So maybe I'm not very good at painting. Back in elementary school, my smock would be covered with chunky gunks of paint in my futile attempts to mix colors and create new ones. Even the handles of the brushes would be smothered in a rainbow of gooey dye. The paint would find its way to my face, but not always the paper. Sometimes I wonder how I made it out of art class alive.
Since then, I'd like to say that I've come a long way as an artist, but I would certainly be lying.
I've always liked the idea of creating something out of nothing. I've always liked the idea of constructing an image in my head and then testing myself to see how accurately I can portray that picture on paper or canvas. As any artist would probably tell you, it's no easy task.
But, I'm definitely not an artist (like at all). However, I've always thought of myself as a creative person. I am a DIYer at heart.
I enjoy getting lost in creating something. It's my escape from reality and the everyday stresses of life. In the middle of summer on a day with nothing to do, wasting away the day in my backyard paradise with merely a paintbrush, a pair of sunglasses and $1 acrylic paint from Wal-Mart is completely fine by me.
I'll obviously never be Picasso, Van Gogh or Monet (believe me, I'm just an amateur), but it's interesting to place myself in their shoes and wonder what inspired, moved and encouraged them to create the masterpieces of their respective eras.
Whether you're six or 60, I think painting is a hobby for absolutely anyone. Not only is it fun and something to do when you're bored out of your mind, but it has been scientifically proven to improve concentration, sharpen fine motors skills, increase non-verbal communication skills, teach critical thinking skills and provide a positive mindset.
From abstract to realistic, and minimalistic to chaotic, it really does not matter what kind of painting you create. What it comes down to is expression of the mind and the soul. Even if something doesn't turn out as you expect it to, with each stroke of the brush you become more capable, more skilled and more confident of what a good artist should be.
And while I don't think I'm there quite yet, I like to think I'm on my way.
