| Author | Message | ||
  ebandit |
I paint because I have to. If I don't paint, no-one can stand to be around me. I paint because it wells up inside me. I get tired of the constancy of the banging on the head that my "muse" keeps up. I am not extremely prolific in output but I do love painting. I work 40 hours a week then I paint in any odd moments when I am not forced to live daily life (washing clothes, eating, washing dishes, cleaning house -although that can be let go more than not! - keeping the yard looking decent enough that the neighbors don't revolt. I paint because I am an artist. I can't help it. I started painting abstracts/non-representational things on my own and then took ONE workshop-my only formal training- and that work is my passion. (althouh I am currently doing an egret from a photo I took on vacation) http://www.geneblack.com | ||
Cathy |
Dake, I went to the museum today. There were about 350 pieces exhibited. One thing I noticed was that there were very few watercolor artists featured, and the bulk was oils with a few acrylics, mixed mediums and then of course quite a bit of sculpture. What do you think of that? Cathy | ||
Cathy |
Hi Dake, I KNEW that wasn't a good idea to put the light iris against the similiar background!! I am still a goof when it comes to painting what I see, and that's the way it was in my snapshot of the iris. I really need to tear myself away from painting exactly what what's in the pic and instead do what makes sense in design. The nice thing about this particular painting is that it really pointed out to me how attached I am to my photos, and I need to step beyond that and not let the my art just be a copy of the reference. I would like to see one of your larger pieces, have you posted any on your website? Ok, Dake I am going to write down on paper what gives me confidence in my work. Then tomorrow I am going to take a little field trip and go to an art museum that is currently hosting a show that was created especially for the Olympics. It goes to the end of April. I am going to try to figure out what elements gave other artist's confidence in their work. Hmmmm.... it'a a mind game isn't it? I am going to start visualizing success and confidence!!! Once again Dake you have given some good suggestions and I am going to work on it! Thanks so much, Cathy | ||
dake |
Cathy, The piece below is very interesting, delecate in subject but very strong values to emphasize the subject.....a couple of things may really give it kick though....the main Iris is against a similar value...it should be the focal point ..i think you should have placed it against a strong dark value such as the beautiful green above it. The budding Irises and their stems may have been placed so as to lead ther veiwers eye toward the focal point. Don't take this critisism negatively I love the strength of the work but a couple of simple design changes would make it irresistable....I've no doubt it will sell though. You appear to have a good handle on those darks, very impressive. Pleased to hear the ebay is doing well for you. As for artistic confidence, you need to be confident in what you do at the same time as being aware that there is always room for growth whhich you should be constantly seeking. So even with confidence in your work there is a searching which must be driven from an emotional level for it to remain energetic.We must take care not to confuse this drive with personal dislike of the current work....which is in itself historic, a point from which to reach out to the next stepping stone. Providing you paint with purpose there will always be a validity in your work that you can have confidence in. I'm working on a full sheet of some musos(again) It's a very limited palette ... the sienna siblings, cadmium red and ultramarine. The longer i paint the further i seem to distill my palette. I've decided that using a large format gives the work a head start, the shapes are bold and don't require fiddly detail, the work has more visual impact as a whole. It also gives me confidence in the work from the beginning thus leading to better technique and approach. So my advice is to identify the elements that give you confidence in your work or others work and employ those elements. Also re confidence....VISUALIZE your finnished work, VISUALIZE success, VISUALIZE you work hanging in the place you would dare only dream of...keep this visualization up through the entire creative process. JUST TRY IT! | ||
Cathy |
Hi Dake, thanks we can always count on you to tell it like it is! :-) Yes, I guess I do kinda wonder if my work is good enough.... and I am working on correcting that! I always get feeling this way around times when I have to do slides and submit to shows. But I need to remember that art is art and what is good to some is not so good to others. You know what? In general I feel pretty good about my art. I have been selling on ebay and I have repeat customers and they say the nicest things. What I like best about selling on ebay is that I paint whatever I want and then just sell it. Those that buy my art are very appreciative. I really love that! Last night I made my first venture in acrylic painting, of course it will be on ebay in no time flat, there is not much art left around my house! It is very stimulating for my creative juices to not have anything sitting around getting stale. :-)  | ||
Kukana |
Oh Dake, you're the best. You keep me in line! I need your frank open comments. I would never be offended by you unless you preface your statement by say "Kukana, you jerk...this is an offense!" Even then I'd assume I misunderstood.. My theory is to never take offense, espeically in the written word becuase we simply don't hear the tone and spirit it was given in. I know what you mean about me making a living 'coloring in' my work but there is some skill with the drawing involved. I think one of my favorite things however is writting the stories that couple with each one. A nice diversion. Almost makes it a 'mixed media!" Yeah, Im sick a lot. I look deceptivly healthy. I had a huge major, almost-kill-me, thought-for-a-while-it-did, disease as a young woman and almost died. The cure shot my immune system and I get everything in the air. I am blessed that unlike most people who are chronicially ill I rarely look as sick as I feel and it rarely effects my moods. (Depression isn't even in my vocabulary! I think it's the Irish in me!...Full of blarney, you know!) Anyway, as for making a living doing this...it sounds more glamerous than it is...by far.Its as hard a work as any job, maybe harder! | ||
Dake |
Hey Kukana, i don't know how you manage to disarm me so well. I'm here bristling about how this wonderfully skilled watercolorist has made a living from essentially #coloring in#. You may take offence if you wish. I know you are doing the right thing for your life and family at the present and you are a genuine person creating a truly personal product. As such i wish you all the best. It must not be easy to be making the same things ad-infinitum, i don't think i could do it. I hope you overcome this bug soon(physical one) it only seems a few months ago that you were quite unwell with a winter lurgie. You are inspirational in regards to energy and focus and i think of you often re how you have such a professional approach. I was reading a comment in my Alex Powers book; "Painting people in Watercolor" thought that i must share (I like his approach very much):"If sufficient income is made by some form of commercial art , it complicates and takes away from the fine art being produced at the same time. Not only are the artist's clients and peers confused between the commercial and the fine art , but the artist too becomes confused. The commercial art WILL influence the fine art. It is almost impossible to keep then separate." Cathy thanks for remembering the show/demo weekend which took place last easter weekend. There were 20 artists involved exhibiting and demonstrating...talk about art saturation, invigorating and inspiration ++,met lots of great artists and have committed myself to do a sculpting course with a wonderful Zimbabwean stone sculptor. I sold a couple of paintings and had another commission... It was a mostly looking rather than buying audience given the advertising and venue. Very happy with the experience though. Have you been busy with painting? It's been a while since i 'spoke' to you. I sence alot of personal anxt re "is my work good enough" in this thread! maybe it is, maybe it's not going to make it into the premier galleries or exhibits....who cares! as long as you continue to acknowledge the gift and interest you have and work toward the "ideal" in your own vision. Watercolor is the easiest and hardest.... at the same time, it is THE enigma in art. It will always test and frustrate those that dare enter it's elusive reality. It's a mirage that will not allow itself to be completely possessed. I don't know why i chose watercolor, maybe i'm a mazacist. But GOOD watercolor is directly connected to self awareness, clarity of vision and thought....technique is secondary. No other medium so readily reveals the artist's true identity and personality...like a signature. I think LEX must have died...RIP | ||
Cathy |
Kukana, please post what your paintings when you get done with them! Hope you are feeling better today! Dake, where are yoouuuu? Tell us how your show went? Cathy | ||
Kukana |
Dake, you were right, I was wrong, long ago when you warned me about my fun WWW getting in the way of my art. I do enjoy the WWW and the money is great but I still would rather do my fine art. The show I was rejected from was a big juried art show in Seattle. Never mind the fact that I was juried into 4 other big ones this week, I pout over the one I didn't get in! I think its the cold/flu coupled with overwork and cold medications. Throw in a few hormones and there's the answer! I've decided to finish up a commission piece Monday and then paint for myself for a couple of Days. I'd actually like something new to hang over my sofa! Luckily nothing in my house matches so I wont have to paint to match anything. Dake, sometimes art and morgages do have to be in the same sentence. Right now, I am the family's sole source of income. ME! If I sell, we eat. If I sell, I make house payments for another month.I am fortunate in that my husband does my marketing but I still have to produce. It's very hard to wake up in the morning and say "Ready, set, CREATE!" I know I made the choice to do this rather than get a 'real' job. It took for me a tremendous leap of faith to hang my stuff in my first show and expect people to buy it, but I did...and I still do, every weekend. But dang! Its hard to keep up the pace!I produce over 75% of my new stuff on the road. Its hard! Its Work! (Oh yeah...it my job!...never mind!) ... Oh, now Im getting whiney! Don't ya just hate whiney people? Im going to go drink some more Nyquil | ||
John Preston |
Commisions can be tough...on the the other hand, work that involves painting (versus non painting work) at least keeps you sharp at your craft. In that sense I try to think of commissions as being in the same category as an experimental sketch or a workshop where you explore someone else's methods. On the whole, I guess I should be thankful I get to paint ANYthing. | ||
Cathy |
Hi everybody! I have decided commissions are no fun, at least the pressure of producing something that must be acceptable for the client. Part of the joy of painting to me is having people appreciate my art, that is a very important to me. I love painting and then if someone values it enough to buy it, then I feel doubly rewarded. I paint every chance I get, and I have become somewhat of a hermit the last year, because I am just driven to paint. I want to become a better artist and it takes practice, practice, practice! | ||
Dake |
John, must agree with what Bob Wade had to say about your taste rising faster than your ability to meet it but this is what motivates improvement. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Kukana...I'm a little confused(not unusual) Why are you "bummed out" at being felt unsuitable for a show.....not a compeditive thing is it? I mean surely it has no effect on your self esteem?.....What kind of show was it? Not craft one I would suspect. Your path is determined with each step, each step a decision. Art and mortgages can't be mentioned in the same sentence.... i don't think. Not unless your mortgage is very small. | ||
Kukana |
Very interesting thoughts here. You paint with the same gusto when you are on a commison piece rather than a piece from you heart.?? When you are a working artist, as in "self supporting, making-a-living-doing-this" kind of artist sometimes it becomes a $ thing.I accept commisons to paint something to match someones sofa,I all cringe, yet morgage payments dictate that we accept. I have a very hard time mustering the enthusianm to put my heart and soul into yet another Hunter green and cranberry colored painting. (Gads...at least we're past that country Blue and mauve stage!) Right now, fun, passion, enjoyment painting is spontaneous and unexpected. Commisons are torture. How do you all work through this? Or an I the only one struggling. PS I guess my bad cold coupled by the fact that I just got a rejection from a big show have me bummed out! Kukana | ||
John Preston |
Oldenmcgroin(!) I hear you. I've been painting 20 years, 16 for a living. Every picture I do is as hard or harder than the first one I ever did. Robert Wade made a joke to the effect that it's not that our painting is getting worse, it's just that our taste is improving! Seriously , though, I have noticed, right from my school days that the act of painting enhances the ability to see faster than the ability record and express that sight. I don't think you ever catch up... and I'm not sure it would be desirable. Is it Art? I'm not sure WE get to make the call. If that special thing happens for the veiwer then it's Art. The artist and critics and historians wind up on the sidelines. Maybe that's why we're kept reaching... the veiwer sees what we HAVE reached plus a desire fo something beyond it. WE tend to see only what escaped our grasp. In a way, theirs is the better experience, though we have the participation in the process, which is not always sweet. Please keep painting! Your experience sounds familiar to me and similar to MANY other artists I know. | ||
Judy3x |
Yeah, it makes sense, it seems to me that the first thing I did as a kid was to pick up a paint brush. It was the only thing I really wanted to do, but I never felt I was good enough or that it was a feasable way to make a living. So I tried to put it aside. Anyway,there was never room to leave things up or with kids a good idea. All of my notes in school, and meetings were covered with doodles. Finally I have time, and a place to paint, of course, now I fight against procrastination! I guess we paint, because we can't not paint! | ||
oldenmcgroin |
I have alove hate relationship with my painting. I,m never satisfied, the better I get the worse I get. I,m addicted, I want to be called an Artist, but I think that title is something you have to earn and I haven,t got there yet. I,ve been painting for over fifteen years and the closer I get the farther away I get. Does this make any sense to you? Thanks | ||
Kukana |
Jandrle, I enjoyed your post! When you were talking about entering juried shows, it reminded me of something that Frank Webb either said or quoted. "Doctors bury their mistakes. Archetects plant ivy around their mistakes. Artist matand frame their mistakes and enter them in juried shows!!!" For that reason I don't enter them. I've decided, "in my humble opinion" that I don't need that kind of recognition. People who buy and enjoy my art don't have a clue if I get into a show or not. I have good enough self esteem that I don't need to "Win" to believe I'm good and I have the appreciation of my peers, at least the ones I care about. I just read a book on the aboriginal people of Austrailia. They don't believe in competetions of any kind. Their theory is that if someone is the "winner" then someone would have to be the loser. Why set someone up for failure. What a cruel thing to do to another person! End of soap box! Thanks for listening!!! | ||
piper |
I am torn with trying to define what my art is all about. I cannot seem to avoid visual images but I do not want my paintings to simply be replicas of something. I want to me more than a good craftsman, but I do want to be a good craftsman. I can never capture the essence of something. I can make it look like, but I often miss projecting the sensations I felt when I decided to do the painting. I keep struggling with different techniques, hoping to finally learn how to say what I feel rather than what I see. (If you think this communicaation is garbled you should see inside my head.) Come mid summer a cluster of Sunflowers stand facing the eastern ridge in anticipation of the sunrise. I keep trying to show the attitude I see ... of anticipation. Their heads all face away from me and there is something almost feminine in the graceful way the slender necks curve toward the east. Something so expectant there...I can almost hear them giggle and nudge each other with a shushing and wispering `It's almost here!' I can paint the subject just fine...but I cannot get that essence in there......sheesh, I think I am wanting to to paint poetry. Maybe I want my viewer to ache with feelings. | ||
jandrle |
It is helpful to define your philosophy about your painting. I like to do paintings that people understand and relate to... that people feel comfortable with. I want my art to be inclusive rather than making people feel "unqualified" to enjoy fine art. Those are the type of people who buy my paintings. While I get into jurried shows, they are not the most competetive and difficult ones. Sometimes I think that my art school wouldn't want to claim me because I have settled for painting pictures and have abandoned the "art experience". The art experience is a lot of work and doesn't sell very well. It seems that a lot of judges look for that in jurried shows, though. What I am saying is that if you develop a philosophy about your art, do the best work you are capable of and seek out experiences that help you grow, it makes the subjectivity of judges much easier to swallow... I always tell my daughter that art is brutal. Critiques were when I was in art school. It makes hides tough. Learning to separate your art from your self is a skill that comes in handy in many phases of life! | ||
Laura36 |
Hi all- I took some time to see the AWS show in NYC at the Salmungundi Club this past weekend. There were only a few paintings that really caught me, and they did not win awards. I saw many works that were definitely not my style. Okay. But I saw one painting that looked like palette mud (sorry, but it wasn't anything at all, not even watercolor. I think it was acrylic and what did this painting have to do with use of the medium, no matter what the medium was?) I saw things that had great use of pattern, good use of color, composition, and things that were different. Things that drew me in to the painting. This show is so open to interpretation, as is any show. When I go to the city to see this show, I am always encouraged that there is room, there is time. You may not think so, but there is. Sometimes the trick to getting accepted is to do something they have never seen before. Sometimes you just get plain lucky. And sometimes you aren't juired in because they don't know what they are saying no to. I'm sure the jurors have a tough job, and I have had paintings that have hung around for eons and all of a sudden it strikes someone and I get a ribbon. Art is so subjective. That's why we like it, our ideas and conceptions are as neat and interesting as the next person's. The trick is to keep working, keep painting what you love, it will show. Here is a quote from Calvin Coolidge that I have posted on my wall: Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. | ||
patinsc |
Hi Carrie, Thanks I feel much better. I too have been juried out of a lot of shows but I've been in a lot also. I guess I was blue because it is our State show and I am the regional represenative of the society. But it is water under the bridge and I'm fine. I will survive and go on to paint the great masterpiece tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. In fact tomorrow is our Wed. painters group and I will be in good company. No one else got in either including an art professor. Can't wait to see THIS show. Wish I had a scanner so I could show you all my painting. I thought it was good. | ||
Geeky2 |
Carrie: I believe you could cheer up anyone! We always enjoy your notes. patinsc: I like Wetcanvas and spend some time browsing it. Will check on your group. I don't even pretend to have customers. Art to me (besides enjoying it) is like a boat,,,a hole to pour money into. Jean | ||
Carrie Stuart Parks |
Hi Patinsc, Cheer up on not making the cut. I like to just gently and cheerfully remind myself of my great and lofty art psychology on getting juried out: "HAH!! They wouldn't know a great painting if it bit them in the paduties!!" There now, don't you feel better? I know I always do. I occationally cheer myself up with a sneeky little..... "OH YAH? I'VE BEEN JURIED OUT OF BIGGER SHOWS THAN THAT!!" Now that I have spent my lunch hour writing tiddles instead of painting that great masterpiece, I will trot off into the sunset....ah, make that a spring snowstorm. Have a great one, -Carrie | ||
patinsc |
By the way Jean, what are customers? I thought this was just the worlds most expensive hobby! | ||
patinsc |
Thanks Jean, While I was waiting (procrastinating?) I went to wetcanvas.com and poked around. If you want to have some fun and have time to kill click around in painters, visual art galleries,virtual painting until you find Mountain View Art Gallery. What a fun web site. She must have a great sense of humor. While you are at wet canvas play around until you get Southern WC Society and check out some of my friends work. We just went to this year's reception Sat. nite and what great work! We are lucky the show is in our hometowm this year. The show chairman, Toni Elkins is a friend and she also has a website you can explore. I love to show off the talents of our local artists. Don't know when this year's show will be on the site but be sure to keep checking.Another site to check is the SCWS.site at www.fineartsemporium.com Boy you can tell I have a lot to do. | ||
Geeky2 |
patinsc: you are not alone,,,several really good artists didn't make it past the jurors this year, from what I hear, (in different shows) and I've seen some of the work. Guess everyone can't make it all of the time, no matter how good. You never know what they are looking for. You have to wait for other jurors.......sad. Different people have different tastes, but sometimes it seems decisions should be more balanced. I am not even in that catagory, so one more thing I don't have to worry about. haha. You and your customers know what you do, so get in there again next time around. Jean | ||
patinsc |
Hi, Glad to see some action on the board. You all are lucky that you have iris blooming. Down south here everything has pooped out. Guess we will have to rely on annuals until the perennials bloom. Guess I am a little depressed,just received notice that I did not get into our state w/c show this year. Last year took a top place. Oh well, many of my fellow artists did not get in this year. This weekend the show will be in Hilton Head and WE WILL JUST SEE WHO MADE THE CUT. That sounded like sour grapes did't it. I guess it was a little. SORRY. Someone tell me something wonderful to motivate me back into the studio to try again! | ||
Geeky2 |
The iris are beautiful! I've been out with my digital camera, and looking at them on the computer too. I love gardening also. It makes you want to buy colors like Passionate Purple! Jean | ||
chris |
I wish I had been in my studio today but it was computer class day! The left side of my brain got a real workout. And this weekend it was so gorgeous that I was in the garden and not the studio. Have to make those flowers bloom so I can paint them! So....thought I would check in on everyone, but like you said, everyone is silent. I have an outdoor art show coming up in June and really need the motivation to get ready. Am I the only one that crams all the work into the last week - especially the framing. Anyway, I think the iris are inspiring me and now the roses are blooming so that's a painting! I LOVE to garden as much as I LOVE to paint. It's a struggle between the two. How can folks be bored?!!!!! | ||
Geeky2 |
I'm here-and have been checking the almost empty board too. Not painting this week-mental block or something. Going over color/value/etc. studies, trying to get in the groove, as my musician husband says. Jean | ||
patinsc |
Where is everybody? I logged on for my daily dose of CJS and can't find anyone home. Is it just the Monday blues or are you all in your studios painting madly while I search for a discussion?Perhaps I should go "into my studio and make something". | ||
Geeky2 |
I can relate. I was a sidewalk artist and student in the Westheimer area of Houston, TX in the 70's. Flower power! (grin)We painted all week and sold everything on the sidewalks on the weekends. Jean | ||
jandrle |
I don't know if I am good or not, either... I like my paintings and they sell. My major market is commissions though. When I see other people's work I often wish I could paint like that... but I definitely have my own style. This fall I am going to try to find a workshop to help me expand how I see... I was an art student at Iowa in the late 60's. I tell my daughter there is nothing COOLER than that. I tell her friends that too, embarrassing her! | ||
Geeky2-VA |
Jandrie, you may paint for the same reason I do...I have to. I am not that good, and have studied and painted for many years. I've had to change lifestyles, and painting mediums, learning all over again after some problems, but I cannot leave it alone. It costs me money, takes time, and all of the other things, but I must paint and study about it. Go figure! Jean | ||
jandrle |
I saw this topic last week and thought about it off and on for awhile. I honestly don't know why I paint. This past month I have been artist of the month in a cooperative gallery I belong to. I painted 24 pieces for the show and had my reception this past weekend. It feels like I have been run over by a truck. That may be part of the reason I have been thinking of this question someone posted on this site. HAHA | ||
Oma |
My husband ran Norton on my computer 2x and found two viruses (or is it viri?") Got them cleaned up and have had no more problems. But I am still being extra careful about opening attachments! | ||
Gary McCarty |
I paint because it helps me see. | ||
patinsc |
Oma, Thanks for the warning. Same thing is happening around here. Good advice anytime. Don't open attachments if you don't know the sender. | ||
Oma |
Please,one and all. If you receive a message from me with an attachment, do NOT open it. I will not knowingly send any. The problem is that one of my other groups is receiving multiple viruses which are attaching to their e-mail lists and being sent out without the addressee knowing it. I received an attempt but the URL was missing. I think my server successfully filters them out but wanted to be on the safe side. | ||
JA |
Well, I'm back, finally. For the past 6mos I've been busy painting, painting, painting. I found it almost impossible to fit it all in with my teaching position (term papers, correcting tests, etc.)or even just to get back to this chat board. S-o-o- I've decided to leave teaching (after almost 30 years) and become a REAL fulltime artist! It's a big step for me, but I can hardly wait till June! My creative energies are all ready to go!! By the way, I feel a real connection with that saying on your wall, Dirtybird. That's EXACTLY how I'm feeling right now. Talk to you all soon. | ||
Geeky2-VA |
Gee, dirtybird, that makes sense to me, too! | ||
dirtybird |
I have a quote by somebody on my wall at home (and I am probably getting it wrong here) that goes something like this.. " artistic expression is creative energy leaking from a hole in the soul of a troubled spirit.." That's why I paint. | ||
LPMullins |
I paint because I love to paint! I like to watch creativity in motion... because I have a talent and want to share it with others. Like S. Wiley, it's a gift which I, too, am thankful for and want to use this gift in a productive prosperous way. Also like mermaid...different paintings have different motivations behind them. I have done a lot of paintings for my own pleasure... from pictures in magazines & books when I first started painting...not to sell. Then I have done some as gifts to family members & friends... but now I'm painting with even more enthusiasm as I watch my own talent and abilities improve. I have just begun painting portraits on commission and am making some money, too. It has become exciting and rewarding because the people I have done paintings for have all been so thrilled and happy with them... I am getting more orders than I can handle. It makes me want to do that much more. To see a client's face light up when they see the finished work is more than rewarding...it's touching and makes me feel like I have really accomplished what I have been put here to do. It has become an experience that I just can't begin to put into words. My only regret is not having enough time to spend with my painting! | ||
Chris |
I am here also ! And I agree with your thoughts on painting. I find it relaxing because I forget everything else when the brush is in my hand. Time zooms by - it's amazing. My husband can't understand how I lose tract of it ! We are so blessed to enjoy this in our lives. | ||
Geeky2-VA |
I'm here,,,wish I felt as positive as you about painting in watercolors. I have always been an intense, not relaxing painter. Frustration with watercolors may be my middle name, but I'm determined! | ||
S. Wiley |
I realize that this is months later, but I want to add my two cents worth. I too, find art a form of meditation. It is also a joyful process. I do feel joyful when painting.(In a way, I suppose, it is an escape but I'd rather not use that term; it connotes that I am escaping from something negative.) I have also learned to see my abilities as a gift and am so thankful for this gift. The driving force for me is the challenge of watercolors. I never disappointed when I don't like a painting; rather, I look forward to the next one as an opportunity to 'get it.'I also feel a need to push color to the max- almost in an obsessive way. Just thought I'd share - if anybody is out there. | ||
mermaid |
I have often wondered about this. Why do I paint and how does my motivation affect my work. Do I paint just for my pleasure? Do I paint to improve my painting skills? Do I paint to produce a painting that will please someone else and that will sell? Do I paint because I think it is romantic to be an artist? I think for me different paintings have different motivations behind them and I definitely think it affects how I work on that piece. It affects the risks I allow myself to take, the time I spend on the painting, my enthusiasm for the work. How about the rest of you? I'm interested in your thoughts on this subject. | ||
J.A. |
mermaid, most of my paintings (watercolor landscapes) are created because of a certain feeling or connection to a place, generally in my own area, New England. I find, that when I'm asked to do a painting/commission I really don't have that "special" inspirational quality within me. It seems as if the work being produced is not really "me". Consequently, that and the pressure of meeting the vision/expectations of the client make the work less meaningful to me. It seems as if I feel that those particular paintings are never "just right" either. I prefer to paint for me and to show or sell my work through invitational exhibits. I get to boost my self-doubt in this way and make some sales, too!. | ||
fink |
Mermaid, I paint strictly for myself. If someone else likes them and buys them that is great. In most cases, it is an outlet to the days events. J.A., you're right that sales of one's work makes alot of difference in one's self worth. The best thing is to have people see it and listen to the comments - when people don't think that you are listening - some good, some not so good. The "not so good" is considered to determine whether it is warranted. | ||
J.A. |
fink Well, one thing is for sure, most artists had better be painting for themselves because there are a lot of "starving artists" are there. Painting and sales have been good to me, but I definitely cannot make a true living off of them. I paint what I see and feel and the rest is up to whomever feels that special connection and chooses to purchase it. Constructive criticism is a must in this field,and you're right--always listen, but don't take all negatives to heart. | ||
Laura36 |
I realize that the original message was posted in August, but I think about this question a lot. Why do I paint? Like most people wanting to be an artist I work a full-time job to pay the bills. This takes up about 50 hours of my week, and a lot of the time when I am at work I think about the project I'm working on or the next 20 paintings in my head. I would not be happy if I could not paint. Many different things become ideas for paintings,things immediately around me, like teapots, my family, neighbors, the street scenes, the farm land. I am inspired by mere colors and very simple scenes. I do a lot of experimental painting lately, and find it so rewarding to intermingle it with a realistic scene. I paint because I enjoy it. I have so much art related material in my home that my family wonders if they still live there. I am always thinking about painting, and not just about the six paintings I have started, but the next few I have prepared in my mind. I believe that is the earmark of a true artist. The painting is not finished when you sign your name. You should already be thinking about what you're going to do next. I do commissions because they are things that I love as well. I used to get nervous when asked to do a commission, like I couldn't do it or I wouldn't meet the expectation of the client. Then I realized that they wouldn't have asked me to do the piece if they didn't think I could. They already like my style and way of working, or they wouldn't ask. I realized that my own expectations go in the way and I needed to just do it. I only do things I am comfortable with, like the Adirondacks where I live, portraits of people that I know or can spend some time getting to know. To me painting is a response to things, whether they are tangible or just feelings. Painting makes me happy, so I let the process take me to that happy place. | ||
fink |
Laura36, It is so nice to know that someone else thinks and lives painting even though they have to exist working at another job. My husband says that I am obsessed by painting. It is very rewarding to have people ask about what I am doing now and have them anxious to see something new. Yes painting takes me to a happy place also. Many people around here call that meditating and I guess it is in my own little way. I love every minute I spend with my brush and paint - the ultimate joy! | ||
Laura36 |
To fink- I guess I would call it an obsession as well. To me painting is the process but also the preparation and thought that goes into the planning of a piece. I really have to take a step back sometimes and remember that my 9 year old needs dinner and he is out of clean underwear. I call what I do therapy because it helps me escape from reality for a little while. I guess that is why I like the experimental painting more and more because I can let the paint do what it wants to do, manipulate it a little bit, and watch it work. No expectations to meet, no realism to match and get frustated over. I have been pouring through Nita Engle's book "How to make a Watercolor Paint Itself" and it is truly amazing what you can do with a couple of bottles and some water. |
