One of the things that I never really understood before was just how much courage creativity takes.

I have to admit that I spent an extraordinarily long time 'arranging my workspace' when I started this painting. I kept telling myself - its just paint and wood.... nothing to fear, surely?

And once you manage to get over that initial resistance its so much fun. I love colour. Splashing it about for the background just makes me happy. And I love my acrylic markers. I had some loud music going at first (I usually do... Only when that album was finished and I had silence did I notice the delightful scratch of the marker tip on the wood panel. Inexplicably soothing.

Indulging your creative side is a fascinating journey of self discovery. I don't think there are any solutions to finding creative bravery really, other than to feel the fear and do it anyway.  That is what bravery is anyway, isnt it? It is not the absence of fear but the taking of action in spite of the fear.

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." - Erma Bombeck

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." - Erich Fromm

"Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts." - Rita Mae Brown