I’ve found quality in the arts, no matter what form, have one thing in common–intent is the key to true expression.

Those who want glory but aren’t willing to improve might have a level of success, but their art seems shallow and quickly fades. Those who become enamored with the arts are like star-crossed lovers. Their passion only lasts as long as the euphoria of creativity’s first touch. Once that fades, the artist walks away, blaming their failure on fate or circumstance.

But there are those who feel like creating is as essential as breathing. It pulls from somewhere deep within. It calls to them in the middle of the night. It beckons them forward, causing time to stand still as they painstakingly hone their craft. People see their art and are mesmerized, yet this artist is never satisfied, always looking for ways to improve.

These are the meek and humble souls who spend their lives in the quest to perfect their craft. It isn’t about money. It isn’t about recognition or fame. It’s about expression in its purest form.

Here is an example of what I’m talking about. The art below is created by Samuel Silva, an artist from Portugal. His bio reads:

“VianaArts
Born in 1983, went through Law School and Lawyer since 2007. 
I’m just a self-taught patient hobbyist person.

I’ve always been interested in drawing, sculpting, and painting since I was 2 years old.
I started drawing and developing my own style of ballpoint pen drawing back when I was in school, in simple classroom sketches in the back of my exercise books. I never imagined there were so many brilliantly masterful ballpoint artists out there.

Ballpoint pen is not my only medium, it’s just the one I’m currently trying to master. At this point in my life, I’m proficient with chalk, pencil, color pencil, pastels, oils, and acrylics. Maybe one day I’ll create an account just to share those.

I’m just glad to be here, I want to learn a lot, see a lot, and enjoy to its fullest what other fellow artists have to share.

It takes me forever to do my works. The only thing that makes me keep going is my love for what I do and the ambition to go further and further.”

Notice he views himself as a hobbyist. He’s a lawyer by trade, but this is his passion. He just wants to learn and push himself beyond his incredible ability. Now take a look at his work. All of these are done with ballpoint pen. No, I’m not kidding.