Comments on: How I Find Artistic Inspiration and Beat the Inner Critic https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/ Art journaling, watercolor tutorials, and adult art classes Wed, 20 May 2026 16:31:32 +0000 hourly 1 By: Dezaray Distasio https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-171349 Wed, 20 May 2026 16:31:08 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-171349 In reply to LHN.

Thank you so much for letting us know! It seems like Michael does not have that blog post anymore but here is a direct link to his website with resources you may enjoy: https://www.gogently.co/

]]> By: LHN https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-171339 Tue, 19 May 2026 19:58:03 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-171339 Hi – thank you for the article. Just want to note the link to Michael Nobbs’s page is broken. It would be great if it can be updated.

]]> By: Amy Maricle https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-41051 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 13:59:59 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-41051 In reply to Deborah Verhoeven.

ThAt is so lovely! And it sounds like your dad was indeed supportive! Xo I’m so glad.

]]> By: Deborah Verhoeven https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-41030 Fri, 03 Jul 2020 20:26:31 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-41030 I just found this site, and I hope you are still reading comments on this post. I wanted to say that I was also not raised by artsy people, but considered it a blessing by the time I reached high school. I had friends who were signed up for art classes, while I was free to explore my creativity and drawing skills. I didn’t even know my family was aware I was a little artist until my dad bought me an easel and a set of paints and told me I should not waste my talents on paint-by-number sets.

I’m off to explore your site now.

]]> By: Amy Johnson Maricle https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-9892 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:07:39 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-9892 In reply to Dorlee.

HI Dorlee:

Thank you so much for reading and commenting here. I love your book recommendation and can’t wait to check it out. Art classes are SO helpful, aren’t they? It’s just the kick in the butt I need to get out of my own way sometimes.

Creatively Yours,
Amy

]]> By: Amy Johnson Maricle https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-9891 Mon, 24 Aug 2015 13:06:09 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-9891 In reply to Karen Byrne.

HI Karen:

I’m so pleased that you’ve joined our little community here. Are you a retired nurse, doctor, or therapist?

Indeed the critic can be very powerful. It sounds like you have some good seeds to begin with – have you tried leaving out some of your supplies where they are visible? Perhaps your journal, paste, and pics plus some watercolors?

What about starting with a different page to take the pressure off making the “perfect” page with those pics? There’s a bunch of ways to start on my art journaling tutorials in the right side bar, or on the Art Tutorials page under the the Art Classes tab. Please let me know how it goes, and if you are not already a member, you might try our wonderfully supportive and creative Facebook group, Creative Self-Care. I think you would find some kindred spirits and some help to get started. https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativeselfcare/

Cheers,
Amy

]]> By: Dorlee https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-9854 Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:01:34 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-9854 Hi Amy,

I love this post! It was so nice to hear about you found your way into art and you provide great ideas on how to beat the inner critic and let your inner artist loose 🙂

I find participating in art classes and engaging in mindfulness meditation (to help recognize the automatic negative thoughts that you may have about yourself in this regard, identify where they came from and be able to let them go) especially helpful.

One reading recommendation I’d like to add to your wonderful list is Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind and in case you find it helpful, here is a post I wrote about this book http://bit.ly/1czeGkt

To more free spirited art/journaling!

]]> By: Karen Byrne https://mindfulartstudio.com/how-i-find-artistic-inspiration-and-beat-the-inner-critic/#comment-9836 Mon, 17 Aug 2015 22:44:42 +0000 http://mindfulartstudio.com/?p=3970#comment-9836 I see a lot of wisdom in what you say about starting to be creative and telling the inner critic to buzz off. I’ve retired from a world of of rigid rules and procedures. But with the medical field that’s to be expected. It would have been nice if I could have drawn little pictures in my notes but that would have been highly frowned upon. Of course, now, with electronic records it would have been impossible.
So here I sit admiring all the art journaling I see. I used to scrapbook and then came all the rules about position, color and ephemera. I still have pics I want to create pages around but I’m having difficulty starting and it is all due to the inner critic.
Co-incidentally, I’m reading a book about mindfulness and can see where it will come in handy. Thank you for your openness and creating a welcoming website.
-karen

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