[Feeling Sketchy]

I don’t have anyone in my life that’s interested in art. My husband is glad that I have an interest in art, but with him, my being interested is as far as his interest goes. I’ve always wanted to have someone to talk to about it though. Especially my spouse since I’m in this marriage for the long haul.

My problem is that I really want to be able to talk to him about it but he gets irritated anytime the topic is brought up. He says he wants to get into it so he can connect with me on something I love but he has a very low tolerance for it. I’m not sure how to make it interesting for someone who cares so little about the subject. I’m also not very knowledgeable so I have a hard time explaining art to anyone.
Please help!

 

[SketchingRat]

How exactly are you trying to get him into art? In a way, you could be making it stressful for him (not to say you’re doing it on purpose!).

For example, if you’re trying to talk to him about art every other day, it might just become a repetitive slush. So if you talk to him on Monday about art, he has Tuesday as a sort of ‘break’ before Wednesday comes around and you mention it again; in this way, art might be mentally exhausting for him, though even he might not realise it. It’s always on the brain, like a catchy song.

Maybe instead of bringing art up, you could try and show it? You could do some sketching (or whatever art medium you enjoy) around him while he’s in the same room. Leave out some extra supplies so he can join in if he wants. Don’t try to necessarily ask him to join in, but if he brings up your artwork by himself, you can ask him if anything looks off, like the lighting or the shape of something. In this way, he’d have to take a closer look, even just momentarily.

It’s great that he has a slight interest in it, either way, if only because you like it. But maybe he doesn’t enjoy the same medium of art you do? I dislike using charcoal because of its messiness, but I know some people who are rather good with it. Maybe your husband just needs to find his own style in art?

Best of luck!

 

[Rowy van Hest]

I don’t have anyone in my life that’s interested in art. My husband is glad that I have an interest in art, but with him, my being interested is as far as his interest goes. I’ve always wanted to have someone to talk to about it though. Especially my spouse since I’m in this marriage for the long haul.

My problem is that I really want to be able to talk to him about it but he gets irritated anytime the topic is brought up. He says he wants to get into it so he can connect with me on something I love but he has a very low tolerance for it. I’m not sure how to make it interesting for someone who cares so little about the subject. I’m also not very knowledgeable so I have a hard time explaining art to anyone.
Please help!

There are a lot of men who don't really like to talk about anything. If you force him to, he might indeed get irritated. Husband and wife can have different interests. It is sweet of you, that you want to share your love for art with him, but he is in no way obliged to enjoy the same things you do. Make friends with people who are really interested in art. Perhaps you can join a club.

 

[iandandavies]

i think you are either interested in are or you are not. Dont try and force him into conversations he knows nothing about. your first step is to establish if he has a yet undiscovered interest in art by taking him out to a few different types of art galleries (contemporary, traditional, sculpture etc) and see what he thinks

 

[Mullanphy]

My bride of 40+ years has no interest in my artistic endeavors. Her most complimentary remark has been, "He is too critical of himself/his work."

It is good when a partner supports an artist, but expecting them to gush or become involved will almost always end in disappointment for the artist and probably the partner.

Rather than search for ways to involve him, maybe find a local art group you can meet with on occasion. Who knows, he might become interested enough to join you for a meet and greet or other social event. Meetup.com is a resource for finding such groups.