I had realized something recently- and it’s taken me a long
time to come to this conclusion… but if anything, it’s this: Art is more than
the final result. You must ENJOY the method.
You have to like the act of actually doing it! The art is
secondary to the act of putting pencil to the paper- of putting paint to the
canvas. Once you find that feeling, then the rest is easy… you’ll do it because
you enjoy it.
One thing, though, is it becomes difficult when you’re not supported
by your loved ones. And being tolerated is not the same as support. That said,
you have to do it anyway. If it’s a problem with them, they are the ones that
are the problem. Doing the art becomes an act of courage- to overcome the guilt
they inflict. That’s the hardest thing to do. And it goes back to the first
thing- you have to do it because you have to want to do it, you have to enjoy
the process. Even if you can’t do it at home, find a place to do it outside of
home- whether it be on a lunch break or take a day off and make it a day for
yourself.
Then there’s the whole thing of comparing yourself to
others. First off, it’s not fair to you or even to the other person. Your
experiences are completely different, and you’ll be on different stages of your
journey. Personally I find this very hard. There are so many artists I want to
draw like, but then I must realize none can draw like me. I am always striving
to get better, but I have to learn to love what I draw. And, after many, many,
many years of drawing, I do!
I see a lot of younger incredible artists with amazing
ability- but most of the stuff out there looks the same. Disney or Anime
inspired. Technically they’re gorgeous, but it’s all the same voice and none of
it is distinctive. It’s good to start somewhere, I suppose… but why do I feel
like they’re all imposters? Controversial statement? Maybe, but it’s
controversial because it hits a nerve. The point is that I want to see some
fresh individualism. And there is some of it, and I RESPECT it when I do see
it.
But back to wanting to draw. Keep a sketchbook with you as
much as possible… even a small pocket-sized one. Learn to draw with implements
that scare you- like ball point pens. No one has to see your work. Have fun with
it. Play in the sandbox. None of it matters… just keep doing it. Eventually,
your newer work will look better than your older work. And, if you structure
your art with some good old knowledge, you’ll be THAT much further along.
