The Emperor's new Painting

We don’t tell people when we don’t like their art. Do we?

Someone shows their creations to you and they want you to say “It’s beautiful and you’ve had no art training – therefore – you’re a genius and can skip the learning part.”

Art supplies are incredible and they make everyone want to create. We have books, videos and all kinds of software that promises to make you into the next great artist. All these products are a wonderful thing but they only get most people halfway there. There is a drive in everyone to make things better and better but we are told to accept art at the child’s level as if it is innocent and pure that way or that creative energy alone can make it look good. We even scold any one who says something negative. When that negative comment is the only truthful one, it's time to become a student.

There are basic skills and techniques that can make your art look better. They do take time and effort but the rewards are very gratifying. It’s tough to tell someone to train for an art in our society because capitalism sells us short cuts. It draws us into the quick fix and we disguise it under the name of progress or genius. The “How to” world of instruction offers us easy steps and as long as we follow the directions, we can create something just like the professionals even though we are not thinking like the professionals. Step by step instruction will never teach you to come up with your own ideas.

Most people do not become an artist from reading a book or buying art supplies. If you look at all the great names in art history, you will see a pattern. They all had a support team, class or some other group of people helping them keep their focus and giving them an honest objective opinion. We don’t grow from flattery. We grow through development. This is what workshops and classes provide. It’s the social interaction along with the instruction that allows our minds to expand and see the various possibilities. The more skills we obtain, the more we can focus on the creative aspects of getting our expression out on the paper and in the world. In an art class you have access to objective opinions everywhere. You grow as much through your classmates as you do through your teacher. Art classes are everywhere with all ages and levels of learning. The business of art is a huge industry. Do not let the capitalists convince you to limit yourself to just naive rewards.

If a person does not want me to say, “Take an art class!” then they shouldn’t ask because I’m giving them the best advice I have. Seriously!