I’ve been watching the Olympics every evening.  The exploits of the athletes are amazing and impressive.  I couldn’t do a tenth of what they do.  A newscaster on the local news put it this way, “If there was an event for falling, I could do that.”  Amen, brother.

But every night the commentators talk about the importance of family, friends and coaches.  The athletes tell their families they love them.  They talk about their hometowns and how they have supported them and celebrated with them.  The coaches hug them in disappointment and give them high-fives in victory.

Being an artist can be a lonely life.  And a discouraging one.  It requires perseverance and grit and a willingness to keep at it when there are virtually no external rewards.  I imagine it’s like training for the Olympics – but your coaches are not there in person to push you or encourage you, or anything.  That’s why so many artists take so many workshops.  It’s nice to have in-person teaching. laughter, affirmation, camaraderie.

I once read that most artists give up before they get through.  I know that to be true.  I gave up being an artist three times.  But the soul-hunger to create wouldn’t let me go.  So I came back and tried one more time.  I’m glad I did.

Let me coach you who have an artist in your family or among your friends.  Deep six the comment, “Oh, you’re so talented.”  I know it’s well-meant, but it’s a little like telling Simone Biles or Caleb Dressel that they are talented as if that was all it took.  Uh, not exactly.  Not even close.  It skips the years of learning and trying and sticking with it.  It skips the heartache and the effort.

Try telling them what you like about their art.  What draws you to it.  Does it move you?  Ask questions to learn how they create what they create.  If their process impresses you or requires more than you realized, say so.  Express appreciation – for what they do and who they are. 

You have no idea.  A little appreciation goes a long way.  Of course, the ultimate appreciation is to buy the artist’s work.  That says you are willing to part with some of your precious money to have their precious work.  Both of you gain by the transaction.

Try telling them what you like about their art.  What draws you to it.  Does it move you?  Ask questions to learn how they create what they create.  If their process impresses you or requires more than you realized, say so.  Express appreciation – for what they do and who they are. 

You have no idea.  A little appreciation goes a long way.  Of course, the ultimate appreciation is to buy the artist’s work.  That says you are willing to part with some of your precious money to have their precious work.  Both of you gain by the transaction.

To lighten the mood, two of my favorite comments.  Years ago I was sitting on a bluff painting a lighthouse.  A mother and her young son came by.  The boy wandered over, peered over my shoulder, and said with some surprise in his voice, “It looks like a lighthouse!”  An honest comment from a young and curious observer.  Too funny.

My other favorite comment?  “Wow.”  Just wow.  I say it often when I see a painting or a sculpture or a piece of art that stops me in my tracks.  Occasionally people say it about one of my paintings.  I always take that as an indication that I’ve gotten it right – at least for that person (and me.)