Unrealistic expectations

In my earlier observations on artistic talent, I said that there are 4 primary reasons that everyone doesn’t make good art.  One of these reasons is unrealistic expectations (belief in art myths). And one of the most damaging of these myths is that if you are a really good painter, a painting will flow effortlessly from beginning to end.  Anyone who is an accomplished painter will find this thought laughable.  Yes, making art is often exhilarating and flowing, but making art is frequently hard, frustrating work.  If you don’t have the self-discipline and confidence to power through those difficult times, your work will never improve.

The only way to get better at making art is to make art.  It is that simple.

You can read books and magazine articles, watch videos, take workshop after workshop, assemble the finest and most comprehensive range of art materials that money can buy, build a state of the art studio, but until you have done 1000 paintings you won’t be a good painter.  Until you have done 1000 drawings you won’t be good at drawing.  (I just made those numbers up to make my point…….999 paintings might do the job)

The Nike slogan applies here……”JUST DO IT!”