I cried when I got the invitation
It’s November, and I have so many things happening in my little creative world that I am excited to share with you!
This week, I am starting two new paintings. One is another little bow girl, and the other is a new birdwatcher for my Orangeville series. I am especially excited about this birdwatcher! I have so many ideas floating around in my head right now, and I can’t wait to see how they come together on canvas.
But something else happened recently that I want to share with you, because it got me thinking about something I believe we all struggle with as artists.
Am I good enough?
A few days ago, I received an invitation to have my artwork featured in a pretty well-known art magazine. And you know what? I cried.
Not because I was sad, but because this was something I had dreamed about for a long time. It felt like a little confirmation of something I have been feeling in my own artistic journey lately. I have been growing. I have been finding my voice. I have been creating work that feels more and more like ME. And here was this invitation, almost like someone else saying, “We see it, too.”
It was an incredible feeling. But then something funny happened.
I started thinking about which painting I would want to showcase. I looked through my work, considered different pieces, and suddenly started wondering if any of them were good enough. Maybe I should paint something new? Something better? Something that would really impress everyone? After all, a lot of people are going to see this article!
And then I caught myself.
Why was I suddenly questioning work that I had been so proud of just days before?
Why did the possibility of having more eyes on my paintings suddenly change how I felt about them? And perhaps the bigger question was, why did I need a magazine to validate what I had already been feeling about my own growth?
Don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely thrilled about this opportunity. It is something I have dreamed about, and I am going to enjoy every minute of it. But it also reminded me of something incredibly important.
The only person who really needs to love my artwork is ME.
That’s it. If I love what I am creating, if I feel excited to walk into my studio, if I am making work that reflects who I am and what I want to say, then I am already succeeding.
Of course, it’s wonderful when other people love our work. It’s exciting when someone buys a painting, compliments something we’ve created, or invites us to share our art with a larger audience. But those things are bonuses. They aren’t what make our work valuable.
And I truly believe that the moment we stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks is the moment we begin creating some of our very best work. We become braver. We take more chances. We make things simply because WE want to make them. And isn’t that what creating art should be about?
So, as I begin these two new paintings this week, I am reminding myself that I don’t need to create something that will impress a magazine audience. I just need to create something that makes ME happy. And I hope you will do the same.
A Little Happening Around the School!
There is so much wonderful creative energy happening in our Let’s Face It communities right now!
Our Let’s Face It 2026 artists have two live events coming up, and over in Let’s Face It 2027, we’re continuing our live gatherings this week with Sabra and then me!
One of my favorite things about these events is how relaxed they are. You don’t need to prepare anything or feel like you have to participate. You can join the conversation, ask questions, or simply sit back, watch, and soak up some inspiration. These gatherings are really about getting to know one another, sharing ideas, and enjoying being part of a creative community. I hope you’ll join us!
A Question for You
Have you ever looked at something you created and absolutely loved it, only to start questioning it when you imagined what someone else might think?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s to making art that makes US happy!
With love and creativity,
Kara
Kara’s Studio Favorites
What I’m Using in the Studio
I’ve gathered some of the art supplies and tools I return to most often in my Amazon shop if you would like to see what I’m currently using.
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A Little Art You Can Take With You! ❤️
I also wanted to share something fun with you this week!
Did you know that some of my artwork is available on bags? I love the idea of taking a painting beyond the canvas and turning it into something you can carry with you!
I have a few different designs available right now, including Hold On, Smitten, Say a Prayer, and Little Prince.
MORE FROM KARA’S STUDIO
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever doubted your own artwork right before sharing it with a bigger audience?
Yes, and I think most artists have. The moment I got invited to be featured in an art magazine, I suddenly started questioning paintings I had loved just days before. It is such a common feeling, and I think it is worth talking about honestly.
How do you keep creating when you are worried about what others will think?
I remind myself that the only person who really needs to love my work is me. When I make something that feels honest and true to who I am, that is already a win. Everything else is a wonderful bonus.
What is the Orangeville series?
It is a body of work I have been developing that features birdwatchers. I am so in love with this series right now and cannot wait to share more of it with you.
What are the Let’s Face It live events?
They are relaxed live gatherings inside the Let’s Face It communities. You can join in, ask questions, or simply sit back and enjoy the creative energy. No pressure at all, just connection and inspiration.
How do I start making art that feels more like me?
Start small. Pick a subject that genuinely excites you, not one you think will impress anyone. The more you create from that honest place, the more your own voice starts to come through. It really does happen.
