I love my art supplies too. Most recently it’s been Holbein watercolors, regular, luminous,and ones for painting flowers, birds, etc. today I spent my day painting with oils that I haven’t touched in over a month because all I was doing was watercolors. It makes me happy!
I’m reading a book titled “How to hold a cockroach” by Matthew Maxwell. I’m reframing and relooking at my art purchases and the guilt that can accompany a purchase which I might not use today. Or looking for permission to call myself an artist. I can hear Danny’s voice narrating the story of the little boy and the cockroach in this book. 👋🏼
I have had much of this conversation with myself, regularly. Talking myself into these corners, and yet every day or so the sketchbook reappears, we begin again.
I have filled sketchbooks and notebooks my whole life. I have a shelf of them. Two shelves actually. I draw every day. I am 86. Many of my friends at the same age spend a lot of time wondering what to do with themselves. We were all successful in their professions — scientists, lawyers, physicians, business executives — but in the end, I have something they do not have. A career that just keeps going and keeps me challenged, alive, and happy.
I love this post. Your words remind me how special it is to be an artist.. even when you’re not feeling particularly good about it! Thank you for sharing this ✨
I remember when I was young my grandmother taught me so many things with crafts sewing art typing, a lot of enjoyable moments . I think art is so important . I love pens & paper❤️
I used to read your stuff at work when I was supposed to be working - on my work email. When I retired (wife had stroke) they took my email off me. Cue : chaos, havoc, daughter dying, caring …. Only just rediscovered you and I remembered your grieving … just a bloke trying to find meaning in an unsympathetic world
There seems to a be a tribes of artists who don’t sell their work. I understand that, I have pretended to want to but never made much effort to make it happen. I like to have it around to remind me who I really am. I will say that giclées are fine with me, I just want to keep the originals.
I love my art supplies too. Most recently it’s been Holbein watercolors, regular, luminous,and ones for painting flowers, birds, etc. today I spent my day painting with oils that I haven’t touched in over a month because all I was doing was watercolors. It makes me happy!
EXACTLY and then some!
I’m reading a book titled “How to hold a cockroach” by Matthew Maxwell. I’m reframing and relooking at my art purchases and the guilt that can accompany a purchase which I might not use today. Or looking for permission to call myself an artist. I can hear Danny’s voice narrating the story of the little boy and the cockroach in this book. 👋🏼
Not everything needs to be monetized. It's okay to spend on yourself is what I tell myself with my art spends. 😀
Great writing Danny, is this describing nearly every artist ever?
I have had much of this conversation with myself, regularly. Talking myself into these corners, and yet every day or so the sketchbook reappears, we begin again.
Beautifully said!
I have filled sketchbooks and notebooks my whole life. I have a shelf of them. Two shelves actually. I draw every day. I am 86. Many of my friends at the same age spend a lot of time wondering what to do with themselves. We were all successful in their professions — scientists, lawyers, physicians, business executives — but in the end, I have something they do not have. A career that just keeps going and keeps me challenged, alive, and happy.
I love this post. Your words remind me how special it is to be an artist.. even when you’re not feeling particularly good about it! Thank you for sharing this ✨
Thank you for this so moving post. You have described so well most of what it is to be an artist or creative.
I remember when I was young my grandmother taught me so many things with crafts sewing art typing, a lot of enjoyable moments . I think art is so important . I love pens & paper❤️
I used to read your stuff at work when I was supposed to be working - on my work email. When I retired (wife had stroke) they took my email off me. Cue : chaos, havoc, daughter dying, caring …. Only just rediscovered you and I remembered your grieving … just a bloke trying to find meaning in an unsympathetic world
Wow how did you peer into my head and read my mind - your piece really resonates with me - thank you for sharing this 😌
Love it. You told your story well. 🌻
You put into words, everything we go through as artists, yes, the cost, confusing times, enlightening times, despair and rewards. Great essay!
There seems to a be a tribes of artists who don’t sell their work. I understand that, I have pretended to want to but never made much effort to make it happen. I like to have it around to remind me who I really am. I will say that giclées are fine with me, I just want to keep the originals.