10 Ways to Tell You Are a Painter
How to Spot a Painting Artist
Painters, no matter what they paint, are united in a love for creating. Painting makes our days better and gives us an incredible outlet for capturing the way we see the world.
There are definitely tell-tale signs that mark us as painters, too. Here are 10 ways to tell if you are a painter.
It’s by no means a complete list, but see which of these define you. And, be sure to leave a comment below telling us what we missed!
1. You wouldn’t hesitate to say to someone, “Can you turn for me? I think your three-quarter pose could be perfect for a portrait.”
2. When you are sitting in front of your easel looking at your work, you aren’t just “sitting.” You are contemplating; planning; absorbing. It really is totally different.
3. You know there is only one rule about brushes: more.
4. Weird things happen when you don’t get to paint. Like your child’s PB&J turns into open-face landscape sandwich with jelly clouds.
5. You would consider asking your mother to pose as Venus.
6. You are immune to being chided at museums for getting too close to the art. “I was just trying to see if the painter used Burnt Sienna or Alizarin Crimson.”
7. You don’t buy chic, paint-splattered jeans. You make them.
8. You know there is only one rule about tubes of paint: more.
9. Your cat is named Duchamp. Your dog is Salvador. But you couldn’t convince your partner to name your child Rembrandt. But what about Rem? No. Or Brandt? Still no.
10. You carry pencils, pens and brushes with you, always. Because you never know when inspiration will strike.
What Numbers Match You?
For me, I’m 2, 3, 7 and 10 all the way! Add your take in the comments below.
And, don’t forget the 11th way to spot painters: They have their digital download of Masters of Realism so they can absorb all the insights about the artists they love and the painting techniques they aspire to wherever they go.
I don’t know if I’m good but I do know when I make something that I like and it gives me joy. I’m 56 and I just started. I can never recreate something I’ve done that I love and my husband ( a musician ) says my paintings are good. Where do I go from here?
Thank you for the tasteful and fun take on the subject. I am sure people will enjoy reading it and learn a lot from it. We are in a business of providing painting and decorative ideas and implementation services. The importance of awareness of these ideas among the people is vital for us. Keep up the excellent work.
Capitalpainter
No. 4 is me. I dream of painting its just goes on in my mind all the time.
Ha ha… Great list.
Number 9: I named my dog Rembrandt!
Ha ha… Great list.
Number 9: I named my dog Rembrandt!
Ha ha… Great list.
Number 9: I named my dog Rembrandt!
Ha ha… Great list.
Number 9: I named my dog Rembrandt!
#11. ability to ignore both criticism and compliments provided by onlookers.
#11. ability to ignore both criticism and compliments provided by onlookers.
#11. ability to ignore both criticism and compliments provided by onlookers.
#11. ability to ignore both criticism and compliments provided by onlookers.
7th is the best, but the 6th one has happened to me many times in Ottawa, Italy, Rome, Russia… But what to do, can’t resist
7th is the best, but the 6th one has happened to me many times in Ottawa, Italy, Rome, Russia… But what to do, can’t resist
7th is the best, but the 6th one has happened to me many times in Ottawa, Italy, Rome, Russia… But what to do, can’t resist
I can relate. I dream in terms of abstracts, and sometimes the yearning for a paintbrush in my hand is almost physical pain. The DYI is SO strong in me. Surprise! I LIKE forging new frontiers of DYI.
I relate to almost all of the topics, and your need to get up and paint or draw out a sketch. Sometimes they are great but other times the next day I look at them and say, “What was I THINKING??”
I can relate. I dream in terms of abstracts, and sometimes the yearning for a paintbrush in my hand is almost physical pain. The DYI is SO strong in me. Surprise! I LIKE forging new frontiers of DYI.
I relate to almost all of the topics, and your need to get up and paint or draw out a sketch. Sometimes they are great but other times the next day I look at them and say, “What was I THINKING??”
please note that #6 has a subset: when you zoom in close to the painting at the gallery and THEN veer to the side, so the light hits skewed on the canvas, and THEN you can see the brushstrokes better….
please note that #6 has a subset: when you zoom in close to the painting at the gallery and THEN veer to the side, so the light hits skewed on the canvas, and THEN you can see the brushstrokes better….
When water washable oils leave you puzzled as to whether you should thin with water or with oil and how “fat over lean” applies. (I think the imprimatura should be thinned with water.)
When water washable oils leave you puzzled as to whether you should thin with water or with oil and how “fat over lean” applies. (I think the imprimatura should be thinned with water.)
When water washable oils leave you puzzled as to whether you should thin with water or with oil and how “fat over lean” applies. (I think the imprimatura should be thinned with water.)
You look at faces as a regimen of controlled smudges (where you don’t need to squint because you are old and can just remove your glasses.)
You look at faces as a regimen of controlled smudges (where you don’t need to squint because you are old and can just remove your glasses.)
You look at faces as a regimen of controlled smudges (where you don’t need to squint because you are old and can just remove your glasses.)
You look at faces as a regimen of controlled smudges (where you don’t need to squint because you are old and can just remove your glasses.)
Ima 2, 3, 8 & 10 ….
Ima 2, 3, 8 & 10 ….
My planners/organizers are all filled with thumbnail sketches and notes about potential subjects.
Wow. Thought I was mentally ill. Won’t have wonder anymore and bring up any of these 10 topics. Lol. I relate to most of them; wholeheartedly.
Wow. Thought I was mentally ill. Won’t have wonder anymore and bring up any of these 10 topics. Lol. I relate to most of them; wholeheartedly.
I’m 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
Sometimes inspiration comes in my dreams. I get up and I have to draw a sketch or start working on that idea.
I DIY everything which needs painting or sculpturing skills just for fun and because I can do it.
A real painter spots amateurs when they use brushes badly – it is so annoying when they destroying a good brush or any kind of good quality equipment.
Number 6 to a degree. I try to figure out how the artist created his/her grey – combining Burnt Sienna with Ultramarine Blue or a different combination. I’m a watercolorist.
Oh, you are right!
2,7 and nine are not correct, but I found myself in your article.
Every holiday means, hurrah more time to paint!
great