Why I Love Painting for Myself (And Why You Should Too)
There’s something magical about painting just for yourself. No camera rolling, no audience waiting, no pressure to perfect every stroke for the world to see. It’s just you, your brush, and the blank paper - a quiet moment where time seems to stop, and it’s okay to simply enjoy the process.
As someone who often shares their work with others, I’ve learned the importance of stepping back and creating purely for joy. When I paint for myself, I let go of expectations. There’s no need to explain my choices or worry about whether the final piece is “good enough” to share. It’s freeing, meditative, and deeply rewarding.
Here’s the thing: not everything we do needs to be monetized or shared online. Sharing art can be wonderful - it connects us, inspires others, and builds communities. But creating in private has its own power. It allows us to explore, make mistakes, and rediscover the pure joy of creativity without external judgment.
The Joy of Letting Go
When we feel the constant pull to document every step of our creative journey, the act of creating can start to feel like work. But when we step away from that mindset, we reconnect with why we started in the first place. Painting, like any creative process, is as much about the experience as the result.
Some of my favourite pieces never made it to social media or my site. They sit quietly in my studio corner, reminding me of the calm I felt while painting them. They’re not “perfect,” but they carry a special meaning - one that only I understand. Some of them I choose to post only on Stories and others I forget to post because quite often I paint just for myself and that`s ok. I love sharing my process and behind-the-scenes of my work, but painting for myself feels so freeing.
Why It Matters?
Painting for yourself isn’t just an indulgence - it’s an investment in your well-being. It’s a way to reconnect with your thoughts, recharge your creative energy, and nurture your love for art. And that joy you feel? It seeps into everything you create, even the pieces you share with the world.
So, the next time you pick up a brush, try it. Leave the camera off. Forget about the likes, the comments, or the need to explain your process. Paint for the simple reason that it makes you happy.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful creations are the ones we make just for ourselves.
With Love,
Rali xx
Have you tried painting only for yourself? How does that feel to you? Let me know in the comments below. I can`t wait to read your feedback.
