When you’re ready to start a new creative adventure – especially later in life, there are some basic hurdles that we need to overcome:
- Believe
- Commit
- Understand what it takes
- Overcome the urge to compare
Believe
If you grew up thinking “I can’t draw”, “I’m not talented”. It’s time to change your perception. We all have talent. The job we face is developing skills. Look at Grandma Moses and
Grandma Moses, Anna Mary Robertson, tried to distract herself with embroidery and “worsted pictures,” but developed a debilitating arthritis. A family member suggested that she try replacing this hobby with something that would be easier on her joints. With that Anna Mary launched a new career at 76 years old. No matter where you are, remember today is the beginning of the rest of your life.
Commit
Where do you begin? With commitment! Start from where you are right now. If you’re starting with skills you’ve developed throughout your life – great. You’re ahead of the game. But if you’re starting a new interest with no background. That’s ok too. Decide to “Just Do It”.
Understand what it takes
It will take time and dedication to move forward. Once you’ve decided what creative pursuit you want to follow based on your interests and personal stamina, you may need to do some research. You may need help with concepts and basic skills.
That’s great! Here are places that will give you ideas to get started
- You can find someone to mentor you,
- Check the public library
- Join groups of others who share your interests, maybe start with your local Community Center, Senior Center or Meetup
- Check out all the lessons and tutorials online beginning with YouTube and basic Google searches
- Find websites and blogs by others who are doing what you want to do (like this one) that share insights and encourage you to comment, ask questions and meet others with similar interests.
But DO NOT get hung up in the research. It’s great to take lessons and watch how others paint or play music or crochet or build a cabinet. Be very careful about getting caught up in the “learning” loop. Your real enjoyment and progress starts at the point that you start doing your own thing. Practice…Experiment…nd Complete your vision…Begin again with confidence.
A Word About Tools
To create beautiful acrylic art you’ll need 4-5 tubes of acrylic paint, 2-3 brushes and something to paint on (you can build from there). To play music, you’ll need your instrument (a keyboard or guitar or other) and, perhaps sheet music (although you can really learn to play by ear). To crochet, a crochet hook and a hank of yarn will get you started. When it comes to tools, it’s always good to start small and build from there based on where your interests lead you.
Overcome the urge to compare
Never mind about comparing yourself with others. Your creative journey begins and ends with you. Decide exactly what you want to do and then do it…The key is to take the first step and move forward at your own pace. Remember Grandma Moses and others who did their own thing at their own pace and made a huge splash in their area of interest.