“What is your biggest art fail?”

A 10-year-old asked me this question while we were working on a fluid painting exercise together at my workshop last fall. We were both covered in paint, silly with the floaty feeling that comes from being so openly and joyfully absorbed in creating together.

I answered quickly and reflexively. “Not painting.”

Bella was surprised at my answer. She thought I would have told her a story about messing up a masterpiece.

But my biggest art fail is all the times I decided not to make art.

I’m actually really good at coming up with excuses not to paint or draw or make music. I’m too tired. Right now’s a bad time. I’m in a bad headspace. I need more time to let my idea marinate. I’m too hung over. I don’t have enough focus, time, skills, money, art supplies, inspiration, qualifications, etc. You name it, I’ve said it.

Sure, I’ve messed up plenty of paintings. I’ve spilled the “wrong” color on my canvas. I’ve overworked florals that I should have left alone because I doubted myself and didn’t know when to walk away. Heck, my cat even ran through a wet painting not once, but twice! But I don’t consider these accidents and missteps failures.

I see all the times I decided to paint as a huge victory, regardless of the outcome.

Because I made something from nothing. Because it required bravery. Since I did something positive with my energy instead of sitting on my butt. If I painted (or picked up my guitar, or snapped a picture with my iPhone), I still created something truly original. Even if it’s just a few loose magenta brushstrokes on cheap paper. Even if everyone else thinks my art sucks. And even if I think my art sucks.

Because in the end, it’s just paint.

If I hate what I’ve created, I can just gesso the shit outta that painting and start over. And the layers underneath the white gesso will serve as an interesting, textured foundation for the do-over.

This kind of open acceptance in my art practice – of saying yes to things both within and out of my control-  has transformed the way I live my life. It’s helped me find my flow–and stay in it.

It’s helped me detach from outcomes I might otherwise have tried to control. I’ve learned to bend and flex and not take myself so seriously. It’s taught me to “woman up” and just do the damn thing.

Like having a vulnerable conversation with my partner even though I’m afraid of being rejected. Or saying “yes” to teaching a workshop even though I’ve never taught a room full of people before. Knowing I’ll awkwardly fumble my way through the unknown because that’s part of the deal when you breach the wilderness, But still knowing in my gut it will be worth it in the end because I’ll grow throughout the process. And maybe even have fun along the way.

What’s one action you can take this week to combat the negative voices in your head discouraging you from taking a risk?

Set a timer for fifteen minutes and do that one thing. Learn a new guitar chord. Call that friend you’ve lost touch with because of your busy schedule. Write a haiku. Put your unique mark on the world’s blank canvas. Life’s too short to hold back.

Looking for even more support and inspiration? On Saturday 4/13, join me for an afternoon of saying “yes” to your creative urges in my Find Your Flow: Fluid Painting Workshop. I guarantee you’ll leave glowing: smiling from head to toe (and possibly covered in paint!).  You’ll feel proud of your creations, amazed at what you are capable of, and glad you said yes to your creative urges and took a risk.

You’ll pour paint, watch the colors swirl together, and get messy. Together we’ll reclaim that childlike boldness we’re all born with.  You do not need any previous art experience to participate in this workshop. Everyone is welcome! 💜💕💙

The next Workshop Date is Saturday, April 13 from 1-3:30pm! Register now, because there are only 9 spots left!

The Details:

• Saturday April 13

• 1-3:30 at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro

• 300 E Main St, Ste g, Carrboro, NC 27510

• $35 tuition + $15 supply fee

Breathe. Let go. Find your flow. Enjoy the flow of fluid painting.

Your Instructor for the April 13 Find Your Flow Workshop

Courtney Potter is a self-taught abstract artist who believes in the universal power of creativity.

She began painting as a way to process her emotions after experiencing trauma. Opening herself up to access a deeper well of her creative power literally saved her life.

Potter has built her career around expressing herself through art and helping others cultivate and celebrate their unique voices. She believes painting is a powerful tool that anyone can access at any time to transform their pain into meaning.

Potter is a member of Artspace, Visual Art Exchange, and the Wedding Photojournalist Association and has exhibited her art along the East Coast. You can schedule a time to view her work at her studio in Durham, North Carolina.