Choices

I am new to blogging...but not to art.  There are some things that I have learned through the years from many generous teaching artists and mentors.  Learning about art will always be a daily part of my life.  And so...about choices...most artists are not into being "starving"...because we, like everyone else...have bills to pay.  And we have to work.  Careers outside of the home, raising children (sometimes alone)...caring for others...we are sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, parents, and (this is a really fun one...grandparents!) We are living in different circumstances at different times (I call them seasons) of our lives.  The big question at some point for a lot of us is "Can I support myself with my art and how do I do this?"  Choice.  A very personal and individual decision. Sometimes supporting ourselves with the sales of our art diminishes the freedom of creating what we really want to...because we may have to paint what "sells"...then for the artist the work does not seem or feel as deeply personal or authentic.  I think painting to sell is fine...but do this...set aside a certain amount of studio time to paint only what you love...your passion, experiences, thoughts, feelings...without one single thought about public opinion.  And you know what will happen...because of the very fact that you are painting only what you love and only for yourself...there will be an audience that "clicks" with your more personal work.  And your art will sell.  One more thing...teaching art to support yourself is a wonderful choice.  Sharing our knowledge (generously) with others...wanting to see other artists grow and be successful...is a sign of an artist who is secure with themselves in the artworld.  Secure with the knowledge that creating art is always evolving and having the "faith" that the artwork will indeed show itself through us! 

Watercolors

I have told the story about how I taught myself to paint with watercolors.  This was before I knew the importance of photographing your paintings...before I knew about entering shows!  I was just painting away and selling quite well.  There were many paintings that did not get photographed.  I am going to show works that I do have pictures of.  As I finish new watercolor botanicals I will begin posting those to dailypaintworks.com and on my  blog.  "White Water Lily"...painted in 1988...watercolor on watercolor paper 6 x 8 in.

When you need quiet time...

I have posted several pen/ink/watercolor drawings to dailypaintworks.com.  I went through a "season" in my life when major changes occurred.  Sometimes there was not quite enough energy to go around and so I would quietly sit and draw with india ink.  I did not "think or plan" these pieces.  Drawing them was very soothing for me.  So was the watercoloring part.  I hope that you will peruse these drawings on dailypaintworks.com at your leisure and enjoy!!

The Importance of Artist Friends

I learned many years ago from a very wise mentor that artists usually work alone...we do not go into a job environment (where co-workers are naturally together)...therefore, it is important that we seek out other artists to network with.  Join art organizations and become involved in your local art community.  Most importantly...make friends with supportive and positive forward thinking artists.  For over 25years I've reaped the tremendous rewards of being part of wonderful groups of artists that meet once a month.  We take turns meeting in each other's homes.  We bring works in progress to discuss; talk about art supplies that are on sale and where; the latest shows, artists, workshops that are of interest.  We share new things that we have learned or small (or large breakthroughs) that we've had in our work...or talk about our individual visions of the direction we want to head into then discuss ideas and ways in which to do just that!  I hope that all artists find their "kindred spirit" artist groups in which to be involved.  It will be nurturing, encouraging, validating...and just plain ole' laughter and fun!  "Goddess V"...assemblage...old found object (in a stream in Texas Hill Country), antique buttons, acrylic, beads on 5" x 5" x 1 1/2" canvas.  Part of my "Women Series"

Where to begin...

Whenever I meet someone who is just beginning to do art this is what I say..."Where you begin is VALID!"  Your age, medium, type of art instruction or not...is all valid.  As artists, it is a very good thing to acknowledge each others path...and validation of where we are on that path is wonderful encouragement to keep painting and drawing, learning new things, observing and looking at art and most importantly of all...surround yourself with other bright and happy artists!