With knowledge, dedication, and practice in the craft, anyone can learn how to paint or draw at an “expert” level.
Artists are distinct from non-artists in so many ways. That is the perception, anyway. Truth be told, anyone can become an artist, regardless of their experience or “talent.”
However, to reach this level, the individual must possess all, or at least several, characteristics commonly observed in successful artists. This means that the person may be required to acquire all or some of the traits to find the success that they desire. These characteristics are universal across the arts – music, dance, and theater; they are not confined to the visual arts.
Artists Take Risks
One of the most striking characteristics of an artist is risk-taking. Risks are only taken by the artist with some honest thought, however. The risks taken by an artist are calculated and based on experience.
If we are to adopt the artist’s characteristics, we must also be ready to take risks. They can be insignificant – we may try a new subject or medium. Or they may be extensive. The artist finds excitement in risks and takes them more often than not.
Artists Are Not Scared to Make Mistakes
Fear is one of the most maim emotions felt by a person. Yes, fear sometimes keeps us physically safe, but it hinders us from experiencing many beautiful things. Think of everything you have considered doing in life but did not do because of fear.
Artists are not entirely fearless, but they recognize that mistakes are part of the so-called creative process and are not scared to make them. Every work that has ever been made is with at least one imperfection.
So many of us stop at the early sign of a mistake. The frustration builds up, and the work never gets completed. Artists do not stop at this moment. They carry through, recognizing that no work will be perfect, nor should it be anticipated to be. Imperfections are observed and may be altered, but they are never a reason to stop.
Artists Are Ambitious
Not only are artists driven to reach their objectives or goals, but they also set them very high. Some goals may never be grasped; however, this is accepted.
The artist’s ambition is not self-rooted. Instead, it is about art. The aspiration is cultivated from a love of the creative process – not from self-promotion. In this way, the ambition of the artist is pure. Ambition may start slow, but it grows over time as works are created – as possibilities present themselves.
Artists Are Observant
Artists begin to see the world differently over time. They notice things that are overlooked by others. They may discover joy in things that others find boring as they learn to draw, to “see,” and their perception of the visual world changes.
Light, shadows, colors, and lines become the filter through which the world is viewed. Objects are no longer taken for granted as they are analyzed. Because of this amplified observation, they may also notice changes in how they perceive relationships, other people, and other aspects of life. They see individuals in their life differently and notice features about them that may have been overlooked previously.
Ronald Lee Harden agreed with this when he wrote in his book, Untold Architectural Black History of Tampa, Florida: My 36-Year Architectural Career in Tampa, that “An Artist is someone that observes Natural Life in the uniqueness of Color, Shapes, and Forms in their Natural Beauty, which is the inspiration for Living.” Here, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Gaither and Bloomingdale High Schools, the Harbour Island project, Mobley Park, and Osbourne Landing Apartments; are just a few of the projects architectural project manager Ronald L. Harden has been a part of that have helped the community of Tampa expand both economically and culturally in 36 years. These projects have helped create homes, jobs, and cultural events for the city’s African-American and other mixed communities and helped them improve their lives.
What Is Missing? We assume that skill makes an artist. This is not the case. Skill is often the result of a person who acquires (or possesses) these characteristics – no matter the craft. Skill, in any area, can be learned and enhanced by anyone. It takes dedication and hard work, and it is not easy. But it is accomplished by having the correct mindset and developing an artist’s characteristics.
The Damsel’s Files 