There is a saying that goes back to the Renaissance attributed to Vasari and that is, "All Art Is Biographical."  Even a still life of apples and pears in a basket, a scenery lush with yellow fields and green forests and a stream babbling its way through the woods on a snowy day, a horse galloping, a dog smiling sleeping next to the fireplace, a portrait of one's mother, even a nude tastefully rendered as an academic exercise so that it would fit into most modern day decor. 

I suppose one might guess the personality behind each of those stereotypical images.  Most likely, he or she would not be the type of artist looking to break new ground and conquer the Art World, nor, would they lead controversial lifestyles enough to make them celebrities and household names.  Outright scandals would be out of the question for them.  And, what about the size of their own Egos?  How much does that enter into analyzing the inner history of a true artist?

Vasari told of the time when the young, unknown Michelangelo first exhibited his sublime sculpture, the Pieta, which portrays the Virgin Mary holding her dead son, Jesus.  At the time, this scene was a familiar subject, but, his version broke new ground.  He wanted to portray not a realistic image, but "the heart's image."  A remarkable foretelling of what was to come from him.

Then, he overheard viewers declaring that the work was made by another sculptor.  That night, he carved big letters into the sash that lay right across the Virgin Mary,  "Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine, made this."   The rest is Art History. 

That may be the most telling personality trait missing from the people who just paint and will never reach the mountain, let alone, the top of it.