I know you’ve heard it too, when someone sees you sketching outdoors, they may shake their head, hold up a defensive hand, smile and confidently say, “I’m no artist!”

What’s up with that?

It baffled me until I realized I do the exact same thing when I’m with somebody who is athletic or a master gardener or a highly skilled chef. I too will smile and say, “I’m not athletic — I’m no gardener — I’m no cook.”

Here’s the funny part: nobody asked!

Apparently, I had to declare my incompetence to relieve some kind of internal pressure I had been feeling.

Are we afraid that we might be mistaken for having skill where we don’t? Are we afraid of being seen as an imposter?

It seems innocent enough, but do these declarations have a calcifying effect on our latent potential? Does it innocently close a door in our soul that might be better left ajar?

I can play in the dirt without declaring myself a gardener. I can pull together a decent meal without seasoning it with the title of chef. I can make a few marks on paper without needing to call myself an artist.

Are nouns scarier than verbs?

Can I paint without declaring myself a painter?

This ponder was triggered by a lovely note I received from someone who had recently bought a copy of my book, “Look at That!”  The writer was comfortable saying how much she enjoyed reading the book, how encouraging she found it to be, but she quickly added, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m no artist, not by a long shot!”

What if instead she let herself say, “I’m excited to try these exercises and see what happens. It’s fun being a beginner because I love learning new things.”

This idea has awakened me to ways I innocently hobble myself by adding these limiting words to casual conversations. The next time I’m on the verge of declaring my own incompetence in any area, I pray I pause and not say those words aloud. It not only limits my self-definition, but it adds a distance between me and the person I’m talking with. By saying, “I’m no gardener” to someone who is proudly telling me about their latest garden adventures, I have put a distance between us, adding an “I’m-not-like-you” element to the conversation. No one benefits from that, even if it’s innocent or even meant as a compliment. I’d rather keep my focus on your excitement, your passion, your skill, your joy.  Just imagine being an engaged, enthusiastic listener. Sounds like a win-win.

Watercolor update:

I’ve had some physical limitations to deal with these past few months, so instead of plein air play, I have been studying some brilliant instructional books in my stash, especially one written by Trevor Waugh on how to paint watercolor flowers.

Never apologize for following a tutorial step by step!  Even though I’ve been at this watercolor game for decades I learn so much by following step by step instructions that show me the underpinning of this magic called watercolor.

An artist friend of mine says, “Do all of your thinking with your brush off the paper, not on it!” Good advice. Many skilled watercolorists say they spend 80% of their time looking and thinking, and 20% putting brush to paper. The results are fresh, clean watercolor masterpieces that look spontaneous and effortless. Shhhh, that’s our secret. (Luckily sweat dries clear, right?)

~~~~~~

Feel free to forward this or any post to friends and family who might enjoy them.

Click on the “Word Cloud” on the right if you’d like to read more about a specific topic.

All three of my books are available on Amazon in eBook and paperback formats. The newest book, Look at That! – Second Edition, is also available as a beautiful hardcover.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a bit from the purchases you make by using the links in these articles. Thank you for your support.

A big thank you to the recent supporters of the Tip Jar. If you find these posts valuable, I hope you will contribute to The Tip Jar. It is my preferred alternative to having this be a subscription website. The Tip Jar is a secure site, and it helps keep this website solvent.

I would love to hear from you! The public “Leave a Comment” box is shown below.

Private questions or comments will reach me by using the Contact link here.