Why Your Marks Matter More Than Your Finished Piece
Perfectionism can be one of the biggest obstacles to creating. How many times have you set up your paints or pastels, only to abandon a page because it didn’t look “good enough”? Or maybe you don’t even start because you feel like you need to produce something impressive. The truth is, when it comes to therapeutic art, none of that matters. What matters are your marks—the lines, shapes, textures, and colors you put on the page—and what they reveal about your inner world.
Art as a mirror for your emotions
Every stroke communicates something about your current state, whether you realize it or not. Tight, circular marks might indicate stress or feeling stuck. Jagged lines could point to frustration or racing thoughts. Smooth, flowing marks often signal calm or release. Observing these patterns gives you insight into your emotions and thought processes in a way that words often cannot. It’s a form of self-reflection, a visual map of what’s happening inside.
Artistic expression is a powerful mirror for your inner state of being.
I remember one session when I was feeling overwhelmed with a chaotic schedule. My first marks were sharp and angular, and I was over analyzing and trying to correct things the moment I put them on paper. I realized that my mind was trying to “fix” everything at once. As I continued, my strokes became softer and more open, reflecting a subtle shift in my mental state. That insight alone, seeing my emotions externally, was enough to help me pause, breathe, and adjust my day.
How Internal Landscapes helps you read your marks
Internal Landscapes is built around the principle that your marks are meaningful. The course guides you through exercises designed to help you notice patterns in your shapes, colors, and textures, and reflect on what they reveal. You’ll learn to interpret your visual language for personal insight, emotional clarity, and self-awareness. It’s not about making something beautiful or “correct”; it’s about showing up authentically, observing, and learning from your own expression.
Internal Landscapes is about authentic expression, not making “good” art.
Why imperfection is powerful
One of the most freeing aspects of this work is embracing imperfection. Sometimes your piece will feel unfinished, messy, or even “bad.” That’s okay. In fact, it’s often where the most honest reflection happens. Even in my ‘fine art,” I have a favorite imperfect piece that I’ve never finished or shared. It’s not beautiful in a traditional sense, but it taught me more about myself than some of my polished work ever has. Internal Landscapes encourages that same approach, that you learn and grow through the process, not the product.
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to make your art “perfect” or wondered if your creativity is valid, Internal Landscapes shows you that your marks alone are powerful. The course gives you a framework to explore, reflect, and understand your emotions through visual expression—without judgment, without pressure, and without the need to produce a masterpiece. It’s your personal space to create, notice, and connect with yourself in a way that’s uniquely yours. Learn more here.
