Painting is not just for Art school graduates

Do you like the idea of painting but feel you can’t get round to figuring out where exactly to start? Do you want to paint? Do you ever wonder if you could paint? Do you desire to create art but think you need to be an art school graduate? Painting and creating art is not just for art school graduates.

Many of us get the misconception that to be an artist....a successful one at that needs a certificate of some sort.

I feel the above notion is wrong. I believe the best way to start is by defining what painting is:

"Painting is simply the
act of creating paintings."

A painting on its own is a work of art that consists of paint on a surface in the form of a picture or design. Painting is easy but yet complicated. It would not be fair giving you the impression painting is all too easy.

There’s no doubt painting has its highs and lows. Painting like anything creative which involves the use of one’s mind, fingers and sometimes one’s soul; uplifts the soul and adds purpose to one’s life. But like in all of life’s endeavours; hard work, courage and belief in oneself is the key.

You have to believe in yourself. That is probably the most important step when it comes to painting. Yeah, there are people who have got the talent. But you will be amazed at the number of people who are particularly gifted in art and possess the talent but simply cannot put their talent to the test. This tells you that having the talent for painting is one thing and having the guts and confidence to put it to the test is another thing.

I discovered I had the talent for the arts rather early in life. And thankfully I never wallowed in the fact I had the talent but went further with courage to develop it and have been pushing myself further and further in my quest to develop it. Sometimes I feel really discouraged.

Check out these amazing books on painting!!

A lot of times I feel my paintings are not really worth the while. I guess if I had had some form of formal art training, I would feel a lot more confident. But the amazing thing about it all is I have gotten to that point where I have realized there’s no difference in the quality of a painting produced by a formally trained artist and one who has basically learnt on the canvas. In my opinion, I feel the truly talented artists produce paintings that belong in a world of their own while most artists with a formal training tend to paint in the same way and lack individuality.

The art of painting is one area where practice clearly makes perfect. One thing that has brought me this far, aside from the grace of God is the belief I have in myself. I believe I can excel in whatever it is I set my mind on. The mere fact that I have such strong belief in myself seems to release some sort of energy that keeps propelling me down the path I have chosen................to paint my heart out and to reach out to the world around me through my artworks and paintings.

Painting is not just for art school graduates but for whoever makes up his/her mind to learn and to keep learning. If there is one statement I have heard so much it is this “I wish I could paint” or “I wish I could do what you do”. But when I say you can, I always get the reply “Oh I could never paint” or ”I could never be an artist”.

That to me is a load of negativism and so long as one has such a thought pattern, he/she would definitely not be an artist or be able to paint. For you to be able to rip the full benefits of being creative and of painting or of creating art; you simply need to believe in yourself. And to believe in yourself, you need to start by reshaping your thought patterns. You have to make up your mind you can do it.

Learning to paint is a richly rewarding and versatile skill which once mastered, can be a source of endless pleasure and satisfaction. Everyone is a born artist. The art of painting is not reserved only for those who have been taught. It is for those who are determined to paint.

I hope you would have the courage to pick up your brush and start today. Believe me once you make up your mind, you would surely experience the beauty, peace and contentment that flows from painting or producing a work of art.

All the very best. Always remember your limits can only be set by you.

See also:

How to paint the sky; The sky is the most exciting part of a landscape and painting it can be very challenging. To be able to paint the sky you have to be bold and daring. You have to be free to break away from the norm of blue and white. Free to explore.
: Painting Surfaces or Supports; A Painting surface or support is the surface on which paint is applied. There are many types depending on the kind of painting media you have chosen to use.
: What you need to start your first painting; Starting your first painting can be very daunting especially when you do not know what you need. There are so many things you can use but the basic requirements are quite easy to come by.
: Tips on how to use Acrylic paint; Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile paints in the market and can be used on any surface that is oil and wax free. Unlike using Oil paint, for you to use Acrylic paint effectively and to get the best out of it you need some tips to guide you.

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