It is exciting and that is moment when God speaks to me about His joy and pleasure in me, His creation. Our own creativity is a reflection of His.
I am always inspired by my grandkids -- who love to Art, by the way . They just play and let it flow so freely without fear of mistakes or messing it up. They just go right in and create! I thought I was teaching them about art, but truth be told, they teach me about art. Thank you Jesus!
My grandkids love to paint with me. The youngest ones are early elementary and preschool. It is amazing to see how much they pick up just by watching me. I am absolutely not in accomplished watercolorist, but they think I am! I love watching them paint without fear. They love to mix colors and they know what colors to mix with what to get the color they want. I am always in awe of their imagination and where it leads them. I wish that I was still like them. After listening to you I realize I need to give myself permission to play around without fear of what I might be wasting or of what the end result might be. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
I absolutely love love this and all of your videos. I always come away with a smile on my face and inspiration to create. I think what my ah ha moment was is when you mentioned just letting go of the limitation (or something like that), to not worry about the end result and just let my imagination run wild. I don't have any children, my son is an adult now and no grandkids, but I can grasp the concept of playing like a child and I definitely will take this information and run with it. Thank you, Kristy, for your spirit. Keep smiling :)
What I got from this video was that I'm on the right direction with a secret endeavor I'm currently working on. I haven't heard anyone doing such thing before and it's both scary and exiting. ^-^
I'm glad you made this video. It's a great idea to get back to the joy and openness of play. Your example of the children's approach to the clay vs the adults was really eye opening for me.
Love the idea of fearless art!!!! My style is eclectic,watercolor,color pencil,pastels. Mostly self taught but lately I have been frustrated because I’m trying to draw more “realistic “. You were right when you said I was refusing to allow myself to play, enjoy the moment. I will be learning and enjoying my time doing it the way I like not what others would like me to do. Freedom!!!!!! Many thanks. I have only seen 2 of your videos but I am now a follower.
Oh thanks so much! I found when I let myself play with the techniques and really dig deep my more realistic style (shocking I do have one) emerged naturally! When I’m really enjoying a technique it’s easier to get lost in it and spend more time rendering a subject with that technique!
Hi Kristy! I’m a new subscriber :) I loved your pep talk. my aha moment was when you talked about how the 7 year olds did the cylinder so fast but the adults ehhh took a while I’m guessing lol! I think that’s so true I always put my watercolors out and I am so indecisive of where to start but then my 4 year old just dives into her watercolors and paints a beautiful mess when I just did one line I’m same amount of time lol! I wish I was more like her sometimes haha! I will do my best to get messy this weekend. I can’t wait to see more videos! 💗
They took forever and the results weren’t terribly aesthetic compared to the kiddos!! But it was more about the stress the adults would inflict on themselves. Not how it should be. Dive in and get some marks made before you even have a chance to judge whether you’re doing it right or not.
Thank You Kristy. I love your videos, even though you go kinda fast sometimes. I use the back button frequently. Doing watercolor is theraputic, even when I get an expolsion ...you know what I mean. Love love love
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I know I've been stuck for a while and really need to freely jump into a series project. My fear has been been not living up to perfection or the expectation. The series is for the wall of my grandson, the content is woodland animals. I've only drawn a few animals, ever. I so need to take your advice and just PLAY. ❤
I teach preschool and my favorite quote is from Albert Einstein "Play is the highest form of research" I love your channel and just got your brushes. I started in January. I'm going to go play now!
I’m a mixed media maybe artist lol. I love this video. We spend so much time wanting to be perfect that we don’t see the little pieces of ourselves that we commit to our creations. I can remember my teenage children coming home and seeing what I was doing on a canvases or in a journal...whatever and they wanted to hang out with some supplies as well. The out comes we’re always colourful and happy creations. Now my grandchildren are they same kind of excited to hang out with supplies. Lots of happy colourful pieces of joy are the result. Lol 😊
You're so great :) I hate that this is such a problem for so many of us...but obviously it is :/ but this truly was a great, and emotional, video...I came to art out of being at the end of my rope, for real...I am in constant physical pain due to breaking my back in a car accident at 16 that took the life of my friend in a horrific way...physical and emotional damage from a lifetime of abuse that you dontnwant to know about...had been on loads of meds that of course don't fix the problem on their own typically and I couldn't keep up...I had always wanted to draw & paint, I have awesome artists in my family...but there was no time to play, no time to relax and see what happens...nope nope nope..my doc calls it hyper vigilance. Of course I didn't knownthat back then...back then it was just about protection of those you love even if that put you in the wrong spot and not making anyone else uncomfortable so you keep everything to yourself and make sure everyone is safe whether they know they need it or not....so, you constantly hate yourself for feeling like you're never doing it well enough, and then you watch a friend die and you couldn't fix that either and back then you didn't deal with that stuff...you shoved it back into its box and let the movie play and hope it doesn't push forward too often. So I needed to push through my fear to just try to draw...just a simple landscape for a class my mom bought me, you look at the picture they have a sketch the basics on the little canvas...and, just like you said, for that, I wasn't thinking of the end product...duh...just putting this together years later...since i knew the idea was to paint over it, I wasn't concerned with how awful I knew my sketch would be...then when I finished the sketch I was beyond shocked that it actually kinda looked like what I had wanted it to look like!! So then I couldn't stop drawing and its been a lifesaver in all the ways. I adore watercolor and ink drawing and making cards for anyone I can think of..I want to get better at acrylic because my whole like I've dreamed of being in a decent size room with a huge canvas, loads of paints, and being able to make as big a mess as I wanted and to be loose enough, relaxed and safe enough to just throw paint, squish paint brush paint onto that canvas...so I'm working on that but way in the future when we have reg work ;) But its like I hit a point where my excitement faded a bit and I went backwards from just being excited I couldn't draw some things, to somehow feeling more comfortable with drawing and watercolor, yet being more frustrated at myself cuz it wasn't good enough anymore. I've had friends and others ask to buy sets of cards...but I'm so embarrassed to have them think that I think I'm good enough for something like that, that I just give them to everyone...which is of course fine too!! But I would love to not be useless physically and financially to my family...even if only to buy a tube of paint here or there so that my sweet husband doesn't have to cuz I know we're barely keeping a roof over our head right now.....but that fear keeps my from taking the leap. I definitely need to get back to where I was!! Such good reminders!!!! Thank you for that!!!🥰😭🥰
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. Art is a journey that churns our emotions with every single step. So if you were feeling a little bit of this…making art will ensure you start to feel all the feels before it’s done with you. Keep pouring yourself into each piece of artwork, push the self criticism and doubt aside every single time it tries to creep in. One small step, one stroke at a time and you’ll never dream of where it will all lead!!
@@KristyRice thank you for that! Those negative voices are pretty intense and very deeply rooted....but art, or just expression or something that makes me happy, like I love to make caramels and bake, just something that helps my mind focus on something else and leaves no room for anything else, like those negative voices. But there is something about drawing and seeing it come to life...and painting, whatever medium, and seeing colors you love glide across the page...gosh...I don't know what it does to my brain, but it definitely does something. Some days when my body isn't working for me, even prepping something I plan on working on or 1 swoosh of color over a page is enough to get me through till the days when I'm able to do more. And of course watching awesome artists like you that build us up and keep us excited and SO inspired...thank you for that!! But I apologize SO much for my long comments....so dumb....I am extra emotional from losing my parrot of 25yrs...so then I babble extra. So...gosh, such a dummy...just sorry about that!! But thank you for all you do for us!!! I hope you're doing well and have a great rest of the week!!!❤
AMEN to everything, completely everything you said!!! It's kinda like what the yoga teachers often repeat in class, you're doing this for your personal self, enjoyment, relaxation, don't compete, don't look at the person next to you etc lol So glad you posted this video.
I think this is the most important, inspiring, educational and honest art (and beyond) video on YT. I truly hope that you have loads of students of all ages!! I know virtual world is lucky to have you)) Thank you!
Hi "Dr. Kristy!" I'm here to play! Growing up in a home where everything was pristine and not to touch...you know, the plastic in the furniture, the shelves of porcelain or crystal figurines...I was never allowed to play or get dirty. Sad, hugh? It's never too late to learn to play!
When I was in kindergarten we drawing trees and mine had purple leaves but everyone else had green. My teacher told me that trees have green leaves not purple. We had a Japanese maple in our front yard and we all know they have purplish leaves. I was sent to the principal for arguing with the teacher. Since then I have dabbled here and there with art. But I never play. I surround myself with art supplies and use them for a moment but then my critical eye always stops me somewhere along the way. Sometimes I finish a piece but then I don't paint for months or even years. Then the desire to create burns inside and the whole thing starts over again. It was easy to play when my kids were young and we made arts and crafts every chance we had. But not since then have I played with art. Thank you for this video! After I wiped away a release of tears, I felt such a desire to play and not care what it looks like in the end.
It’s amazing what an impact those early art experiences can have on us. I’m so glad you’re back to thinking about set, really hoping to get back to playing!
Ok. I'm going to let myself paint with no end goal in mind for a bit instead of only following tutorials. Not worrying about the end result is freeing, and I think I will gain better understanding of my materials and also what I like by just exploring freely. Thanks!
I love you! Can I say that? This was an awesome video! Totally something I needed to hear! I'm going to pull out my paint tubes, close my eyes, and pick three colors to play with. I don't play enough with color. Then, I'm going to close my eyes and pick a brush. I already have some ideas on how to play unconventionally (with and without a brush), but I'm not planning. I'm going to do what's in the moment. I'm going to give myself permission to PLAY!
@@KristyRice I closed my eyes, picked three colors. Ended up with Ultramarine, scarlet lake, and alizarin crimson. I taped some paper in a tray and sprayed it with water. Loaded my brush up with paint, closed my eyes, and put brush to paper. I did that with each color. (I did peek just to be sure I was on the paper). Then, I let it dry. With my eyes open, I looked for shapes. I ended up with some poppy looking flowers in scarlet lake with alizarin crimson centers. I made blue and purple stems and leaves. It was fun! Completely random.
And that explains why at college, or even life/portrait sessions they suggest stuff like drawing with the opposite hand, not looking at your paper, drawing moving people, etc. I thought it was to loosen us up, but yes, it's play. And I do play - not as much as I should, but when I get a new pen or art material, I play with it, create an abstract with it, learn about it without worrying about the end product. I have sat down with only a few colours I've recently re-discovered and made whole sketchbook pieces without any reference, just mark making and drawing. Even during the pandemic did stick ink paintings in the garden with ink drips, and yes...I fingerpaint. I'm guessing it's my art foundation and degree, I learned to play there and have never stopped....but I guess others need permission to play. Or get told not to - art education can be so restrictive like that, with all the people I meet who say 'I can't draw' which is total BS. Everyone can draw! Everyone can make marks and have fun, and it will make them feel better creating something. What they mean is they can't draw representationally - but as a trained artist I'll whisper this quietly: that doesn't really matter.
Thanks for the reminder. The comments about the kids brought back the time I spent introducing my niece to watercolor at Christmas. No rules, no plan, just play.
So I've been wanting to learn how to watercolor paint at 60 years old. I've got my paint I've got my paper I ordered your brushes and every time I'm going to be off for the weekend I plan on learning to paint. but I seem to procrastinate. Until now I had not identified it as fear but that's exactly what it is! every night before I go to sleep I watch other people paint on TH-cam including you. I think learning to look at this through playful eyes with a playful heart instead of a means to an end is exactly what I needed to hear.!!! Thanks Kristy. That may very well be one of the most important videos I ever watch in my journey to learn to watercolor paint!
Oh my wow. Thank you for sharing this. I’ll be looking forward to hearing soon how the painting went. Even just a few marks, bump some color together and let me know how it felt
Dear Kristy, thank you SO much for your enthusiasm. Your message strikes a chord. Every time I want to try something different a little voice screams "Shut up, what do you know? You're a crap artist anyway". And sure enough, if I try it anyway it turns out crap. Is it my expectations or is it some inner sabotage?
Your best video ever!!!! I just took up watercolor two and half years ago. It took me that long to learn the basics and get my drawing up to spend. Now I want to PLAY, have fun, EXPLORE, learn more. I am 66 years old. Not to late. Thanks for this message. Here I go…😊
It's uncanny how much irreplaceable advice for students of 'high art' (lol...) is on this channel. Mind you, so many students, not just of art but of anything else, including science, and even bigger, including our lives as human beings, think okay, I'll learn the 'proper stuff', and THEN (oh, then...) I'll get 'artistic' about it. But playful and joyful is the absolute EASIEST and QUICKEST way into ANYTHING! Yay!!! I'm going to my chill-pill cabinet, you don't have to say it, I'm going...
Hahahah love it… don’t get me wrong, I’m alll for learning the rules. I was taught my a classic, realist watercolor artist but she always encouraged my fearlessness and bold creativity….it served me well so I want the same for others!
Wow I literally have just found you, I’m learning water colour 😳 which I have always wanted to do. I also enjoy adult colouring , journaling . You have given me the FREEDOM TO SAY PLAY just enjoy the moment the colours tools (which I love, art stuff) thank you , 😀💜🍒 from NZ.
What a TEACHER you are dear Kristy... You reach the heart and that's the hallmark of a great teacher... You're excellent work dearly, dearly appreciated. :)
I love, love, love your energy, Kristy! I wish I had art teachers like you when I was in grade school! Yes, you are totally correct in saying that whatever endeavor you are involved in, the journey is always important and not the end result. Play is radical to some but very important to personal happiness (in my opinion). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Kristy, to you and your family!😇💜💜💜💜💜💜
You are spot on! I watch YT on my TV, so I rarely leave comments, only 👍🏼, but your message deserved a visit to my laptop so I could comment! After yeeeaaars of doing & teaching art in all sorts of mediums to a variety of ages (& loving every minute except clean up), YES! My younger students knew how to play, but this changed gradually as they grew older. As a creative child, I had lots of support from most of my adult influences, which I believe aided in my continued desire for play throughout my life. Play is so important! I hope your message is heard widely.💜
Oh wow wow!! Thanks for taking the time to share your lovely words! I feel strongly my freedom to play as an adult is because my goofiness as a child was encouraged!!
Wonderful! .Thank you for your inspired video. I work with a woman who has Alzheimer's to paint again--she had been an accomplished realist painter. When she admitted how scared she was, I told her "me, too! --every time I pick up a paintbrush, but I tell myself "it's not going in the Louvre!. If I don't like it, it can go in the trash!". That has helped her--and me--relax and have fun.
Aha! I needed a trigger word, so I will adopt the one I use with my grandkids: "Grab Bag!" For them, it means that they get to pick one thing, eyes closed, from the bag grandma Coco brought. For ME, it means I stop what I'm doing and look around my work "studio" and pick something completely random for inspiration. I'm confident it will work. Thanks!!
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this!!!! Not just with my art, but with my life. This will give me a new way to handle so many things. Thank you!!!!!!
You are so spot on with all of this! Please go back to teaching little kids just for a week, please? My 5 year old daughter would lose her mind. We watch your tutorials together. You are the only TH-camr who isn't doing tutorials specifically for kids that we watch together.
So true!!! I remember having granddaughter #2 over and when she was maybe 2, I would take her upstairs to my computer and Wacom tablet and have her smear virtual color around. Of course I started with a puddle of yellow and had her drop in some blue. She was hooked! She knew grandma was amazing, and that you could make me colors out of other colors was mine blowing! The three older girls are now artists and I know that's how they always would have been, but giving then a little push is so much fun! I started painting when I was 28, basically taught myself from books. Watercolor didn't come for another 20 years, because I wanted to do it "right", whatever that is. Oh, and suggesting that were out our fingers in our watercolors is now a good idea. There are still a lot of us who use cadmiums and cobalts and it is never smart or fun to do that. The only fingerprints I would use would be those formulated for fingerprinting. Lots of heavy metals are absorbed through the skin.
Kristy, you have given such healing advise to all of us who need healing , myself included. I am in wonder!!! Thank you special friend of ours for sharing this information. Yes, God is using YOU to touch lives so many lives that need a special touch from the Master Artist to heal us from our emotional and physical pain. Thank you for being willing to be a big blessing to all of us...🤗🤗
I absolutely loved what you said. I have not been doing art for too long nor have I ever had any "formal" education. However, I was asked to teach some art through my spiritual center. Then Covid hit and I have ZOOMed classes for over 2 years now. My objective is to "teach" some fun art stuff but mostly just giving people the opportunity to connect with others. I have stressed from the beginning, THIS CLASS WILL BE FUN!!!!!! I just finished a class in painting without a brush. I even described it as possible finger painting opportunity. I have true artists who join in and heard about painting with a potato. Next I took my classes to the next level and teach classes for seniors through our local university. I ALWAYS state that no one has to have any art experience. I did the best I could when people were truly not going out (COVID) and gave alternative art supply lists. " Use a ballpoint and copy paper" I have pooh-poohed TH-cam artists that say, "NEVER do....(fill in the blanks)." I am the "think outside the box" kind of person and when I hear those types of statements I think it crushes creativity. Some of the "nevers" are things I actually did to learn the kind of art I wanted to do. You talk about teaching kids. Well, I have offered projects that I did in elementary school and offer them to mostly adults. So, trace your hand and draw a turkey!! Again, thanks, Louise (teaching at 74)
So fun to hear your story!! Thank you!
Me too! Thank you ♡
In the days before TH-cam (yes there were some), I "taught" art to 6 developmentally disabled adults. Together we rediscovered the joy of smearing paint on paper or canvas and ourselves. They'd been told not to make a mess for so long they were intimidated to even touch the supplies at first and then went on to win blue ribbons at the county fair! Bless them all. I learned so much from them about overcoming fear in art.
I am bawling my eyes out watching this. Its ok. Its a release …. And needed. Thank you once again Kristy. You know …. Some of us (me) never really learned to play as children ….. this video is quite freeing so thank you for reminding us all of the importance of playing …. Discovering…. Finding the joy. Love it.
Oh friend ya know what, I rewatched this before posting and I too cried. It’s a topic mixed up with a ton of emotion and honestly in learning some trauma. I’m honored to be having these conversations❤️ So important
I can't believe, I had the exact same reaction, started crying, and it did feel like a release & I needed it. I often cry, as I am a sensitive person, but I was a bit surprised I got emotional over something lighthearted, even though it was actually very insightful & deep, I felt silly for crying. Thanks for sharing your experience, as I read it, I no longer felt silly for getting emotional.
Right????
Thank you for this!! I'm so anal and fearful that I won't do "it" right!😭but I'm forcing myself with the help of a dear artist friend to stop the judgements on myself and what I do. It IS about the play and the journey! And this video is the last piece of the JUST DO IT puzzle I e been messing with. One thing I'm going to do next is get a dagger brush and just play with it and learn from that. I'm excited for my art future! I'm 65 and that just proves you are never to old to learn new things and play and have fun!❤❤❤
Amen and amen!
Started my watercolor journey last summer at 68... enjoying everything about it... the beautiful colors, the fun tutorials, the learning - then nothing. I felt like I had to perform, make a finished picture... when it didn't go well, I was OK at first, but - stopped. Had paper "taped" down for a few weeks, waiting to do wet-on-wet - it just created anxiety. I have grandchildren... and like you said, they just playfully create!!! And they love everything they do!!! They NEVER say they wish they would have done something differently ❤
Last night I swatched colors - playing, no objective in sight... today, I cut my paper & have a bookmark! Then you made this video Kristy!!!❤ Thank you so much... I needed to hear this! Bless you for sharing, a California Gramma ❤
They never say they wish they would have done something differently. Amen. Thank you so much for sharing!
I really appreciate what you said here. Swatching-great idea for playing! And Kristy's advice to play anytime you learn a new skill is so encouraging!
When you can't call mom... Kristy has risen to the occasion again!!! She will say something and it goes straight to the heart ❤ where it does its work. We all carry wounds... & for some reason, watercolor seems to be a revealer and healer! Happy painting! A new California friend! ✨
I relate to everything you said, it's like you just told my experience nearly word for word. I had never realized others went through the same thing. Thanks for sharing
I’m a writer who took up watercolor during Lockdown. Previously my art education consisted of four years of line drawing through pen and ink with a tyrant who taught hyper-realism. So I’m a little… constricted. But writing! I know what I’m doing, there. And I always talk about that blank page and how it’s not a scary blank page, it’s POSSIBILITIES, and how it can be a tech article, or a novel, or whatever I want it to be.
Your pep talk has made me realize, I need to see the blank watercolor paper the same way. Gonna work on that.
And I need to just play. I think my trigger word is going to be something profane, aimed at the shade of that old art teacher.
Profane shade as a trigger word. Ima voting YES!!! It’s unbelievable how many stories ai hear about ART teachers who literally break creative spirits. Again and again. It’s maddening. I’ve found there is a lot of high brow attitudes in the art community. There’s a rigid fear of newbies coming in and shaking things up. Well hang on, we’re shaking it alllll down!
Wow Kristy! I have just 'found' you and I'm never gonna let you go! I have dithered for years trying to find someone to teach me 'the right way'. You have inspired me to just get off my butt & get on with it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Love your teaching style. You're one of a kind!
Consider yourself officially found, welcome!!! Indeed let’s get on with IT! Wahoo!
@@KristyRice 🤩
This made me cry. It is such a powerful reminder to just let go of all those things that are holding us back. Fear, making a mess, doing it wrong. I’m just learning watercolor and I realize I’ve been seeking the recipe to perfection rather than enjoying and soaking up the experience of learning through pure joy. Thank you so much. ❤️
You are sooo welcome. There is good in the tediousness of learning… but finding a balance in our emotions is so important so we can still harness all the joy!!
Love your talk !!!! PLAY !!! TOSS THE FEAR !!!!!!
Yessss!!!
This was beautiful! As a long-time professional artist, I’ve felt like I’ve really lost the “play” spirit when I sit down with my tools. It’s really damaged my progression and growth. Until I spent two weeks teaching art to 10yr olds this summer!!! OMG, what an amazing eye-opening experience! Now, every morning, I’m forcing myself to play. To run from perfection and throw myself headlong into the void of creativity. And I’m having a blast!
Wonderful!
Wow! My son was just asking me today why have I not painted in so long? All of this rings true. Thank you for the Pep Talk, I really needed to hear this.!
So you’ll paint soon??
I needed to hear this today! And I'll need to hear it again tomorrow too, so I'll be back to rewatch! Thanks Kristy.
You’re welcome!!!
You speak absolute truth Kristy. Well said!
Thank you!!
I love this channel! I started watercolor during the pandemic with just playing. I loved watching the colors spread through the water. I loved the blooms that would form and the bleeding of colors together. I sat at my kitchen table almost every night that spring of 2020. It truly eased my mind and took me away from all of the craziness of the world at that time. Then I started making paintings and wanted the end result. I have all but stopped, even though I have a dedicated space now. So, tonight I am going to my space, picking five colors and one brush at random and see what happens. Thank you for the inspiration. I will let you know how it goes!
Just remember the joy you were able to wrangle in spring 2020. That joy is just sitting in you, waiting to be reawakened. Report back, can’t wait to hear!!
It took me so long to figure this out. I finally learned that I paint for me. I only listen to watercolor teachers that say things I like to hear. You win, hands down. The question I ask for each thing is "where's the joy in that?" Yes, I do have a "snarky tone" when I say it. But if I'm not finding the joy then why bother? And there's no such thing as "wasting" supplies. I own them, how can I be wasting them ? I can't believe it took me this long to find you. ♥🎵👍😼🌻🎨
Well you are here now!!! Love hearing about your freedom techniques so much!! XO
I recently started painting with watercolors and finding your channel has been so wonderful. The way you approach things is so different but as someone who typically worries about the "failure" stage of learning, I've been able to overcome a lot of my fear of the medium!
Oh wonderful to hear!!! Happy painting, yay!!
Love the cactus painting
Ohh thank you!! I could paint cactus forever!
Can I just say i adore you!!!? You speak from the heart and i heard you. I have been playing a wee bit. I run from the mean critics in my head fast...as I play. They are at a long conference table with their coffee and donuts just ready to get down and dirty with criticizing me. I keep a cheap sketch book by my art project and if they start....I write it down. And write and write. Then my therapist....yes I have one....and I deal with them and their donuts....I am going going to play a bit now while the coast is clear! You scare them! I am grateful for you!:)
You are too kind!!!
This is so true!!!😃😃😃 it's addictive too! Gotta play!!
Yesss!!
This morning I woke up grabbed one of my previously burned wood burning, & used watercolor all over it. It felt so good to not be worried if the colors were right or if it went outside online little here and there. I haven’t felt stress-free about art like that before. There’s a perfect piece that’s so freeing when you don’t worry. 🥰👍 Thank you so much!
Amen Sista. I hear you.
😘😘😘
Whew! That was POWERFUL lady! We needed to be reminded, thank you 💕
You are so welcome!
Thank you for encouraging "play", i forget to just play, it's not a job (for me), so i have nothing to lose
Keep it up XO
I love this message! I’m not a beginner, but boy that that stupid fear slides in ALL the time!!! Thank you for the inspiration❤️❤️❤️
Saved to “Favorites!” Literally laughed out loud when you mentioned trigger word - I immediately thought “pizza”, and then THERE IT WAS! Such great advise and positioning, “mindful activity to cast out fear” (paraphrasing!).
Yay! So happy to hear this!
Play equals happiness. Love your philosophy and encouragement. Somehow we lose it as adults so need to recapture it. Inspirational. Thanx so much for your wonderful videos.
You bet!
Oh My God Kristy! I cannot tell you how much I needed to hear this lesson of yours. With a few exceptions only, I cannot remember the last time I really let go with my painting, or with anything else for that matter and just had a blast. I have known what is going on for a long time, but I truly needed to hear someone else say it to me and I honestly feel I was guided to your video and of course, I have subscribed now. I have so much anxiety at 72 years old and I love doing art work because it does help me cope, but it has gotten to a point that I am so rigid in doing a lot of my work (and I do a lot of watercolor) and I think it is because I am too afraid to let go and be free!!!!! To try something new, to screw it up and just do another one, to just plain try something I have never done before and you can only do by LETTING GO!!!!! Oh, I can't tell you how truly grateful I am to have found you. The way you even say it is so wonderfully cool and healing and I am sure that anyone who listens to you would get these positive vibes!!!!!! Thank you so very much Kristy!!!! ❤❤❤l energy.
You are very very welcome! Thank you for sharing your story!
'love this Kristy-so beautifully said❣ I needed to hear that (and I cried too)...Thank you💕.
You are too kind and so welcome!
Dance teacher here. I found the same dynamic -music starts and the kids are jumping, twirling, laughing. In the adult classes when the music starts, the adults freeze and look petrified. Gotta keep your " baby soul" moving, the part that never stops playing and learning! Wonderful video!
I love hearing this perspective from a sister genre so to speak!
Love, love, love this message. Kristy, you are *such* a blessing to us. I hope you know how you are impacting lives, bringing the light, banishing the shadows. Your influence goes waaay beyond art. This is mental health *via* art. Thank you for all that you do!
Goodness thank you 😘
Oh you are simply (in a very GOOD way) amazing. I usually have my ad blockers on but I turn then off for you. That's how much I appreciate what you do. Thank you SO much!!!
In 30 mins I start. After watching many of your vids and learning SO much. I am finally starting :)
Wow thanks!!! XO
@@KristyRice L O V E this pallet! Do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?? lol. Imma Thrive, Growth and Blossom kinda gal. Throw in some Delve. LOVE these!!!! And yes the neon yellow works! I saw what you did with it. You are simply amazing!
This is a very beautiful and powerful message. Thank you for sharing🙏🙏💖💖💖💖. We must remember how great it was to be a kid with no Fear. Just enjoying life.
You're right!
😘😂😘
Oh my goodness, you are right this is the most important video I will ever have watched. I am/was stumped by my fear, so much so that I have watched your videos, bought a dagger 1/4 brush, placed it next to my watercolours, stepped away and watched more videos. NOW AMEN Sister, I am fired up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and art. Lots of love. 🥰 🎨
Go enjoy!! Play, have at it!! Wahoo!!
My aha! Moment: AWE AND WONDER!!!!!
This was mine too!
The awe and wonder that comes from creating is healing. That’s my a-ha! Every time I step back from a painting (that I relaxed and played while painting) I am floored that it came from me! I have had to overcome so much insecurity in regards to art, and picked up the paint brush for the first time only 2 1/2 years ago, and now I just want to share with everyone what it’s like to watch the colors bleed, and how it feels to splash it on the paper. I feel like it isn’t me or my skill but I’m an observer of the paint and water and I get a front row seat. It is exciting and that is moment when God speaks to me about His joy and pleasure in me, His creation. Our own creativity is a reflection of His.
I am always inspired by my grandkids -- who love to Art, by the way . They just play and let it flow so freely without fear of mistakes or messing it up. They just go right in and create! I thought I was teaching them about art, but truth be told, they teach me about art. Thank you Jesus!
Amen and hallelujah!
Such a valuable lesson!
Thanks!!!
Thank you Kristy, I really needed to hear this today. I think I need to hear it every day.
Me too!!! Don’t think I don’t reply some of these to remind myself of my own advice!!
That was great Kristy! Thank you!
You’re welcome!!
Wow,pow ❣️Great video. PLAY, is the key Word . So sad that adults have forgotten the Play. My aha is , Play is the kids work 🙏🏼Thank you 🤩
Yes!! You’re welcome!
I struggle with a chronic illness (chronicEBV) and I have noticed when I’m painting I feel better.
Well that is just amazing!!
Ready!
Wahoo!!
My grandkids love to paint with me. The youngest ones are early elementary and preschool. It is amazing to see how much they pick up just by watching me. I am absolutely not in accomplished watercolorist, but they think I am! I love watching them paint without fear. They love to mix colors and they know what colors to mix with what to get the color they want. I am always in awe of their imagination and where it leads them. I wish that I was still like them. After listening to you I realize I need to give myself permission to play around without fear of what I might be wasting or of what the end result might be. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Ooh yes that fear of “wasting” our supplies is a big one. It keeps so much good art from coming to life in this world!!
I absolutely love love this and all of your videos. I always come away with a smile on my face and inspiration to create. I think what my ah ha moment was is when you mentioned just letting go of the limitation (or something like that), to not worry about the end result and just let my imagination run wild. I don't have any children, my son is an adult now and no grandkids, but I can grasp the concept of playing like a child and I definitely will take this information and run with it. Thank you, Kristy, for your spirit. Keep smiling :)
Run run run!!! XO
What I got from this video was that I'm on the right direction with a secret endeavor I'm currently working on. I haven't heard anyone doing such thing before and it's both scary and exiting. ^-^
Oooh man you had me at secret endeavor. Keep it secret and deliciously yours only for a whole. Ohhh I’m so excited for you!
I'm glad you made this video. It's a great idea to get back to the joy and openness of play. Your example of the children's approach to the clay vs the adults was really eye opening for me.
Wonderful to hear!!
Amen!
🙏🏻🎨💃🏻
Love the idea of fearless art!!!! My style is eclectic,watercolor,color pencil,pastels. Mostly self taught but lately I have been frustrated because I’m trying to draw more “realistic “. You were right when you said I was refusing to allow myself to play, enjoy the moment. I will be learning and enjoying my time doing it the way I like not what others would like me to do. Freedom!!!!!! Many thanks. I have only seen 2 of your videos but I am now a follower.
Oh thanks so much! I found when I let myself play with the techniques and really dig deep my more realistic style (shocking I do have one) emerged naturally! When I’m really enjoying a technique it’s easier to get lost in it and spend more time rendering a subject with that technique!
Hi Kristy! I’m a new subscriber :) I loved your pep talk. my aha moment was when you talked about how the 7 year olds did the cylinder so fast but the adults ehhh took a while I’m guessing lol! I think that’s so true I always put my watercolors out and I am so indecisive of where to start but then my 4 year old just dives into her watercolors and paints a beautiful mess when I just did one line I’m same amount of time lol! I wish I was more like her sometimes haha! I will do my best to get messy this weekend. I can’t wait to see more videos! 💗
They took forever and the results weren’t terribly aesthetic compared to the kiddos!! But it was more about the stress the adults would inflict on themselves. Not how it should be. Dive in and get some marks made before you even have a chance to judge whether you’re doing it right or not.
Thank You Kristy. I love your videos, even though you go kinda fast sometimes. I use the back button frequently. Doing watercolor is theraputic, even when I get an expolsion ...you know what I mean. Love love love
Love it! PLAY!
Yes yes!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I know I've been stuck for a while and really need to freely jump into a series project. My fear has been been not living up to perfection or the expectation. The series is for the wall of my grandson, the content is woodland animals. I've only drawn a few animals, ever. I so need to take your advice and just PLAY. ❤
Yes play!!
thank you
I so needed this today. Thank you.
You are so welcome!
I teach preschool and my favorite quote is from Albert Einstein "Play is the highest form of research" I love your channel and just got your brushes. I started in January. I'm going to go play now!
Ohhh that’s a good one too!! Thank you for being here!
"Fear Expulsion"! Going to practice that bad boy a lot!
Aweeeesome!
Love ❤️ the advise 🤗
Awesome!
I’m a mixed media maybe artist lol. I love this video. We spend so much time wanting to be perfect that we don’t see the little pieces of ourselves that we commit to our creations. I can remember my teenage children coming home and seeing what I was doing on a canvases or in a journal...whatever and they wanted to hang out with some supplies as well. The out comes we’re always colourful and happy creations. Now my grandchildren are they same kind of excited to hang out with supplies. Lots of happy colourful pieces of joy are the result. Lol 😊
This is your creative life and it’s such a good, imperfect thing. Yes!!
Happy fear bashing may be my favorite new phrase 😊
:)
Thanks Christy. My moment was when you said the little ones had no problem throwing a cylinder and I could finger paint. Woohoo😘
Hahaha yes!!!
Love it!! I will love this when I have grandchildren but until then I must play myself!! Thank you so much for this insight!!💕
Indeed start playing now!!
You're so great :) I hate that this is such a problem for so many of us...but obviously it is :/ but this truly was a great, and emotional, video...I came to art out of being at the end of my rope, for real...I am in constant physical pain due to breaking my back in a car accident at 16 that took the life of my friend in a horrific way...physical and emotional damage from a lifetime of abuse that you dontnwant to know about...had been on loads of meds that of course don't fix the problem on their own typically and I couldn't keep up...I had always wanted to draw & paint, I have awesome artists in my family...but there was no time to play, no time to relax and see what happens...nope nope nope..my doc calls it hyper vigilance. Of course I didn't knownthat back then...back then it was just about protection of those you love even if that put you in the wrong spot and not making anyone else uncomfortable so you keep everything to yourself and make sure everyone is safe whether they know they need it or not....so, you constantly hate yourself for feeling like you're never doing it well enough, and then you watch a friend die and you couldn't fix that either and back then you didn't deal with that stuff...you shoved it back into its box and let the movie play and hope it doesn't push forward too often. So I needed to push through my fear to just try to draw...just a simple landscape for a class my mom bought me, you look at the picture they have a sketch the basics on the little canvas...and, just like you said, for that, I wasn't thinking of the end product...duh...just putting this together years later...since i knew the idea was to paint over it, I wasn't concerned with how awful I knew my sketch would be...then when I finished the sketch I was beyond shocked that it actually kinda looked like what I had wanted it to look like!! So then I couldn't stop drawing and its been a lifesaver in all the ways. I adore watercolor and ink drawing and making cards for anyone I can think of..I want to get better at acrylic because my whole like I've dreamed of being in a decent size room with a huge canvas, loads of paints, and being able to make as big a mess as I wanted and to be loose enough, relaxed and safe enough to just throw paint, squish paint brush paint onto that canvas...so I'm working on that but way in the future when we have reg work ;)
But its like I hit a point where my excitement faded a bit and I went backwards from just being excited I couldn't draw some things, to somehow feeling more comfortable with drawing and watercolor, yet being more frustrated at myself cuz it wasn't good enough anymore.
I've had friends and others ask to buy sets of cards...but I'm so embarrassed to have them think that I think I'm good enough for something like that, that I just give them to everyone...which is of course fine too!! But I would love to not be useless physically and financially to my family...even if only to buy a tube of paint here or there so that my sweet husband doesn't have to cuz I know we're barely keeping a roof over our head right now.....but that fear keeps my from taking the leap. I definitely need to get back to where I was!!
Such good reminders!!!!
Thank you for that!!!🥰😭🥰
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. Art is a journey that churns our emotions with every single step. So if you were feeling a little bit of this…making art will ensure you start to feel all the feels before it’s done with you. Keep pouring yourself into each piece of artwork, push the self criticism and doubt aside every single time it tries to creep in. One small step, one stroke at a time and you’ll never dream of where it will all lead!!
@@KristyRice thank you for that! Those negative voices are pretty intense and very deeply rooted....but art, or just expression or something that makes me happy, like I love to make caramels and bake, just something that helps my mind focus on something else and leaves no room for anything else, like those negative voices. But there is something about drawing and seeing it come to life...and painting, whatever medium, and seeing colors you love glide across the page...gosh...I don't know what it does to my brain, but it definitely does something. Some days when my body isn't working for me, even prepping something I plan on working on or 1 swoosh of color over a page is enough to get me through till the days when I'm able to do more. And of course watching awesome artists like you that build us up and keep us excited and SO inspired...thank you for that!!
But I apologize SO much for my long comments....so dumb....I am extra emotional from losing my parrot of 25yrs...so then I babble extra. So...gosh, such a dummy...just sorry about that!!
But thank you for all you do for us!!! I hope you're doing well and have a great rest of the week!!!❤
Thank you Kristy, it can be so difficult to rise up from the criticism of unkind teachers. keep on doing your magic. xxx
It can. 😘
I love this!!!!
Thank you!!
AMEN to everything, completely everything you said!!! It's kinda like what the yoga teachers often repeat in class, you're doing this for your personal self, enjoyment, relaxation, don't compete, don't look at the person next to you etc lol So glad you posted this video.
Yes yes YES!
I think this is the most important, inspiring, educational and honest art (and beyond) video on YT.
I truly hope that you have loads of students of all ages!!
I know virtual world is lucky to have you)) Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
Hi "Dr. Kristy!" I'm here to play!
Growing up in a home where everything was pristine and not to touch...you know, the plastic in the furniture, the shelves of porcelain or crystal figurines...I was never allowed to play or get dirty. Sad, hugh?
It's never too late to learn to play!
Oh man go break something, it will feel good!! Then put it back together and paint of it… 💪🏻🎨🎉
May I just say, I love you and your attitude. I couldn't say this better myself (and I'm a Life Coach).
Appreciate your words so much!
When I was in kindergarten we drawing trees and mine had purple leaves but everyone else had green. My teacher told me that trees have green leaves not purple. We had a Japanese maple in our front yard and we all know they have purplish leaves. I was sent to the principal for arguing with the teacher. Since then I have dabbled here and there with art. But I never play. I surround myself with art supplies and use them for a moment but then my critical eye always stops me somewhere along the way. Sometimes I finish a piece but then I don't paint for months or even years. Then the desire to create burns inside and the whole thing starts over again. It was easy to play when my kids were young and we made arts and crafts every chance we had. But not since then have I played with art. Thank you for this video! After I wiped away a release of tears, I felt such a desire to play and not care what it looks like in the end.
It’s amazing what an impact those early art experiences can have on us. I’m so glad you’re back to thinking about set, really hoping to get back to playing!
Ok. I'm going to let myself paint with no end goal in mind for a bit instead of only following tutorials. Not worrying about the end result is freeing, and I think I will gain better understanding of my materials and also what I like by just exploring freely. Thanks!
Yes! You don’t have to abandon tutorials for sure but step away here and there and watch your joy and skill skyrocket!
Love watching your channel.
Thank you!!
I love you! Can I say that? This was an awesome video! Totally something I needed to hear! I'm going to pull out my paint tubes, close my eyes, and pick three colors to play with. I don't play enough with color. Then, I'm going to close my eyes and pick a brush. I already have some ideas on how to play unconventionally (with and without a brush), but I'm not planning. I'm going to do what's in the moment. I'm going to give myself permission to PLAY!
Of course you can say that!! Lol!! I adore your plan! Let me know how it goes!!
@@KristyRice I closed my eyes, picked three colors. Ended up with Ultramarine, scarlet lake, and alizarin crimson. I taped some paper in a tray and sprayed it with water. Loaded my brush up with paint, closed my eyes, and put brush to paper. I did that with each color. (I did peek just to be sure I was on the paper). Then, I let it dry. With my eyes open, I looked for shapes. I ended up with some poppy looking flowers in scarlet lake with alizarin crimson centers. I made blue and purple stems and leaves. It was fun! Completely random.
And that explains why at college, or even life/portrait sessions they suggest stuff like drawing with the opposite hand, not looking at your paper, drawing moving people, etc. I thought it was to loosen us up, but yes, it's play.
And I do play - not as much as I should, but when I get a new pen or art material, I play with it, create an abstract with it, learn about it without worrying about the end product. I have sat down with only a few colours I've recently re-discovered and made whole sketchbook pieces without any reference, just mark making and drawing. Even during the pandemic did stick ink paintings in the garden with ink drips, and yes...I fingerpaint.
I'm guessing it's my art foundation and degree, I learned to play there and have never stopped....but I guess others need permission to play. Or get told not to - art education can be so restrictive like that, with all the people I meet who say 'I can't draw' which is total BS. Everyone can draw! Everyone can make marks and have fun, and it will make them feel better creating something.
What they mean is they can't draw representationally - but as a trained artist I'll whisper this quietly: that doesn't really matter.
Omg I just love your positive vibes, you are so fun to watch.
Thank you!!!
Scrimshaw pie jaggers... that's my word 😉
😂😂
if it was in the victorian era the quote play is the work of a child that would be about kids being forced to perform plays to entertain old people
So good…great advice. And you are so funny and such an amazing artist! Love your videos! :)
Thanks for the reminder. The comments about the kids brought back the time I spent introducing my niece to watercolor at Christmas. No rules, no plan, just play.
Pure awe!!
Great video with a powerful message.
Yay!! We got this! 💪🏻💪🏻👍🏻🙌🏻
Ay! bla, bla, bla, bla...! no hables tanto y pintate algo che!😆🤗
So I've been wanting to learn how to watercolor paint at 60 years old. I've got my paint I've got my paper I ordered your brushes and every time I'm going to be off for the weekend I plan on learning to paint. but I seem to procrastinate. Until now I had not identified it as fear but that's exactly what it is! every night before I go to sleep I watch other people paint on TH-cam including you. I think learning to look at this through playful eyes with a playful heart instead of a means to an end is exactly what I needed to hear.!!! Thanks Kristy. That may very well be one of the most important videos I ever watch in my journey to learn to watercolor paint!
Oh my wow. Thank you for sharing this. I’ll be looking forward to hearing soon how the painting went. Even just a few marks, bump some color together and let me know how it felt
Your enthusiasm is contagious. Your advice is wise. And your obvious intelligence is appreciated.
Thank you so much!
Dear Kristy, thank you SO much for your enthusiasm. Your message strikes a chord. Every time I want to try something different a little voice screams "Shut up, what do you know? You're a crap artist anyway". And sure enough, if I try it anyway it turns out crap. Is it my expectations or is it some inner sabotage?
My guess, it’s you trying to set lowwww expectations so you’re not disappointed but it’s like a self fulfilling prophesy sometimes!
@@KristyRice Thank you. I'm sure you're right. Sometimes we're our own worst enemies.
Love your joy and sense of fun and play .. I am ready
Freaking fantastic and thank you!!
Your best video ever!!!! I just took up watercolor two and half years ago. It took me that long to learn the basics and get my drawing up to spend. Now I want to PLAY, have fun, EXPLORE, learn more. I am 66 years old. Not to late. Thanks for this message. Here I go…😊
Wahoo!!!
It's uncanny how much irreplaceable advice for students of 'high art' (lol...) is on this channel. Mind you, so many students, not just of art but of anything else, including science, and even bigger, including our lives as human beings, think okay, I'll learn the 'proper stuff', and THEN (oh, then...) I'll get 'artistic' about it. But playful and joyful is the absolute EASIEST and QUICKEST way into ANYTHING! Yay!!!
I'm going to my chill-pill cabinet, you don't have to say it, I'm going...
Hahahah love it… don’t get me wrong, I’m alll for learning the rules. I was taught my a classic, realist watercolor artist but she always encouraged my fearlessness and bold creativity….it served me well so I want the same for others!
Wow I literally have just found you, I’m learning water colour 😳 which I have always wanted to do. I also enjoy adult colouring , journaling . You have given me the FREEDOM TO SAY PLAY just enjoy the moment the colours tools (which I love, art stuff) thank you , 😀💜🍒 from NZ.
You’re welcome!!
Fear expulsion..... 🤯🤯🤯Is this possible???? 😱😱Imma try that right now!! And my word will be Freedom😋! Hug from Norway, Katla Dragon 🐉
Totally possible. Punch fear in the face with your paintbrush. You got this!!!
What a TEACHER you are dear Kristy... You reach the heart and that's the hallmark of a great teacher... You're excellent work dearly, dearly appreciated. :)
Wow, thank you!
I love, love, love your energy, Kristy! I wish I had art teachers like you when I was in grade school! Yes, you are totally correct in saying that whatever endeavor you are involved in, the journey is always important and not the end result. Play is radical to some but very important to personal happiness (in my opinion). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Kristy, to you and your family!😇💜💜💜💜💜💜
So true!
You’re amazing
Thank you!!
I really needed to hear this message. I appreciate you for sharing and caring to do so. Love your VIBES..SUBSCRIBED!! ❣️✨
Welcome welcome!!
You are spot on!
I watch YT on my TV, so I rarely leave comments, only 👍🏼, but your message deserved a visit to my laptop so I could comment!
After yeeeaaars of doing & teaching art in all sorts of mediums to a variety of ages (& loving every minute except clean up), YES! My younger students knew how to play, but this changed gradually as they grew older.
As a creative child, I had lots of support from most of my adult influences, which I believe aided in my continued desire for play throughout my life.
Play is so important!
I hope your message is heard widely.💜
Oh wow wow!! Thanks for taking the time to share your lovely words! I feel strongly my freedom to play as an adult is because my goofiness as a child was encouraged!!
Wonderful! .Thank you for your inspired video. I work with a woman who has Alzheimer's to paint again--she had been an accomplished realist painter. When she admitted how scared she was, I told her "me, too! --every time I pick up a paintbrush, but I tell myself "it's not going in the Louvre!. If I don't like it, it can go in the trash!". That has helped her--and me--relax and have fun.
Wonderful wonderful!! XO
Aha! I needed a trigger word, so I will adopt the one I use with my grandkids: "Grab Bag!" For them, it means that they get to pick one thing, eyes closed, from the bag grandma Coco brought. For ME, it means I stop what I'm doing and look around my work "studio" and pick something completely random for inspiration. I'm confident it will work. Thanks!!
Oh this is perfect!!!
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this!!!! Not just with my art, but with my life.
This will give me a new way to handle so many things. Thank you!!!!!!
You are welcome!!!
You are so spot on with all of this! Please go back to teaching little kids just for a week, please? My 5 year old daughter would lose her mind. We watch your tutorials together. You are the only TH-camr who isn't doing tutorials specifically for kids that we watch together.
Awww I love this!!!
So true!!! I remember having granddaughter #2 over and when she was maybe 2, I would take her upstairs to my computer and Wacom tablet and have her smear virtual color around. Of course I started with a puddle of yellow and had her drop in some blue. She was hooked! She knew grandma was amazing, and that you could make me colors out of other colors was mine blowing! The three older girls are now artists and I know that's how they always would have been, but giving then a little push is so much fun! I started painting when I was 28, basically taught myself from books. Watercolor didn't come for another 20 years, because I wanted to do it "right", whatever that is.
Oh, and suggesting that were out our fingers in our watercolors is now a good idea. There are still a lot of us who use cadmiums and cobalts and it is never smart or fun to do that. The only fingerprints I would use would be those formulated for fingerprinting. Lots of heavy metals are absorbed through the skin.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank u Kristy. Needed this today. Playing is a good thing. "Out Darn Fear....Out."
Out!!!
Kristy, you have given such healing advise to all of us who need healing , myself included. I am in wonder!!! Thank you special friend of ours for sharing this information. Yes, God is using YOU to touch lives so many lives that need a special touch from the Master Artist to heal us from our emotional and physical pain. Thank you for being willing to be a big blessing to all of us...🤗🤗
Gosh, this is so sweet :)