The Ugly Stage episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 15 MIN

The Ugly Stage

from Beyond the Pigment and Paper

Every artist knows the ugly stage — that moment six hours in when your piece looks like a disaster and your brain is begging you to start over. In this premiere episode, I’m sharing the colored pencil portrait that almost ended up in the trash, why the ugly stage is really just the middle of making something real, and what happens when you stop quitting at layer eight. If you’ve ever wanted to throw your art across the room, this one’s for you. Spoiler: the piece came together. They usually do.

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The Ugly Stage

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How long is this episode of Beyond the Pigment and Paper?

This episode is 15 minutes long.

When was this Beyond the Pigment and Paper episode published?

This episode was published on April 8, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Every artist knows the ugly stage — that moment six hours in when your piece looks like a disaster and your brain is begging you to start over. In this premiere episode, I’m sharing the colored pencil portrait that almost ended up in the trash, why...

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