Can I start ART in my 50s?

Can I start art in my 50s?
Starting an art career after 50? or hoping to start art after 50, you might need some encouragement. Folks sometimes ask me ‘Can you take up art when you retire?’ or ‘How do you go about changing your career to art? or How do you take up art as a hobby when you are ‘old’?
I’m going to discuss post-50 creative arts, and why you should do it. Come on! Pick up a pencil!
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• Can I start ART in my ...
Time stamps
00:00 Introduction
01:11 Mental Health
02:58 Brain
04:15 Emotions n stuff
05:54 Dexterity
06:51 Friendships
08:52 Can you really do it?
10:07 Next week

[@suewegert2323]

I’m 84 and starting writing for children. Never too old for art. Need to learn to illustrate the animals in my stories. Luckily, kids are very forgiving. 😻

[@JulesMarriner]

Fantastic Sue! More power to your elbow, as they say.

[@pesto12601]

Ha... thought you wrote you were never to old to fart!

[@queenbuzybee4074]

That‘s amazing! I‘d love to read some of your stories one day!

[@careymilne9501]

I love this so much.

[@totti.]

Ofcourse but it willbe more difficult because of your eyesight Better start early More time to practice

[@lakewindMN]

Absolutely! Starting art at 73 in the last couple of months. What a delight and challenge to be a total beginner later in life!

[@annenglish2935]

71 currently and never did any "art" until 3 years ago... love watercolor!

[@queenbuzybee4074]

That‘s what I‘m planning to get into as well!

[@theartesana]

I’ve been a nurse for 20 years and just started art school at 45! ❣️✨

[@paullittle9187]

That’s awesome!

[@theartesana]

@@paullittle9187☺️TYSM!

[@MyLifeInDebt]

I’m 47 and want to start nursing school! ❤

[@morrismurray3621]

I was told I had no artistic ability whatsoever for all my life. Started a painting classes in my 70th year and love it! It looks very good!

[@paullittle9187]

The people who told you that you had no artistic ability committed a crime against you.

[@howlingwind1937]

You know it probably looks better than very good!

[@patrickdeel4283]

You are out here doing the good work. Spreading the art word for us older folks. I am 48 now. After years of not producing art, I resumed my art journey about five years ago. Best thing I ever did. For anyone watching this video and finds this comment. It is never too late!

[@JulesMarriner]

Well said!

[@AlexDuggan68]

Im 55, and started writing a few years ago. I self publish on Amazon. I dont do it for the money. I do it because I enjoy it.

[@blackandbreeze]

amazon can publish by self!!! first time know it. 😊 thank you

[@howlingwind1937]

I paint, crochet, spin and weave, with a splash of sewing in there when I can or need to, I'm 63 and having fun. My mum is 90 and she sews, spins and weaves, and has recently taught herself to do knitted lace items. She also designs her own weaving patterns on the computer, that's more than I can say I can do! She needs to live till she's at least ooh well 400 so that she can keep teaching me! I know, I'm a selfish child, she's in the process of selling her home and she'll get a granny flat built on my land, then I can look after her when she needs me to. Thank you for your video and those fingers. Cheers from Australia!

[@DM-123]

Wow it's like fairy tales 😍

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

Our mum is knitting at 65. All she has to do now is divorce her husband so she cn live in peace

[@howlingwind1937]

@@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook sounds like a plan😊! And that's wonderful that she's creating things that maybe she hadn't thought she'd ever make. Cheers!

[@AllTheGoodThingsISee]

I bought myself my first watercolour paints when I was 46. I’m 56 now and often think how grateful I am I brought this joy into my life.

[@Skinnychelle48]

I started at 55, I’m 62 now, lovvvvvve it. It’s very therapeutic for me!

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

BINGO VERY theraputic.

[@micheleromola7266]

Hey, I started dabbling in watercolors at 62. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time to begin a hobby. I’m not trying to sell anything. It’s just something I like to do.

[@Skinnychelle48]

Me too! Started at 55, I’m 62 now!

[@djfc1962]

61 and started drawing a couple of weeks ago. It's going better than I anticipated.

[@Trini_Lady]

Yes, me too

[@incognitoedc]

I'm 69 and started during the lockdown. Anything is possible!!! It just takes practice and I'm actually good at it. Age is not a limiting factor...I'm now doing pieces I never thought possible...everything you present is so true and there are so many free resources available.

[@normangale3159]

I didn’t lift a paintbrush until I was 66 and that was 6 years ago and I actually became quite prolific at it and I did some not so bad paintings acrylic but now I embarking on doing them in watercolours and after watching countless videos i am quietly confident of becoming an artist of some merit in that medium.

[@JulesMarriner]

Excellent work Norman!

[@david111davies]

watercolor is very hard but i wish you well

[@rainy5053]

Yes!!! Im 55 and restarted 2 years ago. Grandma Moses started at the age of 78! ❤

[@adripekalski8148]

THANKS for that reminder!

[@lindathaxton1994]

I’m a retired nurse & started watercolor painting in 2021 at age 77 - I now paint something everyday! It’s still my passion!

[@sagecreek819]

Oct 2019 I picked up a paint brush for the first time...I was 69, now 73 and love painting with watercolors. Thank you to all the gifted, talented teachers/artists here on KZbin. You all made this possible for me ❤🙏

[@soarpurpose]

Sure you can. I went to an art camp years ago and the eldest there was an 82-year-old who had started painting just a few years before. I have painted more in middle-age than when younger.

[@wordscapes5690]

My mother started in her seventies. Still have her lovely paintings on my wall.

[@elizabethzabinski2051]

You go girl, l am 78 and absolutely loving it

[@Afc91artistNC]

Now at, 68 is a good time for me to share my artwork outside of a circle of friends. I love that you can start at any time, WOW! 👩‍🎨

[@JRose-zk1ni]

Of course you can - I started art last year at 58!!!! It's just ART!! Just get goin' is all!! 🙂. Just discovered you today, and what a wonderful video! THank you!!

[@arts.by.triplemoon]

You can always start being creative. Who is setting the stupid rules,that you have to be in a specific age to do this or that. Art is wonderful in all ages. I'm planning to open my own online shop for arts and crafts. I'm older...who cares? Artsy greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@kelt8123]

Well said !!!

[@suewegert2323]

Go for it. Wishing you the best luck. After all, we make our own luck by pursuing our dreams.

[@jas8815]

Here's a big, squishy thank you for your humorous motivation from this 73 year old budding artist! ♥

[@StarryDreamer28]

I'd say yes! one of my favorite artists Frank Clarke started painting after retirement when all the classes he tried said he was too old. and he was brilliant! I'm a disabled girl in my 30s and call myself an unofficial artist 'cause I don't sell it or anything but love doing art for fun!

[@tonyshaw13]

you don't need to sell anything to be an artist, just enjoy yourself, I don't sell any of my stuff and I am an artist

[@Rusthate101]

you are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT RIGHT!! One is never too old to start making art. I'm 46 and have been making art my whole life as well as writing, but I work in Shipbuilding. A lot of the people there are due to retire and I tell them all to get a hobby like art. In a lot of cases, once someone stops working...without hobbies like art, life expectancy is not as long as it may be.

[@AnEmbarrassmentofBooks]

Omg! I can’t believe I came across this video! I’m turning 55 soon and have started getting I to art! Thank you!

[@marybell4533]

I started watercolor painting at 63! I always wanted to start but 4 kids and a job did not leave much time for starting a new hobby. Also, I have sewed since I was 7-years-old. So glad I started. I Love it!!

[@agl5132]

I'm 65 and writing a fictional novel series. My art medium back in my college days was mosaics. Cutting tile and stained glass became less desirable many years ago. Besides writing I am considering painting or drawing as well. These seperate methods of creativity help my ideas flow. I found this to be true while knitting. My storyline just flowed. I've also enjoyed macro floral photography. We are never too old to create.

[@Happyheretic2308]

I drew when I was a child, and started again a couple of years ago, and I'm now 52. It's great fun!

[@user-ud8og2jl7y]

Thank you for what you said. I'm 50 years old and I'm just starting to draw again. I gave it up when I was a teenager, because it's not a profession, it doesn't do me any good... I missed it, but only now did I dare to start again. And only now I'm happy.

[@owlbestitching8839]

Never too old to pick up a new hobby. End of 2022, I started cross stitching after my mom passed. It helped with my grief and get me through that year. Someday, I’ll try painting too. Thx for sharing your passion.

[@kennethlane3622]

ABSOLUTELY !!! This stage of life is wonderful as we have the benefit of life experience, and anyone can be an artist at any age, so go for it.

[@TotosCrafts]

I rediscovered art recently ( especially watercolour) and I’m 47 . Helped me a lot over difficult times now. I love working with colours and since weeks now enjoying just mixing them together and discover the possibilities with little exercises and discovering what they can do .

[@raisinsawdust]

Yes, I turned into a photographer at 50ish and now at 60 I am writing a novel and learning how to sketch

[@alysiacrowe2915]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I picked up art again after my children were grown and out of the house. I’m loving it and it’s people like you on KZbin that are helping me to keep it up. ❤

[@JulesMarriner]

Aw thanks Alysia! Lovely name by the way x

[@yogsothoth8389]

I’m 53 and unlike a lot of the commenters, I have been drawing most of my life. I never did anything with it professionally, though. I’m going to kiss ass here for a moment: I really appreciate this video because it contains so much great advice and many encouraging, supportive, and affirming thoughts. I have struggled with my mental health for a long time, and art has helped me through some of the worst of it. Not just drawing, either. I like many forms of digital and paper-crafts. FWIW, I also like seeing art channels from older people. The art community I’ve encountered online seems to consist primarily of teenagers and 20-somethings. It’s great that people are getting enthusiastic about art at all ages, but the social environment of such young people is something you couldn’t pay me enough money in the world to re-live. High school was toxic enough in the ‘80s, and that was before the internet was made available to the public so I was spared the cyber-bullying. Most of the artists of my age that I know are long-time comic book pros, and they are awesome, but I don’t talk to them much. Anyway, thank you for a great video; you have earned a new subscriber.

[@JulesMarriner]

Thank you 😊 what a great comment. I agree, it’s nice to see peers doing the thing that brings them joy. It’s all very well being 20, but that comes with so much anxiety- it’s only as you get older that you realise being you, is ok. Better than ok!

[@heatherwalton9501]

Yes! I didn’t start until my 60’s and only started due to mobility issues. I love it and seemingly so do others as several people have bought my paintings even though l didn’t actually advertise them for sale! So give it a go! You never know, you might find you are actually good at it!

[@ilsegomez8087]

I'm 35 and I want to get into children's book illustration. I know it won't be easy but I won't give up and try my best. Thanks for the encouragement 😊

[@agl5132]

Check out SCBWI (society of children's book writers and illustrators)

[@christieclark8238]

Hi Jules! Just want to say your so right and there's no age limit to our ability to be creative. I was a prolific oil painter from the early 70s through the 80s. Then came the 90s Divorce , Work , life and no more time or money for such pleasures. But I'm thankful to say that at 72 yrs old I'm retired now for 5 yrs and have picked up the paint brush again and am also trying a few new mediums mixed media and pastels. Creativity has always been my gifting so as a single retired woman of mature age WHY NOT BE CREATIVE ! ITS NEVER TOO LATE !

[@amandasymon4363]

So glad I found you today. I have recently had to deal with the death of my husband (stage four cancer) and I had put aside my love of all things arty farty! I want to become part of,your Space Cat community. Love your approach 🙏❤️

[@deborahcarey8637]

Im 63 just started Paint By Numbers and am obsessed with it now! Built a little art studio and building skills to create my own creations! Having so much fun. Bless the Lord for His encouragement, joy and peace. He is the Master Artist look at us!

[@user-yl6lf1um4o]

Never, too old, for anything. I’m, 56 and from childhood, I, always loved arts and crafts. I, learned, to crochet, junk journal and binding books, acrylic pour, scrapbooking, thus far. Looking, for my, next venture.

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

Junk journaling is SO FUN 😊😊

[@elizabethcameron6045]

Sure you can! I started last year and I am 65 and am LOVING making art!

[@christinecrow1410]

I make journals, but I love art. I want to be excellent at it. Colors thrill me. I love them. I'm bi polar and art helps me. Thank you.

[@stefaniecolonius4780]

Happy belated birthday 🎉 I'm in my early 40s and feel like I'm in my 50s, so I'm following and watching for support and to support others too when I see it. 🎉

[@gfarley]

Yes. Art is a learned skill. If you have the patience and determination you can become extremely Good at it.

[@blacksweettee]

Thanks for the pep talk. I am in my 50's, and have been learning art on my own for about five years now. I feel hopeless sometimes, especially when it comes to coloring and finishing my work. I'm just going to keep on pushing myself forward, and thank you again.☺

[@aerialarboreal9005]

I was half decent artist in school and as a young adult. But like most, I let life get in the way... That is until the pandemic when I picked it up again at the age of 55yrs... Funnily enough, it came back to me rather quickly, like riding a bike I suppose... Anyway, since then I've become a watercolourist that has actually sold several paniting!! Beleive me, I was just as shocked but I enjoy it so much... Much more than when I was young...lol

[@myrawillis6829]

If you have been told no all your life, your older years are the time when you can just do it. Time to learn tgat what other people think is none of your business.

[@dawnmacdonald7334]

I LOVE that thought! What other people think is none of MY business. ❤😅

[@creativevintage]

I am 66. I started painting when I was 55. I was more focused and dedicated and quickly progressed to having my pastel work accepted into local and National exhibits. I even had work accepted into an international exhibit based in London. No one is ever to old to start making art.

[@JulesMarriner]

Omg that’s brilliant 🤩

[@veraprokic4185]

Im 62 and U have been preparing all I need to continue in my sixties what i started in my teens and 20s. Drawing, coloring, painting...yesss!!

[@veraprokic4185]

*I have been

[@deborahmason5056]

Good morning, your fun page just popped up !! I am so thankful that it did, I love your bubbly personality it reminds me of me!!! Well done on all you offer to people. I have been doing my art for several years now, I love it. I live with chronic illness and homebound most of the time. When doing my art I find the inner part of me comes alive and goes on the canvas or paper. I will continue to watch your bubbly video's they are fabulous. Thankyou for your inspiration.

[@janetbarber6781]

I really needed this today. Thank you! Great motivation and advice from host AND comments.

[@kristiehall3566]

I truly enjoyed this video! I am 51 and am blessed in such a way that I have been able to retire from my job. There are so many crafts that I have been wanting to try over the years and have accumulated the supplies I would need to try. Though I can’t even draw a stick figure or paint (I admire and appreciate those who can) I do enjoy coloring or learning various paper crafts or loom knitting. I do,however, worry that people may think or that they may view me as childish or silly because I have decided to go into early retirement to pursue the things I enjoy in life. I know I shouldn’t worry about that and to be honest I am probably “overthinking” things as you mentioned in your video. You have inspired me to embrace my inner creative self and to push full steam ahead in my creative life. I, too, have dealt with bouts of depression and a lot of anxiety and stress for many years of my life and learned the wonderful art of loom knitting. You are absolutely correct about once your brain is focused on something else than what is going on my head or my situation how you find a joyous release in the art. I was able to redirect my emotions and improve my mental health. Your video reminded me of those things and I now am inspired to continue to move forward and not look back or worry about the thoughts of others. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and inspiring those who hear your powerful message. God bless you and your gift.

[@EndlessSims3]

Yes we can I am 63 and doing it, but standing too long hurts my knees and legs a lot. But can learn to do better practicing is the key, watching tips and tricks and how to mix and so on.😊

[@plotwhisperer5502]

You can start whatever you want in your 50’s and beyond…Living is not only for the young, or the mid-twenties..its for all of us, dreamers who go out and grab life and enjoy it. ❤

[@user-pm9gd7rs4x]

YES! You can become an artist at any age. I totally agree with this video you're 100% right!

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

I knit draw and crochet I love it and write storys been doing this for years now 66.

[@queenbuzybee4074]

Hi Jules, I just stumbled upon your channel and joined! You‘re so right with what you‘ve said. I was in my early 40s when I started psychotherapy. My therapist had me express myself by giving me „artsy“ homework after a session. It was a lot „easier“ for me to express my childhood trauma with art than verbalization, especially in the beginning. I also suffer from an anxiety disorder, panic attacks as well as depression. Today I‘m 58 and am just trying to rekindle that form of expression through art. I‘m thinking watercolors to use with my fountain pen collection! Thanks for sharing.

[@mlynnartchannel3409]

I started painting 4 years ago - at 46 - so glad I did! 🙂🎨 Thanks for this video…just subscribed 🙂

[@tonyshaw13]

I am 55 and have been doing arty stuff for ages, firstly digital art, which I started in my late 40s, now I use fountain pens to create my art work, not caligraphy but actual art, I mostly use white ink on black card but I also use other coloured ink on either silver or white card, I am loving it

[@hughlaverton8748]

I started painting on November 7th last year and now i can't stop.I paint every day and it does everything you say. I'm 74 and red/green colourblind. What a discovery and what therapy! ❤️

[@yukimasahiko]

I just turned 40 in December, but I started about 36 years old. I thought u had to be talented in art while young. I always loved art as a kid, but so much happened and I gave it up. So all I could do as an adult, just stick figures that are ugly. I then kept at it, and make really nice art I'm proud of. ^^

[@karenharmer519]

Thanks for your channel, I love art & making something, I look forward to more.👍👍👍👍👍

[@pamkennedy273]

Hi Jules, your video is spot on and I hope it inspires viewers to pick up a pen, pencil or brush. I started writing and illustrating children's books at 70 although I have always had a passion for art. It is so relaxing and takes the mind away from everyday problems.

[@JulesMarriner]

So true. Thanks Pam x

[@novelanime]

I think Art is like Love... there is no age limit to do that. 😉

[@sandrahenson1843]

I started when I was 59 and love it. Watercolor was the first thing I wanted to do and I did and do. Plus, yes I craft. Now I am thinking of acrylics. I am 75 and learning every time I put brush to paint and paper or glue to anything I craft. Oh, yes, I forgot to talk about crochet. I learned at 70 and make sweaters for family and friends.

[@ambda]

I'm turning 50 this year. All my life I have loved to create, but during all this time I have been rubbish at it. I can copy other peoples art fairly well. For a while I was very into comic book colouring, but I never managed to develop my own style. If I see an adorable doodle I can get the exact same down on paper. I understand most of color theory, shadows, highlights (still consider proper human anatomy a nemesis though) and so on, but I simply seem to lack the imagination to create my own STYLE, and it saddens me to no end. I can come up with figures and scenes in my head, but lacking the support from 'your own style' to lean on, I never seem able to translate my thoughts to paper 😔

[@rebeccamoore4177]

I got into paint by number because I wanted a Renoir on my wall. I should have commissioned you! What an amazing skill you must have. I hope you find what you love doing.

[@zoomerellazoomerella2947]

Same

[@Sewing_Keepsakes]

Great information and you made great pints! Remember, age is just a number ❤❤

[@robinbartky3181]

Hi! I just started in September of last year taking private lessons for painting, and the teacher then invited me to join her intermediate level group! I feel parts of painting come very natural to me like seeing colors accurately, drawing, but never had any exposure to this world. I am 63 years old and finding painting as my passion has changed my life. I feel deeply committed to grow and learn as an artist. People have noticed my work and even have asked me for my paintings! So, just as a message of encouragement, no matter what your age, if you are drawn to painting (I work in oils) by all means, start painting! There are lots of you tube on painting; the ones for me that come to mind are Chelsea Lang, Daniel Keyes, Paul Foxton for oil painting. Good luck!

[@rb-me7bq]

Big squishy comment! Loved this video. I fade in and out of making art. When I'm making it, I'm in a much better place in all aspects of my life. Then I go through periods where I think I should be doing other things. My wish is to do something artistic every day. Even if I only spend 5 minutes doing it.

[@jimharrison748]

Your a breath of fresh air!

[@Tradewindsvintagehi]

Happy birthday, Jules! And it’s never too late to express ourselves creatively. Although a jaunty beret is also a good look lol

[@KatWoman_]

Came across your video. Fantastic!

[@lottilomaxndom]

Thank you Jules I needed that bless you xx

[@AnnieArtGallery]

I am 43 and started Painting 2 years back when my teen kids asked me to spend sometime that makes me happy and I am loving this idea

[@Tina-bp7wt]

Hi there 🥴 Just found your channel, so I'm a new subscriber.. Hi 👋 everyone. I love creating, just about anything, my imagination runs whild some days. Watching you makes me want to dust the cobwebs off my pencils and draw. 💡 Thanks

[@kristenquain4941]

Thank you for this❤❤❤

[@juliebowden9754]

Great video - thanks

[@Becca-UK]

Thanks so much. Great video ❤ subscribed

[@maureenpalmquist08]

I’m 59 and have only been able to draw stick figures throughout my life. However, I just started learning how to draw. My pictures look juvenile at best but I’m really getting into this. I find it relaxing.

[@judyswain9245]

Love your humor! And truth!

[@richardmyers3753]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[@LilChuunosuke]

I will admit, I am not the target audience for this because I'm still in my twenties and I've been drawing since childhood. But I just want to say that I am extremely happy to see artists of ALL ages and ALL skill levels in community settings! I will give tips and recommendations to people (if asked) who are decades older than me just as enthusiastically as I would with an elementary school aged child. I don't think art is something that should be exclusive to any age or any skill. Creating images from your mind is such a fun, relaxing, and fulfilling hobby and I dont think anyone should ever feel like its something they cannot or should not do. I'm so delighted seeing how many of you in the comments here found a love for art later in life and I hope that it continues to bring you joy each and every day!

[@nellynazario6055]

Thank you. I love your channel. Thank God I found it!

[@Lifeinthewyldewest]

New sub here and so happy to have found you. I may check out these classes you offer! You’re adorable❤

[@jeniels82060]

Iam 63 years old enjoying arts

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Thank you!

[@naeemaart9682]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@cyhomer]

I’m 72, and have been artsy since I was about 35….got even more artsy after my kids were grown…so much fun!

[@joannpeura3429]

I read that "can you come a party after 50", and was like ofc, don't let anyone stop you! 😁

[@emilyhird2332]

Fab video thank you! Very true! ❤ Louise

[@pinkangel2393]

Just discovered your channel ❤ i am 53 i work a full time day job but work at my art nights and weekends! Often i feel like i wasted time when i was younger, i regret not doing this before, such great therapy for my anxiety. I do feel too old, like i dont have my place in the art world, opened a website, social media and all about 2 yrs ago, not even 1 sale…..it plays a toll on you unfortunately….so now even though my website is still up and running i have decided to make some art daily without wanting to sell it but rather just for me ❤ looking forward to discovering more on you channel 😊

[@JOHNOGRADY-un2ft]

thanks luv.

[@lauriejude9470]

Hi Jules. Thank you for your video, it's really inspiring. I am trying myself to inspire other women to create, whatever the purpose is. Art is the best therapy

[@CrovieStudio]

im 53 & 2yrs into an art degree. I put my dreams on the shelf to raise 4 kids, now that they are off living their own lives this is my time

[@sanpls]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Thank you so much for the video.

[@ArtDreamPainting]

lovely colors👏👏👏

[@jacquiwilmot7802]

Thank you! I'm just beginning again after over a decade thinking about it!