My Art Journey

Today is 3/30/23 and I started my first painting in September of 2021 as just a fun thing to do outside during the summer with my friends. I have been painting for a year and half now and it really has become a hobby I love. Whether it’s 30 minutes or 2 hours painting has opened up a space for me to practice focus and creativity in a whole different way. Painting has taught me a lot of things; for example, I have learned patience when it comes to finishing a painting or figuring out details of a painting. I have also learned to trust my intuition when it comes to painting, I know that not every decision will be the right one but I make my decisions based on what is closest to my identity, interest, and values and I hope that people will see my messages and wonder for life as I continue to develop the craft.

My biggest challenge in my art journey has been technical ability. I struggled early on with the drawing phases of designing paintings and I still struggle but I am working to improve my drawing skill and techniques as it will help me produce better paintings in the future. Art has forced me to explore more opportunities for myself that I would have never even considered before painting. One thing I really love about my art journey is that my approach in painting has helped sharpen skills in other areas of my life. Whether that be bartending, talking with people, or building my professional career.

A year and a half is a lot longer than my usual “try a new hobby” duration and I have learned a lot of things about myself. I have grown to love all mediums of art as well, local artists like Tyree Guyton, Charles McGee, and Judy Bowman will forever have an influence on my style as each one of them approaches their craft so differently yet they create such beautiful art. Painting can be both meditative and extremely frustrating but I am excited to keep sharpening my skills and show the art I was meant to show! - Sam Beckman