| Being a father is not an 18-year job. Done right, it’s a lifetime relationship, and it can be really wonderful. ~ Paul Byerly |
While the quote above is about parenting, I think it also applies to one’s pursuit of their art. One of the things that I love about being an artist is that I will never learn it all or truly “master” it. There will always be something new for me to try, an experiment to undertake, something that I can do better on my next project. Which is part of the appeal for me, knowing that I can always improve and learn new things – otherwise I’d get bored and stop making art.
- This week’s artist is – Zoe Keller – whose work I just stumbled across a couple of days ago. It captured my attention immediately (partially because I love drawing). There is plenty more on her website and instagram if you want to see more of her work!
- Everyone, but especially artists, should learn to be alone. I know that, personally, I need time alone to make my art. Time to focus on the thoughts, the processes, and grapple with the concepts or techniques that are required to turn my vision into a physical thing.
- Need to try something different? Here are 4 ways to mix up your still life compositions.
- This resonates with me, as an artist and a new father.
- Ideas as fishes of thought.
- Here are some thoughts on doing the work in front of you.
- There is good advice in here. I like thinking about this bit from an visual artist’s perspective by André Gide: Write as if this were your only book, your last book. Into it put everything you were saving—everything precious, every scrap of capital, every penny as it were. Don’t be afraid of being left with nothing.
- The book of the week is – How to Sell Your Art Online: Live a Successful Creative Life on Your Own Terms by Cory Huff. I’ve followed Cory’s work for quite a few years now and respect his opinion. He’s learned business and art marketing by doing it for himself and working with other clients. This book gives understandable and accessible information about marketing yourself online if you want to sell your work. Get your digital or paper copy.
Learning new things and growing as an artist can be a linear process – ie: I work with watercolors and learn about a new medium or technique that will allow me to create new effects. It can also be a meandering connect-the-dots process – ie: by playing with oils I learn a new way to apply paint and may never use oils again but bring that technique back with me to watercolors and create new effects in my paintings. Those artistic side trips we all make (I hope and assume it’s not just me) all serve to inform future our art projects.
I’ve heard that our best piece should always be the next one – so we’re always learning, growing, striving toward something more. Personally, I know that that pursuit keeps me interested and hopefully interesting. My art-making makes me a better person. Hopefully it does the same for you. After all, you need your art, and the world needs you!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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