Creating art is hard work!
Some context….I’m at my Mum and Dad’s on Salt Spring Island. I’ve joined them for their 14-day quarantine on their return to Canada and so far, we’ve had a lovely time together! On our To-Do list is to paint so a couple of days ago, Mum and I set up a still life – she painted in watercolour and I used pastels. We know it’s all about the doing and getting down to painting, rather than about the outcome, but still there was certainly a lot of moaning and groaning along the way. Despite our uncertainty, we were both quite pleased with the results. Still, we both agreed – creating art is hard work!!!
We laughed together at how non-painting friends and fans will say, “Oh how idyllic to spend a couple of hours painting.” And it is idyllic but not in the way they think. They have noooo idea of the effort that goes into art-making. They can’t imagine the frustrations, the angst, the blood sweat and tears (okay, slight exaggeration, but only slight!) that goes into taking an idea and creating an artistic interpretation of it on paper or canvas.
And the exhaustion! I’m always hungry after painting!! This makes complete sense when you realise that the brain (because we’re talking about mental exhaustion) which represents just 2% of a person’s total body weight accounts for 20% of the body’s energy use.
There are sooooo many considerations and decisions to make when creating art – what to paint/draw/scupt, how to set up the subject, deciding on the best way to represent and compose it (for instance by doing thumbnails and sketches), determining what colours you see, selecting what colours to use, choosing how best to draw it up, knowing how to push through when you get to the ‘ugly stage”, and then how to know when it’s time to stop. You’re problem-solving all the way, trying your best to translate what you see. So yes, creating art is hard work!!
Now let me take you briefly through my pastel journey, from idea to outcome.
I forgot to take a photo of the subject at the start. I didn’t think the lighting would change much as we were working inside but by the end, the dark cast shadows thrown to the left had almost disappeared. I’ve included a photo I took at the end of the painting session and you’ll see the difference between it and my thumbnail (which was drawn from life at the start of the session).
For me, no matter how much painting I do, each new piece represents opportunity and also anxiety. The rewards and joy that come from creating though far outweigh the struggle and that’s why I keep doing this art-making thing. I embrace the struggle because I know if that’s not there, it’s a sign I’ve begun to resort to formula. If it’s too easy, I need to take stock and set myself a challenge. I’m always trying to push myself to evolve as a painter. I may be drained at the end of a painting session but I’m also fulfilled and also deeply happy on a soul-level. I’ve done what I’m here to do.
So what about you? Do you agree or disagree that creating art is hard work? I’d LOVE to know your opinion so please leave a comment!
Until next time,
~ Gail
And here we are!!!
And by popular request (in the Comments), here’s Mum’s lovely watercolour painting!
64 thoughts on “Creating Art Is Hard Work!!”
Lovely!!! But where is your mum’s watercolor????
Hah hah!!! I will try to get her permission to post it!!
Wow soo muchinspirations I got from your blogg! I’d love it! I am new to soft pastel, so I fully got your message, thank you 😊 💕 I just got myself all materials, so now I will dare to start, lots of love!
Eva
Eva that’s wonderful to hear!! So exciting to be at the beginning of your journey!
I totally agree. But I love the absorption that comes along with the effort. Then there’s the ugly phase that can be discouraging…but it’s followed by the reward that comes from working through it! And I do not have any simple formulas, start from scratch every time. I enjoyed reading about your take on the hard work. Thanks for sharing!
Yes that absorption is magical and there’s nothing quite like it! And with the ugly phase, you can see it approaching but with experience, you know if you keep working you’ll come out the other side.
I couldn’t agree more, Gail. Except that yours come out looking beautiful, despite all the hard work, whereas many of mine find a friendly environment in the bin! (OK, I know it takes a lot more practice.) Lately, whenever I attempt a landscape I ended frustrated and annoyed with the result, but I’m usually happier if I’ve a portrait, an animal or still life – I’m never sure whether it is better to stick to the subjects you have natural affinity for, or to continue work with subjects that are more of a challenge (though actually they’re all a challenge in different ways).
And I love the colours in this one – so simple. Wondered how your mum approached the subject.
Glad you agree Judi! And thanks.
It all takes practice as you know and say. Each time we work, we learn something no matter how it turns out; this is always worthwhile keeping in mind as we sigh at a’failure’.
Regarding your question, I would say do what you love to paint. Now if you love to paint landscapes, then yes, keep painting them. Put attention on why you think they aren’t successful. Think about what you need to work on to make you happy with them.
Trying to get Mum’s okay to post her piece! Watch for it 😁
How wonderful that you get to paint with your mum.
I love the way you listed out all of the thought and prep that goes into the process. Although for me that part isn’t work, it’s fun. So maybe making art is a lot of hard fun.
Christine you are sooooo to get about painting with my Mum! Next time I hope to get Dad in there too 😁
Love hearing your take and I agree that yes! It’s all wonderful hard fun! When I’m painting, it doesn’t matter what happens, since it’s the doing that is marvellous!
Dear Gail,
How lovely to have a mom who paints with you. What richness!
Yes, I agree. Making art is hard work. You put it so well. And unknowing people wonder why we don’t give away art, because it “comes so easy” with us!!
This blog should be blasted all over public media! Thank you for writing it. You expressed it well.
Best regards,
Katie
Katie thanks for your input on this conversation. Love that you brought up about people thinking that since it comes easily 🙄(hah!), we should give it away. That’s like saying since a carpenter doesqork with ease that she should do the work for free. Or a doctor, or a pilot, or a composer!
Please feel free to share it on any social media!!
I would like to see your mum’s work as well.
What is the nubby shiny black plastic tray you rest your current pastels on. Looks like there would be last smudging with less contact. Brilliant
I’m working on my Mum to be able to post her piece. Look out for it!
The black tray is actually a meat tray ie the kind say a steak comes packaged on. I like it because it’s small and the black is a good backdrop colour against which to see the colours I’m using. And it’s easy to wipe clean!
Hi Gail,
What fun to be able to share your love of art with those who you love!
Your post reminds me of Pierre Parsus, a talented but unknown French painter, who once wrote, “l’art est une souffrance qui rend heureux.” Not as paradoxical as it seems.
I also was wondering where your Mum’s watercolor was???
Nancy, that quote is PERFECT! The suffering brought on by the struggle of creating does indeed bring the reward of a deep joy! I will now have to go look up that artist.
And I’m happy to tell Mum about the many requests to see her work so it will appear, I am sure if it!!!
I tend not to notice how hard I am working until I come out of the studio, sit down and then find it hard to get up again. Love your painting.
Oh I love that Eddie!! And I can relate – the exhaustion is something surprising and unexpected!
And thanks 😊
I would also love to see your mum’s w’colour!
Have you ever tried cretacolour monolith pencil? It’s great for drawing on Uart. I got a lovely wee set of them in a slim metal case which includes a soft eraser, and it’s become my go- to for drawing. Not expensive either which is always a plus!
Morag, look out for her watercolour!!
And thanks for the pencil info! I have not used it but now I’m curious so will see if I can find it.
Hi Gail,
I love that your shared your process in the painting. It’s always nice to know other artists sometimes grumble their way through the process. And you’re right, non-artists really have no clue what we put ourselves through mentally when we’re creating. I guess the anxiety makes the joy of the finished piece more exciting.
Thank you for sharing. I love seeing the progress.
Thanks Sasha! I think I do a lot of internal (and sometimes external!) moaning for sure! But when I’m actually doing the work, I groan in a strange way with joy. I think this is definitely an art-related experience. And you are so right – the struggle makes the result that much sweeter!
I like this post.
I definitely agree that Art is hard work. I originally thought painting would be a fun thing to do while high on Pot. But I soon discovered, not only did I need to be sober, but I also needed to be in the right frame of mind. Not distracted, and able to give the work patient deliberation and concentration.
I’m so glad to hear this post resonated with you Kyle.
And I did chuckle at your discovery that being high on weed doesn’t necessarily mean a happy or successful outing into art-making. I love that you shared this with us!
How do you choose the colors for your under-painting?
Also – definitely want to see your mom’s watercolor too.
Peggy, thanks for your question.
I choose my underpainting colours thinking primarily about two things: I look for an underlying colour beyond the more obvious local colour (for instance, in the middle value of the blue counter, I felt there was also a green blue) or if that doesn’t appear easily, I will choose the opposite temperature from the local colour. (I go into this topic in-depth in my IGNITE! membership which reopens in October. If you are interested in hearing when it opens, please join the waitlist by clicking here. There’s no commitment – you’ll get alerted first!).
In the meantime, this blog post on six variations with only the underpainting changed may be interesting and useful!
And I’ve now added my Mum’s painting!
Hallo, ein interessanter Beitrag mit einem gelungenem Ergebnis. Ich muss immer wieder mit mir kämpfen: ist die Koposition ok,richtige Untermalung, passende Farbe usw.? Auch ich würde gern das Aquarell der Mam sehen.
Liebe Grüße Jürgen
Jürgen, thank you!!
For those of us who don’t speak German, here’s Google Translate’s version:
Hello, an interesting post with a successful result. I have to keep fighting with myself: is the composition ok, correct background, suitable color, etc.? I would also like to see Mam’s watercolor.
Kind regards Jürgen
Thank you! I am glad you can relate to my blog post.
And you will see that I have now added my mother’s painting.
And in German (via Google Translate): Danke dir! Ich bin froh, dass Sie sich auf meinen Blog-Beitrag beziehen können.
Und Sie werden sehen, dass ich jetzt das Gemälde meiner Mutter hinzugefügt habe.
I also find it daunting to start a new painting! There is so much more to painting than putting pastel to paper. I need to know ahead of putting the actual pastel to paper where I am going with it, and how to get there. Does that make me a controll freak??? 😀 I will spend more time preparing to paint ,deciding on size, what backing for my paper , subject, thumbnails, preparing my work space, lighting, more thumbnails, etc, before I can even think about the pallete. When I get thru all the prep work , the painting takes way less time. Whew !! the whole thing is exhausting . The actual painting is the easy part. Gone are the niave days of simply grabbing paper and pastel , and jumping in to hope for the best. 😀
Hah hah Marie! I was exhausted just reading your list 🤣 Seriously though, your last sentence is so true. When we don’t know what we don’t know and we are just happy reaching for a few pastels to use on paper, we have no anxiety. And then the more we understand what we don’t know, the more stress we can have. And the more we learn, the more we may have greater expectations of ourselves and our work, and the more pressure we have, the more we may delay actually painting. And the more we understand that this is what’s going on, the more we can start at the beginning again and let go of the result and instead focus on the journey. Whew!!
I agree! Painting IS hard! For me, deciding what to paint is the toughest decision, mainly because I have too many ideas in my head. Then, once I’ve started, I go through the “Oh dear, I don’t know how to do this” stage, then “ugh, this is so ugly” stage, then “hmmm, not too bad” stage, then “Bam! Nailed it…I’m a Rock Star stage!” Lol. It’s so satisfying once a piece is finished and you feel so good about it. Then, on to the next piece to go through it all again! Thanks for this article because it makes me see that it’s not only me that struggles. 😊😊
Connie, OMG you describe the journey from start to finish PERFECTLY!!!
And I laughed when I read “yeah I’m a rock star!!” part 🤣
So comforting to hear that my struggles are the same as your struggles, and vice versa. I think anxiety is what keeps us from going into the studio. Once we’re in, the real struggle begins. Were it not for the reward we expect to have after fighting through all that, we would never paint at all!! Thankfully, we get totally engrossed in the process, and usually come out with a pleasing and satisfying outcome. Thanks for putting it into words, Gail! A timely message for me when I needed to hear it. 🙂
So glad to hear the timing was right Ruth!
And yup, I don’t think this struggle will ever go away. Of course it comes in different intensities but it’s always there.
And you are so right, definitely the anxiety we feel around art-making can keep us from our studios even as we yearn to go and paint.
I would love to see what your mother’s painting looked like for comparison.
I am always amazed at the layering that you do. What you start with and what you end up amazes me.
Your wish is my command! Check out Mum’s painting at the end of the post!
And thanks! I love layering and seeing the colours sparkling through. And Patricia, truth be told, I’m amazed at the end too. Certainly. part way through, I don’t see how I’m going to pull it all together but somehow, somehow, I push on and it starts to happen.
I love seeing your process. Makes me want to start a painting. Thank you!
Faaaantastic! I hope you do!
Thank you Gail in a way this post has made me feel a little bit better. I don’t know how folks with busy lives in other demanding professions manage to create and with such force! I have witnessed such. In the end it’s my will and desire to create but current work environment has stultified me. Because I know how hard creating is I just don’t want to enter into it already exhausted. Trying to accept my personal situation but is so frustrating. Being starved after a round of active painting truth!
I’m so glad this post has helped you a bit Brenda. I think part of the resistance we have when we lead busy lives (and often intense working lives like yours!) is that our expectations and wishes to produce something worthwhile can be overwhelming. What I would suggest is to have a number of pieces of paper cut up in a 4 x6 in sort of size. Pick a subject that’s not too complex and that you love, and make some quick colour studies of it trying different colour combinations. That way you can have a sense of accomplishment and relief. I’ve attached to this blog above but here it is again. You may find it useful and inspire you to do your own series.
Work small, work fast, and don’t get bogged down in worrying about the result. (I know, I know, easier said than done!).
Enjoyed your thoughts and painting and agree totally; it’s really hard work! Thankfully it is also enjoyable. So glad to hear that you (& your mom) feel the same way. I must be on the right track! I’m also waiting to see your Moms work!
Good to hear Helen!
And yup, we both definitely feel this way!
Speaking of Mum, here work is now available on the post for viewing 🙂
Lovely painting. ‘Wow’ at the warm and alive color. But I wanted to say how fun to see yellow floors and pink closets! I can tell that you grew up immersed in warm hues.
Thanks Marsha!!
And I was wondering if anyone would notice and comment on the fabulous colour choices at my Mum and Dad’s place. Not visible is also a periwinkle blue/mauve wall and a yellow ceiling in the kitchen 😁
Thanks for sharing this, Gail.
Yes, painting is hard work, but it’s also joyous – ok, sometimes it’s just a pain. I’ve only had one experience when I just coasted through a painting, and poof it was done, and I was very happy with it. Funny, I wondered what I was missing that it was so easy – insecure I guess.
I feel more controlled in my studio efforts vs plein aire – not so much a surprise.
Many times I don’t push the contrasts and my paintings are too much in the middle, and not the vision that I had when starting the painting. So, ‘push’ is my latest mantra.
Each painting is a challenge, and painting as an art form is a challenge. But that’s what gets us off, right?
I always feel that I’ve spent a day well if I have painted. There’s something quite satisfying about being with myself to create. And, yes, painting is hard.
Liz, I agree with everything you’ve said!!
A day doing any kind of art, for even the shortest time, is a day well spent. Everything else is gravy.
Painting is hard …and joyous. The struggle, as challenging as it is, is a kind of exquisite pain. You realise no matter how much you are cursing, you’re also smiling inside at the pure joy of doing.
LOVE your new mantra. I’ll be looking for that “push” in your IGNITE! membership work 😀
Thank you for your beautiful post, Gail. So wonderful to share the love of the arts with your Mum! And thank you so much for your responsiveness in posting your Mum’s art as well… And i loved both of what you produced – so pleasing to the eye! Please thank her for us as well!
And is art hard work? Hmmm depends on how you define that, I suppose! I think if you mean facing and overcoming obstacles to get in the “zone” – yes, yes, yes. Very hard work – as you described it! There are soooo many reasons why we “shouldn’t” do our art, or do something else, or just do this one small but urgent thing… first… So, if we face the reality that there will be obstacles to allowing ourselves full creative expression, then perhaps we can more consciously navigate them – as you describe in your blog.
Thank you for sharing your process with us Gail – and for being an inspiration to keep on creating! 🙂
Julia
Loved your thoughts on this topic Julia! And of course you are coming to it also from a musical and writing perspective which is cool. For sure, the obstacles and our own resistance to doing the work can make it all seem so hard. And yet, there are times too when the creating itself, despite the times of flow, can feel like an effort, albeit a wonderful one!
I found it interesting to see your mom’s painting. So different from yours – so much fun to see the differences! 🙂 A difference angle of view too. Thank you to both you and your mom for sharing! And to you for all the different stages.
Yay Debbie!
It’s always wonderful to see different versions of the same subject by different artists – different interpretation, different colours, different media, and different viewpoints.
As you can see in the photo, I was standing and Mum was siting, hence the variation in angle 🙂
Hi Gail!
This post so resonated with me–going through all of the stages you mention is just normal to me somehow now, but it took many steps on the journey to realize what normal is!
What still slightly aggravates me are well-meaning non-artists who glibly say things like, “Oh, I wish I had your talent.” I want to take the compliment as it’s intended, yet I kinda wish I could explain that it was just plain hard work that got me to where I am and to where I’ve yet to go, you know? I’m not a big fan of the “talent” idea because it’s so exclusive, and I guess I believe everyone can foster creativity in whatever form they are drawn to if they decide to and do the work!
Thanks for your blog. It’s always a ray of sunshine in my day 🙂 And please tell your mom her watercolor is lovely!
Rhonda
Rhonda, oh my word yes!! That whole talent thing. I do think sometimes we have genes that may help us along the creative path but it’s our interest, determination, and practise that takes us a very long way to a successful painting. Having the genes without any of the three characteristics mentioned takes us nowhere.
And yes, what’s ‘nornal’ for an artist anyway?!
I passed along your comment. She’s so chuffed at the attention!
Gail… this is so true for me also! I’ve never run a marathon but I’m guessing it’s similar – the setting of a goal, the endurance and patience en route and the combination of elation and exhaustion at the finish! I too find painting incredibly sapping, both physically and mentally – but hopefully all that energy flows into the piece itself.
PS Both your pastel and mums’ watercolour are wonderful!
Awww thanks Gareth.
And LOVE your marathon analogy and your perfect description of the various stages!!
Hi!
I am a fairly new subscriber and wanted to say hello and pass along my comment regarding the topic.
First, before my ravings, I would like to say I think it’s wonderful you can share your life with your mom as such and thank you for sharing it with us.
As for art being hard work, I’m not so sure. The processes leading up to and what follows a finished piece, definitely borders on the insanely tedious side; however, to me, the art is the easy part. Once started, it rarely causes any issues. I can get lost in it and the world simply vanishes, albeit briefly. The mediums with which I may choose to effect what I see may be cumbersome and even disruptive at times but the art? Rarely. Perhaps that is why I do it. To have those precious moments of nothing but the vision and me, my interpretation. I’d be willing to bet an entire field of psychology could be devoted to that concept yet I offer no explanation or excuse for it as I wouldn’t be able to provide either. It is so easy to get lost in an idea and the myriad of avenues to explore while transferring the dream to substance. So, for me, art is easy. Whether a few minutes or months, there is nothing difficult.
The prep, the clean-up and whatever comes after…well, for all of that, I do wish for anything easier. The prep isn’t too terribly strenuous. Especially since my work area is concentrated in my room. So, everything is there except the organization(something I freely admit I am very weak at, btw). The other side of that, however, I find so tiresome and boring, I automatically equate uninteresting with it. Making canvasses — dull. Stretching and priming are so slow and unimaginative. The clean-up — a necessary evil. I had a friend who would rather throw away the brushes than waste time cleaning. I thought it a waste and still do. The decisions on presentation — wearisome. I can make a frame easily. I can seal and prep any of my scribbles without much thought. It is just irksome to me. And selling my stuff — NO! I despise it. I can figure out a cost without any problem. But to try and explain why this is and that isn’t, to figure a method to allow a view into the machination which brought the idea to its conclusion — I’ll pass every time, if I could. My art is me. If I could explain me, well…
With that, I’ll close this rant.
Thank you again, for all of what you do and share. It is greatly appreciated.
Be well and satisfied,
Michael C.
P.S. I don’t have a website of my own, just a spot where I stuck my early stuff which I posted as the website.
Hello Michael!! Thank you for becoming a subscriber!
And thank you for your marvellous sharing pof thoughts on this topic! I agree with you that in the painting, we can get completely lost in the flow. Fantastic. And still, I find I am mentally (and sometimes physically after a two-hour spell standing at the easel, right arm outstretched through it all) at the end.
You are right about the tedium of so many other aspects of beng an artist – thanks for describing so many of them.
I appreciate the time and effort and care you took to communicate your ideas with us!
I do pastel for years but not very often, until this year when I quit my job before Covid 19. When I do it more, I feel less confident, not comfortable as my first time, because I have under pressure to earn my living from this. I choose focus on portraits. But it’s so hard, I still at the same place, not move any forward. Good to know you can help me with my improvements, especial portraits. Thank you so much!
Thanks Van for sharing your frustration with using pastels. Being under pressure is always stressful and often doesn’t allow the spirit to flow and express. Making a living from your art isn’t easy, but with a committment to learning and painting, and a determination to make it happen, all things are possible!
Yes! Creating art is work. Other people look at you like they can’t figure it out when you say you haven’t felt like painting. But if you’re tired physically or emotionally it just seems too hard. Ever since my Mother came to live with us I’ve not been able to do much art. She’s died now but I’m just getting back to where I can create sometimes. I had a glorious time painting on vacation this summer. At home, not so much. I enjoyed your article.
Tammy it sounds like you found such joy getting back to your art this summer. I’m so happy for you!! Life and its travails can certainly take us a long way away from our creative yearning to paint. Emotional upheaval and physical exhaustion can certainly de-motivate us. Keep a sketchbook handy even for scribbling in and recording your emotions, thoughts, and spottings.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I agree. Painting is hard work, but also fun. I have great satisfaction when I finish painting the painting and it is exactly as planned at the beginning. Best regards!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts MK! Yes, you are so right – there is much that’s joyous and fun about painting! And the reward of a successful piece is the cherry on top 😀
I am totally charmed by the photo of you and your mother painting together that is in my mind. I so wish I could persuade my daughter to join me in my studio. She is actually a very good painter, but for some reason chooses not to pursue it. We have on occasions been together and I’ve tried to not go into teaching mode. She likes pastels in general and is interested in my pastels . I feel she needs to know about where and how to use them. Somehow or rather, this is too distracting for her and it makes me very sad . I don’t want her to look back after I’m gone (it looks like your mom and I are about the same age) and wish that we had spent those hours in the studio together because I know she will find her stride in the art world eventually. And maybe that’s the problem . Her life is so busy with so many “should” , and “musts” it may just not be comfortable to take the time to lose oneself in any art form.
Enjoy your hours with your mother and father as much as possible. It is a valued!
Thanks Carol. Any time spent with my Mum and Dad is precious and I love that my Mum and I have art in common. It sounds like you have that same interest in common with your daughter. I think if you can resist any teaching and just get together to paint or even go sketching together and then go out for a coffee or a glass of wine afterwards and talk about the shared experience, you may have more luck. But yeah, life can be so busy and unless we can step away, we don’t see what might be a different priority. Good luck!!