Why do people paint? Why make ART ?

Why do people paint? Why make ART ?

People ask me that, all the time since I started this blog. I'm no expert but Isn't it obvious? Some talented people make money from it, most others just do it for fun. And Art does kinda engages you & stops time. Most of us live in a virtual world these days. But when you paint or sketch what's around, you see it for what it is.You'll be present right there, right now in the real world. Instead of day dreaming of all kinds of nonsense like we usually do, you'll be able to stop, clear the mind & just be. It's almost spiritual & you don't need advice from some big time guru. Or pay money to go to some far away exotic meditation retreat. Just a sketch book & a pencil will do.

Like a written diary, through art, you could also be recording your life. A small sketch in your sketchbook transform those everyday moments into something significant. What you eat for breakfast, the view outside your window, your beloved pet or even your own selfie! Your sketches will give you perspective on what really matters. You'll never be bored again. Waiting for something be it for the bus, mrt or your dentist, in between commercial breaks when watching lousy TV programs, taking a 3hour flight to Hong Kong- sketch something. Make these 'lost' moments count. Make it more interesting & worthwhile. Overtime you will build up a book of memories, a true record of what truly went on in your life.

Now isn't that cool?

May everyone have a Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year

Nice image right? My friend did a copy of this image & put it up in his home. It's so festive & beautiful, thought I share it with you.

Johnny Depp the Artist

Since I last wrote about Sylvester Stallone's art, my friends have been asking me which other "unlikely" celebrities are painters too. Well here's one very famous one Johnny Depp: & he's really very good !

Painting of a mentor & good friend to him: the late Marlon Brando

The most expensive painting sold in 2015: Picasso’s “Les femmes d’Alger (Version “O”),” which sold at Christie’s New York for $179,365,000.

This is the most expensive sold in 2015:

Yes it's a Picasso again.

Impulse Buying... Oops I did it again !

Impulse buying??? Experts say don't do it, especially for ART!!!

You are in a beautiful gallery , the knowledgeable sales lady is telling you how wonderful the piece is, she started telling you about it's history, or the artist- suddenly you felt personal , you started falling in love with it, you even feel obliged after the nice knowledgeable lady had spent so much time explaining to you .................. Well experts said  STOP!!!!!! ..........don't even think about it.... don't buy it!

Chances are when you bring it home, you'll realize, that it has no relevance in your life!

It's different when you are buying something small, or for that matter when you are on vacation, buying a small souvenir, it's ok because you are just having fun at a small expense. It's very different when you are making a serious purchase costing thousands of dollars.

It happened to me. I bought a painting for $10,000- sometime back,  brought it home & it don't even go with anything in my apt! Then I swear I'll never do it again, & guess what ? 
Last night, I did it again !

Sylvester Stallone an artist?

I was kinda surprise when I read that action star Sylvester Stallone has been painting for decades. In fact his Real Love exhibition is running right now in Nice, France till 30th May.

“Real Love” includes the actor’s artwork from 1975 to the present and features an interesting piece "Finding Rocky".  He commented on the piece. “There is no way you can’t be affected by what you see on the television, by what you see on the street and so it definitely sinks into the work too. I won’t say pessimistic but it’s questioning, you know, what is life, what is all about, is it worth of it.”

Stallone also explained that he has a different take on art compared to other artists.

“My art isn’t one that educates, you know. It’s not making social statements. It’s not drawing conclusions. It’s not declaring what is right. It is not political. It’s just one man’s struggle and success and all emotions you go along in life, ups and downs.”

Stallone also pointed out that painting is “the most honest form of all the arts. Because it's simple, unforgiving & it's there to be studied, up close & personal. And you cant defend it, it's there. it's the most honest of all arts !

I find that pretty interesting :))

Obstacles that gets in the way of your Art

A good friend sign up for an art course after she read my blog. She was inspired she said ...lol... Anyway that was half a year ago & I saw her just yesterday.

And how are things in the creative department, I ask? She looked a little embarrassed when she saw me. She has almost given up, she said. Well even the best artist needs a break. Obstacles.... believe me, it's part of the process. If it happens to you too, the fact that you hit a wall , don't mean it's over. It just mean you need a break. Art is suppose to be fun, it's not a school assignment. Good news is, school is over- long ago......Take your time, recharge, google & read up on any artist's life, look at some kid's art, watch a movie hang out with friends.

Don't take the fact that you have paused as an indication that you are finish with the creative process. All is not lost. Just keep your sketch book around & pick it up when the urge returns. I assure you, it will:))

by American post-minimalist artist Miya Ando, love her work !!!