Why Do We Paint? revealing the real secret

We all have reasons for painting, but why do we paint?

The real secret to painting is we paint to express ourselves. Paintings come from the heart of the artist.

We paint what we see around us. We express what we feel. If something amazes us, we want to paint it! We paint what we like or maybe it's something that bothers us. We may paint what we dream about or see in visions.

Most of all, we paint what we love and want to share with others. We are in complete control of our painting subjects.

Why do people paint? Image

why do we paint?

Nobody can paint like we do! Each painting is individual, one of a kind.

Our paintings are personal, something that is totally ours because we created them. Just like our mom is proud of the beautiful cake she baked and decorated, we can take pride in our paintings.

Painting is our opportunity to create something that didn't exist before. We get to create an entirely new thing. It's our chance to make a contribution to the world.

Paintings express what think, feel and dream about. If we can't say it with words, we can say it in a painting.

Other people probably don't see things the way we do. But we get to share ourselves with our paintings. Paintings are our way of communicating with the world. That's the joy of painting.

Why do we paint? Artist Edgar Degas said, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."

Avocets were inspiring subjects to paint!

When I first saw these beautiful birds, I was amazed. They looked like porcelain statues to me. A watercolor painting to shared their long legs and their amazing beauty with others.

Painting Relieves Stress

There is so much stress and anxiety in the world today. Painting gives us a chance to get away into our own world.

When we are inspired by a beautiful scene on our vacation, we can paint it. When we feel our love for our children, our pets, our favorite flowers or whatever, we can express it with a painting. If we have frustrations, we can take them out on a painting.

Painting takes us away from the stress and cares of the world. We concentrate so much on the painting process that it gives us a relief from reality.

The process of painting requires total concentration. It can be quite a challenge at times, so we have to totally concentrate on what we are doing.

We get engrossed in it and we enter into another world. We enter into the euphoric, Alpha state of our brain. It is like mental therapy for us.

Pablo Picasso said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

That's why we paint!

we paint our favorite things

We often paint things we admire or enjoy. Sometimes, it may be things that bother us and we want to make a statement on society, politics, etc.

Butterflies and the ocean are two of my favorite painting subjects.

My garden flowers attract butterflies and I snap their photos for more paintings. Visiting the ocean or even the mountains makes me want to paint them.

Butterflies are awesome to paint.

Waves are exciting to capture on canvas.

we express ourselves with color

Color touches our inner self. Colors mean things. Different colors affect our emotions in various ways.

So, when we paint, we may use bright, joyous colors in a happy painting. Somber colors could portray a stormy sky or red is often used to express passion and love.

What do other colors mean?

It's fun painting with color!

Use light vs dark values to create drama.

Painting Is Healthy

Painting may not build big muscles, but it is good mental exercise. It gives us a healthy way to express ourselves.

It exercises our memory, increases concentration and uses our problem-solving skills.

When we run into a problem painting, we have to use our problem-solving skills. That takes concentration. These mental exercises are a good hedge against memory loss.

Painting is also noted for increasing hand and finger dexterity for both youngsters and particularly in senior citizens.

The challenge of painting takes courage and a finished painting gives us a sense of accomplishment.

The American artist Georgia O'Keeffe said, "To create one's own world takes courage."

everyone can enjoy painting

Painting is one of my greatest joys and I enjoy sharing the techniques of painting with others.

It's my joy to paint with both watercolor and oil paint, at separate times of course. There are various watercolor and oil tutorials on the How To Paint tab on the menu.

Below are just a couple of the tutorials. Check them out!

Saving the white watercolor paper

Intermediate techniques of oil painting

So Why Do We Paint?

Painting is good for us. 

• Painting can give us a sense of accomplishment.
• It's healthy for both our mind and body.
• It relieves stress and is so much fun!

It's gives us the joy sharing all the things we see around us.

Many blessings to you on your art adventure!