Why Paint? - Becoming an Artist Might Change Your Life

In this video I discuss how oil painting could change your life for the better.
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How to draw/pencil:
• How to Draw - No Talen...
also helpful • Easy Way to Draw Accur...
How to mix and match colors:
• How to Mix ANY Color -...
also helpful • How to Match Any Color...
How to apply paint to the canvas to achieve high realism:
• How to Paint in Oil - ...
FULL COURSE in text form:
www.drawmixpaint.com/classes/...

[@valerijohnson2839]

Art saved me from a deep sadness after my parents died. It was a 180 degree turn around in focus, happiness and identity.

[@lailalivsdatter6660]

❤

[@riecaswell252]

So sorry for your loss!

[@jspohl]

💖

[@jspohl]

I’m a big believer in every relationship and everybody being eternal. We don’t die as much step into bliss and our full awareness. Nature should be a sign that God is an artist. I’m sure your parents are just a thought away from you now and loving you and helping you. 💖 I find when I ask for a sign from loved ones they appear in the most wonderful ways.

[@stephenjamison6124]

You are 100% correct Mark, art can save your life, I'm an example.

[@damienkearns3654]

Glad for you 🫶

[@vandannadale2689]

I echo your sentiment, word for word! 👊🏼🖌️✌🏼

[@lailalivsdatter6660]

❤

[@jasoncullmann157]

Good tO hear

[@priscillawrites6685]

Speaking from my perspective as a retired psychotherapist, C-PTSD specialist, making art saves lives. I included writing, performing, and visual arts as therapeutic process. Because Often, the most dysregulating trauma events have no words and cannot be accessed verbally. Then they cannot be processed verbally without the risk of causing deep shame and hopelessness.

[@deaconseptember2002]

I worked for many years in a psychiatric hospital where Art Therapy was a key component to the overall treatment. Besides completing a finished product that one lays one's hands to, the most reinforcing element to every painting I do is not in producing a masterpiece but in learning at least one thing about oil painting from each finished project. To me, that's what's most satisfying. For every painting I've done, I can identify at least one thing I've learned.

[@vivian9187]

That's a really helpful comment. I get really discouraged if I do a painting, and it just doesn't work, but there is always some part of it that works or is just interesting of itself, maybe two colours looking sweet beside each other. Thank you for your idea

[@sonseraedesigns7167]

I went through a horrible trauma and healed through art and music. I realized my entire life of living with Abuse, I escaped through Art and it healed me. I now have a nonprofit to help heal trauma and PTSD through the arts. It changes the brain and creates healing. Today the schools have many kids that are suffering depression and it’s because they have eliminated the arts from the schools. The schools think that the arts aren’t important yet, these kids are in school eight hours a day with 3 to 4 hours of homework only working on academics. No Creative outlet for them to express themselves in a positive way. And then they wonder why there’s drug addiction and suicide and depression among the young people. Even though so many people in authority do not value the arts, it is the backbone of mental health and of appreciating beauty all around us.

[@Eva4th]

So very true…

[@lailalivsdatter6660]

❤

[@lailalivsdatter6660]

​@@Eva4thYes❤

[@harpo627]

Well said!

[@baulsmahoney]

I started a couple years ago and it has been life changing. I see the world completely differently now

[@pikiwiki]

differently how?

[@baulsmahoney]

@@pikiwiki I see hues, values, shapes all over. I wonder how I would mix colors I see. I take mental notes of compositions and perspective when I’m out and about. And I always have something to look forward to, time at the easel.

[@agaspversilia]

For me painting is something that makes me feel complete. And I feel part of something and I love the inner silence when I paint. It's like meditation. I also recently managed to abandon the idea "to be good" but rather to just enjoy the process of doing it. And the more you lovd doing it, the better you get. But really, what matters is the journey, not the destination.

[@artistaccount]

💯

[@johnsiegfried]

Yes like meditation. I have done many 3 day zen retreats. I am retired and decided to take an painting class at Columbia CC a CA community college. Class is about 2 1/2 hours and soon everyone is silent and concentrating with brush in hand. Everyone is fully present. Where else do you want to go. Bliss/delight.

[@rabindradahal7418]

I am soon going to be 54. I have lost everything what a man dreams. Since few months back I was thinking to join Art college for painting. And now this video comes which is like a God send. After reading comments and watching this insight now I feel my planning to join Art college for painting course is the God's kindness for mine self care , love and support. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@Laughing-doves]

I performed acting, improv comedy, playing guitar, and creative writing throughout all my adult life to escape being rejected abused and isolated. I had a rich joyful life because of it - In kindergarten as soon as I saw the ar easel, I lit up and the teacher could never pull me away from the easel. I loved to draw and paint but could not figure out how to make a living at it when I became older - but now in my older age I came back to painting. It is music expressed in colors and lines. I love it.

[@Paperieloveliness]

I overcame a fear of painting with oils after watching your channel…it’s been a couple of months now and I just finished my 8th plein air landscape painting. So grateful for this channel! 🙏🎨

[@j0nnyism]

One thing I’ve noticed is that painting outside makes you feel like you’ve been blind to the beauty that surrounds us until we try to paint it

[@dorinases]

In life I tried different things and I got tired of it and left it, but when it comes to painting I fell in love with it and cannot get enough of it , I love being alone in my room and paint all day :) Thank you for your help with all these videos:) I built an easel from your video and came out great ! Thank you !!

[@jasonblevins5319]

I remember when you said you thought you were going to be this big time artist and then your life and art course changed. I believe you have become what you have set out to be in the world of art. Anyone who is interested in creating paintings and they encounter your videos , are no doubt grateful for your contributions to art. Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge.

[@garthok6224]

I have a very stressful job, and drawing and painting help me release so much stress. I think art in any form is a must for everybody.

[@vickihudson1711]

Art has absolutely saved my life. I found art as a very young child (crayola 64 pack). I knew instinctively that is was so much more than the outcome. I'm 69 today and art is even more important to my well-being. It's like air. I can only live without creating for brief periods. The times when I turned my back on creating are part of my harshest memories. I illustrated and wrote my first children's book. It will be officially published by the end of this week. I'm still a creator

[@maryannegunter115]

Many of us find that painting has a huge role in keeping us grounded and able to survive the problems that we confront daily. I too, have suffered from depression since 1995 and painting is one of the most calming things I do. It really helps.😊

[@BenKrisfield]

I think defining yourself as an artist has a lot significance.

[@nan0908]

Mark, I discovered your channel during Covid as I searched for a way to get back to creating art after a 35 year break. Your amazing talent in teaching has been my guiding star. I can hear your voice in my head as I paint, guiding me with your method. Thank you for helping me find my creativity. Weathering life’s punches with art has been a blessing.

[@huntsail3727]

Huge difference. There is something about going to the 'artist's reception' for the opening of a new show at my local art gallery, and realizing that I am now considered one of the artists. Cool. Thank you Mark!

[@polakbezoka5047]

I really needed to hear this

[@tinamckeage6665]

Same here

[@darrellmccauley6335]

Thank you for your video. I have struggled with bipolar and finding your videos is such a way to heal. I'm so excited that you are providing paint again. I have painted over 20 paintings and love the paint and for it being nontoxic. You are a master teacher and a gem.

[@hugheymorrow]

Thanks for all you videos Mark, and this one is on point. I started painting again a few years ago initially with the sole intention of mental health improvement. Once you get going, painting is happening all the time even when driving. It helps to create new neuropathways and break out of the phsychological ruts our minds can get trapped in. It helps us branch off to more positove things and life becomes way more dynamic. Helps immensly with depression. Its also fun to share your works that you are particularly satisfied with for whatever reason. You feel like you earned it when you are rewarded by it. And so on ...

[@eloquentjs1829]

Thank you so much Mark for what you are doing.

[@vincentmarotta9800]

I think for as many people who exist in this world, there's a drive to make something MORE than just ourselves. We have something inside of every single one of us to express, speak a sort of visual language to the world through art and creation. Painting is an eloquent (if not expensive) means of doing that. It "personifies" the abstract of our thoughts, giving it life. So I've always had immense appreciation to people like Mark who help give tools and tips to others to allow them to take this personal journey. Thank you.

[@robertascherbarth1979]

Mark, I so love your videos! Thank you for all you do. I am learning how to oil paint, and you help me SOOO much! Thank you!♥

[@DannyHope]

Hoping it will. Been trying to go down to a 4-day week for a long while now to accommodate it. I'm enjoying hearing your thoughts on the relationship between art and meaning. 1st

[@wincenty8220]

Thanks Mark! My way of painting is completely different now but I started from draw mix paint. My first oil painting painting gave me commissions ! And now I sell portraits here and there. I prepare my first collection of paintings so I can get into galleries ! Thanks Mark!

[@noiseintheoffice]

Winston Churchill spoke of "the black dog," which was a bad mental state he suffered from. When the black dog came, he would paint and that helped him cope.

[@TheMediaMachine]

This is why I do my paintings, illustrations to print on.....clothes. I want people to not just put my paintings and illustrations on walls but to wear them on their jackets, t-shirts, tracksuits, leggings, sneakers, bags and hangbags, even prints on denim and dresses. It's changed my life and other people. They tell me they get people stopping them asking them what does the paintings mean. When I finish them, I send it to client with also a detailed explanation of story behind the painting or illustration. That way they can have a full conversations sharing the story. I found it has brought people together, got them out of being socially awkward to use it to converse and talk about themselves too.

[@elisabethvismans]

Mark, I agree. Art changes lives. I always wanted to paint and when I finally did in my mid fifties it changed my life. It felt like coming home. Now I’m teaching and coaching painting with oil, acrylics, tempera in realistic, abstract and also intuitive art. It’s mind blowing cool to see people change.

[@ArtFlowersBeeze8815]

So many plusses to creating. My brother like all my sisters and I have that (gene?)to create. When he stopped painting, I asked him why and he said it was too much pressure to constantly create and be successful. There is very complex psychology in being a creative . Sometimes just because you can dosen't mean you must. And then there is the compulsive aspect. Meandering thoughts :)

[@annadimezza4174]

Inspirational as always, Mark. I always find something of value in your videos. Thank you. 🙏

[@victoriousvalentine9779]

Thank you for this. I have lived with gradually more limited mobility. Even before that, I lived with clinical depression for more than 40 years. Creativity though mostly painting made me constantly think of ways to make art, art techniques to achieve the desired result, and even modifications I could make to my environment to enable me to create art despite my disabilities. It has totally changed the focus of my thoughts resulting in far less extended depressive episodes. Goodness, even cavemen felt the need to decorate their caves and wouldn’t have done it if it made them feel bad.

[@debbiecoulson4637]

I love to give my paintings to ones I love. Its an extension of you that hangs on the wall in their home, always welcome 😊😊

[@lorrainemercer6069]

This was really uplifting to listen to. I forgot how much I enjoy painting. Your insights into the need for human beings to be creative is such an important point to make. Thanks for being here for us all.

[@simonejackson4494]

Those pots were beautiful!

[@operapiccola]

I believe the particular concentration camp where the women were able to briefly create art was the Theresienstadt Ghetto. It served a propaganda role to show the "good" side of concentration camps. The children's opera Brundibár (composed earlier) was performed for the Red Cross delegation which visited and dutifully sustained the notion of "good" concentration camp.

[@deplorablemike3349]

Painting is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. When I was a kid, I had an inclination but no one helped me cultivate it .

[@lindagroene4346]

art helps me appreciate the world.

[@billp4380]

Hi Mark, Thank you for this sweet , short, discussion ! As you were speaking I was drinking in your studio in the background as well a s the soothing quality of your voice. Your art tutorials are some of the best on the web! Thanks! Bill

[@christinajarmolinski727]

I have taught for over 30 years and I know many of my students thrived with being creative and painting. Later I also combined painting with meditation and it was well received. I also learned from my students and their experiences. At the end of each session it made my heart sing seeing the many happy and stress free faces. I agree with all you have said. Thanks.

[@timdanyo898]

Art is a reflection that takes the doing of it too see.

[@user-bc5yg5qx2k]

Art is the best medicine, whether creating it or viewing it.

[@LouIchioustheWerewolf]

You are such a great guy Mark. Greetings from Winnipeg ~Matthew Feldvari-Sinclair

[@RuralSpanishRetirement]

I 100% agree with you about the mental health benefits of making art… however.. with me it’s becoming an obsession 💁 I have an extremely supportive husband but it is a fine line I’m treading.. I only started painting a year ago and I’m no spring chicken so I think I’m trying to cram a lifetime’s worth of painting into whatever time I have left 🤣💁

[@LoraA81]

Thank you, Mark! This is 100% correct. 🎨

[@jrlakin370]

Yes, art gives my life meaning.

[@Cas3620]

My mom is a long time artist. She has gone through several losses over the years that most of us would have caved to. I believe her painting saved her from certain illness and breakdown.

[@Wendy8888]

Thank you! You've been such a an inspiration to me.

[@timprichard1831]

You are the paintings on the walls.

[@murrayboyton8779]

I have been depressed, anxious and suffer with suicidal ideation for as long as I can remember. I often feel that I am an outsider and that I am tolerated as a person. A couple of years ago, I had a mental break, and decided that something had to give as I was not prepared to live like this anymore. I had always wanted to be able to draw and paint, but assumed I didn't have the talents required, so I buried the idea rather than chasing a dream. Currently, I am in my 2nd year of uni doing my art degree at 38 and having that creative outlet is definitely helping. I found your videos a few days ago while looking for content on how to approach oil painting, as I found it intimidating and I needed some guidance. Thank you for your content, it's helping break it down in the right way for me. Right I suppose I should stop procrastinating, I have to had in my first years work for assessment on Friday!

[@jennywren8937]

Hope your assessment went well. In any case, never be discouraged, just know that you have found your future. ❤

[@murrayboyton8779]

@@jennywren8937 thank you, I won't get my marks until later in the year, but I am quite happy with everything I submitted. I'm quite relieved to finally be chasing that dream!

[@dkstudioart]

I didn't get deep into art until I was about 40, definitely changed my life, (nothing to do with psychological issues though) mostly in good ways, some not so much. Overall it's been much better since I let go of the idea of being a professional.

[@AmirErfanian]

you are a great artist with a great personality and definitely you didn't know but you helped me too . Thank you SO much

[@giovannifurnari8668]

Very well said Mark! Art and in particular painting 🖼️ and writing ✍️ have changed my life for the better. I am now selling my work ❤which is very nice. I feel proud of myself and I’m also adding value to the 🌍 world. Thank you.❤ from Australia 🇦🇺🖼️🙏🦋

[@pmichael73]

Great message. Also underrated is the affect of good architecture and well-designed schools on the students. The civilising effect is amazing.

[@robbiej2070]

So true - thanks for sharing this with your audience

[@davis-kc1xp]

I’ve learned so much from you and I thank you tremendously! 🌷

[@katherandefy]

Hi Mark I was born there and I will never return even though I hear good things about the art scene. I love your channel!!

[@AdamBraus]

Such a great pep talk! Yes yes yes! Beautify the world!

[@lubaroshchyna8920]

Thank you so much for this video. Really resonates deeply ❤

[@robertocaserta5475]

What you say about people taste and general appreciatiation for paintings is true just for natural landscapes. Less likely they will like any still life. Almost impossible that they will like to take in their living room any realistic portrait. But we don't do that for them. We do because we just love to do it such as your potter does.

[@j0nnyism]

Both art and teaching are hugely gratifying occupations. There’s something deeply relaxing about art it allows you to exist in the moment and truly see the world. So many of us do not notice the beauty that surrounds us. Art is a window into that

[@MC91B]

Bravo!!

[@mS-iz9np]

Thank you for your explanation, Im going to graduate next week in Studio Art

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

It does for me. Its the only thing besides meditation keeping me going...not even LOVE

[@KateColors]

You're so right. ❤

[@chriswillcock6127]

Thanks Mark, very inspirational!

[@donnabarchiesi5418]

Did you ever write that book?

[@gabrielaconstantinescu2038]

I loved every word you said ❤

[@jspohl]

I think it can be like meditation. It quiets the mind and allows flow and inspiration. Athletes do the same when they get into the zone of state or flow. You know when it feels good it’s for you. I blame my mom for thinking I was an artist when I made marks on the wall as a baby. She may have manifested my career choice. Like a mom she said she was so moved it was dramatic - and then years later art appreciation was like osmosis and effortless. So I just knew it was for me. But I think as long as we follow our bliss we can do or be anything. Art is about appreciation which like love is the highest state of being so no wonder it feels good when we let go of the struggle and allow inspiration to flow. 💖

[@andyquinn1125]

Well said.

[@DragonNo1]

Great short video! Thank you! I'd like to know about the documentary on the children at the Nazi concentration camp because I'd love to watch it.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Yes i LOVE TO PAINT

[@bobbiemcneal7982]

Absolutely true

[@ShondaD_]

I remember as a child, I drew cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat, and I drew them with an open mind. But as I got older and life unfolded, I eventually stopped drawing. Now I know that I desire to create and bring out this creative child that I used to be, because I miss how the younger me didn’t have a care in the world and was happy. But for some reason, I think to hard about doing something and don’t know why😢.

[@LotsOfRobotsINC]

Every brush stroke gives me purpose. That is great medicine.

[@jennywren8937]

I have a full life, but it's real purpose I'm looking for. Thanks.

[@MarjoleinCoppens]

🙏🏻⭐️ thank you

[@susanwong6471]

Painting transform my life in a profound way, my life is richer and happier!

[@susanclark9143]

Thank you so much for this. I have trouble getting oil paint to mix smoothly like acrylic. What can I do ? Should I add something ?

[@LillenArt2]

That story sounds so sad but I'd be right there with them drawing under the mattress. :)

[@natashafranko4951]

Thank you very much that was a really interesting thought provoking video . Especially about the children in the concentration camp . Yes it's interesting to see when art is not allowed how much that affects people and us individually . The joy of being creative is so important whatever it is .

[@SpiritPhoenixRose]

Did not know that about the concentration camp kids 😮 Will remember it forever and try to never take art/supplies /books for granted again. Thank you xx

[@R_O_T_A]

Bonjour , j'aimerais bien commencer la peinture a l'huile, j'y ai toujours pensé mais ce qui me gêne cest les solvants utilisés qui sont toxiques ...

[@muhlenstedt]

Il y a les green line products de Sennellier qui on peut utilises comme medium, netoyant et diluants, il ne sont pas toxiques et excellent.Les paints Geneva fabriques per Mark sont tres bonnes et pas toxiques. 😊

[@Think_About_That.]

. We are creatures that need to create because we come from a Master Creator, and we have been created onto His image.

[@ejt321]

I'm reading a wonderful book on art therapy called Art Heals. Highly recommended. It really opened my eyes to making and viewing art in very powerful ways.

[@JapremeMagnetic7]

Art: Openness to Experience. It’s a biological trait; a temperamental pattern. 🎨☝🏿

[@jordanfalkowski6924]

I think it could open neural pathways. I kinda been trying to tell myself something since i was watching that old Stargate movie. When he was trying to draw in that sand to that girl. She started to panic and then knew which symbol.

[@jeanaallison7236]

New subscriber ❤ maybe painting will help my depression 😢

[@secretshaman189]

Depression is often a lack of expression.

[@henrycastle1]

Thumb nail pic. reminds me of what I am about, Sorry we don’t see the girl whom features in that Click -Bait Photograph Otherwise ❤

[@herrweiss2580]

Clickbait*

[@garbagearchive]

That’s clickbait to you? 😂

[@sfordenbacher]

As a Christian, I believe that our creativity is partially how we are created in the image of God. We see His creativity in His creation and we desire to create as well. Doing art is also a great way to get your mind off troubling matters in life for a time.

[@TheCrnorizla]

first thing iI earned after i was born was to paint, guided by my father than swimming and diving sometimes i wish i choose the second and 3rd option art is not easy its like in hellraiser, pain is the ultimate bliss painting can be just painting art is devotion a death cult dark night of the soul and great work of holy spirit

[@michaeltgibbons]

Does anyone know the name of the movie being referenced?

[@colinslant]

The struggle is the point. We choose to go to the Moon - not because it is easy, but _because it is hard._

[@VisibleSink]

Yeah. #GermanDeathCamps are something that worn us that we cannot live without art

[@billyfromla1117]

I’ll take the paintings, my wife will want the pots.

[@AliceInPokeWonderland]

I love to paint if I could sale my art for a living I love to do that 😅 one can dream....

[@Freeyourself206]

Can someone give me the name of the main AI program that artists use to make reference photos from. I know he said he uses AI for references but not responded to my comment. Can someone give me a suggestion of the name of the really good AI apps or programs that make that great art? thank you

[@violent_world]

i started oil painting in therapy for schizophrenia.

[@bobgoodnoe4583]

I would think that if someone requires another person to show them that, “being creative” can relieve their depression, in this case, it would be just a band-aide. Typically a truly creative person realizes its value early on. If it has to be shown, then maybe the problem is a little deeper … and that art, or the creative process, is just masking the issue. I’m not trying to be mean. Just thinking it through a bit.

[@jennywren8937]

Depressed people often are the most creative, but perhaps they sometimes need reminding.

[@user-ou3er1ru7z]

I don’t know why some people love to talk. I wished they would get to the point quickly.