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Michelle
What Would it Look Like if Painting Felt Easy?
It’s half term here this week, which means my usual long, quiet painting sessions in the studio have been swapped for snack duty, sibling refereeing… and a whole lot of “Mum, I’m hungry” (honestly, do children ever feel full?!).
So instead of trying to squeeze myself into my studio and feel frustrated about not having hours to paint, I brought a little bit of my practice into the house.
I’ve had my watercolours out on the kitchen table, and my girls have been painting alongside me — sometimes helping with their school projects, other times just splashing colour around for the joy of it.
It’s been lovely.
And what surprised me is a bit like when I paint on location (when I can) how different it felt — even though I was still painting. I was in a different space, using a smaller sketchbook, just grabbing ten minutes here and there between snack requests. No pressure. No big plan. Just painting.
And you know what?
It felt light. Playful. Easy.
So this thought came up again — and I want to share it with you:
what would your painting look like if it felt easy?
Not rushed, not forced. But just pure joy and freedom.
We often think painting only “counts” if we’ve set aside a full morning, have a clean workspace and a perfect idea in mind. But honestly? Some of my favourite pieces have come from these short, unexpected moments. When I just showed up. Made space. Let it be what it was.
And over time, that showing up adds up.
It becomes easier, more freeing. More you.
Your takeaway this week: paint something just for fun.
No rules. No pressure. Even if it’s just ten minutes in a sketchbook or scrap piece of paper with a cup of tea (or coffee lol) next to you and a million things going on in the background.
Because sometimes, that’s where the magic hides.
Keep painting.
Let me know in the comments if you found this helpful or if you paint in chaos, I’d love to know.
6 thoughts on “What Would it Look Like if Painting Felt Easy?”
I’m 81 and my attention span is poor! So, I juggle several things simultaneously flitting from one to another. This is why my painting is often done in short bursts in-between household chores!
Great share Peter. Everytime you pick up a brush it’s progress no matter how long or short that time is.
I loved this and definitely needed the reminder. My best pieces always happen when I’m “playing” with art materials instead of “working” on a piece. I also love this because over the weekend, I was getting frustrated with how life has been getting in the way of playing with my art supplies so I got out my watercolor sketchbook and a travel watercolor pallet so that I could just steal 5-10 minutes whenever I can find them to play with color.
Thanks for sharing Heather, that’s amazing you go them out anyway and that’s what it’s all about – sometimes we just have to grab moments when we can : )
A good reminder since I’m bogged down with all kinds of excuses of why I can’t get started!
Thanks Michelle for the push.
Aww Barbara our lives our so busy there will always be something else that needs doing, just try and grab pockets of time when you can.