Firstly, Beth, your paintings are amazing. Secondly, I’m in the process of moving back to oils and I’m loving it. My second in-person workshop will be a landscape. Your sharing gives me way more confidence. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind comment about my paintings. I'm so glad you are enjoying oils. I love oil painting, and I'm getting to really enjoy watercolors, too. Good luck with your next workshop. I know you'll do wonderfully.
Beth, I really appreciated this perspective on anxiety as something that can move us forward rather than hold us back. I also love your emphasis on progress over perfection—it comes through so clearly in both your writing and your art.
I appreciate how you felt anxiety and fear before interviewing - no matter which side of the table you were on. Who doesn't feel that way? And those media outlets that approached, bravo for doing those interviews, too! I had a TV station once come to my house to do an interview for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it completely stressed me out. Plus, the end result wasn't what I had hoped for messagewise. Never again will I be sucked into that. Never say never, right? But I am not planning on doing more of those. I'll stick to my keyboard. I don't need that pressure or anxiety. Of course, no one is pounding on my door these days to do interviews anyway!
I think watercolors are just meant to be more subtle, softer, or whatever you want to call it. Vibrant colors have their place, especially with oils, but so do not-so-vibrant ones. But what do I know? lol I love the AZ watercolorscape. I'm glad you're happy with the process and your idea about doing watercolors in more than one session makes sense. I'm interested to see how that goes.
Both your paintings are lovely and extra meaningful for me as I just got home from AZ. You captured the AZ mountain look beautifully.
Thank you for sharing your story in words and in paintings. Grateful. Always. xo
Yes, I remember your telling me that this media result didn't achieve the result you were hoping for. That has happened to me, too, where my message didn't come across and was, instead, used to promote the rah rah pink message. I totally understand.
I am glad I challenged myself to do all those appearances, but oh my goodness the pre-interview anxiety! I don't miss that. Plus I never think I sound good. That's perhaps my insecurity talking. I haven't done them in a long while, so no one has been asking me either LOL. And yes, never say never is right!
I'm hoping you had a wonderful time in Arizona. Thank you -- I'm so glad you are enjoying my paintings. Yes, I've been rethinking how I approach my watercolor process, as I'd like to continue improving. I really like your discussion of watercolors vs. oils. You do know a lot!
Thank you for your insightful comment. I appreciate it. ❤
Great title, don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ve heard that before and to be followed with, and it is all small stuff.
I love the billowing clouds.
I love your honesty and capacity for patience to continue to learn and grow and present us with your beautiful artistic talent. Always good to hear what you’re up to very relatable.
Life lesson: in challenging ourselves to tackle things that scare us the most, we not only grow, but we gain new perspectives on how we might get better at them.
Your watercolor experiment, for example: 1). feeling that you've done better with it than in previous tries, perhaps because you were more prepared, knowing the vista you wanted to capture by working on it in another medium and, 2). noticing you wanted to deepen the colors and that might be possible through painting it in more than one sitting.
I love that iterative process--pushing out of your comfort zone through study and preparation. Acknowledging a sense of accomplishment. Noticing where you might improve by adopting a new technique. Building on the work.
Kudos for taking the risks, for pushing yourself, and for sharing your work--and your experiences--with us so we might try to push ourselves forward by following your brave example, Beth. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Robin, for your continued support and for sharing my essay. Yes, going forward in spite of the fear is so important for all of us. Staying in our comfort zone often leads to stagnation.
I am learning so much through painting, and I've come to see mistakes as opportunities for even more learning. And sometimes what I initially see as a mistake turns out to be a "happy accident"!
Thank you again for your support. It means a lot to me.
Beth, the take away from today's beautiful piece is that vulnerability is the great human connector. Anything worth learning, ebbs and flows in being vulnerable. I think it's one of the reasons I love to see your works in progress -- it's like someone gave me the most creative permission slip to feel, experiment, try, and discover the newness of something, assuring me that my work does not have to be perfect.
I return to my writing and make friends with the delete key. I sketch little things in the margins of my notebooks, playing with colors and textures. I search the etymology of the right word for the right place -- "right" being the feeling tone behind the work, not the conventional definition of "right." And I love how you've invited me into a conversation with you, a conversation with myself. We are women who make things. This is a great act of self-love. To make something and feel its beauty or pain stir the heart. The water color sky has so much dimension, and the oil paint sky is so bright. I've been in the desert when that stark brightness practically shimmered.
I am grateful to you for your words and for the paintings that accompany them. To that end, I remain, a forever friend and fan. ~stephanie XO
I love this Stephanie: "We are women who make things. This is a great act of self-love. To make something and feel its beauty or pain stir the heart." So very true. And in making things, we have freedom. And I am so glad that we both can partake in this conversation.
It is certainly a vulnerable act to share my paintings in stages. Years ago, I would've never done this, as I risked having my mistakes show. But for some reason, it now feels natural to share my work, warts and all. You are so right about how being vulnerable connects us. In fact, I have learned through this process that work does not need to be perfect in order to be meaningful.
I didn't know you sketch in your notebook margins. Wonderful!
Your making "friends with the delete key" is such a wonderful thing because in reworking our craft, we are growing into it. And you write beautifully!
Thank you for your kind words about my watercolor sky. That truly made my day because I struggle with watercolors. Oils are a much more forgiving medium; if you make a mistake, you can more easily cover it up after the previous layer dries -- or even sometimes before the previous layer dries. I'm finding that with watercolors, I have to start with very light colors and eventually work my way into darker colors.
There's something about poetry and art that just go together. Like words and music, only words and some form of art. I've seen some really cool collage and think I might like to try a little of that in my journals too --
As always, thanks for sharing your works in progress. Courage on! Big hugs my friend.
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a brave thing to do Beth and I admire the determination you showed to do that, as interviewer and interviewee. When I was younger and working in commerce I could manage that on the phone but in person I got very nervous! A complete introvert but also a senior manager, I found public speaking crippling and still do, but give me a one to one and I'm far more confident. I totally agree that challenging ourselves to do this is so important to managing anxiety and stress with the confidence and growth that develops from it.
The same goes for your painting - it's wonderful that you're happy to share your trials and to show how you've grown personally by trying things that might not seem natural at first, like the watercolour painting. I love the vibrant colours of the oil painting - it's coming along beautifully and I'm looking forward to the next stage.
Thanks for highlighting this lesson - it's reminded me to step out of that comfort zone and challenge myself a little, who knows what adventures could lie ahead! 😊
I so appreciate your insightful comment. In the past, I used to believe I was the only introvert in the world, but here on Substack, I've run across many of them!
I can see how when you were a senior manager you had to do many things that were nerve-wracking. I totally get why you prefer one-on-one interactions to speaking publicly.
I also taught for over 20 years, and the beginning few years were rough, as I was acclimating to being in front of so many people, some of whom might have been judging me.
Thank you for your kind words about me putting my work out there, and your compliment on my oil painting. It means so much to me. I appreciate your sharing your photos with us viewers/readers.
It's true that stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to many good things. It's challenging, but so worthwhile.
More words of wisdom to linger with! Thank you Beth, but first let me congratulate you on your mountain paintings that remind me so much of the Southwest--I miss that area--the mountains would speak to me back then on the highway--sometimes I'd pull over at a rest stop and commune silently with their great presence. I too like that patch of vivid blue in one of you gorgeous portraits. Always love seeing your work Beth. It's funny I was thinking about teaching and how for the first three years I had to overcome my shyness of public speaking. It was brutal--but as you say, you had no choice, and ultimately that turned out to be a really good thing. I love this in your article: "Anxiety and stress can be good in terms of helping a person grow. If I refused to challenge myself, then I would remain static. I opt for challenging myself rather than allowing fear to take the reins." I couldn't agree more--we need to challenge ourselves daily, even if it is with smaller things, otherwise we become stale and obtuse. Thanks again for these powerful lessons on self-care!
I so appreciate your kind comment. I've always admired your reverence for nature. I've never been to the Southwest, so I hope I can do the paintings justice! And I do believe that trying new things helps increase one's personal growth. Your experience adjusting to teaching, which of course requires public speaking, was a lot like mine. I was so scared when I first started teaching.
I've always admired all the ways you've challenged yourself, such as moving to Spain -- which is a huge adjustment, as you know. You have so much courage, dear friend.
To share your story and your art process here is very brave, Beth! And I can see your work moving along with each piece. Watercolor is particularly tricky, so keep up the good work! Have you tried mixing some opposite colors?
One of my fav mixes used to be Ultramarine Blue with Burnt Siena, makes a rich brown with more burnt Siena and a cool black with more ultramarine blue.
Thank you so much! I find watercolors less forgiving than oils, so for me, it's much easier to make mistakes with oils. After all, when it dries, I can just paint over it.
I've mixed opposite colors when I took that watercolor class almost a year ago, but I haven't done so since. Thank you for the reminder because that's what I'm going to try in my next watercolor.
Love that this story is partially how personal growth starts when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. Thanks for sharing your creative process. This is a lot of help 🫶🏻
I so admire your ability to overcome your "uncomfortableness" in conducting interviews. I think I would feel the same way. Your paintings are both looking good and I especially like the watercolor version. It looks so delicate, subtle, and with so much definition.
Yes, it was definitely not easy to conduct interviews or be the interviewee, but I am so glad and grateful I did both and achieved personal growth. I appreciate your kind words about my paintings. Your comment on my watercolor painting has given me more confidence. Thank you, my friend.
Dear Beth, I love how your story loops back on itself! The introverted journalist who once braced herself before every interview is the same person now meeting a blank page or canvas with those familiar flutters of nerves and that same quiet determination.
I see that what you learned back then ... prepare, show up and trust your own voice ... seems to be exactly what’s carrying you through today's watercolour experiments and oil landscapes now. It’s the same muscle, just a different medium. And it shows! As both of your paintings share the quality of a soul willing to stay with the discomfort long enough for something honest to appear.
That "happy accident" (intense blue) feels like the visual equivalent of all those moments pulled together when you surprised yourself in conversation ... unexpected, but so ab-soul-utely right.
As always, thanks so much Beth, for sharing your heart and art. They speak volumes! 🙏💖🖼️
Thank you, dear Deborah, for your insightful comment. I think you are so right by saying "It's the same muscle, just a different medium." I feel that pushing myself outside of my comfort zone has been so important and has helped me grow personally.
I love your interpretation of the happy accident. I believe you are so right: it was a surprise -- a pleasant one, just like I was surprised in my conversation with others.
Thank you for your support! I appreciate it beyond measure. ❤
Firstly, Beth, your paintings are amazing. Secondly, I’m in the process of moving back to oils and I’m loving it. My second in-person workshop will be a landscape. Your sharing gives me way more confidence. Thank you!
Hi Dawn,
Thank you so much for your kind comment about my paintings. I'm so glad you are enjoying oils. I love oil painting, and I'm getting to really enjoy watercolors, too. Good luck with your next workshop. I know you'll do wonderfully.
I hope you are well. Take care.
Beth, I really appreciated this perspective on anxiety as something that can move us forward rather than hold us back. I also love your emphasis on progress over perfection—it comes through so clearly in both your writing and your art.
Hi Beth,
I appreciate how you felt anxiety and fear before interviewing - no matter which side of the table you were on. Who doesn't feel that way? And those media outlets that approached, bravo for doing those interviews, too! I had a TV station once come to my house to do an interview for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it completely stressed me out. Plus, the end result wasn't what I had hoped for messagewise. Never again will I be sucked into that. Never say never, right? But I am not planning on doing more of those. I'll stick to my keyboard. I don't need that pressure or anxiety. Of course, no one is pounding on my door these days to do interviews anyway!
I think watercolors are just meant to be more subtle, softer, or whatever you want to call it. Vibrant colors have their place, especially with oils, but so do not-so-vibrant ones. But what do I know? lol I love the AZ watercolorscape. I'm glad you're happy with the process and your idea about doing watercolors in more than one session makes sense. I'm interested to see how that goes.
Both your paintings are lovely and extra meaningful for me as I just got home from AZ. You captured the AZ mountain look beautifully.
Thank you for sharing your story in words and in paintings. Grateful. Always. xo
Hi Nancy,
Yes, I remember your telling me that this media result didn't achieve the result you were hoping for. That has happened to me, too, where my message didn't come across and was, instead, used to promote the rah rah pink message. I totally understand.
I am glad I challenged myself to do all those appearances, but oh my goodness the pre-interview anxiety! I don't miss that. Plus I never think I sound good. That's perhaps my insecurity talking. I haven't done them in a long while, so no one has been asking me either LOL. And yes, never say never is right!
I'm hoping you had a wonderful time in Arizona. Thank you -- I'm so glad you are enjoying my paintings. Yes, I've been rethinking how I approach my watercolor process, as I'd like to continue improving. I really like your discussion of watercolors vs. oils. You do know a lot!
Thank you for your insightful comment. I appreciate it. ❤
Oh Beth
Great title, don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ve heard that before and to be followed with, and it is all small stuff.
I love the billowing clouds.
I love your honesty and capacity for patience to continue to learn and grow and present us with your beautiful artistic talent. Always good to hear what you’re up to very relatable.
Thank you so much, Prajna, for your kind comment. I love what it's often followed by as you point out "...and it is all small stuff." Much of life is.
Thank you for your kind words about my latest painting, as well. I really enjoy learning and trying to grow as an artist -- and as a person.
Life lesson: in challenging ourselves to tackle things that scare us the most, we not only grow, but we gain new perspectives on how we might get better at them.
Your watercolor experiment, for example: 1). feeling that you've done better with it than in previous tries, perhaps because you were more prepared, knowing the vista you wanted to capture by working on it in another medium and, 2). noticing you wanted to deepen the colors and that might be possible through painting it in more than one sitting.
I love that iterative process--pushing out of your comfort zone through study and preparation. Acknowledging a sense of accomplishment. Noticing where you might improve by adopting a new technique. Building on the work.
Kudos for taking the risks, for pushing yourself, and for sharing your work--and your experiences--with us so we might try to push ourselves forward by following your brave example, Beth. Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Robin, for your continued support and for sharing my essay. Yes, going forward in spite of the fear is so important for all of us. Staying in our comfort zone often leads to stagnation.
I am learning so much through painting, and I've come to see mistakes as opportunities for even more learning. And sometimes what I initially see as a mistake turns out to be a "happy accident"!
Thank you again for your support. It means a lot to me.
“Happy mistakes”—love that!
I wish I could take credit for "happy accidents," but I think Bob Ross came up with it, along with happy trees, etc.
Beth, the take away from today's beautiful piece is that vulnerability is the great human connector. Anything worth learning, ebbs and flows in being vulnerable. I think it's one of the reasons I love to see your works in progress -- it's like someone gave me the most creative permission slip to feel, experiment, try, and discover the newness of something, assuring me that my work does not have to be perfect.
I return to my writing and make friends with the delete key. I sketch little things in the margins of my notebooks, playing with colors and textures. I search the etymology of the right word for the right place -- "right" being the feeling tone behind the work, not the conventional definition of "right." And I love how you've invited me into a conversation with you, a conversation with myself. We are women who make things. This is a great act of self-love. To make something and feel its beauty or pain stir the heart. The water color sky has so much dimension, and the oil paint sky is so bright. I've been in the desert when that stark brightness practically shimmered.
I am grateful to you for your words and for the paintings that accompany them. To that end, I remain, a forever friend and fan. ~stephanie XO
I love this Stephanie: "We are women who make things. This is a great act of self-love. To make something and feel its beauty or pain stir the heart." So very true. And in making things, we have freedom. And I am so glad that we both can partake in this conversation.
It is certainly a vulnerable act to share my paintings in stages. Years ago, I would've never done this, as I risked having my mistakes show. But for some reason, it now feels natural to share my work, warts and all. You are so right about how being vulnerable connects us. In fact, I have learned through this process that work does not need to be perfect in order to be meaningful.
I didn't know you sketch in your notebook margins. Wonderful!
Your making "friends with the delete key" is such a wonderful thing because in reworking our craft, we are growing into it. And you write beautifully!
Thank you for your kind words about my watercolor sky. That truly made my day because I struggle with watercolors. Oils are a much more forgiving medium; if you make a mistake, you can more easily cover it up after the previous layer dries -- or even sometimes before the previous layer dries. I'm finding that with watercolors, I have to start with very light colors and eventually work my way into darker colors.
I so appreciate you, Stephanie! ❤
There's something about poetry and art that just go together. Like words and music, only words and some form of art. I've seen some really cool collage and think I might like to try a little of that in my journals too --
As always, thanks for sharing your works in progress. Courage on! Big hugs my friend.
Ooooh collage sounds wonderful!
Just little ones, tucked into margins and edges . . .
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a brave thing to do Beth and I admire the determination you showed to do that, as interviewer and interviewee. When I was younger and working in commerce I could manage that on the phone but in person I got very nervous! A complete introvert but also a senior manager, I found public speaking crippling and still do, but give me a one to one and I'm far more confident. I totally agree that challenging ourselves to do this is so important to managing anxiety and stress with the confidence and growth that develops from it.
The same goes for your painting - it's wonderful that you're happy to share your trials and to show how you've grown personally by trying things that might not seem natural at first, like the watercolour painting. I love the vibrant colours of the oil painting - it's coming along beautifully and I'm looking forward to the next stage.
Thanks for highlighting this lesson - it's reminded me to step out of that comfort zone and challenge myself a little, who knows what adventures could lie ahead! 😊
Hi Lin,
I so appreciate your insightful comment. In the past, I used to believe I was the only introvert in the world, but here on Substack, I've run across many of them!
I can see how when you were a senior manager you had to do many things that were nerve-wracking. I totally get why you prefer one-on-one interactions to speaking publicly.
I also taught for over 20 years, and the beginning few years were rough, as I was acclimating to being in front of so many people, some of whom might have been judging me.
Thank you for your kind words about me putting my work out there, and your compliment on my oil painting. It means so much to me. I appreciate your sharing your photos with us viewers/readers.
It's true that stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to many good things. It's challenging, but so worthwhile.
More words of wisdom to linger with! Thank you Beth, but first let me congratulate you on your mountain paintings that remind me so much of the Southwest--I miss that area--the mountains would speak to me back then on the highway--sometimes I'd pull over at a rest stop and commune silently with their great presence. I too like that patch of vivid blue in one of you gorgeous portraits. Always love seeing your work Beth. It's funny I was thinking about teaching and how for the first three years I had to overcome my shyness of public speaking. It was brutal--but as you say, you had no choice, and ultimately that turned out to be a really good thing. I love this in your article: "Anxiety and stress can be good in terms of helping a person grow. If I refused to challenge myself, then I would remain static. I opt for challenging myself rather than allowing fear to take the reins." I couldn't agree more--we need to challenge ourselves daily, even if it is with smaller things, otherwise we become stale and obtuse. Thanks again for these powerful lessons on self-care!
Hi Gerry,
I so appreciate your kind comment. I've always admired your reverence for nature. I've never been to the Southwest, so I hope I can do the paintings justice! And I do believe that trying new things helps increase one's personal growth. Your experience adjusting to teaching, which of course requires public speaking, was a lot like mine. I was so scared when I first started teaching.
I've always admired all the ways you've challenged yourself, such as moving to Spain -- which is a huge adjustment, as you know. You have so much courage, dear friend.
To share your story and your art process here is very brave, Beth! And I can see your work moving along with each piece. Watercolor is particularly tricky, so keep up the good work! Have you tried mixing some opposite colors?
One of my fav mixes used to be Ultramarine Blue with Burnt Siena, makes a rich brown with more burnt Siena and a cool black with more ultramarine blue.
Oooh, I have to try that. I am a sucker for rich browns! Thank you for the color recommendations. ❤
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much! I find watercolors less forgiving than oils, so for me, it's much easier to make mistakes with oils. After all, when it dries, I can just paint over it.
I've mixed opposite colors when I took that watercolor class almost a year ago, but I haven't done so since. Thank you for the reminder because that's what I'm going to try in my next watercolor.
Love that this story is partially how personal growth starts when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. Thanks for sharing your creative process. This is a lot of help 🫶🏻
Hi Filianna,
I so appreciate your comment. Yes, pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones is so essential. The stress of doing so is well-worth it.
I so admire your ability to overcome your "uncomfortableness" in conducting interviews. I think I would feel the same way. Your paintings are both looking good and I especially like the watercolor version. It looks so delicate, subtle, and with so much definition.
Hi Nancy,
Yes, it was definitely not easy to conduct interviews or be the interviewee, but I am so glad and grateful I did both and achieved personal growth. I appreciate your kind words about my paintings. Your comment on my watercolor painting has given me more confidence. Thank you, my friend.
Dear Beth, I love how your story loops back on itself! The introverted journalist who once braced herself before every interview is the same person now meeting a blank page or canvas with those familiar flutters of nerves and that same quiet determination.
I see that what you learned back then ... prepare, show up and trust your own voice ... seems to be exactly what’s carrying you through today's watercolour experiments and oil landscapes now. It’s the same muscle, just a different medium. And it shows! As both of your paintings share the quality of a soul willing to stay with the discomfort long enough for something honest to appear.
That "happy accident" (intense blue) feels like the visual equivalent of all those moments pulled together when you surprised yourself in conversation ... unexpected, but so ab-soul-utely right.
As always, thanks so much Beth, for sharing your heart and art. They speak volumes! 🙏💖🖼️
Thank you, dear Deborah, for your insightful comment. I think you are so right by saying "It's the same muscle, just a different medium." I feel that pushing myself outside of my comfort zone has been so important and has helped me grow personally.
I love your interpretation of the happy accident. I believe you are so right: it was a surprise -- a pleasant one, just like I was surprised in my conversation with others.
Thank you for your support! I appreciate it beyond measure. ❤