Everyone is an Artist

Here are a few words that will not appear in this article: profession, money, training, career. 
The subject under discussion is art for pleasure.
At some point in their lives everyone has picked up a pencil and made a drawing simply because they felt like it.
 
Making art is part of the human condition and can give great satisfaction as well as being therapeutic. We can become totally absorbed in the creative process and all other thoughts and troubles are diminished. The results of our labours can be mood-enhancing as well as confidence building.

I derive great pleasure from making quick sketches so when my friend and I put together a swimming book I popped in some of the sketches. My family was appalled at the primitive nature of these studies as they reveal absolutely no skill but they provided a great memory of our swim along the Prom.
Sketching requires no particular skill as all it needs to convey is a sense of the occasion. So this immediate response can be recorded in a wonderful haphazard way. When out walking I always carry a sketch book and Simon will grimace when he flips through my efforts of the morning but they provide a hook for the larger painting. And on many occasions I produce little water colours  that never reach the public eye. 

​Illustration

Then there are other times  on a dark winter’s day when I lose myself in detail and embellishment producing rather ‘stiff’ results but again, I enjoy the process of drawing exactly what I see.

​When my dog commandeers my favourite armchair I grab a pencil and ‘have a go’.

The results are a private matter but my mind has been engaged and my spirits lifted.
 
Art is therapy.   With a small sketch book and a little box of watercolours so much can be achieved.

Then there are the days when I need to loosen up so maybe I'll try and produce a self portrait by simply feeling my face and keeping my eyes shut.  Or even paint the dog using only my ineffectual left hand.  There’s no pressure to raise the bar in quality yet great things can be achieved in an atmosphere of hilarity.
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I call it abandonment and would love to encourage everyone to abandon their inhibitions and have a go.

​Seascapes:  The great escape
 
For me, there is no greater pleasure than facing a large canvas with an empty mind. I’ve been out by the sea. I’m inspired but I have no particular plans.
There is a bucket of white gesso primer at my feet and a trowel-like palette knife in my hand.

The scene is created in white within a few minutes. I have worked at great speed before my mind and thoughts can interfere with the process.

Anyone can do this. A roll of white lining paper on the lawn and three pots of paint one, white, one black and one blue is all that is necessary for a dramatic seascape. It is an energetic process, painting from the shoulder in large sweeps.
 
​Once the paper has dried you might see it as rather messy but I can guarantee you will find something in there that you like.

To summarise

Everyone is an artist so discover yourself and your talents by having a go

Making art concentrates the mind and enhances mood. 

You can eliminate the analytical side of your brain and work fast.

You don’t even need your eyes open when you create. The result will definitely be a surprise.

Or go for detail and become completely absorbed.
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Give yourself the space to make a mess.