I Almost Let My Inner Critic Stop Me

Below is a time-lapse video of me painting a mixed-media portrait.

The painting itself took about an hour.
The video you’re about to watch? Just over seven minutes.

Simple enough.

Except I almost didn’t share it.

I originally created the painting to demonstrate how an abstract background can become the underpainting for a portrait. But as soon as I watched the video back, my inner critic showed up—loud and convincing.

She told me the painting wasn’t good enough.
The video wasn’t polished enough.
That I should redo it… Better this time.

So I didn’t share it.

Instead, I let it sit. For two weeks.

And then I caught myself doing something I see so many women do—something I’ve coached clients through and gently called out in workshops.

I was hiding behind perfectionism.

The reminder I needed was the same one I offer others: Perfectionism keeps you small.

It keeps you from showing up as you are.
From being seen.
From sharing what you know.
And quietly, it steals your joy.

And joy matters to me—especially when it comes to making art.

This video was never meant to be a masterclass or a perfectly finished piece.

It was meant to be a glimpse. A window into process.

An invitation for anyone curious about my Mixed Media Portraits Workshop to see how a painting begins, not just how it ends.

I had to remind myself that inspiration doesn’t require perfection. Showing up is enough.

So I’m sharing the video—not because it’s flawless, but because it’s real.

If you’ve ever held yourself back, waited until you felt “more ready,” or told yourself you’d do something once you knew more, looked better, felt more confident, the list could go on…. Consider this your gentle nudge.

Please enjoy the video. I hope it inspires you to create—and reminds you that when perfectionism shows up, it’s often not protecting you.

It’s keeping you small.