Thank you so much for sharing this. I am yet again stuck with my whole art career (too long to go into). This has made me stop and think. And also reminded me that I need to create for me. Thank you.
Fantastic piece! It seems to have lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. The only thing I could add is that, for me, it's thanks to all my trials and errors in life that I am where I am today. So I don't regret anything even if I could easily say it was such a waste of time! Thank you.
This comes at a very helpful juncture for me. Thank you for dedicating the time to sharing your careful thoughts and guidance. I think I’ll print and save this for a reminder when i get discouraged. As someone who only started seriously pursuing my art late in life - how to best use my time is always on my mind. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. So many of those thoughts I can recall thinking about. Especially the one about creating my perfect client. Especially now that I'm almost 91 years old. Just a few more days (24th).
I'm lucky if I can still get up out of bed. OK, so I'm doing ok to this date.
From here on it is mostly memories, many, many, memories. Thankfully, I can still remember them for the most part anyway. Thanks for bringing these all back to me.
You are right on the "money!" And, yes, there's no manual that fits everyone. Success is different for everyone. Success for me is 1. becoming a better artist, then 2. converting canvas-to-cash. You become a starving artist without them.
Thank you soo much for sharing your real world wisdom. I’m approaching my 4-year anniversary as an oil painter. Have had a couple of commissions, juried in at two different local galleries CFE and sold a couple of paintings that were part of local fundraisers. Put together a website with FASO of course. Am at a turning point in my painting direction. I just want to paint! My must paint folder keeps frowning. I only paint what moves me, what I love and not afraid of color!!
Reading this was like reading about my own journey to a large extent. You write very well, in addition to painting beautifully. I also watched your video where you explain the allegorical meaning for each portrait of bank presidents. Fascinating stuff! For myself, I painted in watercolor for 20 years before I discovered soft pastels. Now I work in both, sometimes in the same painting. I love it; pastels unlocked a new door for me. Selling my art has always been hit or miss. Just six months ago I finally placed some paintings in a gallery on Maui. Woohee! Through the years, I’ve wrangled with promoting my art in lots of different ways...now I just hang out in my backyard studio and paint and draw. It’s where I feel truly free to create and be myself.
Smart, useful piece enhanced by terrific writing. Thanks for this, I plan to share it with my local arts community because one of my art pals and I were talking about these issues earlier today, viz., knowing audience.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am yet again stuck with my whole art career (too long to go into). This has made me stop and think. And also reminded me that I need to create for me. Thank you.
Thanks for your comment!
Fantastic piece! It seems to have lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders. The only thing I could add is that, for me, it's thanks to all my trials and errors in life that I am where I am today. So I don't regret anything even if I could easily say it was such a waste of time! Thank you.
Oh so well said!! I agree and thanks so much for sharing
Thanks for sharing 🤗
Thanks for reading!
This comes at a very helpful juncture for me. Thank you for dedicating the time to sharing your careful thoughts and guidance. I think I’ll print and save this for a reminder when i get discouraged. As someone who only started seriously pursuing my art late in life - how to best use my time is always on my mind. Thank you!
Karen welcome to the journey! I’m so glad you are here! And thanks for your kind words
Thanks for sharing. So many of those thoughts I can recall thinking about. Especially the one about creating my perfect client. Especially now that I'm almost 91 years old. Just a few more days (24th).
I'm lucky if I can still get up out of bed. OK, so I'm doing ok to this date.
From here on it is mostly memories, many, many, memories. Thankfully, I can still remember them for the most part anyway. Thanks for bringing these all back to me.
Ernie Kleven
Oh Ernie!! God bless you! Your sweet words inspire me!
You are right on the "money!" And, yes, there's no manual that fits everyone. Success is different for everyone. Success for me is 1. becoming a better artist, then 2. converting canvas-to-cash. You become a starving artist without them.
Thanks for commenting Larry! I'm so glad you found what works for you!
Thank you soo much for sharing your real world wisdom. I’m approaching my 4-year anniversary as an oil painter. Have had a couple of commissions, juried in at two different local galleries CFE and sold a couple of paintings that were part of local fundraisers. Put together a website with FASO of course. Am at a turning point in my painting direction. I just want to paint! My must paint folder keeps frowning. I only paint what moves me, what I love and not afraid of color!!
Welcome to the journey Deb!!!
Hi Debra,
Reading this was like reading about my own journey to a large extent. You write very well, in addition to painting beautifully. I also watched your video where you explain the allegorical meaning for each portrait of bank presidents. Fascinating stuff! For myself, I painted in watercolor for 20 years before I discovered soft pastels. Now I work in both, sometimes in the same painting. I love it; pastels unlocked a new door for me. Selling my art has always been hit or miss. Just six months ago I finally placed some paintings in a gallery on Maui. Woohee! Through the years, I’ve wrangled with promoting my art in lots of different ways...now I just hang out in my backyard studio and paint and draw. It’s where I feel truly free to create and be myself.
Oh it sounds like you found your happy place Della! I'm so happy for you!
Thanks so much for your excellent insights. Many very good points to think about and remember.
You are so welcome Jill!
Smart, useful piece enhanced by terrific writing. Thanks for this, I plan to share it with my local arts community because one of my art pals and I were talking about these issues earlier today, viz., knowing audience.
Meredith thanks so much for your praise!!
Thanks for this. Nice to know I’m not alone in my thoughts.
:) Tracy you are not alone!
Debra,
I thought somehow in reading this, I must have written it in my sleep!
Thank you for putting into words my very similar journey. I love that’s it’s a journey not a destination but I’m on the right track now.
Cheers!
Hi Diane!!! You are so very welcome. Thanks for reading and commenting!