Is it too late to start an Art Career?

Why embarking on a creative journey later in life can be incredibly rewarding

“I am interested in art as a means of living a life; not as a means of making a living.”
~ Robert Henri

This quote by Robert Henri suggests that art should be integrated into one's life as a way to enrich and enhance personal experiences, rather than solely being a source of income, highlighting the intrinsic value of art in shaping one's life and perspective. I think, there may be no better time to reflect on such value than when we’re in middle age years.

When I was a very young child (dreaming of being an artist ), my ideas of the timeline and what a ‘successful’ artist looked like were very different from what they are now. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that I was still hung up on that vision I had of myself.

Gone are the dreams of exhibiting in lofty, white-washed New York art galleries where clients are strolling around merrily with martinis in their hands slapping red dots on all of my artwork.

I held onto that dream for 4 decades… and only recently, noticed just how tightly. It was causing a lot of anxiety, mistrust and disappointment in myself. This stranglehold also negated the wonderful opportunities I have experienced and the goals that I did hit, ultimately preventing me from properly celebrating those achievements; international art magazine features, interviews, awards, travel, artist talks, published books etc… I was after all, living in the suburbs, teaching art and selling artwork only ‘occasionally’ . Not at all what I had envisioned for myself. This gave way to solidifying that old adage “Those who cannot ‘do’, teach” and this made me feel like a bit of a failure.

Me seated with my group of international students

The better part of my 25+ year career, I spent teaching art to thousands of students, where the age demographic was over 45. Many of these students took up painting while they were facing divorce, or a health crisis, or were newly retired, or fresh empty nesters. They were just now finding the time to dedicate to not only themselves, but to uncovering an empowering creative potential.  As a young woman, I learned so much from watching them grow and blossom at what I once thought was such a ‘late phase’ of life.

Now here I am, on the cusp of 50. I am at an age where I thought perhaps things would be winding down for me (after all, drinking martinis and attending socialite gatherings is exhausting!) . What I have discovered rather, is that (even for those like myself, who have already pursued a long career in the arts) there are so many of us who are only NOW, discovering their voice. The voice that we should be listening to all along of course, but sometimes it requires some excavating. It may also require going through life in order to truly appreciate what is required of you, what you love and what you want to say. It is for this reason that I am beginning to understand my purpose is greater than hobnobbing with elite and selling beautiful art.

By the time we reach our “midlife”, we have amassed a vast array of life experiences that can deeply inform and enhance our art. This wealth of history is a treasure trove of inspiration, offering a rich narrative that can be woven into our work!

I want my art to be meaningful, to reach new heights of skill and create more heart-driven narrative. The wisdom I’ve gained from navigating life's challenges and triumphs lead to profound artistic expression that might not have been possible earlier. This offers a more unique perspective, adding layers of depth and authenticity that resonate with audiences on a greater level.

“Bull in China Shop” (SOLD) 36x48 oil on canvas

“The Letter” 10 x 10 watercolour

Is it TOO LATE to START?

Another advantage of starting an art career later in life is the availability of time. With children grown and other familial responsibilities less demanding, many find themselves with the freedom to dedicate themselves fully to their craft. This new-found time allows for deep immersion into artistic pursuits, enabling artists to explore ideas and techniques without the constraints that may have been present in earlier years.

This period of life often brings a sense of clarity and focus, where individuals can prioritize their passions. Artists have the luxury of experimenting, taking risks, and refining their skills at a pace that suits them, free from the pressures of early career competition. This freedom can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling artistic process, resulting in work that is both innovative and heartfelt.

The Advantage of Accumulated Wisdom

The journey to 40 and beyond is marked by the accumulation of wisdom and insight, which can be a powerful tool in an artist's arsenal. This informed perspective allows for a more nuanced approach to art, where the artist can draw on a lifetime of learning and observation to create pieces that are both meaningful and impactful.

This wisdom also fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, which can translate into a more authentic artistic voice. Artists can communicate complex themes and emotions with greater clarity and confidence, making their work accessible and relatable to a wide audience.

Here is a fun list of more “mature” artists, their age & their masterpieces:

• Edouard Manet, "La rue Mosnier aux drapeaux" (46 years old)

Manet -La Rue Mosnier aux drapeaux

• Claude Monet, "Bassin aux nymphéas et sentier au bord de l'eau" (60 years old)

• Mary Cassatt, "In a loge" (35 years old)

• Frida Kahlo, "Autorretrato con chango y loro" (35 years old)

• Georgia O'Keeffe, "From the plains" (47 years old)

O’keeffe “From the plains”

• Jackson Pollock, "Number 8, 1950" (38 years old)

• Francisco Goya, "Suerte de Varas" (76 years old)

and a few more noteworthy creatives…

• Grandma Moses

  In the quiet moments of her late 70s, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, affectionately known as Grandma Moses, transformed her arthritic struggles into vibrant folk art. Her journey from needlework to painting colored the world with her cherished creations.

• Toni Morrison

  At 39, Toni Morrison's first novel, "The Bluest Eye," set the stage for a literary voyage in her 40s that would eventually earn her a Nobel Prize. Her words, woven with wisdom and grace, continue to resonate deeply.

• Vera Wang

  After years nestled in the world of fashion editing, Vera Wang embraced the challenge of design at age 40. Her bridal gowns, elegant and timeless, speak to the enduring beauty she crafts with each stitch.

• Martha Stewart

  Martha Stewart's journey from stockbroker and stay-at-home mom to launching a catering business in her 40s grew into a lifestyle empire, blending ingenuity with heartfelt hospitality.

• Kathryn Bigelow

  Though she directed her first feature film at 27, Kathryn Bigelow's real recognition came after 40, with an Oscar win for "The Hurt Locker" at 57, marking her place in cinematic history.

A GENTLE REMINDER: Many creatives, CEO’s and thought leaders are just hitting their stride even well into their 60’s! Art is a lifelong pursuit, and the wisdom accumulated over the years can be a powerful tool in creating work that resonates deeply. So, embrace your experiences, explore new horizons, and let your creativity flourish at any stage of life. The art world is richer for the voices that age and experience bring, and your unique perspective could be the next to inspire and captivate.

This is what I’ve been up to lately… The show FARMHOUSE MENAGERIE has been so well received but has also been one of the most fun and fulfilling series of works I’ve done to date. My vision for the show was “Crystal” clear, and I can only attribute that to knowing myself and my art and my voice more clearly as well.

Thanks for reading and watching everyone.

Happy creating (no matter what age you are)!

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