An Artist’s Job is Work
Artists all over are working hard to create works that they
hope will turn heads or stop people in their tracks. While creating works of
art is a pleasure and offers many challenges for us creative types it is also
work. When I work on a painting I find that
each subject I have chosen has its own frustrations and blocks. Sometimes the work
may go smoothly, and other times it may be a difficult learning journey. When creating a painting and things just don't
always turn out as intended I fuss and change things hoping to bring it to a
close. Sometimes a composition that initially
seemed just the right setting just does not hold up when it is on the easel and
nearing completion. Those are the times I struggle to correct, change, start
over or toss the painting rather than waste the time on one that will just not
measure up to my own standards. That
journey is part of the growth to improvement.
There are so many things I could paint, but the decision once
it is made, to push forward with a particular subject is sometimes more difficult
than I had anticipated. I don't always
know automatically every time just what my next subject may be. I like to be in sync with my subject, and
feel fully engaged and enjoying the journey. I also like to vary my subjects
and switch from landscapes to animals or birds periodically to keep me learning
and challenged. Once in a while I will decide to go out painting plein air and
choose to paint a very old deteriorating barn that has lots of character. The
variance in subject matter provides different challenges and focus as well as
an opportunity to grow my technique and my knowledge of the medium I work in. Landscapes can be loose, but wildlife generally
needs to be much tighter and detailed. The fur or feathers require knowledge of
the animal or birds anatomy to create a believable representation in a drawing
or painting.
Continual study and research are a part of every artist’s
growth. I don’t know about you but I study peers I respect, take advanced
classes, or workshops and read up on the old masters. I also go to museums to look at the famous painters
who are part of the museum’s collection or are a visiting show. I watch and enjoy teaching DVD’s that fellow
artists develop, and pour over their books, looking for tidbits that I can use
that may be new to me. When looking at
paintings in art shows and I eavesdrop and listen to people’s comments on what
they like, or don’t like. All of this is
fodder for my creative mind to digest and reassemble into my artist’s brain. When I have finished my next creative subject
painting, I hope to see smiles, recognition, or looks of appreciation when the
piece is finally displayed. Most of all,
I love it when a person is moved by my creativity and purchases a piece for
their home. That brings a satisfaction
that few occupations can duplicate. I hope
you enjoy the journey, while you study, keep learning, and creating!
