Baby Steps in the Art World
At a recent art show held at a well know Government owned art gallery in central Bengaluru, it was amazing to see the enthusiasm of professionals from other fields, showcasing their talent in fine art. The show was to encourage those interested in turning their 'hobby' into a profession.
Senior artists were invited to encourage and give advice to the art enthusiasts who were advised to keep working hard. One eminent artist succinctly stated, "After this show, what next?" This was meant to make the budding artists realize that their efforts were more like 'baby steps' in the art world!
Budding artists should be aware that it takes years of hard work while practicing drawing and painting or using any other medium of choice before they can get anywhere in the long road to realization as an artist. A lot of sacrifice, discipline, diligence and the magnanimity of taking constructive criticism even from those not related to art, yet have great interest in the field. Some people may not be able to as they say, "draw a line to save their lives!" but have a 'good eye' to detect good art. They are the ones who eventually collect art and encourage artists in the long run!
Going to art galleries even when on a holiday in any part of the globe, attending art shows in your own city regularly, meeting artists and expressing concerns and views is all a learning experience. The young (not chronologically alone) artist should mentally become a sponge so as to absorb as much from other artists. Well coping a Master's work to learn the techniques and be part of a study is a learning experience for some. Getting inspired by an artist is a form of flattery but not to blatantly copy, instead to create your own !
One must have an individuality or 'style' which could be the applied strokes or the choice of subject . This takes years of experimenting with different medium and knowing the comfort level that leads to confidence in the rendition of works. After mastering a particular medium, it would be interesting to push the boundaries by trying a different approach with a new medium and that takes you to another level. Many artists are happy in their comfort zone and feel nervous to start something new. An artist should paint without fear as to what others would think or the kind of feedback expressed.
A young artist must make a concerted effort not to 'slot' themselves as a highly priced artist! There are different schools of thought on how an artist can price the work and that does not depend on the time taken to execute the work. This aspect is very subjective and one has to see how galleries price the works of different artists before deciding.
Starting with 'baby steps' and gaining strength to walk and eventually run is the key to survive the long journey in the art world!
Senior artists were invited to encourage and give advice to the art enthusiasts who were advised to keep working hard. One eminent artist succinctly stated, "After this show, what next?" This was meant to make the budding artists realize that their efforts were more like 'baby steps' in the art world!
Budding artists should be aware that it takes years of hard work while practicing drawing and painting or using any other medium of choice before they can get anywhere in the long road to realization as an artist. A lot of sacrifice, discipline, diligence and the magnanimity of taking constructive criticism even from those not related to art, yet have great interest in the field. Some people may not be able to as they say, "draw a line to save their lives!" but have a 'good eye' to detect good art. They are the ones who eventually collect art and encourage artists in the long run!
Going to art galleries even when on a holiday in any part of the globe, attending art shows in your own city regularly, meeting artists and expressing concerns and views is all a learning experience. The young (not chronologically alone) artist should mentally become a sponge so as to absorb as much from other artists. Well coping a Master's work to learn the techniques and be part of a study is a learning experience for some. Getting inspired by an artist is a form of flattery but not to blatantly copy, instead to create your own !
One must have an individuality or 'style' which could be the applied strokes or the choice of subject . This takes years of experimenting with different medium and knowing the comfort level that leads to confidence in the rendition of works. After mastering a particular medium, it would be interesting to push the boundaries by trying a different approach with a new medium and that takes you to another level. Many artists are happy in their comfort zone and feel nervous to start something new. An artist should paint without fear as to what others would think or the kind of feedback expressed.
A young artist must make a concerted effort not to 'slot' themselves as a highly priced artist! There are different schools of thought on how an artist can price the work and that does not depend on the time taken to execute the work. This aspect is very subjective and one has to see how galleries price the works of different artists before deciding.
Starting with 'baby steps' and gaining strength to walk and eventually run is the key to survive the long journey in the art world!
posted by Shirley @ 22:42
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