What a Journey It’s Been!

I happened to see this little “anniversary card” — “9 years later, and you’re still the best decision I ever made.” While it’s meant to be given to a spouse, I grabbed it for the blog. Starting an art blog was definitely one of the craziest things I’ve ever done, but in so many ways, it was — as far as art goes — the best decision I’ve ever made.

Nine years ago I was sitting at my computer — another, now-retired computer in another house in a different neighborhood — looking at a colored pencil drawing I’d just completed. I was proud of it. I wanted to share it. So, I opened up WordPress and started this blog.

For goodness sake, what did I think I was doing? I wasn’t really an artist. I’d just happened to do one drawing I liked, so how did that possibly justify an art blog? I was actually a bit embarrassed at myself, to tell the truth, but, oh, well. Nobody would ever visit my little “let’s imagine what it would be like to be an artist” blog, so why not?

The next day I added a post and shared an important lesson I’ve learned: it’s all right to make mistakes. Not only is it all right, it’s a necessary part of the art process. I ended that post with these words:

“I love learning and discovering art, and I hope my experiences can encourage others.”

With those words, I realized there was a purpose behind my blog. There was a reason why I had created “Artistcoveries” — which is a made-up word meant to combine “art” and “discoveries”. I did have something to share with readers — my personal experiences, my own “art discoveries” as I explored the wide world of art.

Today I celebrate nine years of blogging here at Artistcoveries. It hasn’t always been a regular practice. Several times, for various reasons, I’ve stepped away from blogging or art — or both — to pursue other interests or to take a much-needed break. Yet I noticed — with great surprise — that even when I wasn’t here actively blogging every day, I still had readers visiting. People were still searching out posts I’d written. People were even taking time to comment upon articles I’d written or works of art I’d shared.

In many ways, I almost feel now like I did in March 2016. I’m still hesitant to share a lot of my art. I still know that I have so much to learn. I once again question whether or not I can really call myself “an artist”.

Over these years, I’ve received literally thousands of comments, many of which express gratitude for Artistcoveries. Just as I’d hoped, some of you have found inspiration and encouragement by seeing both my successes and my failures. Many of you have followed along on this learning journey, reading books I’ve recommended or trying new drawing or painting techniques I’ve shared.

And many of you have also inspired and encouraged me with helpful advice and suggestions. I’ve been introduced to many different artists, have bought many awesome books, and have made many “art discoveries” because of ideas you have shared with me.

It’s been quite a journey. A “long, strange trip” is how The Grateful Dead would describe it. I won’t recount all the art places I’ve been or attempt to list things I’ve learned — there’s no way! There have been tears and frustrations. There have been moments of great joy.

I once dreamed about “being an artist”, never believing that dream could ever come true. But it did. That’s the greatest “art discovery” I’ve made. Yes, it’s true. Anyone can develop their creative visual abilities, anyone can learn to draw, anyone can become an artist. How? You pick up a pencil and learn to draw straight lines. You move on to curved lines. You buy a sketchbook and a set of good drawing pencils. You learn shapes and forms. And maybe, just for the fun of it, you start an art blog!

Yeah, I thought I was crazy, but Artiscoveries has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. Thank you to everyone who has read, commented, and shared this art journey with me.