| Every time we make a thing, it’s a tiny triumph |
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the idea that you have to make a masterpiece. Something perfect, large, the best we’ve ever done. While that is certainly nice to do, it is definitely not always the goal. I’ve heard it said that every artist has 10,000 bad paintings in their garage (I suppose it’s the artist’s version of the 10,000 hour rule). We look at the art in a gallery and think that we could never do something like that – but we forget that we’re only seeing the special pieces chosen for display.
One of the best ways for any of us to get better is to work faster. Get the mistakes out of the way. Let’s say that the 10,000 bad painting rule is actually 1,000 bad paintings. If we make 1 painting a year, we’ll never get through our allotment of bad works. If we make 1 painting a day, as today’s artist does, then it will take less than three years! Fortunately, practice doesn’t have to be big to be helpful. As the quote above says, “Every time we make a thing, it’s a tiny triumph.”
- This week’s artist is – Duane Keiser – whose work I ran across at least a decade ago through the painting a day project. I always enjoy watching some of the painted animations (like this one). Yes, Duane paints more than food – I must be writing while hungry since these are the examples that really caught my eye! 😀 Check out his website and instagram for even more!
- Check out this musical time machine for some audio inspiration.
- A few thoughts on the good-enough camera.
- Sometimes you run across delightful things when cruising the internet. And more work by the artist.
- Emerson quote and further thoughts about making work and learning in less-than-perfect days.
- These are wonderful thoughts about using art to wash away the dust of everyday life (based on a true story)
- Getting out and about? Play BID Bingo! The usual spring events have been cancelled, so the Business Improvement District has come up with a new one. There is $2,500 in prizes!
- Here’s a guide to creating typographical artwork.
- Though this message is for graduates, it applies equally well to anyone starting a new path.
- For your rebels out there, this guide explains how to break the rules of art.
- Here’s a stunning Roman mosaic that was just discovered under a vineyard.
- I share a lot of portrait painting links. This is a portrait drawing course.
- Want to appreciate the art-making process but also zone out? Watch this time-lapse video of painting a wolf.
- The book of the week is – Life Sketches by Robert Bateman. It’s easy to get caught up in the search for “how-to” information and forget to seek out inspiration as well. This book is a bit of both – the opportunity to see some of Bateman’s work and hear about his thoughts and process while making it. He goes on to share his belief that “Nature is an infinite source of reason, imagination, and invention.” Get your copy in either the kindle or hardback version.
Whether you decide to undertake an artwork-a-day project, dive deep and work on a single piece over the course of a month, or generally just keep working when you have time – don’t forget to make time for your art. It helps to “wash away the dust of everyday life”, grounding you and helping you to be a better version of yourself. You need that. The world needs you. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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