Do you think you can learn to be artistic?

[Lilacs4Me]

Artistic? No, I think that this is a natural born gift.

Crafty? Sure! if you can follow directions, you can learn to put together a picture frame or sew a pillow!

But that is not to say that you are not already artistic, or that you would like to do some of those wine and painting party-type things. They seem pretty simple and easy for anyone to do.

 

[wenrob]

No I haven't and I blame my mom! lol My mom loved to sew and she taught my sister who then taught her daughter. But I was left handed and it drove my mom crazy when she tried to teach me to sew, knit, or even cut with scissors! I have a friend who started sewing classes for kids and she is having a blast. I don't really have an interest in it now, but I am definitely jealous of people who can sew. Thanks for the idea, though!

This is what happened to me when my grandma tried to teach me to quilt. It was so second nature to her and then having to deal with a lefty, she just didn't have the patience. I did learn to crochet by sitting opposite of my great grandma though my stuff is "backwards."

I don't think of myself as artistic but I am a learner. If I want to do something I'll read, read, read about it and then apply. I've taught myself to cross stitch, paint any manner of things, photography, how to use Lightroom and Paint Shop Pro, make wreathes and stepping stones, digital scrapbooking. I think if it's something you like and want to learn you'll soon be good at it. I'd suggest having a stroll through a craft store and seeing what appeals to you then choose a small project and work up from there. For what it's worth, I took a stain glass class years ago and while I enjoyed it, it was really expensive and turned out not to be my thing.

What about adult color books? I think I'm going to pick up one and some real nice pencils.

 

[donac]

The website Craftsy.com has some great tutorials and classes from top teachers. Look for a sale and you can a class for $20. It will be available to you when ever you want to learn something. Look it over.

 

[LisaR]

Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate the ideas and opinions. I've been pondering this, and I agree with what design_mom said about precision. I am a pretty physical person (I guess "was" would be the proper tense now) and sitting still attempting to learn a detailed craft would likely drive me crazy. I love to paint walls or make shabby chic furniture....big things without a lot of detail work. I've never considered welding, but I definitely like the idea of something that involves moving around, standing up, using power tools! I like the adult coloring books, but I hate the small print, detailed pictures. I never really put a lot of thought into this until I posted. At least now I know what I am not into!

I just made the phone call letting friends know that I am out of our kickball league and I am done signing up for those kinds of things. Sad! I've been involved in sports since the 2nd grade, but I simply can't take the pain and recovery process anymore. But now there is this part of me that feels lost. This really did take up a great deal of time and energy in my life in a good way.

 

[Disneefun]

I know you asked about art, but have you considered coaching? Many city/town rec leagues need volunteer coaches. You'd still be out and active, just not as active. And you'd be passing your knowledge on to others. You don't have to coach at the pro or travel team level where it's super competitive, just teach some kids (or adults since there are adult city leagues, too) the ins and outs of your favorite sports.

Or, have you considered a lower impact sport like Frisbee golf? I took that one up later in life and really enjoy it.

 

[LisaR]

I know you asked about art, but have you considered coaching? Many city/town rec leagues need volunteer coaches. You'd still be out and active, just not as active. And you'd be passing your knowledge on to others. You don't have to coach at the pro or travel team level where it's super competitive, just teach some kids (or adults since there are adult city leagues, too) the ins and outs of your favorite sports.

Or, have you considered a lower impact sport like Frisbee golf? I took that one up later in life and really enjoy it.

I used to coach kids long ago. Never again! I love kids. Their parents? Not so much!

I tried kickball because that seemed so much gentler on my body. I have been in physical therapy three times in the past two years for injuries and haven't been able to play anything regularly. I knew this was coming, but I thought I'd give it one more try. I am really a competitive person in sports no matter how many times I tell myself to play with less er....enthusiasm. Throw a ball at me and I will just naturally dive toward it! lol My lower body is much better than my upper body so anything requiring throwing is out of the question. Damn, I'm feeling quite old all of a sudden!

 

[bookgirl]

Honestly I think you can learn to appreciate art, but you are either talented in that area or you're not. Just like you can learn the fundamentals of a sport but if it's not your gift you'll never be more than mediocre.

However the good think about art and sports is that even if you suck at it, if you're having fun then who cares if you're any good.

Like I tell my preschoolers the only rule about art is there are no rules about art. Every one of them does a masterpiece every time, even if it looks like Picasso and Pollack had a wrestling match in paint, if they like it then it's art to them.

 

[Feralpeg]

I believe a person can develop technique, learn tools and train their eye artistically. Can you become an artist if you've never shown any artistic apptitude...probably not.

I am definitely not an artist. I am a mediocre drawer. I am able to copy things I see...to some extent. I do, however, feel that I am creative. I trained myself to use various mediums and practiced. Most recently, I made myself learn Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Now, I do all sort of fun projects. They are just tools. Anyone can learn them. The rest is imagination.

 

[lizabu]

All the talk about moving around and doing things that are physical made me think of cooking and baking. Lots of cooking schools wil have a bread workshop of a foods of Italy workshop on the weekends. You are doing something creative and showing off some artistic flair while at the same time moving around. Sewing can be physical too. I used to sew outfits for my girls and it was always up to the ironing board...back to the sewing machine...up to the ironing board and so on. Maybe a beginner sewing class would be fun. Gardening and golf are other things that get you moving but are not too rough on your body. Bowling is good too.

 

[usnuzuloose]

How about knitting or crocheting? That is not that expensive. It can be relaxing as well.

 

[GaryDis]

Gardening has become my late-in-life hobby, but be careful lifting those bags of mulch and fertilizer. I've started growing roses for the first time, and they provide a real sense of accomplishment.

 

[ilovepcot]

Stained glasser here. I'm not artistic AT ALL, even was treated poorly at a tole painting class because I couldn't keep up with beginners. Yes, S.G. is an expensive hobby but soooo rewarding. And no, you don't need a $450 kit to get started.

 

[low-key]

You could practice and learn to be decent at anything, but the real good ones at things have the gift

 

[LisaR]

Thanks again, everyone! You've given me a lot of great ideas and things to think about.

I do LOVE to cook and bake, but that is also contributing to my midlife crisis! lol DD is away at college and so are all of her friends who came over all the time for dinner. I always had a group of kids to feed and they loved my cooking. DS still lives at home, but he isn't here often. I used to cook every single day and loved it. Now the need just isn't there. I made a great dinner last night, but there was so much leftover that I didn't need to cook today. Ugh!

Anyway, I did find something online that looks cool: leaf casting. That looks like a project I could see myself having fun with.

I might check out the stained glass class, too. I did see that you can rent the kit for $90 instead of buying it (and you can buy it after the class ends if you want). I don't mind spending the money if I like it, but I wouldn't want to put that kind of money in without trying it first.

I'm sure I'll find something. I just hope I can tap into my creative side a little bit more than I feel I have lately.

 

[ilovepcot]

LisaR...take a look at some of the stained glass videos on Youtube. That may help a bunch. I taught myself...didn't have classes in my town at the time. Tons of groups to join on Facebook where experienced people will answer any question, no matter how silly it may seem. Hope you give it a shot!

 

[phorsenuf]

I was never artistic (though I tried), but when i found out I was going to be a grandma, I picked up a crochet hook, put on you tube videos and taught myself to crochet. That was 4 years ago and I don't think I have put my hook down since. I absolutely love it and I do pretty good work (if I must say). It still amazes me that when I look at complicated patterns I can actually figure them out and enjoy doing so. I've even opened a little Etsy shop and make enough to buy my yarn and have a little fun money. Doing my first craft table next month, and have even talked with some shop owners in Mt. Dora to sell my items.
Just found out, too, that my grandmother crocheted too. My sister just sent me a bedspread that she had made for us as kids. I never knew she crocheted. My dad said she always had a hook in hand as well.

 

[wenrob]

I was never artistic (though I tried), but when i found out I was going to be a grandma, I picked up a crochet hook, put on you tube videos and taught myself to crochet. That was 4 years ago and I don't think I have put my hook down since. I absolutely love it and I do pretty good work (if I must say). It still amazes me that when I look at complicated patterns I can actually figure them out and enjoy doing so. I've even opened a little Etsy shop and make enough to buy my yarn and have a little fun money. Doing my first craft table next month, and have even talked with some shop owners in Mt. Dora to sell my items.
Just found out, too, that my grandmother crocheted too. My sister just sent me a bedspread that she had made for us as kids. I never knew she crocheted. My dad said she always had a hook in hand as well.

Crochet is such a great hobby and perfect for this time of year. My great Aunt could knock out afghans like no tomorrow, she was so fast and I swear she did it without looking.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I was never artistic (though I tried), but when i found out I was going to be a grandma, I picked up a crochet hook, put on you tube videos and taught myself to crochet. That was 4 years ago and I don't think I have put my hook down since. I absolutely love it and I do pretty good work (if I must say). It still amazes me that when I look at complicated patterns I can actually figure them out and enjoy doing so. I've even opened a little Etsy shop and make enough to buy my yarn and have a little fun money. Doing my first craft table next month, and have even talked with some shop owners in Mt. Dora to sell my items.
Just found out, too, that my grandmother crocheted too. My sister just sent me a bedspread that she had made for us as kids. I never knew she crocheted. My dad said she always had a hook in hand as well.

I like crocheting but dis and hook at the same time…lol

 

[NewRVLady]

I am artistic
However two crafts I have done had people in the class who weren't particularly artistic-and loved it

Stained Glass and Silver Clay jewelry
Both require $$ investment in tools

Here's a silver jewelry example(Basically you roll out the clay & press on mold with design then cut out shape and fire with a torch)
-https://www.etsy.com/listing/233708430/dandelion-earrings-stamped-silver-clay?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=silver clay jewelry&ref=sr_gallery_15

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I don't even know what "artistic" means in this sense.

Everybody is good at something. Then it's your opinion about whether that thing is "art".

I think people can be taught competence. But that doesn't make them great at something. You can go to vocal class and learn the ins and outs of singing, and maybe sing in the choir, but you will never be Beyonce.

But just because you can't sing or draw doesn't mean you aren't artistic.