“It took me four years to paint like Raphael but a lifetime to paint like a child.” Pablo Picasso
I spent my early art career years as an illustrator, a time when I could render anything with near photographic precision. When my kids were little I moved on to portraits, mostly because I loved painting their beautiful little faces.
But I didn’t love painting other people’s faces, that was work. Inner Critic weighed heavy on my shoulder. If you’re not familiar with Inner Critic then stop reading this right now and go make something spectacular–because there’s nothing stopping you. Really. Go away now. Shoo!
But, if you’re like any number of creatives and have this weight on your shoulder, this little voice in your head, this invisible something bitch-slapping your ego whenever you walk in the studio–then read on.
Because Ingrid has something to say.
Ingrid is my niece–okay, my great niece, but that makes me sound old. And I’m not old.
Ingrid is a hunter of monkeys. And a discoverer of unicorns. A child who sees the world, well…through a child’s eyes. With no apologies.
She’s three years old and you can learn something from her. The painting up above? That’s Rapunzel. With pink hair. Ingrid made this right around her third birthday. Which blows me away because not only does she have all the facial features–including ears–she’s got them pretty much where they’re supposed to be.
But where are the arms? WHO CARES? Ingrid KNOWS she forgot them. She pointed that out herself and said she would add them after her nap.
After her nap. The wisdom of the universe condensed to three little words.
Which shows this child has her priorities straight.
I’m going to have a chat with Inner Critic today. Maybe bribe her with some chocolate. Or zonk her out with a meditation. Or just tell her to go to hell. Then I’m going down to the studio and I’m going to paint. Not going to think about it. Not going to analyze it. Just going to heat up some wax, tear up some paper and HAVE FUN.
And when I’m done, maybe I’ll take a nap.
Love this post — and looking forward to Judy’s class with you.
Hi Judy! Thanks for stopping by. I can’t think of a better way to kick the inspiration up a few notches than taking (the other) Judy’s class. Looking forward to it!
LOVE IT!!!!
Love and hugs to you, Ing’s Mommy!
wow, I think I have inner critic enough for ALL of us! I, of course, being the grandma, know how spectacular little Ingrid is, but this puts it in an entirely new perspective. Thanks for taking the portrait of Rapunzel, which Ings made while I watched, and interpreting it so beautifully for me. Gotta love her, you too!
A philosophy to embrace, when inner critic shows up, make it nap time!
Of course I may find myself sleeping ALL the time…
Harriet, Ings doesn’t give a squat about inner critic. Just a shrug and I’ll get back to this later, cause it really doesn’t matter. Like I said, she’s got her priorities straight.
[...] But she’s not a writer. She’s a napper, just like Ingrid. (Read about Ingrid here). [...]
Hi Susan! Loved this post, there’s comfort in knowing “bitch-slapping” (perfect description by the way
seems to be a universal thing, well, for adults at least. We can learn sooo much from children.
So true Peg. Somewhere along the way I realized my kids were here to teach me just as much (or more) than I’ve taught them.
I love this post so much, I want to marry it!
“After my nap” may have to become my new mantra.
I’m at a loss to come up with a reply half as clever and witty as yours, Melissa. Maybe after my nap…
Lovely post and ditto- I’m also adopting the ‘after my nap mantra’!
I’m beginning to think “After my nap” has commercial potential ; )