1. Believe in yourself.
2. Call yourself an artist.
3. Have a passion for it. If it’s optional, don’t do it.
4. Don’t judge your work.
5. Do something to advance your art every day.
6. Don’t listen to others’ ideas of what you should do.
7. Make art out of desire, not discipline.
8. Know it’s okay if it isn’t fun.
9. Put your art on your calendar.
10. Just Begin. Do it now. What are you waiting for?
Love to you all,
Jeane
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I love your tips! I am an art student again thirty years removed from the first time I was an art student. I am learning and remembering. You are a gentle reminder and inspiration. Thank you.
I’m so glad you find the tips useful. And I’m THRILLED that you have come back to art! I’m grateful to be a support in any way I can be. Enjoy your experience!
What? Don’t listen to others? What kind of advice is that?
You edited that. I said don’t listen to others’ ideas of what you SHOULD do. As artists, everything we have to give is the truth that’s in us–the art we’re meant to make. Too often people listen to a teacher, a gallery owner, a market, and create what others believe they should create. It’s hard to find your way when you don’t listen to your own heart.
Thank You for your simple, yet very helpful advice and tips. I am an artist who is presently in a bit of a rut….coming upon your website through Facebook has already help lift my “block”….many thanks for your beautiful inspiration.
I’m so happy that this post was able to help. And I really appreciate you letting me know. It’s why I write the blog and notes like yours inspire ME.
Tomorrow I’m starting to paint again after not painting for a couple of months. I’ll admit to feeling some trepidation. Hearing from you reminds me that I’m not alone in this. It’s a challenge for every single one of us sometimes.
Really good tips. I have just got myself a studio space(having had no space to paint) and am meditiating on the process. What do you mean by “know its okay if it isnt fun” ? – could you explain that alittle. Thanks again. great website 🙂
Hi Jim–Congratulations on the studio space. That’s a good step.
Many, many people, even some professional artists among them, have the idea that making art is supposed to be “fun.” Certainly non-artists have that idea. But painting, for me, has never been. It’s deep, challenging soul work. While it may be extremely satisfying some of the time, nurturing and fulfilling, it really isn’t what I could ever call fun. I used to have a teaching studio in Utah, teaching mainly adults–some very talented artists. Most of them thought art should be fun and that something was wrong with them if it wasn’t. I had one student who often said that if art isn’t FUN, you weren’t meant to be an artist. I’ve come to see it as almost a form of bigotry, along with many other misconceptions about art and artists.
Through the centuries, people have always tried to “contain” art and artists–telling us what is, writing Canons, coming up with categories and names, making whole long lists of what we are and aren’t supposed to do to be a good artist or a REAL artist. I really think that the job of an artist is to find our own truths, our own points of view and live them well, and fiercely when necessary. I’ve often said we have to fight for our art. Part of that is to retain our right to let our art-making be what it is to us. My art is not fun to make. That doesn’t make me less of an artist.
So, you see, it’s okay if it isn’t fun.
So glad you’re liking the blog. Thanks for the interesting question.
Jeane
Such a small post, but I needed it! I’ve recently discovered a passion for sculpting, but I’m struggling to call myself an artist because I don’t have any formal training (nor the means to get it right now). Your blog is inspiring, and seeing that accomplished artists doubt themselves sometimes as well makes me feel so much better! I WILL call myself an artist everyday for now on. Thank you!
I’m so happy, Bele, that you’ve found something of support in this post. Thank you for letting me know. And just so you know, many of the most famous artists never had formal training–and formal training can completely RUIN some artists–so don’t worry about that. Just continue to pursue your recently discovered passion. I’m thrilled that you are now calling yourself an artist. It is a huge and important step, I believe. Another version of, “Build it and they will come…” My very best to you as you step into discovery.