Limiting Yourself Artistically

Almost every time the subject of art is brought up, I always here the phrases, “I wish I had talent.” Or, “I can’t even draw a stick figure”. I know that this can sound cliche in a way, but everyone can be an artist. One aspect of art that I love, is a matter of limitlessness. A person can literally turn anything into visual art. Yes, there are different levels of abilities that people can reach, and some go higher than others. Right now, for me, I look up to several artist, in hopes that I can achieve the detail and patience that they put into their realistic art. Some people are striving to reach the level that several people, and I are working in, building their techniques. What is the point of this post? To help motivate anyone out there, held back by the limits they have set up for themselves. Pick up the pencil or paint brush and go at it.

I think that most people look down on themselves, and hold themselves back from a fear of imperfection. They are scared to try something new, in this case, art because they are afraid that it isn’t going to be impressive. They told themselves they cannot be good enough, so they never try. I wonder how many amazing artist died without a single piece done, because they never let it have a chance. You never know what your abilities hold until you go outside of that mind block, and go for it.

A phrase I use quite frequently, when a person tells me that they cannot draw is this, “If you want to have it, then it is already there.” Maybe you can’t draw a perfect face, a colorful landscape, or whatever it may be. Your abilities lie somewhere else.

Did you know that one of the most popular art genres out there is abstract? I am not saying that these artist do not have an amazing talent, I am saying that their talent is amazing in a different way. Each genre of art is so different and not everyone can execute it in the same way. Abstract artist see the world in a different way, they take the realistic views around them and turn it into their own story in a unique way, or even make up their own world. It is also vague and the most limitless genre out there. Unlike some art, where you have a set picture in your mind and you put it on the canvas, with abstract, you can do whatever you want with that vision and still make something beautiful.

So, if you have set that mind block, then tear it down, try something new. Going outside of your comfort zone is what art is all about. Try different styles, let your mind go free. You can do whatever you set your mind to, as long as you don’t limit yourself.  

The pictures I used is a world famous painting by Piet Mondrian, "Composition C (no. III), with Red, Yellow and Blue" , and a painting by myself.