Self-taught artist Lisa Olson painting watercolor in her studio

What Does It Mean to Be a Self-Taught Artist?

Being a self-taught artist means learning through curiosity, experimentation, and years of practice rather than formal art school training. Many people believe that artists must attend art school to learn how to paint.But many painters discover their voice through years of experimentation, curiosity, and practice.I’m one of those artists. One of the questions I’m asked […]

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Expressive landscape painting of a windswept field beneath a textured blue sky, created with layered brushstrokes in soft blues, greens, and warm earth tones

Becoming an Artist by Showing Up

After more than 20 years of painting, I never thought of myself as an artist — it was simply something I did. In this reflective post, I explore how persistence, practice, and the desire to keep painting matter more than talent alone. Inspired by the life of Vincent van Gogh and his relentless dedication to painting, this story connects my own journey as a self-taught artist with the power of showing up again and again. A quiet reflection on art, identity, and becoming an artist through practice.

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