What Happens if We Don't Like Our Art?

"Strawberry Sundae"
Abstract Acrylic, 20" x 20"
​Purchase here.

It's an interesting question. And I am not suggesting that any of us don't like ALL of our art. But what about the occasional painting that you just don't like. The one you don't like at all. Should you smile and say thank you when someone else compliments on the painting? Or should you take out your shears and shred the sucker before you toss it in the trash?

There isn't a right or a wrong answer. And that's because it's 100% up to you. 

Personally, I like to destroy the "bad" paintings.

​Do you know what you should do? At the least, remove them from your studio. Store them out of sight. It makes no sense to have them sitting around where they can bring you down and threaten your confidence. Last week I said "goodbye" to about 20 paintings. Half were put in the trash and the rest (which were acrylic paintings) were gessoed so I can use the canvases again. What a fabulous feeling that was!

Before you destroy your "bad paintings", take one last look and decide if they should go in a pile titled "to be finished later". Sometimes some of the paintings you don't like just are worth saving. They just need a little more work. That's all.