The Top 3 Myths About Learning to Draw & Paint

Do you believe any of these myths? At various points I have believed all 3 to some extent. Each of them puts a strange pressure on you as an artist. You have to be and feel a certain way or else you're not a 'real artist'. Art is about capturing and communicating our human experiences with each other. So that means it's enough to be human.

[elindis]

The stories about successful artists who suffer from mental illness are inspirational to me, as a mentally ill person. My illness is the type that doesn't respond to treatment, so I have to just live with it. It's probably true that mentally healthy people have an easier time with art, but I like to believe that my situation can at least give me something unique to put into my art.

Not to contradict you at all. Just a tiny anecdote from someone like me.

[deadragondigital]

You said some very important things about being a tortured artist, mister! I went through a period when I was abusing substances and struggling mentally. Making music and art really helped me cope with it all. But at the same time, when I decided to get better, I thought, 'Am I going to lose something while finding my peace?'

Still, I kept going—staying sober for longer periods, meditating, stepping out of my comfort zone, and growing as a person. Now, I feel like I have something positive to express through my art. It’s not just all crazy, edgy, dark, twisted things anymore.

We artists are very sensitive, and we have to take care of ourselves because we can share messages in ways not everyone can. So why not share something good? Much love, stay strong

[AnnaBerry]

Oohh, that last myth about art really resonates with me; I really appreciate it being said!
As I've become a more experienced figure artist, I've found that I'm becoming more and more selective with what poses I draw. I've gotten a little down on myself for that behaviour sometimes... saying to myself that I should stop skipping poses and I should just draw whichever one I get. But when I try to draw those poses that don't feel right to me, they never turn out well, and it always ends up being a struggle that puts a damper on my enjoyment. It's nice to know that there's validity in that!

[KoongYe]

You are right. I'll say this though as an artist with mental problems. I draw as a way to relieve my mental struggles. Drawing and painting things and people I love gets me through the day which would otherwise be miserable.

[NARAYAN]

Well said. About Myth 3, selection of a subject for a painting is something like movie making. What looks good and great to the naked eye may not be so spectacular on screen. The cinematographer knows what looks best on screen. So too, an experienced artist knows what works for a Canvas.

[XD-rdzd]

my art teacher in elementary school said not use eraser - nowadays the myth abouth real artists avoiding erasers is still strong

[tikatuni]

Thank you for this video, I really needed to hear that!

[Rayedrgn]

Teaching yourself a new skill in general requires immense concentration, motivation and determination all of which tend to faulter when our mental health isn't doing too well. I think the "disturbed artist" mentality came from people who really didn't understand art in general and figured in order for someone to make something as interesting as they did, they must be "broken" somehow.

One myth that I came to terms with was the idea that "great artists produce great art ALL the time". It is easy to think that when looking in from the outside because we tend to post what we are most proud of but that doesn't mean the not so good ones don't exist.

[AlexGuerra-pe]

Great video that covered a lot of good myths! The 3rd one I never would’ve thought about actually! It reminds me of what some of my instructors have said about photos being tricky cause the figure can warp especially in perspective. What looks proportional correct at first is actually not at all. Also, I noticed you bring up a lot about painting. Do you guys have any painting tutorials or videos on that topic? Would love to learn any painting tips you guys have here!

[AnaLuizaHella]

You're so right. It's sad that people evaluate Van Gogh's paintings using his mental problems.
I've seen many strange things such as "The pattern of the wall paper has to do with his struggles."
Seriously? Those tiny white flowers?
Come on.
This is an example. I've seen lots of analysis that appalled me. I prefer watching his art without reading anything
He's amazing.

PS His letters to Theo are great. He explains a lot of his process and he's happy, enthusiastic.

[Agripapost]

I totally agree. The last thing we need as artists is to be influenced by Hollywood clichés geared towards the lowest common denominator.

[hlnmarie]

I've always thought the Van Gogh crazy myth makes people feel relieved about not being creative. PS : Van Gogh was very well trained in design. Analyze the paintings.

[keepyourshoesathedoor]

Van Gogh was in therapy and was in rehab. He only painted when he was well. When he relapsed, he didn’t paint and would hurt himself.

[keepyourshoesathedoor]

Hmmm, a myth for me is that you have to constantly get out of your comfort zone to improve your art.

It is great to get out of your comfort zone, but you need to find what makes you comfortable and then work against that first. Find your aesthetic, find out what your habits are, then work towards improving.

Also, the idea that you can’t make art you love until you learn everything about fundamentals (like heavy practice) and learn every single rule until you can break them.

It works for some people, but others it’s discouraging and it makes the enjoying process harder. For me, it just meant I never was going to enjoy art and I should stop because I couldn’t sit and practice a particular anatomy part perfectly.

I agree with #2, but I feel like somewhat I have to enjoy what I do.

[PRADEEP-sp]

❤RESPECTED SIR U CAN DEFINITELY MAKE A MOVIE ON ART😂AND B THE WINNER FOR OSCARS ❤

[fuzonzord]

The tortured artist thing is mostly for expressive art. And it's much more common in music than painting/drawing, I think.

[sophieneudorf]

But what if I am suffering from mental illness? 👀

[DingDong-bwmq]

No worries, almost everyone's butchering his name.