Your book came today. Will start it while dh watches the endless bowl games. Great post thanks. Ready to be Alice Neel or maybe Grandma Moses. Hugs and Happy New Year!
This was a great read. Your words added joy, encouragement and perspective to mubkate morning. And also youve introduced me to the life and work of Bill Traylor; thank you very much!
As a 62 year old, I greatly appreciate this essay. Danny, you have been a great inspiration to me in recent years, from when I discovered you. As I complete my 14th sketchbook, I’d like to say thanks & wish all the best for 2026.
Love this, sometimes I do think all these young people who are making breakthroughs with their art or a debut novel and I'm sitting here at almost-40 learning how to paint and writing my first book. I love the reminder that it's never too late.
Hi, me again. On another note, I have always enjoyed artwork. I drew as a child, outlandish portrait and figures. I started taking drawing classes in my early thirties. I felt that I really had no talent for art as I told one of my teachers. I told him that I had a burning inside me that kept me drawing and painting. He told me," That is what talent is, pushing yourself because of that flame inside you.
As an old codger myself, I appreciate this essay. Any interesting book on this subject, recommended to me by a cognitive psychologist, Aaron Kozbelt, who's done interesting research on drawing and drawers.
I really needed to hear this today, particularly about starting or continuing to make art when you are older. I used to draw a lot as a kid, but later experienced some bullying in high school and lack of confidence in college looking at my peers' work.
Suddenly I stopped enjoying art for the joy of it, and I only saw results and output.
Now I only paint or draw occassionally. I doodle sometimes. I never lost the feeling I was an artist, but I am also accepting there are other ways, sometimes quieter ways, to be one. It's not "be DaVinci or nothing", though my 9 year old perfeccionistic self sometimes wished she was.
I have been grieving who I wished I was, but your essay really gave me hope that I can be happy creating art and that it can also become more meaningful through my lived experiences. So thank you!
Happy New Year! May you be happy, healthy and free from worry…☮️
Your book came today. Will start it while dh watches the endless bowl games. Great post thanks. Ready to be Alice Neel or maybe Grandma Moses. Hugs and Happy New Year!
This was a great read. Your words added joy, encouragement and perspective to mubkate morning. And also youve introduced me to the life and work of Bill Traylor; thank you very much!
This is so true! On my way to order the book 🤩
you are brilliant, buster!
As a 62 year old, I greatly appreciate this essay. Danny, you have been a great inspiration to me in recent years, from when I discovered you. As I complete my 14th sketchbook, I’d like to say thanks & wish all the best for 2026.
Love this, sometimes I do think all these young people who are making breakthroughs with their art or a debut novel and I'm sitting here at almost-40 learning how to paint and writing my first book. I love the reminder that it's never too late.
Hi, me again. On another note, I have always enjoyed artwork. I drew as a child, outlandish portrait and figures. I started taking drawing classes in my early thirties. I felt that I really had no talent for art as I told one of my teachers. I told him that I had a burning inside me that kept me drawing and painting. He told me," That is what talent is, pushing yourself because of that flame inside you.
As an old codger myself, I appreciate this essay. Any interesting book on this subject, recommended to me by a cognitive psychologist, Aaron Kozbelt, who's done interesting research on drawing and drawers.
Old Masters and Young Geniuses by David Galenson https://share.google/CdGvPv3b7A7WOYw90
Oh yes! Thank you, Danny! I needed this too😁
Sharon B.
I really needed to hear this today, particularly about starting or continuing to make art when you are older. I used to draw a lot as a kid, but later experienced some bullying in high school and lack of confidence in college looking at my peers' work.
Suddenly I stopped enjoying art for the joy of it, and I only saw results and output.
Now I only paint or draw occassionally. I doodle sometimes. I never lost the feeling I was an artist, but I am also accepting there are other ways, sometimes quieter ways, to be one. It's not "be DaVinci or nothing", though my 9 year old perfeccionistic self sometimes wished she was.
I have been grieving who I wished I was, but your essay really gave me hope that I can be happy creating art and that it can also become more meaningful through my lived experiences. So thank you!