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The continuous creation of art can cause serious issues that should not be ignored and can develop into art dependence or “artaholism”. As a result, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of art addiction early. If you are not sure if you, or someone you love, have an addiction to art, you might check for the warning signs:

• Loss of Control: Painting or drawing more than a person wants to, for longer than they intended, despite telling themselves they won’t start sketching/painting just before they have to be somewhere at a specific time, or remember to do things like walk the dog or eat; going to the art supply store before the grocery store.
• Neglecting Other Activities: Spending less time on activities that used to be important (connecting with family and friends, exercising, cleaning the house, answering mail, paying bills, getting married, having children).
• Risk Taking: More likely to take serious physical risks in order to obtain that perfect painting reference or location; breaking away from the normal method of working; walking into a gallery with a portfolio and no appointment
• Relationship Issues: People struggling with art addiction are known to act out against those closest to them, particularly if that person is attempting to come between them and their studio time.
• Secrecy: Going out of one’s way to hide the amount of drawing or painting being done. For example, when someone asks why you didn’t answer the phone, you lie and tell them you were in an important meeting, rather than admit you were in your studio.
• Changing Appearance: Serious changes or deterioration in hygiene or physical appearance – continually wearing clothes with paint on them, carelessly tying your hair up out of your way, or not cleaning the paint splatters off your coffee cup.
• Family History: A family history of art addiction can dramatically increase one's predisposition to become an artist.
• Tolerance: Over time, a person's mind adapts to being around art to the point that they will need more and more exposure to art in order to feel normal.
• Withdrawal: If something happens in life that takes an artist away from the act of creating art, they may experience symptoms such as: anxiety or jumpiness; shakiness or trembling; sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches.
• Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Even though it is causing problems (on the job, in relationships, for one’s health), a person continues to expose themselves to and/or create art.

Hopefully, these warning signs will be valuable in determining if you or a loved one has artaholism. If you or someone you know does, feel free to contact me to schedule an appointment to get out and paint. Road trips are excellent therapy.