The Complexity of Making Art Worth Buying

Just doodling/creating...August 19, 2019

August 23, 2019

It is one thing to be insanely talented in Art, but it is another to be able to create your own art. For example, I’ve seen many people who can draw realistically with pencils to the point that the work looks just like a photograph. However, the artwork of a person who can draw just as well but is able to create their own Art, from their own original ideas, will be valued way more than the artwork of someone who can just realistically draw things or people. To further explain, I believe that having the talent to draw or paint realistically is not enough. There is a significant difference between coming up with your own Art ideas without much reference, when it comes to big Art projects, versus having to almost mimic the exact reference used, with very few changes. I believe these factors – creativity and originality – are what separates those whose artwork will be “valued” in the Art world versus those whose artwork will not be valued. Now don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with using reference photos or looking at pictures for inspiration (everybody does that). But it is one thing when an artist is able to combine their own creativity with references/inspiration to create something completely original of their own, versus someone just copying a picture they saw. I’ve always been good at creating Art mostly from my own ideas. I strive for this, as an artist. References have their place, however. As I have gotten older and have begun to draw and paint more intricate projects, I always make sure I use reference photos when need be to keep the realistic aspects of what is being depicted. Today, I turn 17 years old and will be a senior in high school. I will be starting my official AP Studio Art portfolio soon, and I am excited to keep growing as an artist.