Is it Just Talent?

"Wow! You are so talented!"  is a phrase that I am used to hearing from people when they look at my artwork. Yes, it is true at a young age I took to art, but more than that I found something that I am passionate about and continues to captivate me. It was that initial finding that is very important.  Have you found your passion?  The word that I prefer to use now instead of talented is "driven." Talent is the easy part--the more difficult part is keeping a regular artmaking practice. Six years ago I wasn't making art on a regular basis, it was only when I started to commit myself to regular practice, attend workshops by artists, started my own art Facebook page etc. that I grew as an artist.  So...yes, I am Driven.  You can be driven too!  What are you passionate about? Skiing, crochet, painting? Committing yourself to a regular practice schedule will increase your skills. Try just 30 minutes a day, and you'll be surprised where that might lead.  Don't think you have the time?  What about not watching Netflix at night?  What can you give up that does not feed your passion, that will give you time to feed your passion? The problem is that those things are often the first things to be put on the back burner when something "more important" comes along.  Shouldn't your passion be just as important as anything else?  It feeds your soul.  

This drive also extends to exhibits, awards, and juried shows.  My artwork was recently accepted into the 2017 Michigan Watercolor Society Annual Juried Exhibiton.  I was very excited and honored to be selected by the juror.  What did it take to get into this exhibit?  It took me four years of entering my work and getting rejected the first 3 years!  As an artist it can be so disheartening to get rejected, but I have spoken with very accomplished artists about getting into juried exhibitions and they will tell you that you have to enter over and over and over again.  You have to have the drive and the foresight to see the long road.  If you keep it up, eventually you will be selected. Be persistent, keep working hard, and don't give up. 

Next time you see an artist's work instead reflecting on their talent, try saying "Wow! You must have a commitment and drive to make art."  Because that is truly what it takes.