THE AGONY OF ART                              
 
                                               or
 
                "THE WINNER OF OUR DISCONTENT"
 
                                        By Iris Saylor
 
  "And  tell me my child, what are the most valued qualities a winning artist could have?"  the master said to the novice.  "Humility, appreciation, grace and love" the novice replied.  "And what are the most valued qualities a losing artist could have?"  the master continued.  "The same" the novice said. (but she lied like a little dog, the loser needs 2 big hankies.  One to mop up the tears and one to stuff in her mouth so she wont make a complete idiot of herself with irrational complaints)  But the master corrected her by saying "There are no losing artists".
 
  Why do we sometimes make what should be a relaxing and pleasant activity into one in which we are as stressed as if the survival of mankind depends on the outcome.  Better that we should relax and enjoy the process.
 
  Sometimes studying your own artwork is like watching an optical illusion.  "Ah, yes, that's just right, shades are true, perspective is good" you glance away for a moment and something strange happens.  On next glance there are countless errors glaring at you.  Almost shouting, 'How could you think this is good??" "You Dummy" and you can almost feel Van Gogh kicking you in the shins and going for your ear.  And back and forth it goes. 
 
  While it may be easier for some to turn out paintings at a faster pace than others,  I cant help thinking that time is a big factor.  As with a fine wine or preparing a gourmet dinner,  and for a number of reasons, taking your time with a painting is important.  Rushing through not only contributes to stress but also  usually diminishes the quality of the painting, so the trick is to not let ourselves get into a position where we  must "hurry" through.
 
  It is good to have the time to paint a few days, put it away for a few days, look at it again and when you finally consider it done, put it out of sight for as long as possible, several weeks would be good.  When you take it out and look at it with a fresh eye, VOILA!! Either it's terrific or it is BAD.  If it's the latter, then start the process again with corrections, additions (and possibly gnashing of teeth, pulling of hair and a good dose of Pepto Bismol)
 
  Our time spent painting should be something to be relished and treasured.  It should be relaxing.  If you can spend a few hours a day painting a scene that has meaning for you, while listening to some good music, meanwhile tuning out all the mundane cares and worries that constantly swirl around us all, then you have accomplished something worthwhile, even if the painting is not a prize winner.  Sometimes the result will be gratifying, sometimes not, but at least you have probably learned something, passed some time in a pleasant way and, if you're lucky, there are  probably children or other relatives that will think it's wonderful, just because you did it.  How great is that!!
 
  My  children's pride in my artwork is a joy like no other.  They are so proud of their Mom (who was a drop-out from knitting class and could never draw a straight line or help them with their math)  My grandchildren were so impressed when they were about 8 and 10 that they insisted I give them an art lesson.  They knew it would only take one.  It did.  During that one session they each turned out two acrylics that still hang proudly on their mom's wall, even now when they each have children of their own. (yes, I am a great grandmom)  Some of my early work that I have passed on to them is definitely art that only a relative could love.  But love it they do, because they love the artist.
 
  When you love the artist you overlook little things, like the tulips painted in the garden are bigger than the girl's head who is standing beside them, or the horse that appears to have only 3 legs, or the geese whose legs are so long they could probably look in the kitchen window. These early paintings have value (Dont even think of discarding them!).  As time goes on you can see your progress as an artist . Reviewing your paintings you  are reminded of those times in your life, not only of when you saw the scene or person you are painting, but what was happening in your life at the time you were painting it.
 
  So if you never go further than just painting for yourself and your family, that's fine.  Be happy with that for it's own sake.  If you do go further than that and start entering competitions, that's wonderful - if you enjoy it.  If you manage to start getting commissions and paint for profit as well as fun, great.  But never let art be anything but a joy.  It is a relaxing activity that can save your sanity.  It is never a "waste of time".  Art will always give you something in return for the time you spend on it.  If it is just an improved state of mind, that's a good thing -- and important. 
 
  Happy Painting