Unleash Your Inner Picasso (Even If You Can't Draw a Stick Figure!)

I call myself a “Saturday morning artist.”  That’s because, when I’m not running my public relations firm during the week, I spend Saturday mornings painting at Alizarin Crimson Art Studio where my teacher, Georgia Abood, has been guiding my oil painting for twenty years. I’m so humbled when I share my work on Facebook (like my Octavia painting) and I receive compliments.  

Inevitably someone will say they’re not an artist. They can’t even draw a straight line. People envision “artists” as folks with berets, paint-splattered smocks, and the uncanny ability to conjure masterpieces from thin air. But here's a secret: we're all artists. Yes, you included!

Forget the pressure of creating something museum-worthy. Art isn't confined to canvases and clay. It's about expression, creativity, and bringing a little bit of magic into the world. And guess what? That magic comes in a million different forms.

Think about the sheer joy of whipping up a delicious meal. That's art! The careful selection of ingredients, the dance of flavors, the presentation that makes your guests' eyes light up – that's a culinary masterpiece. You're a food artist, crafting edible experiences that nourish the body and soul.

Are you a singer, belting out tunes in the shower or serenading your pet? That's art! Your voice, your interpretation, the emotion you infuse into every note – that's a symphony of self-expression.

Do you love to dance, moving to the rhythm of life? Or a writer, weaving words into captivating stories? That’s artistry at work too! 

Or perhaps you find joy in transforming old furniture into something beautiful and new. The vision, the craftsmanship, the ability to breathe new life into vintage objects makes you an upcycling artist!

And let's not forget the gardeners who cultivate vibrant blooms, the coders who build digital worlds, and the photographers who captivate us with their images. They're all artists, each contributing their unique brand of creativity to the tapestry of life.

The point is … art is about passion, not perfection. It's about finding what sparks your soul and letting that spark ignite your creativity. So, ditch the self-doubt, embrace your inner artist, and start creating!

Don't worry about drawing a straight line. Focus on the crooked lines that make your art uniquely yours. Embrace the mess, the experimentation, the sheer joy of creation. Because in the end, the most beautiful art is the art that comes from the heart.

So, go forth and create! Whether you're baking a cake, singing a song, or simply arranging flowers in a vase, remember - you are an artist, and the world is waiting to see your masterpiece.