Don't Stop Even When You Feel Defeated

One of the artists I admire is the 18th-century portraitist, Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755 - 1842) or Madame Le Brun. Madame Le Brun was an extraordinary woman artist because she rose above the hardship she faced because of her gender. I came across her story while reading some tales of perseverance on the Internet several years ago.

Don't stop even when you feel defeated

This simple truth could be a life motto for Madame Le Brun. In the 18th-century it was not common for women to pursue art. However, despite the prejudices aimed at her, Madame Le Brun continued to pursue her dreams and passion to become of the best portrait artists of her time. In fact, she rose to become the portrait artist for Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France. She also painted portraits of several Europeans and Russians aristocrats like Catherine the Great and the last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski.

Madame Le Brun often became the fodder for gossip in her society simply because she was a woman. People look down on her talent and spread a rumor that her paintings were not actually painted by her but by another artist who was a man. Jealous gossip-mongers also spread lies about her success, claiming that she managed to secure the role as the portrait artist for Marie Antoinette because she slept with influential men. Madame Le Brun fell into deep depression and she decided to leave France with her daughter. However, despite living in exile, her career continued to flourish wherever she went.

Inspiration from Madame Le Brun

Even though I don't face challenges like Madame Le Brun, I can certainly relate to her because her courage and passion pushed her to persevere even she felt so defeated. Being someone who is self-taught and never attend even one art class in my life, I often feel inadequate due to lack of a formal art education. I know a lot of people says it doesn't really matter and I agree with them to a certain degree. However, whether I like it or not, a paper qualification does open doors to better opportunities.

Because of this (perceived) lack, I have to work harder to prove myself worthy as an artist. I know it sounds stupid and many people have commented that I don't have to prove anything to anyone.

The colored in page

This coloring page is from my second adult coloring book, Be Encouraged! Motivational Adult Coloring Book, which was published in June 2016. I made this book for myself and the messages written on every single page was written to lift my own spirit as I was struggling with my role as a self-taught artist. Being a closet-artist for more than 20 years no one knew I could draw really well. When I decided to publish my first adult coloring book, Sarawak Tattoo Mandalas, in 2015 many were skeptical and doubt my ability. Many were saying negative things about my intention and my capability, whether I, a "nobody" have what it takes to pull it off.

Madame Le Brun reminds me of my own plight and of how people have tried to discourage me from following my dreams and passion. Unlike Madame Le Brun, I don't struggle with my gender being a hindrance to be successful. But I can relate to her in a sense that my lack of formal training as an artist may create obstacles for me to pursue my passion and it also may mean my journey will not be as easy as others who have the paper qualification.

This page was colored using colored pencils.

Here are the progress photos...