Fear can be a painter's worst enemy. Being afraid to try something new, and every painting has something new sooner or later, can cause you to get into trouble. Just "fire it in" as the famous TV artist William Alexander used to say. Get it out of your head that this painting you are working on will turn out to be a masterpiece. It likely won't, but you might produce one quite by accident down the road, if you conquer your fear of screwing up.
Just paint what you see or what comes to mind and after the first few strokes follow the painting. Ask yourself what it needs and paint it. Leave it for a while if you can't decide. I do. I even place an unfinished painting in front of the TV and study it during commercials. I don't watch commercials and they are usually long enough to go for a coffee, the bathroom or decide what your painting needs. The main thing is not to be afraid of ruining it. Make it turn out. It usually will if you keep the paint smooth at every stage.
Most of these posts are meant for artists either just beginning or people who are into it but still
need some help. Those who are more advanced may not get much from it.
