painting and lovemaking: five steps in the art of letting go and embracing life

New Year, New Strokes (of Genius)

Ah, the new year—a time when we convince ourselves that this is finally the year we’ll master a new skill, hit the gym consistently, and drink more water (even though coffee technically contains water). While most people are busy making resolutions about productivity and self-improvement, let’s talk about something that truly matters: painting and lovemaking.

Yes, you read that right. Two of the most intimate, expressive, and downright primal acts of human creativity. Both require passion, spontaneity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. And if you think about it, the best painters and the best lovers have a lot in common—they trust their instincts, they play with form and movement, and most importantly, they know when to let go and get lost in the process.

So grab your brushes (or… ahem, whatever tools are relevant) and let’s explore how painting and lovemaking are deeply connected to creativity, improvisation, and intuition.

1. Creativity: The Art of Making Something Out of Nothing

Both painting and lovemaking are acts of creation, and at their core, they demand a fearless embrace of the unknown. A blank canvas can be as intimidating as an intimate moment—you’re standing before something that has the potential to be extraordinary, but only if you’re willing to take the plunge.

Much like the first stroke of paint on a canvas, the first touch in an intimate encounter sets the tone. Hesitation can lead to stiffness (not the good kind), while confidence and fluidity open the doors to something profound. Creative people—whether in art or in love—understand that perfection is an illusion. What matters is the expression, the movement, the willingness to experiment.

Famed artist Pablo Picasso once said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” The same could be said for passion—it thrives when nurtured, not when overanalyzed.

2. Improvisation: The Magic of Going Off-Script

If you’ve ever watched an improv comedy show, you know that the best moments come from spontaneity. There’s no rigid script—just raw, instinctive reaction. Painting and lovemaking operate in a similar space. The more you try to control every outcome, the less room there is for genuine expression.

In painting, sometimes a happy accident (a misplaced brushstroke or an unexpected color blend) leads to an even more compelling masterpiece. In intimacy, spontaneity is what keeps things alive—whether it’s an unexpected gesture, a playful change of rhythm, or an out-of-nowhere romantic moment.

And let’s be real: nobody likes a mechanical approach to either. Imagine painting with a rigid, by-the-numbers mentality: “Okay, first I place blue here, then I add green at exactly 45 degrees, then I wait three minutes before applying the next color.” Yawn. The same applies to romance—passion needs flow, not a checklist.

In both realms, the real magic happens when you stop overthinking and let yourself react in the moment.

3. Intuition: Feeling Your Way Through the Process

If creativity is about expression and improvisation is about spontaneity, then intuition is about trusting yourself.

A great painter doesn’t analyze every brushstroke before making it—they feel the rhythm, they trust the movement of their hand, and they let the painting guide them. Similarly, the best moments of passion come when you’re tuned into your instincts, rather than trapped in your head, overanalyzing every move.

The trick? Listen. In art, this means listening to the flow of the piece—does the color balance feel right? Does the composition hold together? In intimacy, it means listening to your partner—physically, emotionally, and even in the quiet moments in between.

Intuition thrives on presence. When you’re fully present—whether in front of a canvas or in an intimate moment—you’re no longer bogged down by doubt. You simply are. And that’s when creativity, passion, and true artistry emerge.

ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1962)

4. The Fear of the Blank Canvas (or the Awkward Start)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the fear of getting started. In both painting and intimacy, the first moment can feel daunting. What if you “mess up”? What if it doesn’t turn out the way you imagined?

Here’s the secret: there is no right way to do it.

The first stroke on a canvas isn’t always perfect. The first attempt at any form of expression can feel awkward. But that’s part of the process! If you embrace the awkwardness and keep going, you’ll find your flow.

Many artists talk about the importance of “ruining the canvas” early on—putting something down just to break the tension of a blank space. The same applies to any creative endeavor. Once you’ve made the first move, everything else starts falling into place.

5. The Afterglow: Stepping Back to Appreciate the Creation

Whether you’re finishing a painting or an intimate experience, one thing remains true: stepping back and appreciating what just happened is an important part of the process.

In art, it’s about taking a moment to admire the composition, the colors, and the movement. In lovemaking, it’s about basking in the warmth of connection, the quiet appreciation of something that felt right.

And sometimes, the most beautiful part isn’t the finished product, but the act itself—the brushstrokes, the laughter, the messiness, and the energy that went into it.

As the saying goes, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

Why Creativity, Improv, and Intuition Matter in Everything

ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1967)

At the end of the day, painting and lovemaking aren’t just about technique—they’re about creativity, expression, and connection. Whether you’re standing in front of a blank canvas or facing an intimate moment with someone you trust, the key elements remain the same:

• Creativity brings freshness and excitement.

• Improvisation keeps things dynamic and alive.

• Intuition allows for deeper, more meaningful experiences.

So, as we step into this new year, let’s resolve to be bolder, freer, and more present in every aspect of our creative lives—whether we’re painting, making love, or simply embracing the art of being human.

After all, the best masterpieces—on canvas or in life—are the ones created with heart, soul, and a little bit of playful chaos.

Now go forth and create. Or love. Or both ;) The painting and lovemaking series will be out monthly on Sundays!

P.S. “Cocopuffs and Power Rangers” the series coming out on April 17th ‘2026 (Yayyyyyy)