Whne I was younger, I enjoyed drawing, but after a major loss of vision, I no longer draw. I was never really talented, but it did help me relax and cetered me.

With OCD elements we all share drying time is the WORST for me! If one has a spacious studio or shop and can keep three or more pieces going simultaneously it probably helps?

When I was in highschool I was really into drawing and painting and could loose myself doing it for hours until I discovered the guitar. Then I could express myself in the moment and very spontaneousily. I eventually lost the patience for drawing and painting and now I play the ukulele as my creative outlet. Also, I can make music with others and it can be a social activity, whereas drawing and painting was usually a solitary acivity unless it involved painting a large mural on a wall.

As for resources, in the age of the internet, it seems boundless. YouTube alone has numerous how-to videos. Pinterest and Instagram can provide an almost infinite stream of inspiration. And if you do not have a Micheal's nearby, Amazon has all ofthe supplies you would need. A good tablet with a stylus can emmulate numerous media without the mess.

Exactly my experience with painting. Stressful, because I can't quite create what I'm trying to do. But I enjoy the creativity & process. I'll attach one of mine.

I love to paint and lack "real talent" for sure. I bought some more supplies several months ago with the intention of committing rainy days to the canvas. I have not started anything yet. I hang a blank canvas up and wait for the inspiration. Show us some of your art, if you'd like, I'd love to see it!

I'm glad to hear you can 'leave it and go back to it' Brandon. Perfectionism can get in the way of many things, as I'm sure you're aware of. As an artist, I learned to 'see' more clearly when I could let go of my expectations, and allow the (painting, drawing, etc.) be the expression it wants to be - allowing your inner creative drive to 'be the artist', if you will. This is the freedom noted by others, in my opinion. It is and can be surprising, exciting, happy, etc. Let your self go - You can always make another one.

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Frustration is a part of creativity. I was once an artist. It used to relieve stress for me but I have so much on my plate presently. My hands shake too much these days, (Damn you tequila!) I bought supplies and attempted it but I couldn't make it happen so I gave the supplies to a family member and I give tips when I can. At least I still appreciate.

I think the artist is generally the most critical person of their own work...
I usually try to make a thing 'better' until I completely futz them up. Stopping is my biggest issue.

Art should 'free' you bro. As an artist, I DO understand the stress part, if you allow it it can accupy every step. Wanting to create, creating, finishing, selling...don't let it. Not only do I draw and paint (self taught) I am a professional chef and drummer, both amazing 'arts' in their own right and I also am a perfectionist, but to a limit.

Let me quote Andy Warhol, "Create art, when people are trying to figure out if it's good or not, create more art."

Here is my main site, may something inspire you brother, www.drewshourdart.com

The only painting I do is with a roller.

I'd check out Painting From The Source by Aviva Gold. Helped me get out of my own way. I love to paint and draw and have issues with my "inner critic," too.

I get completely lost in my art and never get stressed really. I do have to feel like it though.

Absolutely. I enjoy creating, but sometimes the process weighs me down. Wanting perfection early in the process is what stresses me out the most.

I was good at painting once. I was rather proud of it. (Yes, just one painting!) Recently I tried again and always get stuck in the same theme that doesn't resemble anything. I wish you luck!

I sculpt and I'm a better sculpter than painter. I agree that it is relaxing and something I like about it is that at least with what I use, if you don't like it you can adjust it until it is perfect the way you wanted it. I use a medium where I can both add clay and remove it.

I eventually want to work with stone but stone is purely deductive sculpting. When you take pieces off you can't just readjust and add some back on. You have to be really good the first time and that intimidates me but also what I would need to sacrifice if I want a beautiful stone sculpture that lasts a long time.

I have found the community on deviantart to be both supportive and fun. You'll find some professionals on there as well as amateurs at the level where you are and share some skills and support each others work. A lot of artists there do tutorials or have links to youtube where they do tutorials of their process.

It is nice that what makes you happy is what you are pursuing at the end of the day is not the end product but the journey and the experience you are going through your painting and being happy

I used to draw a lot as a teenager. I don't paint very well though. I have gotten out of drawing as an adult. I used to draw all the time, now I don't draw at all.

Sure..just follow your bliss; paint or draw what you feel.