Art: Expectations vs. Reality

 How many times do you have something in your head and then you try and put it out in the world and it just looks nothing like what you imagined? I know a lot of people feel like this and I know that a lot of artists can feel like this too - especially me. 

Often-times I have these ideas for my art - these really cool focal points, landscape ideas or even people and silhouettes that I want to do. But every time I try and work it out either on paper or on canvas, it does not turn out anything like I was wanting it too. Sometimes what ends up coming out of the failed visualization of the idea turns out just as good but the rest of the time, it just sucks and I hate it. 

I took approximately two art classes in college and the requisite art courses in high school and every time I set out my art supplies and work on creating something - I remember that and I feel like a fraud and that I shouldn't be doing this; much less trying to sell my paintings because who would want to buy art from someone like me? I know that my art isn't the most technically advanced or the most awe-inspiring and show-stopping work that has ever been seen but it is my art and I try my best everytime. 

A large part of being an artist for me is balancing my expectations of my art with the reality of what it is. Even when the piece that I have been working on turns out incredible, it still pales in comparison with what I wanted and dreamed that it would look like. And that's okay. I can embrace and love my artwork that I do and still know that I can do better and the more that I learn and practice - the better I will become. 

It sounds really cheesy and at its core, it probably is, but its true. Embrace where you are at with your art and yet know that you will improve and do better. Art is not a static passion, it is evolving and learning and we are evolving and learning with it.