Hi I’m Gina and I share nature-infused inspiration, from art to travel. You can also check out my art portfolio on my website, where we can connect and collaborate.
I've been inspired by sunflowers recently, ever since I saw some at the flower market a few weeks ago. I find that painting from real life is much more exciting and engaging than painting only from my imagination. But I didn't have time to buy sunflowers, so I decided to create a collage of photos instead and use it as a reference for my paintings.
From mood board and imagination, to paper
Once I had my reference collage ready, I decided to experiment with a more free and loose approach. Instead of doing a detailed sketch as I always do, I jumped straight into painting. My first painting was on circular paper that I had purchased in Türkiye*. It was a fun experience, just painting intuitively following the shapes of the leaves and petals and playing around with the colours. Then I decided to do some more sunflower paintings on other kinds of paper because I felt inspired and wanted to keep up the momentum.
Painting through the storm
Next, I decided to take on a bigger challenge. I chose to paint a vase full of sunflowers and other flowers and leaves. I wanted to do a more complex painting, but the more I worked on this piece, the more stressed I felt about making mistakes.
Sometimes, when I'm painting, I struggle to make the colours on the paper match the colours in my imagination. It's not because there's something wrong with my eyes (or so I think) - it's because I start to feel stressed and anxious. The more I try to fix the painting, the more frustrated I become. It's like a vicious cycle of anxiety and artistic struggle. Can you relate?
Overwhelmed and unbalanced
In the end, I became so overwhelmed that I decided to take a step back and do something else. I realised that this pressure to create a perfect painting was stifling my creativity and leading me into a state of "artist's block." I'm trying to find a balance between improving my skills and being kind to myself, but it's a struggle. Although I love working on my own, sometimes it’s tough not having work colleagues at hand to talk to when I'm struggling. It would be nice to get some perspective when I’m too emotionally involved in a painting.
Finding perspective
I can't claim to have any profound wisdom to offer. I can only say that I understand you, if you feel that making art is difficult, and it's okay to feel frustrated and sad. The inner critic can be a harsh voice, but I try to remember that we learn and grow as artists with every attempt. It's okay to take a step back and try again another day. In fact, taking a break is exactly what I’m doing. It might even help you come back with a renewed sense of creativity and perspective. I hope it does for me.
* I liked the shape of the circular paper but I don’t like the texture of cold pressed paper.
THINGS I’M LOVING
Need a pick-me-up? I highly recommend watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - I’m currently watching Season 2. It's the perfect show to lift your spirits with its joyful silliness.
The new songs of Olivia Rodrigo are so fun! I like both Vampire and Bad Idea, Right? - I’m looking forward to the new album.
I'm reading Spring Cannot Be Cancelled by David Hockney and Martin Gayford, and I love how David Hockney's passion for perspective shines through in his letters and emails with his friend. I wish I had a friend to geek out with about pigments and craftsmanship. Someone who shares my enthusiasm for the nitty-gritty details of art-making. Could that be you?
UPLIFTING PHOTO OF THE WEEK
While stocking on supplies for the upcoming typhoon here in Hong Kong - Typhoon Saola - I saw this fluffy couple of dogs at the entrance of a shop. Look at their little faces!