The Gift Of Failed Paintings
- Michelle
- Jul 20
- 1 min read
In this episode I'm talking about something every artist experiences - but not enough of us talk about: the gift hidden inside a “failed” painting.
We’ve all been there - the piece that goes muddy, the colours that clash, the vision that gets lost somewhere between the first layer and the last. It’s tempting to write it off as a waste. But what if that unresolved, messy painting is actually one of your greatest teachers?
In this episode I explore how failed paintings:
Offer valuable insights into your instincts and process
Reveal your creative edges and blind spots
Act as compost - rich ground for future ideas to grow
Teach emotional resilience and creative freedom
Often become surprising turning points later down the line
Whether you’ve got a growing stash of “never again” canvases or just need reassurance that your messy middle has meaning - this one’s for you.
This week's challenge: Honour your failed work.
Dig out 2 or 3 unfinished or disliked pieces.
Choose one to respond to - not “fix,” just explore. Add a layer, crop it or journal what you notice now.
Reflect on what it taught you. What was the experiment? Where did you stop short?
If you’re a member of my Abstract Horizons community, share your piece and tell us what hidden gift it held. → Not a member yet? Join here:- https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons
Every piece, even the ones you hide away, contributes to your artistic voice. So next time something falls flat, remember: You haven’t failed. You’ve just planted something that might bloom later.
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