07/01/2026

I am experiencing some self-criticism as I resume painting the second canvas in my series for the project/ challenge I have set myself to finish ten previously started works. A lot of the criticism I give myself is around my lack of ability to paint realistically.

I have come to the 45 minute (halfway) mark on the second canvas and am feeling quite stuck. Now that I have taken some time away from painting I feel a little more determined again to finish no matter the outcome. It is interesting as an observation that even with a number of conditions under which I’m painting, and that the work has so set audience, or particular desired outcome, I still find ways to tell myself I’m doing it badly.

I feel journalling as I go through this process could help a later me gain more perspective on what outcomes and effects I really wish to end up with through my work. At present I feel I am more interested in the psychological states my mind goes through as I resume something I had previously chosen to disregard.