When Things Go Wrong — And Why That’s Okay

It’s funny how quick this Friday has come around, isn’t it? The week’s just flown by. The air’s a bit cooler today — that kind of overcast stillness that makes a studio feel like the best place to be. So, grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s have a bit of a chat about something we all face from time to time… when things go wrong in our art.

You know those days — you sit down full of good intentions, the sketch looks promising, and then suddenly it starts to drift. The shading doesn’t sit right, or the proportions feel off. It happens to every one of us. Honestly, it’s part of the process — and, if you let it be, it’s where a lot of growth happens.

Studies First, Always

That’s one of the main reasons I do studies before the final portrait. A study gives you freedom — space to play, to experiment, and yes, to make mistakes. It’s your chance to find out what works and what doesn’t before committing to the real piece.

When you move on to the main work, you’re already armed with that knowledge. You’re not hoping it’ll go right — you’ve tested it, you’ve felt it, and you know what to expect.

The Right Paper Makes All the Difference

Another thing that often makes or breaks a piece is the paper. Not all paper suits all artists — or even all moods.

Take my current portrait of Garreth, for instance. I started it on Bristol board, thinking the smooth surface would be perfect for fine charcoal detail. But it just didn’t feel right — too slippery, no grip. I like the paper to bite back a little. So, the final version will be done on Clairefontaine 180gsm, the same as I used for Blu’s portrait. That paper has a lovely texture — just enough tooth to catch the charcoal and let me build those deeper tones and natural textures that make a face come alive.

So if you’re ever struggling, don’t think it’s all down to you — sometimes it’s just the paper. Try a few different types until you find one that feels like home.

When Mistakes Happen

And when they do — because they always do — don’t throw the paper out. Honestly, that’s one of the worst habits we can get into.

First and foremost, that page is something to reflect on. It’s a snapshot of your progress, your thought process, and your learning. You might find, a week later, that there’s something quite beautiful in what you once saw as a mistake.

And remember — most paper has two sides. You might not have used the whole sheet either. So keep it. Reflect on it. Then turn it over and use it again. There’s a quiet kind of poetry in reusing a page — it carries a history of where you’ve been as an artist.

The Bottom Line

Every artist has those moments where things go wrong — but that’s where the real learning happens. Whether it’s about changing paper, adjusting your tools, or simply taking a step back and starting fresh, it’s all part of the creative rhythm.

So as you sit there today, maybe with a coffee in hand and that gentle autumn chill outside, remember — you’re not failing when it goes wrong. You’re finding your way forward.

So, as the damper days are setting in, lets keep creating. Not because we have to, but because we can. Until next time.