"Inspiration is for Amateurs"

“Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up and get to work.”- Chuck Close

I was recently reading an interview with Chuck Close in the book Inside the Painter’s Studio by Joe Fig. Close mentioned a belief that I focus on: that you do not need any inspiration to be an artist. Really, you don’t. Many artists do lean on inspiration and have wonderful ideas that result in beautiful artwork. When I have an exciting idea, I still follow that instinct and paint away. However, I don't only paint when I am inspired. While the romantic artist ideal is lovely- (in a studio, painting with a fury of passion a unique and brilliant idea that must be created immediately!) -it is not realistic on a regular basis. All you need to be an artist is to show up and create. Put a figure, a face, a landscape, a still life, or just a color palette in front of you and get to work.

When you don't lean on inspiration, creative block is rare. When I am unsure what to paint, I think about it logically. What is around me that I can paint? Do I have pictures from a recent trip? Do I need to get out in nature? Have I painted a portrait recently? Is there an element of art that I have been ignoring (bold values, rich textures, a unique color palette, etc.). I also keep a bullet journal and have a page for painting ideas. If I think of multiple ideas in one day I write them down and know where to look if I'm feeling unsure what to create. If I only created art when I thought I had a unique, inspiring creative idea - I would not be a prolific painter.

Another way I decide what to paint is by having a series. It makes painting feel like more of a journey. Looking at where you have been can let you know where to go next. I can look at my impressionist series as a whole and ask myself questions such as: Does this series convey a message or narrative? Where are the holes? My series also has themes to provide guidance such as life and death in contrast. This can guide my subject matter choices such as budding flowers, abundant landscapes, and joyful people to depict life and in contrast skulls, weary expressions, and wilting flowers to represent death. The impressionist style influence of the series can also provide guidance on what to paint. Looking at what the masters of impressionism created provides a wealth of ideas.

So remember next time you aren't feeling inspired to create - it doesn't make you any less of an artist. What makes you an artist is the act of creating art. So pick up a paintbrush, a pencil, or a block of clay and get to work!

Thoughts on the Word 'Talent'

I believe that talent is an overused term that can be accidentally (or purposely -  but I want to be ‘glass half full’ here) be used to diminish the accomplishments of hard work. The terms overuse in creative fields can make these fields seem inaccessible except to an elite group who is born with talent. Natural aptitude or skill can only get one so far in this world. To quote Kevin Durant, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard”.

When I was younger, I was not a natural artist. In fact, I was once teased as a teenager for not drawing as well as a two-year-old. I took that minor teasing as a personal challenge and began to teach myself to draw. Eventually, I decided this was a passion worth pursuing and began taking classes. I worked hard. I have been practicing near daily for years. I didn't have talent, I chose to spend my time working hard and learning this skill.

From an art educator perspective, I love to encourage a growth mindset. Adults who do not carefully consider the impact of their words make teaching this mindset difficult. Picture this common scenario, an adult walks into my art classroom, states that they are not artistic. They may even make a cute joke about not being able to draw a straight line with a ruler. Before they leave the room, they compliment a student or two on their talent before leaving. On the surface, this looks like a well-meaning adult bringing a fun moment to a classroom and trying to make a students day.

However, it can come off as dismissive to the student being told they are talented. They will be happy for the compliment of course- but it is far better to focus on effort and artistic choices. Worse, for children overhearing this compliment, it may make artistic success seem impossible.  When artistic success is treated as talent based, many students will neglect art as something they cannot learn. Why try and learn something when you need to be talented to succeed? Students begin to see creativity as something you either have or not. Historically, fine art used to be treated simply as a trade you could learn with time and a good teacher. Reminding students about the past teaches the lesson that anyone can grow if they put time into their passion.

Everyone loves a compliment, but I hope this blog makes you consider words other than talent when praising your favorite artists (adults and children alike!). Get creative with it! Is it their use of color that makes them stand out? Is it the texture of the piece? Meaningful subject matter? You can even simply say that it must have taken a lot of time and dedication to make the piece (it always does). Make an artist's day - talent is luck of the draw - but with hard work, you can make something with true pride.