Art is for Everyone There is a lot of snobbery in the art world, and much of it seems to be used as a way of people emphasizing that their own style and training is better than that of others. A site such as ‘Leisure Painter’ gives people like me an opportunity to see a range of works, from many different approaches, and from a wide variety of people. From time to time when I try to talk to people about art, the need to debate, prove academic superiority, and a higher knowledge of art history, technique, or some other aspect of art kicks in and starts to spoil things. ‘Formal training’ seems to be looked for in an artist, with no real explanation of what that means in today’s world. I was lucky enough to study at a leading university, but many of the academics who teach there are simply people who have had the opportunity to study to master’s level or above, and don’t necessarily have any teaching skill; some were fabulous academics, others were also great teachers, but others prioritised their own work and research. Many art schools, colleges and universities offer courses which can be accessed part-time, online, via distance learning, and there is often not a ‘better’ way, just a way that suits the individual. Full-time study is extremely expensive and to study for enjoyment is now again only for the privilidged few who have parents who can pay for them to go – so for many people, learning about painting and art has to be done through means other than ‘formal’ courses. I have been lucky enough to live and work in Europe, and have been able to access archives, museums and galleries and see great works of art in person. I have tried to copy them to learn, or used to, but no longer wish to emulate that style so no longer do so, and if studying and copying what are traditionally thought of as European masters is fruitful for some people that is wonderful, but it is not the only way of learning to appreciate and make art. Equally well, I have taken small courses and workshops in my local area, where I have learnt a lot from the tutors, shared ideas and inspiration with other students, but perhaps most importantly, I have enjoyed it. I have enjoyed watching You Tube videos. I have taken online courses. I have joined creative groups and shared experiences with open-minded people. I have enjoyed reading books. I have learnt as much through those means as I did through any ‘formal’ learning. There are ways and means too of accessing art education for those on low budgets. While living in Spain, I taught English to an art teacher, in exchange for free drawing classes. My local college received lottery funding to provide adult education classes, and those were some of the most enjoyable I have been to. The library provides e-books as well as books, and many are now in a variety of formats for those with sensory needs. As a teacher of primary children, I was able to see the joy of sensory exploration, and the joy some children find in colour, paint, chalk and mark-making. Why as adults do we lost that joy, the freedom to experiment and the requirement to turn our art experience into an academic exercise? Yes, the children from year 1 learned about texture, colour, form, composition, basic perspective, and artists through history, but in their free play activities were also able to experiment. As a special needs teacher, I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful young people and adults, for whom art provides a means of experiencing the world, connecting with it and expressing themselves, as well as the enjoyment of sensory stimulation through colour and touch, which can be enriching, enjoyable, relaxing, stimulating, and can be accessible in ways that other activities may not be for all. As a teacher of English to speakers of other first languages, I have seen how painting, drawing, crafts and other practical activities can provide a means of communication, bringing people together, and can be achieved without language. As a statutory advocate in my day job, as well as a special needs tutor, I work with people with cognitive impairments, learning differences or disabilities, communication needs, sensory impairments and mental health conditions. Life can be challenging for people living with these conditions, but the same as people who are not living with those conditions, they have the right to a life which is full, enriched, and offers opportunities, including to be able to access art, make art, learn about art and enjoy art. Their experience may not be the same as those without those conditions, but it is no less valuable, and perhaps even more important in ensuring their quality of life. Colour, pattern, shape, texture, line, shadow, light, are elements of life which belong to all of us. Time to relax, slow down and enjoy observing, can be vital to many people who need these things either to connect with the world around them, or to escape the stresses of it. To reduce every discussion of art to an academic debate about whether someone else has the same level of ‘formal training’, ‘technical knowledge’ or ‘understanding of the great masters’ and criticizing those who don’t abide by ‘rules’ that are taught (but as Picasso said, made to be broken), reduces art to the level of dry debate and sucks all the joy out of it. Worse, it can stop people trying, stop people participating, and stop people enjoying or sharing their work. Sometimes, making art in any medium is simply about an opportunity to stop, slow down, notice the beauty in what can seem a hard and stressful world at times, experience the feel of paint on fingertips, or the positive messages our brain receives when we see beautiful colour. Enjoyment, enrichment, connection and time for ourselves. Everyone should be encouraged to try, to enjoy, to experience, without fear of being ridiculed, put down or insulted by those who consider themselves to be doing things ‘right’, ‘technically better’, ‘formally trained’, or more knowledgeable. If we do have an opinion about what kind of art we prefer, it can be interesting to discuss that, but as with all discussion and conversation, with consideration, tact, and sensitivity to the impact it has on others. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, especially when it is used to deter others from enjoying what can be a wonderful hobby, job, or second income by a minority who feel their way is the only way and forget the impact negative words can have.