Day 12: Using whats's already there

Hey, I’m Susan. I’m an artist painting and writing here on Substack as part of a post: 100-day challenge. If I’m sharing the artwork, the process, and the small habits I’m building along the way. If you missed the beginning, you can catch up here.

I promise I sent this out a few hours ago…But it just stayed in drafts (cue horror), so now it looks like I skipped a day. Thank goodness for Notes as proof it was done before midnight.

When starting feels heavy or time feels tight, reducing choices and working with what’s already there is often enough to get things moving again.

That’s what I’ve been trying to do this week.

I’ve shifted into a new mini round: ceramic pots inspired by antique shapes, patterns, and colours I already have in my sketchbook. Instead of scrolling endlessly for new references or checking out Pinterest for ideas.

So starting from what’s already on the page has come in so handy this week.

There’s no “what should I paint?” moment or no second-guessing. I just open the sketchbook and respond to what’s in front of me. That makes short sessions possible, even on scattered weeks like this one.

I’m also noticing something else: the real challenge right now isn’t the painting. It’s the writing, what to share or not and will someone find this interesting or is this just a diary entry of this experiment?

Today’s reminder: if starting feels hard, don’t look for something new, instead, find what’s already there. You don’t always need better ideas, you need fewer decisions.

If you enjoy this post or find it helpful, forward it to a friend. Thank you!