The multiple powers of art are many. The powers of consideration, of innovation, of beauty, of individual expression, of collective reflection, and many more. Yet, in the New Year of 2026, perhaps no artistic power will come to our rescue like the power of adjustment.
Art by Rick Utt
As any artist will tell you, the process of creation, of art, holds great wisdom. When we remain open to making adjustments we tap into a great super power. For very few artists does the oil paint, the acrylic, the pencil, the watercolor, or the ink fall into exactly the perfect place on initial stroke of the brush or mark of the drawing implement.
Art by Laura Moe
The artist in process learns to adjust value, color temperature, composition, one’s intentional marks on the canvas. The artistic process mimics other life processes in that way. In life, very rarely do new ideas or paths unfold seamlessly. We can be confused about how to move forward, how to begin something new.
That’s why the gift of adjustment can be an artist’s greatest tool for success. It allows an artist to pay attention to what they already know of their particular art process and to play with new techniques, new ideas, and new ways of approaching art, while giving oneself permission to make mistakes knowing adjustments are possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect out of the gate, because the artist can adjust, adjust, adjust until the art reflects intention.
Art by Stu Hitchner
This goes counter to the lie that so much of society still perpetuates – that there are perfect steps to get the ideal life, relationship, career, or health. It’s a lie because every person, each artist, has instincts and preferences that come into play. One artist’s path to successful art will look different from another artistic path. One’s influences, teachers and art community feedback all come into play. Our own artistic practices inform outcome.
That’s why having a place to create art, a place that allows one to be part of a supportive community like Artworks is so important. It fosters regular practice, learning and play that can be integrated into our art. It fosters an atmosphere of reflection and adjustment.
When we allow adjustments to be a natural part of the artistic process, then Art can be more of an adventure, a playing field of unique expression responding to specific interior inclinations and outer opportunities.
As artists, when we show up with flexibility and with the mindset of allowing magic to show up, then we reduce frustration and embrace play. Then we step into life with more creative confidence.
Life never stops being a canvas for learning adjustments. When we accept the adjustments, we are in flow with our own creative art process, as well as the greater process of life.https://artworks-edmonds.org/embrace-the-2026-art-theme-adjustment/