Why Small Pastel Studies Matter: Build Confidence, Not Perfection

The Little Pieces We Don’t Frame (But Mean Everything)

By Sue Kerrigan-Harris

The little pieces we create in Art Club?
They’re not always meant for frames.
They’re not always finished.
They’re not always shared.
And that’s exactly what makes them special.

They hold something far more powerful than perfection:

• growth

• trust

• creative courage

These tiny studies — a beetle , a sketch, a patch of bark —
they’re not “just practice.”
They are where the real work happens.
Quietly. Gently. One layer at a time.

They remind us:
“You’re learning.”
“You’re improving.”
“You’re becoming the artist you want to be.”

Even when no one else sees them, you know what they mean.
They’re not about the likes.
They’re about the love — the patience, the attention, the showing up.

So if you ever look at your small study and think,
"Well, it’s not good enough to share…"

Please remember, you don’t need to share everything.
You don’t need to frame everything.
You just need to keep going.

These little pieces are the journey.
And they’re leading you to the bigger pieces you'll one day frame with pride. 💛

Keep showing up.
Keep creating.
You're doing beautifully.

Sue x

Ready to build your confidence?

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a place to grow, with kind support and clear guidance.

Inside the Soft Pastel Skills Hub, you’ll find:

• Weekly Art Club sessions

• Short, focused tutorials

• A friendly community of like-minded learners

• Gentle teaching that meets you where you are

👉 Click here to learn more and join us »

Your next pastel might not go in a frame, but it will move you forward.
And that’s something to be proud of.