Yes! I feel all of those. And the last one, regarding being 'productive'....it is conditioning. In general, art has been commodified...sadly. Participating in anything that does not produce results that make money or support others in the process of the turning of time into money is not considered a legitimate way of 'spending' time. In our civilization we should stop calling people human 'beings' and call them human 'doings' because we are encouraged always to do, do, do. And we are discouraged in just 'being'...which is 'wasting time'. When we allow ourselves to step outside of that way of thinking we become so much healthier. It is not selfish to want to just 'be'. Time with ourselves enriches everyone around us. Creating art brings healing and beauty to the world...and/or it gives us a path into connecting with all the life around us. Drawing and painting any subject gives us a deeper 'knowing' of that subject. When I paint a leaf, I 'know' that leaf in a more intimate way. So, when we can stop all of that 'doing' and give ourselves space to be present and curious in this world, we are more connected. We are more alive! And that, to me, is more 'valuable' than being 'productive'.
My goodness. SO WELL SAID. The healing and connective qualities of creating art in itself is productive because we are practicing just being. I will need to remember that! Thank you for your wise reflections.
Fabulous video, Crystal. I’ve always been creative in my life, BUT I always wanted to be an artist. To be able to express myself through painting. I never would even try because I couldn’t draw. Well at 74 during the pandemic I started watching you tube. I found collage and really got into that for about a year. My pieces sold, but I still wanted to paint. After that year I invested in acrylics and cold wax and oils. I did that for about another year and sold pieces that I posted on Instagram and Facebook. Then at 76 yrs old I fell in love with watercolor. What an interesting medium. For some reason I’ve never had any fear even tho I had MANY failures, but what you said about failures is so true….they teach us so much. I save everything (not so good paintings), and look at them from time to time and see progress in my work. I have been painting or doing collage EVERY night so now I feel unproductive if I don’t. I have a great partner in my life that always gives me encouragement (lucky me). He’s a professional upright and electric bass player so he knows how much practice it takes to get where you want to be. So peeps, listen up to what Crystal has to share here it’s good stuff. And if I can do it I KNOW you can! I just love your work Crystal, and what an inspiration you are my dear. ❤️ I aspire to be as talented with the brush.
Hey Pia, thanks for the that generous sharing of your art journey! I am sure that because of your wisdom, you know not to FEAR and that life's too fleeting to hesitate when it comes to making art, expressing yourself and finding joy in painting and collage! It's a never-ending exploration isn't it? I can't imagine how I managed to live to age 40 to only discover it! At 74 not too late as well! Super inspiring. Much love!
One of the hardest things I find about being a beginner in painting is that my improvement is not linear. There are weeks when I fee that I am going backwards, and that is so upsetting. Then suddendlu I will see some improvement. It goes in spurts, and it is tough to give my skills time to catch up with my mind. Thank you for this so needed inspirational talk! On another note,sometimes other people’s words can affect us so negatively. After someone asked me why I only painted flowers, I felt obliged to attempt the most horrible landscapes which I hated painting. I’m back to my fantasy flowers!
You make a really good point that progress is seldom linear. 2 steps forward, one step back. That seems to be the nature of all things. I regularly have people ask me if I will ever think of painting other subjects. And I simply give them a "no, not really". Hahahaha.
Hey Douglas, I do love to paint happy paintings for sure. I don't know if my heart is ALWAYS happy, but I certainly wanna look at the happy things in life.
I can't agree with you more, I find sometimes we can be trapped in our own endless thoughts, some might not be helpful, however, once we start by action, our feelings and thoughts can magically change for the better. Therefore, making art for me is like therapy rather than a race or an end game. X
Ugh, the not letting others pour water on your spark hit hard! I quit watercolor when I was about 23 because of a college watercolor teacher telling me I wasn't as talented as another student of hers... So glad I found my way back :) Thank you for making videos like these!!
Pooopoo to your watercolor teacher!!! Yeah the last thing the youth need is to be told they are not good enough to try to pursue something they have a passion for. I am also glad I am finding my confidence back to writing, my first love.
I resonate so much with this because as a child I was labeled as a “writer” and my desire to draw and paint was not nurtured. Later, as a teen a teacher put down my writing skills, similar to your experience. For this reason I stayed away from both writing and art for years!
And right after I published this video, I asked my instagram community for an opinion about a painting and got some negative feedback (HAHAHA). I did take it OK though. Because I knew it wasn't the best painting. The key is to only ask if you're ready for honesty!
Thank you OMG. I just started typing a comment and you mentioned singing… i was started commenting on just a few things you said just before. My mum, who past when I was 7 was an amazing singer….my brother and sister have those genetics.. my Dad was a Medical doctor…so General Practitioner. I am sort of a mix of them…I call myself crafty…in the art aspect…I work as a pathology technician….I started crochet during Covid…just to chill my brain after to long extra hours of lab work… now I follow and have fun when I can after work to watercolour….. I totally agree… no one should put you in the box they expect you to do or be…sort of like the movie. “ No one puts Baby in the corner “. Thank you for sharing! We all have a spark to follow and I am enjoying and encouraged following yours!
Hey Lindy, Thanks for your beautiful share! We are all complex layered diverse and unique humans and I love that we are recognising that now and celebrating. So can you sing? HAHAHA.
Thank you for this! I have a question, I hope you answer it. How can I stop watching tutorials and start finally create (draw/paint) on my own? I'm in this loop of watching tons of artists and creating paintings along with them but I never look at picture of a flower and try to paint it myself. I really need to find courage to do it.
You answered your own question my dear. You just need the courage to do it. Just do it! Just try it! Look at a photo or a real life reference and try putting a mark here, a dab there. And see how it goes!!!! You got this!
This was such a good video, Crystal. I could relate to perfectionism as I always expect perfect in everything I do (I'm a writer too). And I could relate to waste of time as sometimes when I'm enjoying myself so much I find myself feeling guilty over wasting time on something just for me. Maybe we could add guilt to that list? I really enjoyed this!
Yes totally - the last point can be renamed as guilt for sure! It's crazy! However, another person commented below saying that the therapeutic benefits of art is so optimal that just making art alone can never be a waste of time because it is so good for our hearts and minds, like how physical exercise is for the body.
Yes! I feel all of those. And the last one, regarding being 'productive'....it is conditioning. In general, art has been commodified...sadly. Participating in anything that does not produce results that make money or support others in the process of the turning of time into money is not considered a legitimate way of 'spending' time. In our civilization we should stop calling people human 'beings' and call them human 'doings' because we are encouraged always to do, do, do. And we are discouraged in just 'being'...which is 'wasting time'. When we allow ourselves to step outside of that way of thinking we become so much healthier. It is not selfish to want to just 'be'. Time with ourselves enriches everyone around us. Creating art brings healing and beauty to the world...and/or it gives us a path into connecting with all the life around us. Drawing and painting any subject gives us a deeper 'knowing' of that subject. When I paint a leaf, I 'know' that leaf in a more intimate way. So, when we can stop all of that 'doing' and give ourselves space to be present and curious in this world, we are more connected. We are more alive! And that, to me, is more 'valuable' than being 'productive'.
My goodness. SO WELL SAID. The healing and connective qualities of creating art in itself is productive because we are practicing just being. I will need to remember that! Thank you for your wise reflections.
Fabulous video, Crystal. I’ve always been creative in my life, BUT I always wanted to be an artist. To be able to express myself through painting. I never would even try because I couldn’t draw. Well at 74 during the pandemic I started watching you tube. I found collage and really got into that for about a year. My pieces sold, but I still wanted to paint. After that year I invested in acrylics and cold wax and oils. I did that for about another year and sold pieces that I posted on Instagram and Facebook. Then at 76 yrs old I fell in love with watercolor. What an interesting medium. For some reason I’ve never had any fear even tho I had MANY failures, but what you said about failures is so true….they teach us so much. I save everything (not so good paintings), and look at them from time to time and see progress in my work.
I have been painting or doing collage EVERY night so now I feel unproductive if I don’t. I have a great partner in my life that always gives me encouragement (lucky me). He’s a professional upright and electric bass player so he knows how much practice it takes to get where you want to be.
So peeps, listen up to what Crystal has to share here it’s good stuff.
And if I can do it I KNOW you can!
I just love your work Crystal, and what an inspiration you are my dear. ❤️ I aspire to be as talented with the brush.
Hey Pia, thanks for the that generous sharing of your art journey! I am sure that because of your wisdom, you know not to FEAR and that life's too fleeting to hesitate when it comes to making art, expressing yourself and finding joy in painting and collage! It's a never-ending exploration isn't it? I can't imagine how I managed to live to age 40 to only discover it! At 74 not too late as well! Super inspiring. Much love!
One of the hardest things I find about being a beginner in painting is that my improvement is not linear. There are weeks when I fee that I am going backwards, and that is so upsetting. Then suddendlu I will see some improvement. It goes in spurts, and it is tough to give my skills time to catch up with my mind. Thank you for this so needed inspirational talk!
On another note,sometimes other people’s words can affect us so negatively. After someone asked me why I only painted flowers, I felt obliged to attempt the most horrible landscapes which I hated painting. I’m back to my fantasy flowers!
You make a really good point that progress is seldom linear. 2 steps forward, one step back. That seems to be the nature of all things. I regularly have people ask me if I will ever think of painting other subjects. And I simply give them a "no, not really". Hahahaha.
I try not to paint what I see, rather paint how the things I see make me feel. I can tell by your paintings you have a happy heart.
Hey Douglas, I do love to paint happy paintings for sure. I don't know if my heart is ALWAYS happy, but I certainly wanna look at the happy things in life.
I can't agree with you more, I find sometimes we can be trapped in our own endless thoughts, some might not be helpful, however, once we start by action, our feelings and thoughts can magically change for the better. Therefore, making art for me is like therapy rather than a race or an end game. X
Absolutely! I am always chasing the joy, rather than chasing the end result. But of course, if it turns out pretty, I am doubly happy!
Oh Chrystal Thank you so much. I feel as if you where speaking directly at me. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 😊
Hey Tammy! No worries!! Thanks so much for watching :) :) :)
Ugh, the not letting others pour water on your spark hit hard! I quit watercolor when I was about 23 because of a college watercolor teacher telling me I wasn't as talented as another student of hers... So glad I found my way back :) Thank you for making videos like these!!
Pooopoo to your watercolor teacher!!! Yeah the last thing the youth need is to be told they are not good enough to try to pursue something they have a passion for. I am also glad I am finding my confidence back to writing, my first love.
That was mean and unkind! For him to say to you. Keep painting! You can do it!
Primitive people drew in caves with stones, no fancy supplies. What a great video! 🙏❤️
Absolutely. When we feel the urge to create, we will find a way.
All of your points are just what I needed to hear Crystal! Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us all of your thoughts!🥰
Thanks for watching Nancy!!! Your support is wonderful. :) Glad you resonated!
I resonate so much with this because as a child I was labeled as a “writer” and my desire to draw and paint was not nurtured. Later, as a teen a teacher put down my writing skills, similar to your experience. For this reason I stayed away from both writing and art for years!
That is so sad isn't it! Hope you pick something back up because its time to prove them all wrong! ;)
It made me giggle when you said not to ask for criticism ( until you are ready) . Don’t ask for it. Lol. I am really enjoying your TH-cam posts. ❣️✌️
And right after I published this video, I asked my instagram community for an opinion about a painting and got some negative feedback (HAHAHA). I did take it OK though. Because I knew it wasn't the best painting. The key is to only ask if you're ready for honesty!
Thank you OMG. I just started typing a comment and you mentioned singing… i was started commenting on just a few things you said just before. My mum, who past when I was 7 was an amazing singer….my brother and sister have those genetics.. my Dad was a Medical doctor…so General Practitioner. I am sort of a mix of them…I call myself crafty…in the art aspect…I work as a pathology technician….I started crochet during Covid…just to chill my brain after to long extra hours of lab work… now I follow and have fun when I can after work to watercolour….. I totally agree… no one should put you in the box they expect you to do or be…sort of like the movie. “ No one puts Baby in the corner “. Thank you for sharing! We all have a spark to follow and I am enjoying and encouraged following yours!
Hey Lindy, Thanks for your beautiful share! We are all complex layered diverse and unique humans and I love that we are recognising that now and celebrating. So can you sing? HAHAHA.
@@crystaltanart I can sing along just find the pitch or what comes next with out practicing
Covid unfortunately was my job as a pathology technician so I worked long hours. Now I just want to paint ❤
Thank you for this! I have a question, I hope you answer it. How can I stop watching tutorials and start finally create (draw/paint) on my own? I'm in this loop of watching tons of artists and creating paintings along with them but I never look at picture of a flower and try to paint it myself. I really need to find courage to do it.
You answered your own question my dear. You just need the courage to do it. Just do it! Just try it! Look at a photo or a real life reference and try putting a mark here, a dab there. And see how it goes!!!! You got this!
YOU inspire me! There are days I just enjoy watching you paint rather than following along, but you do inspire me. 😊
Thank you so much dear! yes sometimes I also just watch painting tutorials and not follow along to get inspired!!
You are an amazing person with a ton of talent and I thank you for your advise and words of encouragement. Thank You so much!
You're too kind Janet :)
Thank you...such positive words.
You're welcome!!
After seeing this video I want to hear you sing a little song for us ❤..I can resonate to all the things you said in this video. Thank you for this.
Are you sure you want me to sing?? hahaha I am not half bad but definitely NO Whitney. (rest in soul)
I just love your content! I am a late Art bloomer too!
Thanks Shannon! Better late than never!!!
Very true. From sunny South Africa. Love your style. Jenny
thanks!
Thanks so much for this video! It really helped me. 🙌🏽
Thanks Stephanie for watching!!!
Gracias ❤ por tus alentadoras palabras ❤
thank you!
This was such a good video, Crystal. I could relate to perfectionism as I always expect perfect in everything I do (I'm a writer too). And I could relate to waste of time as sometimes when I'm enjoying myself so much I find myself feeling guilty over wasting time on something just for me. Maybe we could add guilt to that list? I really enjoyed this!
Yes totally - the last point can be renamed as guilt for sure! It's crazy! However, another person commented below saying that the therapeutic benefits of art is so optimal that just making art alone can never be a waste of time because it is so good for our hearts and minds, like how physical exercise is for the body.
Looking forward to YOUR book published by YOU ❤
That DEFINITELY on my bucket list. ❤️
Thank you!!!
Welcome!
You're awesome! Great wisdom. Thank you.
You're too kind :)
Love the video ❤
Thank you!!
Thank you so much for this very positive video. Love it, and really needed it!
Thanks for watching Claire!!!
Amazing video , well spoken ❤❤
Thanks Mum!