How do artists receive validation? Is it something intrinsic inside each of them? Do some artists self-validate better than others? Does validation come only from outside sources? Is monetary reward the best validation for artists?

Through the years as a painter, these dialogues circulate internally and externally around me constantly. Is money the only reason to create art? How about getting many likes on Facebook and Instagram? What about those artists who post a big sold proclamation on social media every time they sell their work?

To me, validation comes in basically two forms. Artistic or intrinsic. Intrinsic validation is honor or praise for successful work that excels in its genre and is recognized by the artist’s peers. Examples would be winning a first-place ribbon in an art competition or an article in a trade publication with praise for technique and training. That does not mean the artist’s work sells.

The second validation is of course, patrons or customers purchasing the work. While most painters would never stop what they are doing, when months go by and no one purchases a painting or expresses an interest in buying one, motivation starts to drag. It may take just a few more minutes of self-talk to get back into that studio and go at it again.

The Google dictionary states that validation is a noun. The definition says it is recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile. Other words that describe validation are confirmation, corroboration, documentation, evidence, or proof.

One of the highlights for my efforts has been the comments and praise I have received from customers and supporters. They tell me my paintings give them a certain kind of peace. That is probably because I create so many landscapes and try to reflect the awesome components that nature has to offer to the human soul.

In these uncertain times there are long stretches of time with no validation-no sales, no feedback. But my inner voice, my own sense of validation, keeps me going. I know somewhere along the line there will be another phone call, e-mail or text asking about a certain painting for sale on my website. There will be another comment on an entry I have made on Instagram or Facebook regarding my work. Borrego Art Institute posted one just the other day. It was unsolicited by me and such a nice surprise when I read it. If you go to search on Instagram and type in Borrego Art Institute you can read about it. Now I call that validation!