3 Reasons Why I Paint

 

To paint is to express. To be an artist implies constant exploration and growth. The act of creation, no matter how simple it may seem, has the power to evoke emotions and bring us closer to the world around us. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your skills as a real-life “craftsman,” painting offers a vast array of opportunities for anyone who wants to create art on a deeper level.

There are countless benefits that come with spending time in front of a canvas, from practicing patience and focus to cultivating self-confidence and developing an appreciation for artistic creativity. With this article, professional artist Hillel Selznick aims to give you practical insights into why you should start painting now rather than later—no matter what your level of experience or artistic inclination may be.

Whether you hope one day to become a professional artist or simply love creating colorful wall art in your spare time, reading these three reasons will help you take the first step in the right direction.

 

You’ll Improve Your Observation Skills

To truly excel as an artist, you’ll need to be able to observe your surroundings with both precision and intuition. For beginners, this often includes learning how to look at nature with fresh eyes, as well as how to look at the world around you with a more critical eye. Paintings are meant to capture the essence of the subject matter in front of you—but only if you’re looking at it with fresh eyes. While painting doesn’t always make you a better observer, it can certainly be a helpful exercise. If you see things in your daily life that you can turn into inspiration for a painting, you’ll have a better chance of creating something meaningful and original.

 

You’ll Develop Confidence in Your Abilities

There’s a lot of pressure on the shoulders of those who aspire to become professional artists. You’ll often find yourself in “auditions” where you’ll be judged on your artistic abilities and the quality of your work. It’s important for aspiring artists to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, no matter what level of experience they may be at.

By improving your observation and drawing skills, you’ll be able to create work that’s more precise and accurate. This is great for building confidence and showing potential clients that you’re a skilled artist who can replicate what you’ve seen, explains Hillel Selznick. Studying other artists’ work can also help you to learn from the best and avoid making the same mistakes as others. This will help you to find your artistic voice and develop a unique style that’s truly yours.

 

It’s Good for your Mental Health

Art can be tremendously beneficial to your health and contribute to overall happiness and mental well-being. Both adults and children can benefit from art therapy. Drawing, sculpting, and painting are known to reduce stress levels and promote mental calmness. By creating art, you can take your mind off of your everyday life and relax. Focusing on the details of the art you are creating allows you to set worries aside, adds abstract painter Hillel Selznick.

Art also encourages creative thinking and imagination in children and adults. It also improves problem-solving abilities. As there is no wrong answer in art, people are encouraged to come up with their own solution. In the same way that learning a new language stimulates the brain, flexible thinking prepares it for complex functions.