Trying to control the outcome is getting in the way of you creating amazing art

Do you ever feel like when you try to control the outcome of your painting, you end up creating something you really don’t like? The answer is you should let go of the outcome, which can be easier said than done.

So welcome to my Letting Go of the Outcome guide! I’d like to share with you some techniques that will help you be more creative and get the most out of your painting experience.

Painting with your non-dominant hand

To make the biggest impact on your painting, use your non-dominant hand. This will help you to let go of control and you’ll create a more interesting piece. You’ll be surprised by the results. You may have been drawing and painting for years, but I bet that you are still stuck in a rut using your dominant hand all the time.

Basically, using both hands is like looking at yourself from two different perspectives: one from above (with both eyes open) and one from below (with only one eye open). These two perspectives are very different — yet they come together to form an image that we recognise as us!

Painting with your eyes closed

Painting with your eyes closed is a great way for you to let go and allow the painting to take control. It’s also a good way for you to see what you’re doing. You’ll be able to see the canvas in front of you, but it will look different because you are focusing on what is happening inside your mind’s eye.

Moving the canvas around

You can also try moving the canvas around. This is one of my favourite ways to get creative because it forces me to think outside of the box. For example, if I’m painting on a canvas that’s leaning against a wall, I’ll hold onto it with one hand and move it around as I paint—this allows me to see how different perspectives affect how the painting looks in relation to my body. It’s fun! And challenging!

Laying on the floor painting

You can try laying on the floor painting is an easy way to create artwork that doesn’t take up a lot of space and can act as a great conversation starter. You may be surprised by what you end up creating! You are not limited by the size of your canvas, so feel free to go with large or small paintings.

You can paint alone or with a partner, or even with children who want to learn how to paint too. It’s also fun to have friends over for a painting party where everyone makes their own masterpiece together in one afternoon! Painting on the floor is best done outside for maximum enjoyment (but if you’re stuck inside due to winter weather like me, try it anyway!)

Painting with tools you can’t control

One of my most favourite ways to let go of the outcome when painting is to use tools which I can’t control at all. My two favourites are feathers and string. Once I have paint on them it is pretty much impossible to control how they will make marks on my canvas. To cover string with paint and throw it a a canvas is one of the most freeing things I have ever tried, and it make me giggle every time.

2-minute mark, change it up or trash it

If you are not happy with your painting, change it up or trash it. Set a timer for 2 minutes and change up your painting – just play, the point is to have fun and enjoy the process. You will be amazed at the results!

Stop worrying about the outcome and just have fun!

You have to let go of the outcome. It will happen when it’s supposed to and not a minute sooner. By worrying about how things are going to turn out, you’re making yourself less creative and more rigid in your approach. You’ll also end up with much less satisfying results because you’re trying too hard or feeling too much pressure.

Instead, just focus on having fun with whatever you’re doing. When our minds are relaxed, we can be present in the moment and make connections between things that otherwise wouldn’t occur if we were only focused on getting somewhere else (like when someone says “have fun” but really means “try harder”). This is why artists say that “the process is more important than the product.”

Conclusion

The fact is that the more you focus on controlling the outcome of your work and creating a perfect piece, the less freedom you have to create. The best way to create great art is to be free!

If you’d like to work with me and learn how to let go of the outcome why not join me for Dream BIG Paint BIG online which I run twice a year? Receive 8 weeks of live coaching and learn to paint art from your soul.

Angela