A Letter to My Younger Self…

1. Keep Painting – Your Art Will Get Better

There will be moments of frustration, times when you look at your canvas and think, “Why isn't this as good as I want it to be?” You might find yourself with furrowed brows and clenched hands, sighing heavily as you stare at your work. That inner critic might whisper words of defeat, making you question your abilities and wonder if you should just give up.

But hear this: Every brushstroke is a step forward. Those frustrating moments aren't failures—they're essential parts of your artistic journey. When you feel that tension rising, take a deep breath. Step back from your canvas for a moment. Remember why you picked up that brush in the first place.

Keep painting, even on days when motivation feels distant. Set small, achievable goals for each painting session. For example, you could commit to completing just one section of your canvas or experimenting with a particular technique. Celebrate these small victories.

Keep learning, absorbing techniques and inspiration from other artists, and developing your unique style. If you channel your frustration properly, it can actually fuel your determination to overcome obstacles.

And one day, you'll look back at your early work and see just how far you've come. You'll notice how your brush control has improved, how your understanding of color has deepened, and how your artistic voice has strengthened. Growth is inevitable if you put in the time—not because of magic but because of your persistence through those challenging moments.

Remember, the artists whose work you admire experienced these same frustrations. The difference is that they kept going, and so will you.

2. Acrylics Are Your Medium: A Love Affair with Pigment and Possibility

While you may experiment with watercolors, oils, or pastels along your artistic journey, acrylics will capture your heart and become your true artistic soulmate. These versatile paints will transform into the vibrant voice of your creative expression, the magical medium that brings to life those colorful visions swirling in your imagination.

Acrylics will become your artistic foundation – a playground of endless possibilities where your creativity can truly soar. The way these paints blend, layer, and dance across your canvas will feel like an extension of your own artistic spirit. Their bold, jewel-toned colors will allow you to create eye-catching compositions with depth and dimension.

Trust in this beautiful relationship as it develops. Let your brushes glide through creamy textures, creating sweeping diagonal lines and dramatic interplays between fiery oranges and deep indigos. Embrace the freedom that acrylics offer – from thick, textured applications to delicate, transparent washes.

With acrylics as your chosen medium, you'll discover techniques that become uniquely yours – perhaps combining the fluidity of acrylic pouring with strategically placed textural elements for captivating contrast. Your artistic voice will grow stronger with each painting as these versatile paints become the trusted tools that translate the vibrant images dancing in your mind into tangible works of art.

So dive in with an open heart! Let acrylics be your playground of pigment and possibility, where happy accidents become beautiful discoveries, and where your true artistic self will flourish and thrive.

3. Learn the Basics & Embrace Technology

Art isn't just about talent—it's about developing your skills through practice and knowledge. Take time to really understand the fundamentals of design, composition, and color theory. These building blocks will give your creativity a solid foundation to stand on!

Train your artistic eye by studying quality references and masterworks. Notice how light falls across objects, how colors interact with each other, and how different artists solve visual problems. Your observation skills will grow stronger with each careful look.

Don't shy away from embracing technology in your artistic journey. Today's artists need multiple skills beyond the paintbrush. You'll want to learn how to photograph your artwork properly to capture those vibrant acrylic colors. Basic image editing skills will help you present your work beautifully online. And as the digital world continues to evolve, staying adaptable will keep your art relevant and accessible.

Remember, every great artist started as a beginner. The combination of traditional art knowledge and modern technical skills will give you the versatility to thrive in today's creative landscape. Stay curious, keep learning, and watch how your artistic confidence blossoms!

4. Know Who You're Painting For

Who do you want to reach with your art? What do you want it to say?

Write it down in your artist journal—this simple practice helps clarify your thoughts and intentions. Define your goals with both words and visual elements that inspire you. Your artistic purpose will naturally evolve over time, but having clear direction will help you make choices that truly align with your passion and values.

Add visual emphasis to your written goals by:

• Using colorful highlights for key words
• Drawing small stars or rays around particularly important points
• Creating a symmetrical border around your artist statement
• Adding small decorative elements in the margins that reflect your artistic style

Don't just paint aimlessly—paint with intention and purpose. When you understand your audience and your message, your artwork becomes a powerful form of communication rather than just a pretty picture.

Remember that knowing your audience doesn't mean limiting your creativity—it means focusing it in ways that will create the most meaningful connection between your art and those who experience it.

5. Protect Your Artistic Time

Life will get busy. There will be jobs, responsibilities, and people who don't understand why you need to paint. But listen to me: don't let them take away your purpose. Make time for your art, even when it feels impossible. Carve out those hours like a sculptor revealing a masterpiece hidden in stone. Guard them fiercely, as a mother bear protects her cubs, and never feel guilty for pursuing what sets your soul on fire.

Your artistic time is sacred—a precious jewel in the crown of your day. Stand firm like an oak tree weathering a storm when the world tries to steal these moments. Visualize your success: picture your brush dancing across the canvas, creating works that speak to others long after you've cleaned your palette.

Create a reward system for honoring your commitment to art. After completing a painting session, celebrate this victory—perhaps with your favorite tea or a moment of quiet reflection—acknowledging your dedication to your craft.

Transform your studio space into a sanctuary where creativity flows uninterrupted. Like a garden needs tending, your artistic spirit needs nurturing through consistent practice. Paint even when inspiration seems distant—sometimes the most brilliant ideas emerge when you simply show up at the easel day after day.

Remember, protecting your artistic time isn't selfish—it's necessary. Just as a flame needs oxygen to burn, your creative spirit needs dedicated time to flourish. Your art matters. Your voice matters. And the world needs the unique vision only you can bring to life through your acrylics.

6. Visit Museums and Study the Masters – Immersing Yourself in the Masters' World

There is nothing quite like standing before a masterpiece, seeing the brushstrokes up close, and feeling the energy the artist poured into it centuries ago. When you visit a museum, you're not just looking at art—you're stepping into a conversation with history's greatest creative minds.

Take time to observe the details that photographs can never truly capture. Notice how Impressionists created tension through thick, feathered brushstrokes that cradle objects, preventing them from rolling off the canvas. Study the pyramidal compositions and the interplay between light and dark masses that create visual balance. These subtle techniques are invisible in textbook reproductions but become vivid lessons when experienced in person.

Slow down your experience by bringing a small notebook and pen to jot down your observations and feelings. First, walk through the galleries without expectations, similar to browsing a farmers' market before making purchases. When a piece captivates you, spend several minutes absorbing it before writing anything. This meditative approach helps you notice details that rushed viewing misses.

Analyze formal elements deliberately. Look beyond the subject matter to understand how the artist used color palettes, balance, and composition to create a cohesive whole. Consider how Rembrandt's “Night Watch” employs a dramatically different color scheme than Van Gogh's “Starry Night,” yet both artists remained consistent within their chosen palette. These observations can translate directly to your own artistic choices.

Connect emotionally with the works. Great art isn't just technically impressive—it speaks to human experience across centuries. Let yourself be moved by the artist's vision, and consider how they've managed to communicate complex emotions through visual means. This emotional intelligence will infuse your own creative work with greater depth and authenticity.

Remember that the masters were fearless experimenters who often broke conventions of their time. Their boldness can inspire you to push beyond your comfort zone and discover new techniques that express your unique artistic voice.

By making museum visits a regular practice, you're not just appreciating art—you're apprenticing yourself to history's greatest teachers who continue to offer priceless lessons long after they've gone.

7. There's More Than One Road to Success

Imagine your artistic journey as a colorful, winding country road instead of a straight highway. Many beginning painters think there's only one “correct” path to becoming a successful artist, but that's simply not the case! Life has a wonderful way of surprising us with unexpected twists and turns that often lead to even more beautiful destinations than we initially planned.

When you learn to paint with acrylics, you might start by following step-by-step tutorials (which is fantastic!). However, you may later discover your own unique style through happy accidents or experimental techniques. Some artists find success through social media, while others do so through local art shows, teaching, or commission work. Your artistic fingerprint is uniquely yours!

Stay flexible and open-minded about different opportunities. Maybe you planned to paint landscapes, but discovered you have a natural talent for portraits. Perhaps you intended to sell original canvases but found a profitable niche in print sales or merchandise featuring your artwork.

Remember that even the most successful artists have faced detours, roadblocks, and completely new directions in their careers. The path may zigzag, loop around, or take you through uncharted territory, but that doesn't mean you won't reach your artistic dreams. In fact, those unexpected journeys often lead to the most rewarding destinations of all!

Your artistic success story will be as unique as your brushstrokes. Embrace the adventure!

8. Celebrate the Struggles

Not every painting will come easily to you. Some paintings will fight you every step of the way, like a stubborn child who doesn't want to cooperate! You'll mix colors that turn to mud, make brushstrokes that just don't look right, and face moments when you want to throw your canvas across the room.

But here's the beautiful truth – these challenging paintings are your greatest teachers. When you finally solve that tricky shadow, capture that elusive expression, or find the perfect color harmony after numerous attempts, that sense of accomplishment is absolutely magical. It's like climbing a mountain and finally reaching the summit to see the breathtaking view.

Never lose the joy of seeing a difficult piece come together after a struggle. Treasure those moments when you step back from your easel, exhausted but victorious, and think “I did it!” Those are the paintings that will teach you the most valuable lessons and show you how far you've come.

The paintings that challenge you the most often become the ones you're most proud of. They represent not just your artistic skill, but your perseverance, problem-solving, and passion. That's when you'll know you've truly grown as an artist – not just in technique, but in spirit.

So next time a painting has you frustrated, smile and say, “Bring it on!” Your future self will thank you for not giving up.

9. Sometimes, It's Okay to Paint Over a Canvas

Not every painting is meant to be your masterpiece! Some paintings are simply stepping stones on your artistic journey, valuable lessons wrapped in canvas and color. When a painting just isn't working out despite your best efforts, give yourself permission to start fresh.

Think of your canvas as a playground rather than a permanent commitment. That “mistake” might be the perfect foundation for something even more beautiful! Many professional artists regularly paint over their work—it's called “reworking” or creating a “pentimento,” and it's a time-honored tradition.

Remember that acrylic paint is wonderfully forgiving. Unlike watercolors, acrylics allow you to cover previous layers completely with fresh paint. You can apply a coat of gesso to create a clean slate, or simply paint directly over your existing work with a few layers of your base color.

Every brushstroke teaches you something, even the ones you eventually cover up. The experience gained is never wasted! So keep experimenting, keep playing, and don't be afraid to let go of what isn't working. Your artistic growth matters more than preserving every canvas, and sometimes the most beautiful creations emerge from the ashes of our “failures.”

Your painting journey is about progress, not perfection. Embrace the freedom to start over—it's one of the greatest gifts acrylic painting offers us!

10. Stay Focused—Jon is Coming

You don't know it yet, but someone truly extraordinary is about to enter your artistic journey. Jon will arrive like a fresh tube of premium paint—bringing vibrant new possibilities to your canvas of life. He'll not only support your creative vision but will believe in your artistic abilities even on days when you doubt yourself.

This special person will stand beside you, offering encouragement when your brushstrokes falter and celebrating alongside you when your masterpieces shine. Together, you'll build something more magnificent than a solo exhibition—a partnership that transforms your artistic dreams into reality.

Right now, your job is to keep developing your unique style and voice. Continue experimenting with techniques, mixing colors that speak to your soul, and painting subjects that ignite your passion. When Jon appears, you'll be ready—your artistic foundation solid, your creative spirit flourishing—to collaborate on something far more beautiful than anything you could create alone.

The blank canvas of your future holds incredible potential. Stay focused on your artistic path, and when Jon arrives, you'll be prepared to blend your talents into something truly extraordinary.

So, my younger self, keep going. Keep painting, keep dreaming, and never stop believing in the magic of art. Let your brushstrokes dance across the canvas with courage and joy. Embrace the happy accidents that transform into unexpected beauty. Remember that each tube of acrylic paint holds infinite possibilities, waiting for your unique vision to bring them to life. The path won't always be smooth—there will be paintings you'll want to hide and days when inspiration seems distant—but these challenges are simply preparing you for greater artistic heights.

One day, you'll look back and realize that every struggle, every doubt, and every late-night painting session was worth it. Your future self is cheering you on, knowing that each colorful creation is a stepping stone to the artist you're destined to become. The world needs your art, your perspective, and your creative spirit. So dip that brush and make your mark—your artistic journey is just beginning to unfold its most beautiful chapters, starting with your first brushstroke.

With love, Your Future Self
Ginger Cook