Inspiration often finds us in the most meaningful moments, and this portrait was born from one such moment with our godchild. She’s a young woman, a beautiful blend of Ukraine and South African heritage, standing at the cusp of adulthood. With her striking features and lovely personality, she inspired me to capture this delicate phase of her life—where beauty meets vulnerability, and where the future, full of possibilities, also holds uncertainties.
From the start, I envisioned showing the viewer not just her external beauty, but also the subtle darkness that comes with growing up—the inevitable challenges, the mistakes, and the life experiences that will shape her into who she will become. To do this, I set her up with dramatic lighting and a pose that would convey this duality of strength and fragility.
The photograph I took as a reference was perfect—so perfect, in fact, that it became my anchor. I had a very clear picture in my mind of how I wanted the painting to turn out. But as I began the painting process, I found myself holding too tightly to this idea of perfection. I couldn’t let go of the image in my head, and I began to second-guess every brushstroke, erasing and reworking the painting multiple times. In trying to control the outcome, I stifled the creative process and ended up with a piece that, despite all the effort, didn’t meet my expectations.
It was a hard lesson, but one I needed to learn: creativity cannot be forced into a mold. It thrives on freedom and flexibility. I realized that while it’s good to start with a clear vision, it’s equally important to embrace the creative process and allow the artwork to evolve naturally, to let the creative spirit guide the process rather than trying to control every aspect of it.
Looking back, I see that this painting could have been something far greater if I had let it grow beyond the confines of my initial idea. This experience reminded me of the importance of trusting the process.
ss, of embracing the accidental gifts that appear along the way, and of knowing when to stop and step back. It taught me to truly embrace the creative process and to understand that sometimes the unexpected leads to the most beautiful outcomes.
I’m sharing this story with you in the hope that it resonates with others who have faced similar struggles. Art is not about creating a perfect replica of what we see in our minds; it’s about exploring the unknown and letting the journey unfold naturally. So, if you ever find yourself stuck in the pursuit of perfection, remember to take a step back, let go, and trust in the process. There’s a certain beauty in allowing your art to lead you rather than the other way around. Embrace the creative process and watch where it takes you.
Here are some photos of my creation process to show you how and where I went wrong. I hope these insights encourage you to embrace your own creative journey, with all its twists and turns.
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