Now that you have the time and the inclination, you want to add some deeper meaning to your life. You’ve always enjoyed art, so why not make some of your own?

Now that you have the time and the inclination, you want to add some deeper meaning to your life. You’ve always enjoyed art, so why not make some of your own? The nice people at the art supply store ask pertinent questions and offer to outfit you with the right equipment and ever-ready advice. You’ll think it over, you say, and go home.

As you consider their words, the idea jells in your mind: you’ll study abstract art! Representational art may be all well and good for the full-time student who wants to pursue it, you say, but your taste runs to abstract art. You think that acrylic paints are the perfect medium for a traditional canvas painting, and your heart is set on your course. But as in many arenas in the modern world of the 21st century, you turn to the internet and discover that not only are there numerous art websites, but that some of them carry tutorials and instructional videos to help the new aficionado of the genre. Well, that’s just what you were looking for. After visiting the library for a solid, actual book on painting, just to say that you’ve pursued all outlets, you decide to watch and learn. A beginner’s art video starts you on your way; it actually shows someone painting and talking a viewer through the steps. The right light to work in, the correct method of using acrylic paints and even a hint or two about working in plain air are all on the website. What a good beginning you have in the field of making art!

Now some time passes. You are no longer a rank beginner, you’ve painted something you are proud of, after a while of earnest practice. You look over the websites and see that you need to further your education. Would an evening class at the local community college be in order? It means stepping out in faith that your basic skills are in place for this venture. You reflect, and say ‘yes’ to the notion. Community college art classes are fun and the instructor teaches you to reach your goals. She is realistic, you are realistic, and by the time the class concludes, you have another piece to hang in your home or even your office at work. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding.

At the moment, your plans to travel to various museums must be put on hold, but why stop with your abstract art education now? There are museums with virtual tours, such as the Louvre in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Their collections inspire you to go on with your painting. It is such a fulfilling part of your life that you thrill at each museum visit. In fact, any exposure to art leaves you giddy. You can’t believe that you have come so far! You revisit those beginning websites and are amazed at yourself and what you have learned. As you thumb through the small art library of books that you actually own, the reality of it all strikes home: you know quite a lot about art. You can call yourself an artist.