“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” Sometimes, all is not fair in love and war. Our journey in life is not always smooth but perhaps it is the bumps along the way that make for a more interesting ride. It takes strength and confidence to open yourself up and share your passions with others. The following five artists are a true inspiration to team Madison, for their love of art:
Vincent van Gogh is notably one of the world greatest painters. Van Gogh painted over 900 paintings before his life was cut short at the age of 37. During his time he was only able to sell one of his paintings, “The Red Vineyard at Arles” (The Vigne Rouge), which is now in the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow. Even though van Gogh never truly saw his success in numbers, he proves you can be proud of your work without a bounty of money or external worldly validation.
Artist, Robert Toth was scrutinized by critics who felt he should focus his art on one medium, rather than exploring both clay and paint. At an early age, Toth was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, which made it challenging for him to focus. He discovered that when he centered his attention on what he liked most, his enthusiasm to hyper focus grew and ignited his creativity. With the support of his mother, he followed his heart and became a very successful painter and bronze sculptor.
He didn’t allow critics to control his passion and he persevered to become the very best in both art forms. Artist, Robert Toth was scrutinized by critics who felt he should focus his art on one medium, rather than exploring both clay and paint.
Anna Mary Robertson Moses decided at the age of 70 that she wanted to learn to paint! Some felt at this age, that it would be an impossible feat. She ignored her critics and taught herself to paint. Commonly referred to as “Grandma Moses,” her American Folk Art exhibitions were so popular, she broke attendance records around the world.
At age 88, the popular magazine, Mademoiselle, named her “Young Woman of the Year.” Grandma Moses didn’t allow critics to determine her destiny, and she showed the world that it’s never too late to keep learning and developing a new skill.
Did you know that Walt Disney was first told by editors that his illustrations lacked imagination? Lucky for us, Disney did not lack perseverance, and in 1923, he brought his artistic creations to life in the short film, “Alice’s Wonderland.”
Lastly, Jesse Cuellar was a 28 year old construction worker in Missouri when on the job, he slipped and fell off of the roof of a building he was working on. Before his accident, Jesse’s passion was art, specifically painting and drawing, and he was devastated that he would never again be able to do what he loved. Or so he thought. While he was at the Rehab Institute of St Louis, he was encouraged by his physical therapist to begin mouth painting.
Through practice and perseverance, Jesse has found a new passion for art, and produces paintings that he feels are just as good, if not better than those he painted before the accident, with his hands. Jesse’s paintings are bright vivid abstracts that reflect his generation. He is determined to inspire people that they can overcome any obstacle no matter the limitations. Jesse was accepted into the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2013!
What is it that you are passionate about? What makes you happy? What may be just a hobby, could be your true calling in life. “It’s impossible,” said pride. “It’s risky,” said experience. “It’s pointless,” said reason. “Give it a try,” whispered the heart.” Passion is the fuel that sets our soul afire and if we pursue it, we have a more clear vision of our purpose.
With love, Happy Valentine’s Day from Madison Art Consulting
