What Leavell means by this is the fact that when one chooses to construct an art piece, the principal reason why a person chooses to make the piece is not to please others or for commissioned work, it is simply for the fact that the process of constructing the magnum opus is the main focus of the artist and provides a reason of why a creator of an artwork picks up a paintbrush or canvas. Tom Anderson, author of Why and How We Make Art: with Implications for Art Education, states: “at the root of it, we make art to make sense of things, to give meanings to our existence” (31). For most, one goes through the journey of life constantly asking themselves what the very meaning of their existence. By painting or creating moments in life, not only is it easier for one to remember the memories by, but also to answers the philosophical life questions that are asked throughout a lifetime. Art gives many a feeling of fulfillment, which in …show more content…
In an article written by Pamela Wissman and Stefanie Laufersweiler of The Artist’s Magazine interviewed seven artists on how and why they are motivated to sketch and paint. According to a classical atelier-trained artist, Kate Sammons states : “sketching...is another way for me to examine and analyze ideas…and bring it to creation” (Wissman and Laufersweiler). For Sammons, it allows her to connect with a part of her that is often hidden away and does not come out much and gives her a rejuvenating feeling. For many other artists, their reasons behind which they create are the same as Kate’s. All people have a part of themselves that allows for oneself to express and show their talents and through their passions, it is the only way for their voice inside to shine like Kate’s. Mark Mehaffey, acrylic and watercolor artist, later states in the article that for some, art allows for people to learn about life’s balance, to live life to the fullest, and to cherish and remember the beautiful moments in life (Wissman and Laufersweiler). Many artists are involved in plein air painting, an art form of painting outside in order to capture things not often seen or discovered and to allow for surprises and unplanned precious events that would not often be remembered without art and a painter’s motivation to paint. Jonathan Queen, another painter, claims that for him, “sketching