Did I really see that red color on the cactus?  No, it is called taking “artistic license”. This special and totally free license is the creative right I have to make changes and interpret what I am rendering.  When teaching other’s about artmaking, I find that the concept of artistic license holds a valuable key to helping people let go of their preconceived ideas of what is good art and whether or not their art qualifies.

Danny Gregory writes about the creative license, and he explains that this is largely about giving YOURSELF permission to “go for it”.  He specifically compares drawing to driving a car: it is very unlikely that anyone on the road today jumped behind the wheel and was an excellent driver.  In fact, there was likely much trepidation and hitting of the brakes before being able to steer the vehicle in the manner one wishes to.  Becoming a confident driver takes PRACTICE and PATIENCE, just as improving one’s drawing skills does.  Don’t be afraid to use your artistic license to explore artmaking of all kinds.  The only “wrong” thing when exploring creativity is not taking that first step, or not being willing to take the vehicle out of park!