Have you made any “bad” paintings? A couple of my students were recently moaning about the bad paintings they’d just created. Let’s have a chat about that!
As artists, we all know the high that comes after finishing a painting that just works — when the composition, colours, and mood all come together, and you feel the deep pleasure of achievement. But before every painting that clicks, there are usually plenty of others that feel more like a struggle than a success.
And here’s the truth: those “bad” paintings are just as important as the good ones. They’re the foundation for every breakthrough.
There’s a quote from Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art that I think really captures this idea: “…the most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”
Some days, the art flows effortlessly. Other days, nothing seems to work. But your daily practice is where progress happens. It’s part of the process. The “bad” paintings are where you experiment, discover what doesn’t work, and stumble upon ideas that might just transform your next piece. Every masterpiece was once just a rough idea — often with many “failures” leading up to it.
Think of each painting as a stepping stone. Some are solid, others wobble, and a few might even sink — but each one moves you forward. The more you paint, the more you refine your style, strengthen your skills, and discover what resonates most deeply with you.
So if you’re looking at a piece that didn’t turn out how you hoped, let it be a reminder: you’re growing as an artist.
Allow yourself to make bold, messy, or unconventional work. Try something you’re not sure will “succeed.” The act of painting itself is where the real value lies because every attempt brings you closer to those pieces that work. Every “bad” painting is just as important as the good ones — because each one teaches you something and nudges you forward.
Trust in the process, and give yourself permission to create without judgement. The art that you feel good about only exists because of all the times you showed up, experimented, pushed through the rough patches, and learned along the way.
Understand that even the “bad” paintings are part of creating something meaningful. Embrace them along with the beautiful pieces. Each is an essential part of your creative process!
Until next time,
~ Gail
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