Why would I bother?

I’ve been encouraged (code: pestered) to start an art blog for a little while now… My reaction previously being somewhat dismissive – why would I bother??? But, you never know. Perhaps some people would be interested in what I have to say.

My change of heart came from an unexpected place following a conversation with my mum last year. With a lot on her plate, I asked her about what she does for her. Not what she does for anyone else, but what she does for her. She confided in me at this moment something I had never – in my entire 27 years of existence – known about. It turns out that she had always wanted to learn how to paint. So, I bought her a gift voucher for Christmas to spend on an art course.

My mum is yet to spend this voucher (and lord knows she better had!) but she did start drawing in her spare time and even told me last week that she was going to be taking part in BB4’s Life Drawing Live! – she’s braver than me!

This is a huge step for my mum and I truly had no idea that she was so interested in art. In truth, I was seen as the only one in my family who could draw when I was a kid. But I really empathise with the hesitation and unwillingness to put yourself out there when it comes to art. I battle with perfectionism all. the. time. and I’m often filled with an overwhelming anxiety before I start a piece – ‘I’ll ruin it’, ‘it won’t look right’, ‘I can’t paint’, ‘it looked better before’.

Looking back at old artwork from secondary school days bizarrely helps. Saved only through the wishes of a loving mother (I said to her that she should bin it all…), I’ve looked through this work recently and have been pleasantly surprised. That pencil drawing that didn’t quite look like the thing I was copying at the time actually looks quite good, those colours that aren’t lifelike at all are quite ‘artistic’. In short, looking at these pictures has reminded me that just because something isn’t ‘perfect’ doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Creating the piece itself actually serves a much more important purpose…

Once I overcome the feeling of putting it off (ironically a similar feeling to me writing this blog!), I’ve realised that drawing, painting, or creating any kind of artwork can really be a very relaxing and rewarding exercise. So, if like me you used to have an interest in it, or, if like my mum, you’ve always wanted to have a go, why not get a pencil and paper out and have a go? Or maybe even try something new – I’m trying to get the knack of watercolours (a perfectionist’s NIGHTMARE)!