How to get over the fear of drawing or painting in front of others

I love creating art from life but something used to stop me, I was scared of other people judging my work, particularly before it was finished.

But… let me share a little secret with you… no one’s artwork looks good when it is a work in progress not even the best artist you can imagine. Don’t believe me? Check out some YouTube tutorials, fast forward to mid painting and press pause, now put yourself in the position of a non-artist, see what I mean?

I appreciate this doesn’t necessarily diminish the fear but hopefully gives some reassurance. So here are my top tips that have helped me get over the fear:

1.    Put your headphones in, I find this makes it easier to ignore those people who are around you and might be looking at your work.

2.    In a similar vein, start in a foreign country where you can’t understand what people are saying to you.

3.    Sit with a wall behind you so others can’t be nosey and see what you are up to and then gradually move further from the wall until people can physically walk behind you.

4.    Embrace doing something out of your comfort zone and reward yourself for trying, even if all you manage is taking out your art supplies and drawing one line, you did it! That is success, sometimes it is just small steps.