Welcome to our third instalment in this art exploration series! This week, we’re tackling a deeply ingrained challenge that affects not just art but many aspects of life—perfectionism.
Have you ever felt like your work isn’t “good enough”? Have you abandoned projects because they didn’t turn out as perfectly as you imagined? You’re not alone. The human desire for perfection often holds us back from even beginning, let alone enjoying, creative pursuits. But what if we reframe the way we think about imperfection? What if, instead of chasing unrealistic ideals, we celebrated what makes each of us unique?
The Perfectionist Trap
Perfectionism isn’t about wanting to improve—it’s about setting impossibly high standards and feeling like a failure when we don’t meet them. This mindset can stop us from:
Trying new things
Taking creative risks
Enjoying the process of making art
Perfectionism often leads to procrastination, avoidance, and even creative burnout. The fear of making something “bad” can prevent us from making anything at all. But the truth is, imperfection is where the magic happens. Some of the most celebrated artists in history embraced flaws, mistakes, and raw expression to create work that resonates far beyond technical skill.
This brings us to our artist of the week—Egon Schiele.
A Slight Detour from Impressionism
While we have been focusing on Impressionist artists in this series, this week we’re taking a slight detour to explore how imperfection and raw expression can enhance creativity. Egon Schiele, though not an Impressionist in the traditional sense, shares some overlapping themes with the movement. His work builds upon the legacy of Post-Impressionism, a period that evolved from Impressionism but took greater creative liberties with form, colour, and emotion.
Schiele’s art pushes the boundaries of expression by rejecting traditional notions of proportion and beauty, much like how Claude Monet and the Impressionists rejected rigid academic art in favour of capturing fleeting moments and emotions. While the Impressionists focused on light and movement, Schiele focused on human emotion, psychological depth, and the beauty of imperfection—a perfect fit for this week’s theme.
His bold, erratic brushstrokes and exaggerated figures remind us that art is not just about technical perfection—it’s about capturing something real, raw, and emotional. In that sense, Schiele embodies the spirit of Impressionism, if not the visual style.
Seated Woman with Bent Knee (1917) and Claude Monet’s Woman with a Parasol (1875) (Public Domain)
A Brief History of Egon Schiele
Egon Schiele was born in 1890 in Austria and showed artistic talent from a young age. At just 16 years old, he was accepted into the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, an achievement that normally required years of prior experience. However, the strict academic approach didn’t sit well with him, and he left after just three years to explore his own artistic path.
By the age of 20, Schiele had already developed his signature style—exaggerated, angular figures with raw emotional intensity. He quickly gained recognition, largely thanks to the support of his mentor, Gustav Klimt, who admired his daring approach. Klimt even purchased Schiele’s work, introduced him to important patrons, and helped him secure exhibitions.
Notable Achievements
Young Prodigy: Schiele had his first major exhibition at just 21, a rare accomplishment at the time.
Experimental Visionary: His use of expressive linework and distorted forms laid the foundation for later Expressionist movements.
Controversial but Ground-breaking: His unfiltered depictions of the human body led to controversy, including a brief arrest on charges of public immorality—though he was ultimately released.
Legacy Beyond His Years: Schiele tragically died at the young age of 28 during the Spanish flu pandemic, yet his influence on modern art remains profound.
Schiele had an obsessive relationship with self-portraits, producing over 100 within his short lifetime. In many of them, he exaggerated his own facial expressions to the point where they looked almost grotesque, often making himself appear skeletal or unnervingly intense. Some scholars suggest that these were part of his exploration of identity, while others think he simply enjoyed pushing artistic boundaries—perhaps even playing a bit of a joke on traditional portraiture norms! Egon Schiele (1890–1918) was an Austrian painter who broke away from the refined beauty of classical art to embrace the expressive, the exaggerated, and the imperfect. His works, often depicting distorted human figures, rough lines, and unfinished backgrounds, challenged the traditional notions of beauty and technical mastery.
Schiele was influenced by Gustav Klimt and the Post-Impressionists, but he took artistic expression to new extremes. His portraits and figurative work celebrated imperfection, capturing the raw vulnerability of human emotions rather than idealized forms.
Why Schiele’s Art Matters in the Fight Against Perfectionism
Distorted Proportions: Instead of focusing on anatomical accuracy, Schiele exaggerated and contorted bodies to emphasize emotion over realism.
Unfinished Quality: Many of his drawings appear incomplete, showing that raw, unpolished work can still hold great artistic power.
Expressive Linework: His jagged, erratic lines convey movement and tension, proving that art doesn’t need to be smooth or controlled to be impactful.
Schiele’s work reminds us that art is not about perfection—it’s about expression. His pieces are full of life, emotion, and a defiant rejection of traditional ideals.
Lovers (Self-Portrait with Wally) (1914), Kneeling Female in Orange-Red Dress (1910), Standing Woman in Red (1913), Portrait of Wally Neuzil (1912) - Public Domain
Artist Feature: Egon Schiele – The Power of Raw Expression
Techniques Used by Egon Schiele
Egon Schiele’s work is instantly recognisable due to his expressive, almost frantic style. His techniques were deeply influenced by his emotions and desire to capture the essence of human experience rather than an idealized version of reality. Below are some key techniques he used in his art:
1. Expressive Linework
Schiele’s use of jagged, erratic lines was one of his most defining characteristics. Instead of smooth, controlled strokes, he let his hand move freely, creating raw, spontaneous forms. 📌 Why It Matters: This technique gave his work an emotional intensity, making his figures feel alive and full of energy.
2. Distorted and Exaggerated Forms
Unlike traditional portraiture, Schiele stretched and contorted body parts to amplify psychological depth. He often made arms and legs unnaturally long or faces asymmetrical. 📌 Why It Matters: These distortions weren’t mistakes—they were intentional choices to evoke deeper emotions.
3. Unfinished Aesthetic
Many of Schiele’s drawings and paintings appear incomplete, with parts of the composition left blank or only roughly sketched. He would leave entire areas of a figure unshaded, creating an unfinished, almost fragile quality. 📌 Why It Matters: This method emphasizes movement and imperfection, reinforcing the idea that raw expression is more important than technical ‘perfection.’
4. Limited, Muted Colour Palettes
While Impressionists were known for vibrant, blended colours, Schiele often worked with a restrained palette of earthy tones, using bold contrasts to heighten emotion. 📌 Why It Matters: This made his work feel more intense and intimate, focusing attention on the figure’s emotion rather than decorative elements.
5. Use of Negative Space
Schiele often used empty space as part of his compositions rather than filling the background with detail. His figures frequently stand out against stark, plain backgrounds. 📌 Why It Matters: This technique makes the subject the absolute focal point, drawing the viewer’s attention entirely to the emotional expression of the figure.
By breaking artistic conventions and embracing imperfection, Schiele created work that continues to inspire artists today. His techniques remind us that true artistry comes from authenticity, raw expression, and emotional depth—not from striving for technical perfection.
The Science Behind Perfectionism: Why We Struggle and How to Overcome It
Perfectionism is more than just a mindset—it has deep psychological and even biological roots. Scientists debate whether perfectionism is a product of nature (genetics, brain wiring) or nurture (upbringing, environment, societal expectations). The answer? It’s likely both.
Nature vs. Nurture: Why Some People Are Wired for Perfectionism
Studies suggest that perfectionism can be influenced by genetics, meaning some individuals are biologically more prone to perfectionist tendencies. Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD or autism, often experience heightened perfectionism because their brains process expectations and self-criticism differently.
However, upbringing and societal expectations also play a massive role. Parents who unintentionally reinforce the idea that achievement equals self-worth—or even those who simply have high expectations—can contribute to a perfectionist mindset in their children. Even if parents take a relaxed, encouraging approach, external factors (school, social media, peers) can still instil the belief that mistakes are failures.
Personal Perspective: When Perfectionism Develops Despite Best Efforts
Many parents actively work to prevent perfectionism in their children—avoiding the word ‘perfect,’ allowing mistakes, and encouraging effort over results—yet some children still develop a strong need to be perfect. This is often linked to neurodivergence.
For example, my eldest child struggles with perfectionism, despite my best efforts to foster a growth mindset. I never let her win at everything, never set impossible standards, and always emphasized learning over perfection. Yet, she still experiences an intense internal drive to be ‘perfect,’ and when things don’t go exactly right, it can be emotionally overwhelming for her. This highlights how perfectionism isn’t just about environment—it can be an inherent part of how someone’s brain is wired.
Go Easy on Yourself (and Your Kids, Too!)
Perfectionism is a tough habit to break, but let’s not be too hard on ourselves if we find it creeping in—or if our children struggle with it, too. The truth is, perfectionism often stems from a deep desire to do well, and that in itself is not a bad thing! It just needs a little redirection.
As the saying goes, “Done is better than perfect.” Or my personal favourite: “The reason a pencil has an eraser is because no one’s perfect.”
Even some of the greatest artists struggled with self-doubt—Leonardo da Vinci reportedly never finished several of his paintings because he kept trying to ‘perfect’ them. So, if you’ve ever abandoned a drawing because it wasn’t quite right, congratulations—you’re in legendary company!
The key is to reframe perfectionism as passion rather than pressure. If your child insists on getting everything ‘just right,’ remind them that every masterpiece started as a rough sketch. And if you, as an adult, feel trapped by the need to be perfect, give yourself permission to make gloriously messy, joyful mistakes. After all, art (and life) is much more fun that way! If perfectionism has been ingrained in you since childhood, it can be hard to shake. However, research shows that we can actively rewire our thinking by practicing new habits. Here’s what can help:
1. Shift Focus from Outcome to Process
🔹 What We Do: Perfectionists obsess over the finished product, fearing that mistakes will make it worthless.
🔹 What to try: Start valuing the experience over the result. Try painting or drawing without the goal of making something “good.” Just create for the sake of it.
2. Challenge the Inner Critic
🔹 What We Do: Perfectionists engage in harsh self-talk (“This is terrible, I’m not talented”).
🔹 What to try: Speak to yourself like you would a child learning something new. Replace “I’m awful at this” with “I’m learning, and that’s valuable.”
3. Celebrate Mistakes as Part of Growth
🔹 What We Do: Perfectionists see mistakes as proof of failure.
🔹 What to try: Actively celebrate “happy accidents” in your creative work. Some of the best artistic discoveries come from mistakes.
4. Reframe Perfection as a Barrier, Not a Goal
🔹 What We Do: Perfectionists believe that striving for perfection is the key to success.
🔹 What to try: Understand that perfection is an illusion—it’s not attainable, and even if it were, it wouldn’t necessarily make the work more meaningful.
5. Use Art as a Tool for Letting Go
🔹 What We Do: Perfectionists fear trying new things because they might fail.
🔹 What to try: Engage in an art challenge designed specifically to be imperfect (like this week’s Egon Schiele challenge!). Use messy lines, embrace distortion, and intentionally create something ‘wrong.’ Over time, this rewires the brain to accept imperfection as a natural part of creativity and life.
Modern research shows that perfectionism can be damaging to both mental health and creative output. Studies suggest that:
Perfectionism is linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (Stoeber & Otto, 2006).
People who embrace imperfection and allow themselves to make mistakes show greater creative flexibility and problem-solving skills (Dweck, 2017).
Creative expression itself is linked to reducing perfectionist tendencies, helping individuals let go of control and embrace spontaneity (Flett & Hewitt, 2002).
When we remove the fear of failure, we allow ourselves to experiment, grow, and develop our artistic voice.
Try It Yourself: An Imperfect Art Challenge
This week, let’s take inspiration from Egon Schiele’s raw, expressive style. The goal is not to make something ‘beautiful’—it’s to embrace imperfection and let go of control.
Challenge Instructions:
Use fast, exaggerated lines: Sketch a figure or a self-portrait without worrying about accuracy.
Distort something on purpose: Stretch or contort a feature—make arms too long, hands too large, or faces asymmetrical.
Leave parts unfinished: Let some areas remain as raw lines or unpainted sections.
Use bold, expressive strokes: If using paint, apply it quickly and with energy rather than precise control.
📸 Submit Your Artwork: Share your creations before the next blog is published to be entered into a draw to win a little something from me! By submitting your images, you agree to allow me to share them on this blog or social media. Your name doesn’t have to be included unless you’d like it to be.
Jargon Buster: Art Terms in Plain English
Post-Impressionism – A movement that evolved from Impressionism, focusing on emotional expression rather than capturing light realistically.
Distorted Proportions – When body parts or objects are stretched, shrunk, or exaggerated to emphasize mood or emotion.
Expressive Linework – A style where lines are jagged, energetic, or uneven to add emotion rather than being perfectly smooth.
Unfinished Quality – When an artwork intentionally looks incomplete to highlight raw expression and spontaneity.
How My Art Classes Can Help You Break Free from Perfectionism
If you struggle with perfectionism and want to explore art in a way that embraces imperfection, my online and in-person art classes are a fantastic way to do just that! I guide students through techniques that encourage freedom, experimentation, and creative confidence, helping you discover your own unique artistic style without the pressure of perfection.
🎨 What You’ll Gain in My Classes:
A welcoming, judgment-free space to create.
Techniques to loosen up and embrace expressive mark-making.
Guidance in finding your own artistic voice rather than chasing ‘perfect’ outcomes.
Encouragement to enjoy the process rather than stress over the result.
I’ve helped so many students—whether beginners or experienced artists—let go of self-doubt and find joy in making art again. If that sounds like something you need, I’d love to welcome you to one of my sessions! 🌻✨
Final Thoughts: The Celebration of Imperfection
Art teaches us something powerful—that imperfection is not failure, it is authenticity. Some of the most striking, emotional, and memorable works in history are those that dared to break the rules and embrace imperfection.
So next time you find yourself frustrated because your art doesn’t look the way you expected, remember: there is beauty in imperfection. Keep creating, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep allowing yourself to be human. Progress not perfection.
Latest Episode of Landscape Artist of the Year
The latest episode of Landscape Artist of the Year 2025 took place in the breath-taking foothills of Snowdon, Wales, where contestants were challenged to capture the rugged beauty of the landscape in their own unique styles. The competition showcased a variety of artistic approaches, each revealing how differently artists perceive and interpret the same scene.
Artistic Styles Featured in This Week’s Episode
Realism: Some artists focused on extreme precision, replicating the scene as accurately as possible with fine details and careful shading.
Abstract Expressionism: A few contestants took a more emotional, intuitive approach, using bold colours and fluid forms to capture the essence of the location.
Impressionism: While not dominant this week, there were hints of Impressionist techniques—some artists embraced loose brushstrokes, vibrant colour palettes, and atmospheric light to convey movement and feeling rather than photographic accuracy.
This variety highlights one of the most valuable lessons for artists: there is no single ‘correct’ way to depict the world. Whether through realism, abstraction, or impressionistic techniques, each interpretation offers a new way of seeing.
This Week’s Winner
The winner of this episode stood out for their ability to balance expressive movement with structured composition. Their work captured the unique atmosphere of Snowdon’s landscape, blending vivid colour contrasts with soft, shifting light. The judges praised their use of texture and perspective, which gave the piece depth and a sense of life beyond the canvas.
By watching shows like Landscape Artist of the Year, we can observe how different artistic movements influence contemporary artists and how Impressionist-inspired techniques continue to shape modern landscape painting.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll return to Impressionism, but in the meantime, enjoy creating, embrace the beauty of imperfection, and let go of the need for perfectionism. 🎨✨
Let’s celebrate imperfection together! Happy painting!
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