I recently wrote about growing in creativity and contentment, not over consumption and mindless consumerism. Then I found myself ordering watercolor brushes to replace the mixed media brushes I’d been accidentally using with my watercolor paints. I am a beginner at watercolor and haven’t figured out the ins and outs of everything so as I am making mistakes as a I go, but I am also giving myself A LOT of grace.
Has this ever happened to you? Did you make a mistake with your tools or bought the wrong color and needed to replace it? What are you experiencing in your artistic journey? Please share with me in the comments below.
But here’s the thing: there’s a real difference between mindless accumulation and intentional preparation for growth. I already had brushes, but they’d been used for mixed media projects and stored with those supplies. When I learned that using brushes from different mediums with quality watercolors could contaminate the paints I’d already invested in, the decision became clear. Having the proper tools matters when you’re actually learning a new skill.
The same principle applied when I found two secondhand 12×12 scrapbook storage cubes for my watercolor paper. I wasn’t buying storage because I love organizing (though I do). I needed a way to keep my paper flat, protected, and accessible so I’d actually use it. These weren’t new purchases adding clutter. They were purposeful solutions that served my practice.
Creative Sabbatical
I’m learning watercolor, wrapping up a beginner’s class with Ohn Mar Win, and moving into the next sessions. I’ve invested in proper tools and I’m giving myself space to be a beginner.
” Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Beyond the studio, I’m investing in spiritual growth. I just started a 42-week Biblical Studies course at my fellowship and reading through Romans with my family. In January my fellowship participates in a 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. This sabbatical isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about doing what matters most: Learning, growing, spending time with family and in fellowship, and creating in my art studio without the pressure of polished output. Choosing to be in the presence of God in the secret place, ministering to the artistic desires of the heart, is worship. It’s investing in the talents He’s given.
The parable of the talents reminds us that God gives us gifts to steward and invest in, not to bury out of fear or perfectionism. {Matthew 25:14-30}. Like the servants entrusted with talents, I’m choosing to invest in what’s been given rather than hiding it away or worse not creating because of perfectionism.
I’m playing in my sketchbook, eliminating perfectionism by making messy art, creating things that aren’t pretty, preparing greeting card bases for new cards, and focusing on better life management.
This is my creative sabbatical. A season of choosing presence over performance, of protecting the sacred space where learning happens, of being fully present in the journey rather than rushing to document every step for an audience.
I’m not taking a break from creativity. I’m taking a break from the pressure to perform it. I am eliminating perfectionism from my life because for far too long that has kept me from experiencing the joy of being an artist.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Maybe you need that too. Break free from the pressure of perfectionism, performance, and endless art scrolling and posting. Create for the blessing of being creative. Adventure into new territory with different art practices by nurturing the artistic desires of your heart. Even though the heart is deceitful, it is being transformed by a loving Heavenly Father who promises to give each of us a new heart, a refreshment of creativity, and holy desires that not only bring fulfillment spiritually, but also creatively.
Blessings to you in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Filed under: Artisan Journal, Scripture Reflections
Comment Policy – Grace Notes & Brush Strokes
As a biblical Christian, I strive to represent Christ and His Word accurately in all that I share. This blog is a space for truth, encouragement, and Christ-centered creativity. If you are a follower of Christ, you are part of His Body, and it pleases the Lord when we walk in love and unity, especially for the sake of those who are unbelieving.
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"Let your speech always be with grace…" – Colossians 4:6 (KJV)