How Experimenting with New Art Techniques Strengthens Creativity and Faith
Have you ever felt stuck in your creativity—like you’re painting the same thing over and over, or your ideas just won’t flow? I’ve been there. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s something I’ve learned: stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new art techniques doesn’t just refresh my creativity—it also deepens my faith.
I want to share how experimenting with art has helped me grow, both as an artist and in my spiritual journey. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire you to pick up that brush (or palette knife, or whatever tool you’ve been avoiding) and try something new.
What Art and Faith Have in Common
Art and faith actually have a lot in common. Both require patience, trust, and a willingness to let go of control. Creativity isn’t just about skill—it’s about stepping into the unknown, being okay with mistakes, and trusting the process. Sound familiar? That’s basically the life of faith in a nutshell.
What Painting in Layers Taught Me About Patience
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned came from painting in layers.
When I first started working with textured paste, I wanted to rush through it. I’d slap on a layer, barely wait for it to dry, then move on. The problem? Everything blurred together, and I lost the depth that layering was supposed to create.
It took me a while to realize that patience wasn’t just a suggestion—it was part of the process. I had to slow down, let each layer dry, and trust that even when things looked unfinished, they were actually right where they needed to be.
And isn’t that how faith works? Sometimes, we want answers now. We want to see the finished picture of our lives. But God is building something in layers, even when we can’t see it yet.
How to Experiment with New Art Techniques (Without the Fear of Failure)
So how do you actually push past creative blocks and try new things? Here are a few things that have helped me:
Start Small – You don’t have to overhaul your entire style. Pick one new technique—maybe something you’ve always been curious about but never tried. (For me, it was alcohol inks!)
Embrace the Ugly Stage – Every artwork has a phase where it looks like a mess. That’s normal. Keep going.
Pause and Reflect – Instead of rushing to the next step, take a moment to step back. Look at your work. Ask yourself: What’s working? What needs time? (Also, this is a great time to pray or just be still.)
Find the Metaphor – There’s always a lesson hidden in creativity. Maybe working with unpredictable watercolors reminds you to trust God in uncertainty. Maybe sculpting something from clay helps you see how He’s shaping you. Pay attention.
Make It a Habit – The more you experiment, the easier it gets. Creativity and faith both grow when we stretch beyond what’s comfortable.
Encouragement for Artists (and Anyone Feeling Stuck)
If you’re feeling uninspired, don’t be afraid to try something new. You’re not supposed to have it all figured out. Art—just like faith—is a journey.
Maybe the piece you’re working on right now isn’t turning out how you expected. Maybe life isn’t either. But keep going. There’s beauty in the process, even when you can’t see the full picture yet.
Let’s Keep Creating Together
If this resonated with you, I’d love for you to check out my latest video where I try a new technique and talk more about what I’m learning through it.
And hey—have you ever had a moment where art taught you something about faith? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear your story.
Let’s keep making space to create, learn, and grow together. 🎨✨
