Why create?

Looking at Art:

Do you ever wonder why your favorite artist chose to become an artist? Although I always have at least one project in progress in my studio, I really don’t know why I do it. Is it because I have had success in the past? Is it because it feels good? Since the projects are always challenging, which can at times be discouraging, I don’t think the feeling of success is the reason. I know I don’t make art to make money, so I can’t explain it. An article on the web says that we should know why we create before we begin. If that were the case, I might never begin. Why do you think artists create?

Work in the Studio:

The sketch shown here was made during a life drawing session. I find drawing from a live model very challenging, but I have loved this activity since I first tried it in a college art class. When I draw, all other thoughts slip away. I was pleased with the results in this piece, because the model took the pose for 40 minutes instead of the usual 20 minutes and the extra time made a big difference in what I was able to do with the drawing,

Drawing from Life, 11” x 9”, Watercolor