On painting live...

I vividly remember the first time I painted in public.  Before I got to the location, I had the strangest thoughts... what if what I create sucks, what if I don't hold my brushes properly or mix the right colours, or make unusual faces when I paint?  I kept wondering if what I do might seem boring to others. 

And yet, once I began painting I totally zoned out...just like I do when I'm painting in my studio at home.  My biggest challenge tends to be remembering those around me and paying attention when someone asks a question or just wants to chat for a moment.  I love when I can inspire someone else to try it or to pull out their own art supplies again.

Because what I do is generally extremely solitary, it's a real pleasure to go out and connect with people.  For me, painting in front of people is definitely easier than speaking to a group of people.  On Saturday a little boy walked into the café and when he noticed me painting cried, 'Awesome!'...and several people that I met the last time I painted there came specifically to see what I would paint this time, all full of kindness and encouragement. 

Whenever I paint publicly I tend to leave the experience feeling refreshed and ready to work some more - it really does get my creative juices flowing.