I totally understand what you mean! I will be curious to see what you think of that book...make sure you report back. ;)

Hi Rachel,

It's a very interesting point you make but, to start off, whether you're a self-taught artist or not, we all wonder why our art 'sucks so badly!' I spent 6 years studying drawing and painting (one foundation year and 5 years at Art College) and I think I came out more insecure about my artwork than when I went in. 

I also began studying very late, starting at 32, which possibly made it even more difficult. Art College is an amazing place, good and bad, but it definitely doesn't guarantee someone will come out a better painter, filled with confidence and selling their artwork. I graduated in 2008 and from my experience, maybe 20% of the people who graduated with me are still painting in some capacity… and none of them, including myself, are selling enough work to make an ok living!

I love painting but I struggle putting my work up for people to see as I, like everyone, fears rejection (especially when it’s concerning something as personal as one’s own artistic creations). I also grew up very ignorant of “art” and all that it could encompass. Even in my early college days I believed that great art was representational – the more it looked like something, the better it was. I swore I would never paint abstract paintings (EVER!) and yet in my 3rd year, there I was, painting abstract paintings. Although I know it feels right for me to paint this way now, I still struggle trying to explain to others why I paint this way. It’s not fun.

The good thing about going to Art College is that it gives you the time and the environment to really challenge your own ideas and perceptions… but it still doesn’t ensure you emerge a good artist with no fear!

About a year after I graduated, I was preparing for a joint exhibition at a gallery and the lead up to it was absolutely terrifying! I thought everything I was producing was absolute crap and I was intent on quitting painting after the exhibition (I signed a contract so I had to follow through with it) because I didn’t want to have to deal with that type of stress ever again. Fortunately I didn’t quit, the exhibition went over really well, and a lot of work sold. A couple other galleries became interested in me, which helped with my confidence, and yet at the same time I still thought my paintings were crap and in many ways felt kind of like something from the Emperor’s new clothes. I didn’t think my painting was good enough to be in a gallery or good enough for people to pay money for.

I came to the realisation however, that this must be what all artists go through and that I just had to keep going no matter how scared I was. Since then I’ve begun to get my head around the whole “putting my artwork up for all to see” emotional rollercoaster and I’m actually beginning to enjoy it a little. I still think my paintings are crap a lot of the time but then I look at them the next day and think they’re actually quite good. And I think this is good. A great artist (self taught or with a degree) should never feel completely comfortable with their work; otherwise there’s nothing left to drive them to develop. However, an artist has to also find pleasure from what they create, otherwise there’s no reason to continue.

Just keep going Rachel. Challenge your own ideas. Try new things and try to embrace that emotional rollercoaster ride that every artist goes through. The best artists are the ones who keep on creating, through good times and bad times, whether they went to art college or not. It’s that simple.

Hi Rachel,

My father started teaching me to draw when I was around 4. He was very critical of my work and I would run crying to my room to try to perfect my drawings to his standards. I still hear his voice in the back of my head when I finish a project. I am probably my worst critic, but after all the years I've let that little voice go. There will always be someone that can do art better but who cares. You need to feel confident in what YOU do, not in what you think others will think. That was a long and hard lesson for me to learn. I think if you can get over the hurdle and just go ahead and put yourself out there, you will get great responses that might surprise you. I always tell myself, "act as if you are", and "how will you know until you really try?" Remember how old Grandma Moses was? It's never too late to start. I'm 51 and just started an online website with my art. I am still learning and honing my skills as an artist. Talk about waiting! lol! I still feel butterflies when I post a new project to sell. I say, just go for it. Life is too short not to pursue your dreams. If you ever feel the need to talk or need support, just email me, or facebook me. :)

Hi Rachel,

I was hung up about "being" an artist for a long time, even though I went to art school, and then at some point realized art school had nothing to do with it at all. Having an eye for composition and color, design work,having a vision, are all much more important. Your art has wowed me for some time now, so I don't think you have anything to fear ;). My little nephew, who is 6, says he wants to grow up and be an artist like his Auntie, and that always humbles me. The one thing that art school did do was harden me and give me confidence, it is like that quote....what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. But on some level, it does take the magic out of it too. I took a really long break from my art for about 9 years after that and didn't get back into it until about 5 years ago. Now I am having a blast!