I have a commission that I started yesterday - after sitting on it for over a week because I was afraid to start it. It is not a big thing, just a lady and her dog done in charcoal - and yet, it intimidated me for seven days. I piddled, I paddled, I went Christmas shopping - anything to avoid starting that painting.
Yesterday I just sat down, picked up a piece of charcoal and made a mark. Before I knew it, it was three hours later and the dog was almost completely done - and the fear was gone.
Go figure.
I have the book
Art and Fear and have read it. It is very insightful and true, but it still bothers me that after doing portraiture for so long, even the simple commissions still have the power to scare me.
I have heard other artists who have been in the field for many many more years than I mention that they still get scared of paintings.
How about you?
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