Painting as a Path: Why I Paint and What Keeps Me Going

Everyone comes to painting in their way. Some people stumble into it later in life, others are drawn to it from a young age. Each journey is deeply personal, and that’s part of what makes art so powerful.

For me, painting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s more than a career. More than a way to contribute to the conversation of art history.

Painting is a lifestyle. It’s how I process the world. It’s my journal, my companion, my way of remembering and understanding life.

When You Don’t Know What to Paint

If you’re ever unsure of what to paint, just take the first step. That’s what I did.

There was a time when I felt completely stuck, unsure of my direction. So I started doing a small painting every single day for a year. One canvas a day, no pressure, no perfection. That simple discipline led me to new ideas, new techniques, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of myself as an artist.

And yes, I have hundreds of bad paintings. Truly. Piles of them that no one will ever see. But that’s part of the process. It’s how you grow.

Following Your Own Voice

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to listen to your own voice. That’s what sets great artists apart—not perfect technique, not critical acclaim—but the ability to tune in to their inner dialogue and create something authentic.

I’ve tried to stay true to that voice, even when it would have been easier to follow trends or chase validation. It’s not always easy. There were years when my voice led me in directions that didn’t make sense, that didn’t “work.” But I kept going.

Because the truth is: your voice will evolve as you keep creating.

The World Around You Matters, Too

Even as you listen to your inner self, it’s equally important to stay aware of the world around you. I make it a point to look at new art every day. To see what other artists are creating, what stories they’re telling, and how they’re pushing boundaries.

But I never want to copy. I don’t want to become someone else’s echo.

Instead, I use that inspiration to go deeper into my own vision, to ask myself: What do I have to say? What can I contribute that no one else can?

It's Not About Recognition

One last thing I’ve learned: great work isn’t always the work that gets the most likes, sells the fastest, or gets into the biggest shows. Great work has something else—that intangible, ethereal quality you can’t quite define, but you feel it when you see it.

And that can’t be measured. But it can be pursued every day, in the studio.

What About You?

This is my story. Now I want to hear yours.

Tell me about your journey. How did you become a painter? Why is painting important to you?

Drop a comment below or send me a message—I’d love to know what painting means in your life. 💛