Confidence, do artists need it?

Looking at art:

It is easy to believe that famous artists had the self-assurance to make great art from the very start of their careers. The truth is that every artist, as an individual, responds differently to the demands of the studio. Alberto Giacometti, the famous sculptor and painter “believed he could never reproduce on canvas what he saw but had a compulsion to try which caused him continual anxiety”, according to James Lord who wrote a book about the artist. Todd Brison, another author, wrote that Picasso always believed in his art and his eventual success. Have you ever doubted yourself when doing something you love?

Work in the Studio:

When I began working in watercolor after having dedicating myself to sculpture for many years, it felt like starting over. The confidence I had built up over time while working in clay vaporized. Even after learning the painting techniques and creating many paintings, the doubts linger. Although I was very delighted to be selected as a Master Member of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society, I feel like a student of the medium.

Sunshine, Watercolor, 14” x 11”

Sunshine is a portrait of my granddaughter. The portrait reflects her sunny personality.