Do you ever doubt your own creativity?
Ever wonder if in fact you are artistic at all? Well, wonder no more, Creative Soul.
Here’s how to tell.
I am lucky enough to hear from painters all the time - my students write to me often, and I love that! What I now know is that when it comes to painting and creativity, we really do all share the same doubts and concerns about our artistic abilities.
You would be surprised at how many times I hear people tell me things like...
I’m not an artist, but here’s what I painted today
So what is an artist exactly?
And why are we so reluctant to claim the title?
Even if we don’t want to be so bold as to claim the title we are also reluctant to even claim the character trait.
A lovely student wrote to me once and said, “I am not artistic but the last few paintings I did made me so happy.”
Well, I don’t think I can think of a better definition for being artistic than that.
If painting makes you happy you are an artist.
If you paint or draw something, you are an artist.
That’s all it takes.
Make art and you are an artist.
Not make ‘good’ art… whatever that may mean. Just art.
See, that’s where I think we get ourselves in a pickle.
When we say things like I am not an artist, we really mean I am not an accomplished world renowned artist. That is something entirely different. It is based on other people’s opinion, impressive marketing and a raft of other factors that really have nothing to do with the basic need to indulge in a little creative expression.
You don’t need to be good at art to call yourself an artist.
Good is completely subjective.
Think of all the famous paintings you can see in a gallery or museum. I bet there are some that do indeed make you gasp in awe.
But aren’t there also some that are utterly bemusing and even some that make you snigger a little and wonder what on earth goes on in the mind of the art critic?
Art offers something for everyone.
Let’s not forget that there are so many reasons for making art. Some people might have a message that they want to share, a statement to make. They might be making art for an audience but that is only one reason.
You and you alone can be the audience you paint for.
You have every right to paint if you fancy doing so and you don’t have to show it to a single soul if you don't want to.
There are probably an infinite number of other reasons for making art, not least of which is my personal favourite… because it’s fun.
You don’t need a lofty reason, natural talent or finely honed skill to be an artist.
All you need is the slightest urge to pick up a brush, pen or stick of charcoal.
Being artistic is about what you do, not what you are. Think on it as a verb, not a label.
So go ahead, pick up those art supplies because you are, without doubt, an artist.
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