"But I Can Hardly Draw a Stick Figure"

2014

2017

 I taught art in various mediums for nearly a decade, and the most common remark from beginners was that they “could hardly draw a stick figure.”

I'm writing this to all of you who think art is only for those who are “naturally inclined.”

I used to send my husband, Richard, drawings when he was in the army (around 2001). He tells me now that he is “glad I kept working at it, because they were terrible.  Not "terrible" with quotes around it.  Terrible.  Capital T.  And they were.

Artmaking is like running- if you like it enough, you push through the pain.  A marathon runner begins with just one mile the first time out.  They don’t just decide one day that they’re going to “try a marathon” after never having run before. You have to develop the tenacity. You have to develop the muscle memory.  You have to enjoy the process enough to see through the times you realize you have a lot to learn.  

If you don't like the process enough to push through- it's just "not for you."  Just like you may enjoy cycling more than running.  It's not that you're lacking some sort of magical artistic ability that people are "just born with."  Hell, you may be amazing at accounting, but the thought crunching numbers all day makes your stomach turn.

With painting- If you like the small kernels of learning, you learn a little more each time you sit at a canvas. And you’re going to make more “bad” paintings than “successful” ones, I assure you. It’s that way with everyone, no matter what level. 

Work work work, and you’ll get results.