You Can't Rush a Masterpiece
Fine Art Friday #56
I once tried to speed-paint a bouquet.
It was the end of a long week. I had just finished a big live wedding painting, shipped three commissions, and my kids had all come down with a stomach bug — one after another like a very unfun game of dominoes.
Still, I told myself I could finish just one more. One quick painting. Easy.
So I grabbed my brushes, mixed the colors fast, and tried to beat the clock. But by the end, it looked like exactly what it was: rushed, overworked, and a little bit lifeless. A soggy bouquet, if we’re being honest.
That’s when I remembered what I always forget: you can’t rush a masterpiece. Not a painting. Not a wedding. Not a life.
ART TIP: SLOW DOWN.
The best work doesn’t come from frantic energy — it comes from presence. From stillness. From space to think, feel, and adjust.
So if you’re feeling behind — whether you’re planning your wedding, building a business, or staring at a blank canvas — take a breath.
Good things take time. Good ideas take space. And some of the most beautiful parts happen in the in-between.
So this week? Slow down. Add one layer, then walk away. Come back with fresh eyes. Let the water dry. Let your mind rest. Then keep going.
I often find myself wanting to work in a more “Ricky Bobby” style than a “slow and steady” style — but I’ve found that I can find that slowness even while being speedy. It’s a gift that comes with hours of practice and perfecting the process.
Here’s to honoring the process — even when it’s slow.
xo,
Courtney
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Thanks for reading today's edition of the Stories I Only Tell My Friends newsletter! & if you're new here—hi! I'm Courtney, fine artist and live wedding painter, honored to paint beautiful celebrations around the 🌎. I'd love for you to stick around and subscribe to keep reading one art tip, once a week. :)