The first film on painters and painting I believe I ever saw, other than the Agony and the Ecstasy, was Lust for Life. Lust for Life was about the Dutch impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh and his journey to becoming an artist and starred the recently passed actor Kirk Douglas.
My biggest impression from the film was how once Van Gogh, played by Douglas, let loose his talent he was totally driven. Bob Ross is quoted as saying, “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” I know many people argue with this and feel artists like Van Gogh were “born” with talent, but I disagree that we are either born with or without talent.
Watching the film, what one sees is an interest that becomes a passion, a passion that becomes a lust, if you will to make art. When we think of musicians, athletes, or actors, the good ones have talent because they’re interested in their craft. On the other hand the great ones have much more “talent” because they have a Passion.
Van Gogh went a bit off the deep end toward the end of his life and some might say it was due to his passion where others would say it was because of the poison in his paints. Whether it was passion or poison, there’s no doubt his art drove him to do more.
In the film he was constantly working on his art. Drawing in charcoal, painting in watercolor and oils. He HAD to make art. I know the feeling.
Art can do that to you. It can become so much a part of you that you have to make art every day. It can make you see the world in a whole new perspective. And fortunately, we’ve learned about the poisons in paints and have alternatives to the toxic kind.
It’s been a bit over two years now since I started concentrating on my art and I find myself seeing the world in new ways.
Today I see a tree, a flower, a building and I see it as shapes to be painted or drawn. I see the color in objects and I think to myself what color most closely matches that on my palettes (yes…I have more than two actually). Ilene and I walk Main Street here in Fredericksburg and I try to see how I’d compose a painting or drawing.
I’ve been blessed to not only be around many fine artists lately but find many online “mentors” who aren’t afraid to share their love of art and their techniques on DVDs, online, and on YouTube.
I’ve always had a Lust for Life and as I grow older, and hopefully wiser, I haven’t diminished my need to grab as much as I can of what God has given us to enjoy in this crazy mixed-up world. I hope you’ll do the same!
ANNOUNCEMENT
I’m happy to announce that I have just been accepted for membership into the Fredericksburg Art Guild. My original art is on display at the guild located at 308 E. Austin Street in Fredericksburg, Texas. If you’re in town I hope you’ll stop by and spend some time and enjoy some fine art produced by local Hill Country Artists.