Art as it should be

The human brain operates through two distinct sections: the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind is where we actively think, plan, and analyze, while the subconscious processes are often intuitive and automatic, absorbing vast amounts of information without us even realizing it. In the world of art, the subconscious plays a crucial role.

The best art, historically speaking, emerges not from meticulous, step-by-step planning but rather from moments of spontaneity. Artists like Vincent van Gogh or Ludwig van Beethoven often produced their masterpieces in such states - while daydreaming, reflecting, or even in periods of boredom. This is because when the subconscious mind is engaged, creativity flows more naturally. The greatest artistic achievements, whether in painting, music, or writing, are often created when the artist taps into this reservoir of subconscious knowledge, seeing the world in ways others cannot.

Developing the Artist's Eye: The Role of Creative Surroundings

One key to developing this "artist's eye" - the ability to see the world as a canvas of endless possibilities - is being surrounded by creative stimuli from a young age. Artists who are continuously immersed in creativity - whether it be through exposure to great works of art, music, nature, or simply the imaginative play of childhood - are more likely to internalize these influences.

For example, Pablo Picasso was surrounded by his father's painting supplies and lessons from a very young age. Johann Sebastian Bach grew up in a family of musicians. This constant exposure nurtured their subconscious minds, making the process of creating art second nature as they matured. For them, creating masterpieces wasn't an act of laborious thought but rather a seamless process of expressing what was already deeply embedded in their minds.

Spontaneity and Intuition: The Magic of Masterpieces

When we think of great artists like Van Gogh, we often marvel at how their later works seem to flow effortlessly, as though they were simply allowing the art to pour out of them. The truth is that by the time an artist reaches this stage, they have absorbed years - if not decades - of influences, whether visual, emotional, or experiential. These inspirations settle into the subconscious, where they are processed in ways the artist might not even fully understand.

In Van Gogh's case, many of his best-known works, such as The Starry Night and Sunflowers, were painted toward the end of his life. Yet, the skill with which he captured the swirling skies and vibrant colors of the natural world did not come from sitting and pondering how best to achieve these effects. It came from a lifetime of absorbing his surroundings, emotions, and influences - and finally letting his subconscious guide the brush.

Similarly, composers like Beethoven or Mozart often described moments of "divine inspiration," where entire symphonies would come to them in a flash, seemingly from nowhere. But in reality, these moments of brilliance were the culmination of years of exposure to music and life experiences that had soaked into their subconscious minds.

Creative Flow and The Lack of Deliberation

In modern times, when we look at musicians or painters at work, it often seems as though they don't need to think deeply about what they're doing. A guitarist might sit down and effortlessly compose a melody, or a painter might start applying color to canvas without a preconceived plan. This ability stems from a concept known as "creative flow" - a state where the conscious mind steps back, allowing the subconscious to take control and guide the artistic process.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term flow, described it as a state of being so completely absorbed in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. Artists who enter this state are able to create without the burden of overthinking because their subconscious mind has already processed the creative influences around them. When they engage in their art, it's as if they're on autopilot, and the art creates itself.

The Importance of Early Creative Influences

In conclusion, mastering art is not just a matter of learning techniques or practicing endlessly. While these are important, the true key lies in fostering a deep connection with creativity from an early age. The most profound works of art come from those who have been steeped in creative influences, allowing their subconscious to develop an innate understanding of the world. These artists don't just learn to paint or compose; they learn to see, hear, and feel the world in a way that most people do not.

By the time an artist reaches the point where they can produce masterpieces without thinking, they have spent years nurturing their subconscious. They have developed a finely tuned ability to capture the beauty and complexity of life, not through deliberate thought, but through an almost instinctive process. And that is the true magic of art. It is not just a skill, but a way of perceiving and interpreting the world, which can only be achieved by being immersed in creativity from the very beginning.