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            How does it feel when you make your artwork? Perhaps you’re too involved in the moment to even be aware of your feelings. I’ve heard many students, however, say things like they feel relaxed, calm, excited, engaged, happy, and other responses. Whatever the feelings, these have a way of empowering us and actually reinforcing the desire to do more. Often it was our feelings, our emotional responses, that drew us to art in the first place.

            We, as artists, tend to notice things in the world around us. We see and sense shapes, forms, colors, textures – all those things that make up a painting and we utilize in its construction. We tend to see deeper than the usual response to a sunset, for example, as being pretty or spectacular. We tend to notice the interplay of colors, the ambient light and how that light affects surrounding objects. We notice details or lack of details, combinations of shapes and the simultaneous existence of simplicity and complexity within those shapes. Our sensual responses inspire us to creative action.

            Each of us certainly responds in different ways and will feel pulled or attracted to different stimuli. This is one aspect of human character that makes art so interesting and varied. We perceive particular colors and shapes to which we respond and that really engage us. This easily illustrates how two artists working from the same subject can create paintings quite different in appearance. The two artists, however, may say similar things about their emotional experience of making the paintings – or not.

            Athletes often speak of being in the zone when everything for which they have diligently trained goes well. This is usually a powerful and even exhilarating experience. Psychologists refer to this as a peak experience. Artists also have this type experience as part of the creative process. Neurologists would point out that there are increases in serotonin and endorphin levels during peak experiences, and it is from these that the feeling of well-being or pleasure or perfection may come.

            Personally, I am also aware of these feelings when I encounter powerful artwork in a museum or gallery or a friend’s studio. The sense of pleasure and excitement is palpable. I frequently feel inspired to create as well. Should I ever feel in a slump, I know that a trip to the museum will be a guaranteed pick-me-up.

            Think about your most recent painting experience. Was it good for you?