We’ve all heard the phrase “trust your instincts” or “trust your guts.” But, what does it truly mean when you’re trusting your instincts? How do we do that, and most of all, why? Most of the time, intuition plays a big role when it comes to our decision-making process in life. Why not try doing the same whenever we do a piece of art? Have you ever stared at a blank canvas with your art supplies at the side with no reference photos or still lifes? Well, this is what we’re going to encourage you to do for your next art project--it’s all about what you think would look good as part of the outcome.

An intuitive painting should be the goal of every artist-- it’s when you let go of expectations and “inspirations” and just trust what your gut says. Making decisions through your intuition is usually viewed in a negative light by most people. However, doing this with your art is like channeling the inner wild and creative genius inside you. Intuitive painting is all about discovering your very own unique approach to painting and expressing yourself without imitating someone else’s style. This approach is best when creating abstract paintings. Moreover, it’s all about abandoning the techniques you’ve learned from others and just allowing your gut to do its thing in the creative process.

Why Trusting Your Instincts is Ideal When Creating Art:

    1.  It shows your uniqueness:

There are billions of artists and painters in the world, but there’s only one you out of all of them. Hence, intuitive painting allows you to showcase your very own unique style and approach. It’s like closing your eyes in front of a canvas and following your vision instead of what you want to follow from the one that you want to imitate.

    2.  It helps you let go of high expectations:

There’s an adage that says, “fewer expectations, fewer disappointments.” This is particularly true when creating artworks, especially when you’re a beginner. Whenever you’re trusting your instincts when painting, it’s like not caring about what the world will tell you about your painting: it’s you against the world which is a good way to showcase who you are in the field of art and what’s inside you.

    3.  Intuitive painting helps you increase your confidence:

Showing your true self through your painting is a self-esteem booster. These days, most art is not appreciated because of the techniques used during the art-making process, but rather, it’s appreciated because of its uniqueness. Throughout the years and looking back at the history of art, it seems like we’ve seen it all. Hence, it would be good to see a one-of-a-kind painting that stands out from the rest.

    4.  It is a journey of self-discovery:

Trusting your instincts during the creative process allows you to discover even more things about yourself. You’re widening your horizons, expanding your boundaries, and exploring your inner self through painting. It involves doing what your heart tells you to do and in response, you try to do it and discover what you like and what you don’t like; see your personality in the colors you pick and the strokes you make.

    5.  Intuitive painting is a form of meditation:

As mentioned, intuitive painting is simply all about you and what you’re creating. Moreover, it can also be a form of meditation as you create your art and reflect on your decision-making process in art and how it reflects on you as a person outside of art.

Key Insights

Intuitive painting is a pure form of art as it silences the critic inside you. It encourages you to paint what is in your heart and what you feel. We hope that this article has helped you channel your inner self as an artist; trusting your instincts when painting gives you a different artistic experience as it’s all about you and what makes you feel good as an artist.