Am I good enough?

Every artist started off as an amateur - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I started this journey over 5 years ago. At first, I was painting constantly trying to improve my skills. Researching and studying other artists, practicing as much as I could. I started with the inexpensive paints and brushes. I was trying to copy styles of others not knowing what fit the best.

The one thing artist do is to enter art shows, so I entered a couple to test things out. Thanks to my friends my first show saw a small profit. The next show was a bust, I don't think I sold one thing. The following year I tried again, not much success, I don't think I made my booth fees. I was learning of course, which for someone starting out is invaluable. One thing I learned people really like the opportunity to have a custom painting.

The next time out I decided to make prints of many of my large paintings people were interested in but was outside their budget. Ding, Ding, Ding, that worked well, and I had some of my best shows to date. My commission list was growing.

I was brave enough to try for juried fine art shows. I was wait listed on some and others got the thanks but no thanks, try again next year letter. It is true that comparison is the enemy of joy. We all do it in some form or another. For me, it was studying the list of artists that were accepted. I went to some of the shows to enjoy the art, there were some incredibly talented artists. I looked at their booth setup, their marketing information, websites, etc. I began feeling distraught, the problem I thought, I am not good enough. What could I do different, what is missing?

Rather than enjoying painting and learning, I was fretting about my lack. I had lost the thankfulness I once had of going from nothing to actually having someone think enough of me to buy my art, or better yet to be chosen to paint a commission.

You see, God gave me this gift to use for his glory. When we find ourselves feeling as we are not good enough, we look to the Lord who is perfect in all things. He is the ultimate creator, the master artist. It is up to him how he chooses to use me; it is my job to be grateful that he trusted me with the talent. He will grow me, prepare me in his time. All I know is I am his painter. The clay does not dictate the terms of use to the potter, we just trust that if we are chosen to be used for common purpose or for noble purpose, he has the best intent for us.

The only opinion that matters is his. Therefore, I shall rejoice in the Lord always, being thankful and grateful for all his blessings.

I pray you find his peace and the truth of his word. It truly changes everything.