Nadine J Walters – My Life

My Question Today: What Are You Learning?

My Answer: Today, I am learning that pursuing something meaningful is hard. I don’t know if it’s because of my age and circumstances or simply because of who I am, but I’m finding it challenging to stay the course in my artistic journey.

I consider myself artistic, and I love to learn, yet sticking to a structured schedule that fosters improvement has been elusive. My creative process feels scattered—I start projects with enthusiasm, but completing them is a different story. I begin, I think, I act—but I don’t consistently follow through to the finish line. And it’s driving me crazy!

Take, for example, a mixed-media portrait course I started. The goal was to create three large likeness portraits and six smaller ones. I started strong, completing one large piece, and I still hope to finish three more. But the course ended three weeks ago, and instead of making progress, I’ve been moving my work around the house, thinking about it, making a few marks here and there—but not truly finishing. If I’m honest, I think I’m afraid to complete them. And this isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a recurring pattern in my creative life.

So, what am I learning? I’m learning that without external expectations, I procrastinate. I’m learning that if I truly want to grow as an artist, I need to hold myself to a higher standard. Skill development doesn’t happen by accident—I need to set realistic goals, create a structured timeline, and most importantly, follow through.

What will I do about it? I will create that timeline. I will hold myself accountable. I will remind myself that I am responsible for my own progress. The art won’t finish itself, and neither will my dreams. It’s time to step up, commit, and make it happen.