We’re excited to feature this guest post by J.M. Orend, a writer and artist who has written several books, including the recently released title Successful Late Bloomers. Successful Late Bloomers is a new book about people who achieved late-in-life success and how they did it. It takes a look at the different type of late bloomers including bad news late bloomers, messy late bloomers, and new stage late bloomers. The Abundant Artist team has taken the liberty of adding a few quotes as well to help inspire you in your journey.
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to take stock of our lives and careers, and set goals for the upcoming months. As we get older, sometimes we fall out of this habit because of too many failed attempts to meet our personal or professional goals.
Artists are particularly vulnerable to feeling discouraged as external markers of success can be more elusive when you are a professional artist. One simple way to get back your artistic mojo is to reflect on some of the many late-blooming artists who came to art, or their artistic success, later in life.
Grandma Moses
Grandma Moses worked on a farm most of her life. She only started painting in her late seventies after she retired from her farming duties. At the start of her career, Grandma Moses entered some of her paintings into her local county fair, but they did not win any prizes. Her work was discovered by art collector, Louis Caldor, when he found her paintings for sale at the local drug store. Caldor worked on Grandma Moses’ behalf to get her work displayed in museums and galleries. Grandma Moses enjoyed over twenty years of painting success and became a folk art sensation. She painted up until her death at 101 years old.
Favorite Quote: “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”
Paul Cézanne
Paul Cézanne painted his entire adult life. He was largely considered a failed painter in his forties. In fact, his best friend Émile Zola, a famous novelist, who wrote the book L’Œuvre (loosely translated to “The Work.”), portrays the life of a failed impressionist painter, which most people agreed was based on the life of Paul Cézanne. After the book was published, Cézanne and Zola stopped speaking. However, Paul Cézanne continued to paint and his painting skills and professional success took off in his fifties and sixties. Cézanne is now considered one of the world’s preeminent, post-impressionist painters.
Favorite Quote: “Genius is the ability to renew one’s emotions in daily experience.”
Bill Traylor
Bill Traylor was broke and homeless at 85 years old. To pass the time, he started drawing and displaying his work on the streets of Montgomery, Alabama. A fellow artist, Charles Shannon, noticed Traylor’s talent and brought him better tools. Bill Traylor made well over a 1,000 pieces of art in his lifetime, many of which are still displayed and celebrated today.
Noah Purifoy
Noah Purifoy earned teaching and social work degrees before he embarked into the world of art. He is best known for his found-art sculpture displayed in the desert in Joshua Tree, California. Noah did not even begin his work in Joshua Tree until he moved there when he was 72 years old. His works have been displayed in the United States and internationally, and are in museums collections at institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Whitey Museum of American Art.
Favorite Quote: “I do not wish to be an artist. I only wish that art enables me to be.”
Mary Delany
Mary Delany was twice widowed. After the death of her second husband when she was 68 years old, she focused on making intricate paper cutouts of plants and flowers to help her cope with the loss. These cutouts were so exquisite that they are now part of the British Museum’s collection. Mrs. Delany created over 1,700 of these pieces of art, working until age 88.
Favorite Quote: “For this woman creative life was not a question of having a room of her own, but a cosmos of her own.” (Molly Peacock, Mary Delany’s biographer.)
Final Thoughts
A creative life can have many ups and downs. If you feel you are in a slump, it can be worthwhile to learn about some of the many late bloomers who arrived at a successful place in their art late in life. Remember these five late bloomers as you consider what your own goals will be for your art and professional career this year.
I was just feeling the burden of “life.” No job yet, bills piling up, house almost in foreclosure, no oil so limited to one room with a heater. You get the picture. Then I read this article on 5 late bloomers. I had a complete turnaround in my mood. I began to look at my talent and love for painting. I was so inspired to keep painting. What if I live to 101? That’s a lot of years left to do art, which is what I love. Thank you!
Lol Connie, same here. Woke up with the same tension….gotta find a job, need money comin in, I’ll never make it as a full time artist living my dream, times a wastin…and then I saw this. Gives me hope to keep on doing what I love and live for.
I hear young kids saying they don’t wanna live pass 60 yrs old. I’m 53 and I love art of all sorts. I don’t draw due to depression and anger and personal problems…
But living till I’m 100, that would be another lifetime to me. And if art is what would drive me to live till that age, so let it be.
This post was pretty inspirational to me today.
Depression, anger, and personal problems are things that can be expressed in art work…..kind of like “letting off steam” for me. These might not be “pretty” works, but they are certainly part of the “reality of human life” art that other people do relate to and that help create the connections we all have to one another. I use are to get myself through rough spots as well as to celebrate bright ones!
Let me tell you, it’s NEVER too late. Despite having a degree in English and Creative Writing I never wrote ONE creative word through the following 30 years of working in business and raising a family. At the age of 58 I finally published a book which has become a national best seller. I’m working on my second, am producing a 60 minute documentary and have become a professional speaker with dozens of engagements around the world JUST IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS! The funny thing is that I’m doing all this so I can create an income stream that will allow me just to paint! And this is why I’m a faithful follower of the Abundant Artist. Within this year I will be able to start really focusing on my art – and I already know that I’m an even better artist than writer. People, do what you love! Follow your hearts! Find something to be passionate about; apply yourself; go deep into it and you will find your success. Thank you, Cory, for a blog that keeps me continually inspired!
Wow Christina! Was really impressed with all that you’re doing and have accomplished thus far…and a national best seller? So cool.
I helped my mom to launch her photography career at age 60 – it really is never too late to step into your passion more fully. The past few years have been some of the most expansive and adventurous of her life!
Congrats on your continued success, excited for the bright future you clearly hold with your painting!
You rock. Way to be a light for others.
Christina, I just did some digging, and I found what looks to be your book about your father? It sounds amazing! Congrats to your success and well wishes to your father’s memory. It is encouraging to hear of your accomplishments later in life, as I find myself in a somewhat similar situation.
Thank you so much for your post! Really inspiring and helpful!
Great article. One more that can be added to the list of late bloomers is Clementine Hunter. She was the cook at the Melrose plantation in Louisiana back in 1940’s, at 53 years old she used discarded art materials to paint everyday life scenes. She became a renowned folk artist and was famous. Her art is collected and even forged.
That’s fantastic. Thanks for the addition Gustavo!
I turn 60 this summer. This was so inspiring Cory Huff!!! thanks.
Thanks for this very motivating post. I’m a 74 year old retired teacher. I began drawing and painting at age 67. I’m gradually building up my body of work.
Love this post! I’m right here, too, and so grateful for the encouragement of the Abundant Artist. A lifetime of art-making, so many starts…my time is now. Last fall, I started a drawing a day, to establish the habit of art making. This is my year to make art my business, and it’s happening. Enough of this corporate job!. At 57, I still have a good 30-40 years to make art!!
I am so inspired by all of you! I am a teacher by profession and due to medical reason I have to change my profession. At 44 I thought it’s too late to begin a career as an artist especially when I see so many established artists around me. But after reading all the posts, I am convinced it’s never too late to pursue your passion. Thank you for all the encouragement.
Started painting 10 years ago just for fun. Now 70 and have sold a lot of paintings including some to actors etc. including a academy award winning actress , So you never know. But you have to enjoy doing whatever you do no mater what the success
Thanks. Wonderful article.
Society has boxed in timetables. . .for example at 65 yrs you are supposed to retire. Retire from what? Life?. . .certainly your time on this earth is meant to be as creative as you can, be as productive as you can, and give back. . .give to your community, to worthy causes and most of all give to humanity, your spirit and sense of aliveness manifested through your ART.
As Marianne Williamson says: ““Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Wow, I’m here 6 years later and these words were perfect for me today. Thank you for that quote.
Wonderful – uplifting article – thanks for sharing I so much needed this Right Now !!
I had a great start to my career, but took a huge timeout to have kids and enjoy my family. This article was nice to read since I’ve always wanted to go back professionally.
This article made me feel young again! (Just celebrated my 52nd birthday this week!)
Great post. How inspiring. I think that everyone has his or her own definition of success. Making a living in the world of art and to be recognized for it is definitely one of the hardest endeavors anyone could undertake.
Thanks for this article. It seems that every other art site is only interested in talking to/talking about the same kind of artist: young and male. There is no other definition of “success” out there except for “go to art school, get a huge following on the Internet, land a job with Disney or a game design company.” Yet I would venture to say that the vast majority of artists out there fall into the character of “pre-Grandma Moses” or “pre-Bill Traylor” etc.
WOW, this is great
For anyone in a “slump” – be it for a few weeks or a few years, this quote may help. “Nothing in nature blooms all year long.” Be kind to yourself. You will know when it is time to jump back into the game. It is never too late to begin.
I just started painting less than two months ago. My first painting was done with a pallet knife and the next two were a combination of pallet knife and brush in oil. I had now experience or instructions. I did what I felt inspired to do. My next piece was painting birch trees. The comments I got surprised me. They thought I had been painting for years and some raved about the paintings. I wondered what’s all the fuss? I was doing something I enjoyed and it was no big deal. So you never know what talent you have until you try. By the way I’m 76.
Your comment is the most inspiring…thank you..
Hmmmm the first thing I read was Grandma Moses…I’m 63 and no, it’s never too late. Had a paint brush in my hand since I was 3 but now I am finally and a little reluctantly calling myself…artist! With all these comments combined…I’m glad I have another 40 years to create art! LOL
Such a great post! This one entry has allowed me to find several other resources and examples of creatives who have picked up their passions later in life than is traditionally accepted. Carl Gordon is another good example. He was an actor who did not even conceive the idea until he was in his late 30s. He had no prior experience whatsoever, but he wound up working on Broadway, television and the big screen before he passed away. Thanks for writing this one! (Also, I just ordered the book.)
I’m 76 years old, surviving on my retirement, but have a body of work the likes of which the world has never seen: Copyrighted Typewriter Art created on separate contiguous 8 x 11″ typewriter papers with color ribbons, mated together to form the final image, then Giclee printed on canvas for posterity at 22″ x 32″
Since there are no comparables, except photography; where do I start? as no one shows this kind of art.
What a delight to read these interesting responses. My daughter gave me Mary Delaney’s name and told me a bit of her story. I checked it out and am here. I am 72 and only began painting 4 years ago. My daughter and I were sitting on her porch and I made the statement. “I think I could paint. to which my daughter said, you probably can mom”. I bought a little paint set and I’m happy to say, I’ve been selling my work. When I tell people I’ve never had any lessons, they can hardly believe it I’m addicted to it. Love it with a passion.
Jean
Grandma Moses is my inspiration. I’m 62 and have been making art for 40 years.
But only this year I decided to make it a business. I just finished my website. I’m sure I’ll make art til I die, no matter what happens.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. I thought I was getting a late start picking up acrylic painting less than a year ago at the age of 46–I’m like a juvenile compared to the folks here. Apparently this is a hidden talent that I just tapped into, and I’m receiving enough positive feedback and support that my wife and I are trying to figure out a business model to make it our lives.
Reading about people like these is always inspiring, especially when the “daily grind” sucks the energy out of me. Fortunately when I pick up a brush and start moving paint around I feel revitalized and enter a zen-like state of focus and peace.
I’m very glad I discovered this site!
Such an inspiring post for someone with a day job dreaming of making it in the art world. Thanks Cory!
Thank you for this article. Although I painted seriously as a child and teenager, I quit for over 30 years due to vision problems and chemical sensitivities. I became a mental health professional and did not paint again until I was 52. I am now 63 and finally showing my work regularly at local venues. I read these kinds of articles all the time, because it reminds me that I am not alone. Wherever their is time and a paintbrush, there is hope! Steevie Parks, Carrboro NC . http://www.steevijane.gallery
I am 26, having the quarterlife crysis.
Being a freelance artist and being able to make a living with it, was my dream since I was 11. Now I recently broke up an apprenticeship in arts and design because of a lot of shit that has been going on in my life. I now work a part time job at the moment. Fortunately the job doesn’t suck and still gives me enough free time to draw and animate so I can work on all the ideas I have. And now I’m here, having a day off, spending the whole day being unproductive and depressed.
But at least writing this helped a bit. I just needed to tell someone somehow. If you read this, thanks for reading.
After many failed attempts at various dream chasing in my life, I can *see* my life and my art as a choice now. Thank you for the reminder.
Just what I needed. I’m 72. I started doing art quite young, my issue was a mother who was not the encouraging type, to put it mildly. Professors said talented, she said NOT. I stopped. Get this, I actually have an art studio. The house I bought, when I decided to downsize, came with they called a “detached second garage”. I bought it sight unseen, last minute, since my former house sold within two weeks and I had to move before Christmas. Turned out they meant “horseless carriage house” or a beautiful cottage that was build for early cars around 100 years ago. No wonder the house was in the market for 6 months – insane real estate agent. I got it all, on a 1/3 acre lot, for $91,000. Decided to find out more information on Grandma Moses since she was even older than me when she first became known. She lived to 101, my great grand mother lived to 107. Crossing my fingers since I haven’t been sick since 1999. Liked her quote.
I just turned 61 and have been an artist all my life, just not professionally. I started painting almost non-stop at age 50 and have a decent collection now, at age 61. But I’ve only sold a spattering of prints here and there over the years. I sold 3 canvases to a collection a couple years ago. I sell my imagery in a virtual world continuously, tho, so I know I have a following, just no buyers that allow me to live on it. Now, I’m unemployed, thanks to the pandemic, with no hope of getting another job – and dont’ really want to. This is my last chance to paint full time, but it’s all I’ll have as a single woman. Learning that Cezanne was considered “failed” until his later years gave me hope!
😊 Thank you!
I never knew how to balance my desire for art and caring for my family and home. Now that my eldest of five sons is 30 and my youngest is 17. I am dusting off my art books and am venturing out as the local school has breaks since I am substitute teaching after homeschooling over 20 years.
Great article and wonderful comments! Wish I could check up on everybody and see how they are doing. Do whatever you can.
This is the first article that looks at the reality of what being “old” is I have read a of articles about starting art late in life or an articles written by young people anxiously whining if they can “make it” by forty. I start sniggering at the latter and then have to laugh out loud. It’s like they think every bit of your life and body is shut off at forty. The artists life is continuous. Also even if you are successful at a young age or desirable age (whatever that is) when you look back, sometimes you cringe or realize you are not that kind of artist anymore. But that is food for another article.