I think it was Henry Ford who said, “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” This may be especially true of artists. Artist Wayne Thiebauld lived to 101. Architect I. M. Pei lived to 102, and Michelangelo lived to 88… not bad considering Michelangelo was born in 1475. As an art instructor, I sometimes hear a student tell me that they are too old to learn to draw, or too old to try a new technique. I remind them that Grandma Moses didn’t begin painting until her 70’s. Anna Mary Robertson Moses would go on to paint over 1500 works and lived to 101.
I am continuously inspired by my students who have defied aging. I have had the good fortune to know many artists who have created art well into their 90‘s. My oldest student lived to 101 and was creating art until her late 90’s. I have observed that a lifetime of knowledge and experiences is very beneficial to the creative process. Age should never be a reason to stop someone from beginning a creative pursuit, or from continuing it.
I’d like to share some of my “forever young” artist friends on this blog. Today I am sharing a photo of Carol. Carol, who is 90 years young, enjoys ink and colored pencil drawing, but also enjoys creating stained glass designs. She is pictured below with one of her amazing stained glass windows.
