The Struggle is Real

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

Group with Parasols (A Siesta) 1905 John Singer Sargent

(A painting from John Singer Sargent, who always made it look so easy,

and a quote from Robert Henri, that sums it all up!)

“The picture that looks as if it were done without an effort

may have been a perfect battlefield in its making.”

- Robert Henri

It seems as if struggle is a part of the creative process. So much so, that if a painting comes too easily, we tend to become suspicious of it! But even those works that come easily are often the product of lots of subconscious thought, circulating around for weeks and months before appearing to come forth effortlessly.

As artists we must learn to enjoy these battles, to embrace the challenges and struggle. After all, we’re not battling with another person. We’re sparring with ourselves and our own ideas. And, if our paintings fail, what a wonderful opportunity to learn more. Each painting is teaching us, inviting us to explore further.

Whether we have created a pain…