The Struggle is Real - Perspectives from The Artist's Road

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The Struggle is Real

Perspectives from The Artist’s Road

Group with Parasols (A Siesta), 1905, John Singer Sargent
Group with Parasols (A Siesta)     1905     John Singer Sargent

(A painting from John Singer Sargent, who always made it look so easy,

and a quote from Robert Henri, that sums it all up!)


   “The picture that looks as if it were done without an effort

may have been a perfect battlefield in its making.”

                     - Robert Henri

   It seems as if struggle is a part of the creative process. So much so, that if a painting comes too easily, we tend to become suspicious of it! But even those works that come easily are often the product of lots of subconscious thought, circulating around for weeks and months before appearing to come forth effortlessly.  

   As artists we must learn to enjoy these battles, to embrace the challenges and struggle. After all, we’re not battling with another person. We’re sparring with ourselves and our own ideas. And, if our paintings fail, what a wonderful opportunity to learn more. Each painting is teaching us, inviting us to explore further.

   Whether we have created a painting we think successful or not, we realize the privilege it is to be an artist, to have this exquisite opportunity to face the challenge.

   Read more about Robert Henri here:  Signposts.

   Read more about John Singer Sargent here:  The Secret of Success - John Singer Sargent.


Copyright Hulsey Trusty Designs, L.L.C. (except where noted). All rights reserved.
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About Us

Photograph of John Hulsey and Ann Trusty in Glacier National Park
We are artists, authors and teachers with over 40 years of experience in painting the world's beautiful places. We created The Artist's Road in order to share our knowledge and experiences with you, and create a community of like-minded individuals.  You can learn more about us and see our original paintings by clicking on the links below.
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