A year ago, the idea of teaching workshops was something I never imagined I’d be doing. The very thought of stepping in front of a group of people filled me with uncertainty and fear. It wasn’t that I didn’t have passion for art or that I didn’t want to share it; I just wasn’t sure I was “qualified” enough to teach. After all, I was just someone who loved to paint and explore creativity—I didn’t have formal teaching credentials or years of experience.
I would love to say that I took the bull by the horns and decided, on my own, to start teaching. But in all honesty, I was approached by a local art group. And to be completely transparent, I was petrified.
“What could I possibly know? What could I teach people?” I thought. “I just mess around with paint after all!”
But sometimes, life has a way of nudging us in the direction we need to go, whether we’re ready for it or not. And, looking back, I’m so grateful for that push.
After the initial shock wore off, I found myself standing in front of a group, guiding them through an art project. My hands were shaking, my voice a little unsteady, my mouth dry but as I went along, something unexpected started to happen. I realised that I wasn’t just teaching techniques or brushstrokes—I was offering something far more valuable: the permission to play, to explore, and to be imperfect.
Over the course of the past year, as I continued to teach, something amazing began to happen—not just for my students, but for me, too. I’ve grown so much more confident in my ability to communicate and inspire. And as I’ve seen people embrace their creativity, I’ve realised something incredibly powerful:
I am not simply teaching people to paint. I am helping people embrace their creativity and giving them the confidence to just give it a go.
This is the important part.
Art isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and letting go of that voice in our heads that says, “It’s not good enough.” In fact, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it doesn’t have to be perfect—and that is gold!
So often, we hold back from trying something new because we feel it won’t measure up to some ideal or standard we’ve set for ourselves. But creativity is not a competition or a race. It’s a process, one where the joy and satisfaction come not from the end result but from the act of creating itself. Whether it’s a painting, a poem, or a sculpture, the beauty lies in the exploration, the experimentation, and the courage to put something of yourself into the world.
And the feedback I’ve received from my students has been incredible. Many have shared how liberating it was to let go of their expectations and just enjoy the process of creating something without worrying about the outcome. To see them light up with pride over a painting they thought they couldn’t create has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching journey.
I’ve also realised that by embracing imperfection, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. When we give ourselves permission to make mistakes, we allow room for growth, creativity, and innovation. In my workshops, I've seen people take chances with their work—using colours they wouldn’t normally consider, experimenting with techniques outside their comfort zone, and discovering new parts of their creative selves.
And this is where the true magic happens.
It’s not about knowing everything or being perfect. It’s about being willing to try, to stumble, to learn, and to share. Creativity is a journey, and every step—no matter how messy or imperfect—is worth celebrating.
So, whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or diving into a new creative endeavour, I encourage you to embrace imperfection. Let go of the need to get it “right” and allow yourself to explore. The process is the reward.
If there's one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that confidence comes from doing. The more we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, the more we grow, not just as artists but as individuals.
Here’s to stepping out of our comfort zones, trying new things, and finding joy in the process. Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression, exploration, and, most importantly, having fun along the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where it takes us next!
Warmly,
Rebecca x