| At the end, someone or something always gives up. It is either you give up and quit or the obstacle or failure gives up and makes way for your success to come through.~ Idowu Koyenikan |
In the last couple of emails I have mentioned working with a variety of materials and experimenting with new techniques. That process can be quite discouraging as we realize that the current test won’t work out as hoped. Even that experience helps us to learn and grow, in exactly the same way that Thomas Edison learned 10,000 ways NOT to make a light bulb before he figured out the method that would work. Fortunately, most of us aren’t trying to create something completely new, so we can learn from those who have gone before us.
- This week’s artist is – Mark Maggiori – whose work has come through the frame shop a couple of times. We are framing a handful of his prints right now and I just had to share his work with you. He’s a Frenchman who fell in love with the American west during a family vacation, then created a career in music and eventually ended up back in both the visual arts and in the United States. Now he’s built a career as a western artist. I am drawn to the clouds in his paintings – they always stand out to me and signify that it is Mark’s work. See even more on his website and instagram.
- Yarns, Threads, and More is closed. Fortunately, the Wooley Wolverine is now open! Check out La Plata County’s yarn store at 271 1/2 Mountain View Drive in Bayfield, across from Brenda’s Cafe. They’re open from Monday through Saturday from 9-5.
- What should writing do?
- It’s still World Watercolor Month! Here are 7 tips for getting intense colors and values with watercolor.
- I have recently been seeing live model drawing sessions online (via a video chat program of some sort). If you wanted to try such a thing, here are some common figure-drawing mistakes to avoid.
- Did you know quilting could be radical? If you like that, check out her retrospective.
- Here are a few thoughts from one artist about the value of drawing from life.
- How one artist starts his notebooks.
- There was an art forgery ring that was raided by the FBI.
- Speaking of rings, could this be the one that inspired J.R.R. Tolkein’s One Ring?
- A friend of a friend has a kiln for sale. If you’re looking for one (or know someone who is), call or stop by the store for more info.
- This week’s book is Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon. It’s been a couple of years since I read this book but I found it to be a great guide to turning your passion into a career. Even if you don’t want to completely switch careers you can use the information in there to help build a following and have your hobby pay for itself. Get your paper or kindle copy today!
Have you heard of the 10,000 hour rule? It’s a rule of thumb stating that it takes that many hours of practice to become an expert in a given field. Generally speaking, it’s not true. It takes intentional practice toward a specific goal. If I decide that my goal is “to be a better artist” and try 10,000 things for an hour apiece, I will have an array of experience will have never mastered a single one.
Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Setting a specific goal of becoming a better oil painting portrait artist and then working on portraits and using oils will result in my art improving drastically. Deviations from that goal, such as practicing drawing with graphite, doing quick studies in acrylic, trying out new varnishing techniques can all inform my practice.
With a long-term focus I will have the confidence to experiment, knowing that any setbacks will only be a temporary obstacle on my path and that I will continue to grow as an artist. One artist whose work I follow recently started a personal drawing practice to help improve his work. He’s been a professional realistic portrait and landscape painter for over a decade and still feels that he could improve his skills by practicing the basics!
No matter where you are on your journey as an artist, don’t hesitate to experiment and learn more. You never know where a detour might take you or how you might grow. Your art is part of you and helps you to be a complete version of yourself. The world needs you and you need your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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