- I’m not good enough
- I’m too old
- I don’t have time
- I don’t know how
- I cant afford it
- I don’t have the space
- There’s no one to buy it
- I don’t know what to make
- Other people need me
- My dog ate my paintbrush
Not good enough
Practice makes perfect. But who wants to be perfect? You may be judging yourself too harshly. If you sit on a busy street and people watch, you will see how vastly different each individual is. This also goes to ones taste in art. Not everyone will like what you create, but someone will! And if you have gained something by creating it, be it self satisfaction, a pay check, or just relieved some stress, your on the right path.
Too old
"Grandma" Moses, Anna Mary Robertson was in her 70s when she started
Painting. This self-taught artist, became one of the most famous American folk artists of the 20th century and continued painting in her 90s.
Andrea Bocelli didn't start singing opera seriously until the age of 34. Some 'experts' told him it was too late to begin.
Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man, was 43 when he began drawing his legendary superheroes and his partner Jack Kirby was 44 when he created The Fantastic Four.
Elizabeth Jolley had her first novel published at the age of 56. In one year alone she received 39 rejection letters but finally had 15 novels and four short story collections published to great success.
Mary Wesley was 71 when her first novel was published.
Harlan Sanders, the Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, was 66 when he began.
Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing as a columnist in her 40s. The popular Little House books were written and published when she was in her 60's.
Phyliss Diller became a comedian at the age of 37. She was told by many club owners that she was "too old" to become a success.
Julia Child didn't even learn to cook until she was almost 40 and didn't launch her popular show until she was 50.
No time
As they say, there is no time like the present. If you think art is a priority, you will find the time. Even if it means losing some beauty sleep, missing your favorite tv show or shutting down the computer. Art take commitment. But with any good thing, its worth it.
Don’t know how
Learn. Take a class. Get a mentor. A lot can be learned by just asking, “How did you do that?” Books. Remember those things with the paper pages? There are still libraries open for your pleasure. When in doubt, Google it! How to_
Cant afford it
Look around at what you may already have. Most have a pencil and paper. I launched my ideas with a paint set that I got for Christmas and some paint brushed that I got from a thrift store. I brainstormed noodle art, twig art, and even garbage art.
There are grants. You can take out a loan. You can call your rich Aunt Betty.
There is was this movie that keeps going through my head. It wasn’t even a good one. It was down right depressing but inspiring still the same. It stars Jane Fonda. Its called “The Doll Maker.”
She was a dirt poor destitute woman that carved an old log…made a masterpiece, then chopped it into pieces and made dolls that sold. Sorry to ruin the ending but that was about the whole movie. Ugh! Anyways, she made something out of nothing. Art out of desperation. Inspiring!
Space
If your organized, your lap can be sufficient. Its where I began. Then I moved to the coffee table then to the kitchen counter.
Weather permitting, outside is grand.
No buyers
Expose yourself. Well, not literally! But that might help sales. Get out there and show them what you’ve got. Yard art, demos,
approach galleries, online sales, art shows, show everyone that you know. If your town has no recourses to sell you, travel!
What to make
This may come naturally in time. Do what you love and as your free yourself from the restrictions of worry it will come. The more you do, the more free you become. Relax and enjoy it. Some express art in baking, some in dance, just be yourself and stay in the now.
Others need me
Its nice to be needed, but being true to yourself will give them more to love.
It may be hard for the selfless type to indulge in what some consider just play time.
But if you are an artist then you must be an artist. Make time for it. Learn to say no sometimes.
My dog ate my paintbrush
Dip dogs tail in paint and back his hind end up to the canvas. Make him pay off his debt.
Do NOT personally attempt this with your new paint brush! It might sell, but I think it is far too dangerous.
