So I’m sitting here in my hotel room at 3:42 am. I’m in a hotel because I’ve just participated in a trade show 5 hours from my home, and I’m awake at 3:42 am because – well that’s just the way I work. Sleeping 4-5 hours a night is frustrating, but it’s because I wake in the middle of the night and immediately my mind shifts into high gear. What if I do this? I should do that. Remember when that happened? I should write something. Can’t stop the thinking …
I think about all the things I’ve done over the last few years, (well over my life really) the experiences I’ve had, the crazy leap of faith that I was going to quit the day job and devote myself full time to my art a few years ago. Yay! To be honest if I didn’t have savings I might have starved to death, but then again, I’m sure I would have found a way. Because my crazy brain would have come up with something. And it’s starting to pay off – I’m learning and growing, and selling more. I’ve had wonderful people stop by my display this weekend to tell me how much they like my work – hopefully some of that will pay off with some new contracts to have my prints and wearables in their shops. I think the wearables got most of the attention, which makes me a wee bit sad, but that is part of me too, and it all starts with making the art. My hope is that if I get my work in more shops it will give me more time to do what I love. If the paintings stack up and the wearables sell lots I’m ok with that. But the reality is trying to get to that stage is keeping me away from creating. I just can’t do everything everywhere all the time. I’m working my butt off with this marketing stuff and not spending nearly enough time doing what I love – just creating. Just being me.
So this crazy brain of mine that just keeps going and going and going – the only time it is really peaceful is when I’m painting. I get totally immersed in the marks and blending and and layering and the possibility. I have no fear of the blank canvas – that is filled with infinite possibilities. And I have no fear of failure or “ruining” a painting by experiment- so many people are timid and wonder “what if” and then seek advice from others. I think this is what holds an artist back “What if” almost immediately translates to “do it” for me (which is how I wound up in this hotel).
For the next few weeks I have no commitments, no shows, no classes – nothing except the need to get back to less “what if” in terms of growing my business, and more “what if” in terms of making my art. It’s really hard to separate the two, because I feel I “should” be selling more, getting to more galleries and shops (and I’m partly driven to that by a new friend who is very active in getting new shops, so I feel I should do this too. The fomo is real.) I “should” be teaching – many people ask. But do I want to? Probably not, I’m very impatient and not sure I could handle it! I “should” be making work that is more easily sale-able. But do I want to? No. I could create more realistic landscapes or still lifes or florals – art that people can more easily understand. But it’s not what I want. I want work that is me, I want work that speaks to people’s emotions, that makes them feel. I want my work to stir your imagination. I don’t want you to see my paintings, I want you to feel them. I want my work to make you think “what if…?”. I want to surround you with a sense of wonder.
Enjoy this brief process video – this is how I play and explor and become fully involved in the process of creation. The piece you’ll see in progress here is “The pond” – which went to a new home in San Diego in 2022. The prints are a crowd favourite at markets – and truly authentic as “The pond” is an expression of me – how I felt staring out at the salt marsh / pond beside my studio, trying to capture the atmosphere and peace that surrounds me. Marketing and selling is hard work. Teaching is hard work. Making art is just me being me. Work less, art more – this is my goal.
I’m trying to update my bio, and I am faced with an expression I don’t like – “self taught artist”. It’s not that I mind people knowing that I don’t have a formal art education, it’s that we all learn from others, and I certainly have. I didn’t teach myself how to extend my paints using mediums, or how to mix colour, or how to apply principles of design to create stronger work. I learned these things from other artists, as we all do.
My tuition is self-directed – that is I’ve chosen to follow certain artists, learn from them, read certain books, listen to certain podcasts, take this course or that (and I’ve taken a lot of courses!), but to date I am not “self-taught”. Mostly.
I do love to experiment – and this is where I learn the most valuable things. In my studio, on my own, taking risks. What I like and what I don’t, what works and what doesn’t, what might happen if I take a sander to an area of paint I don’t like or apply one material over another in a new way, or use “new” colours (new for me – it’s all been done before). I say to my self “what if…” and then I do it. I don’t go online to ask anyone’s advice or guidance, I don’t worry about the consequences of “ruining” my art – I just do it. I fail – and I make great discoveries too.
I’ve come to the conclusion that this is the single most valuable part of my art education. It’s not about techniques or results, it’s about being truly authentic and growing as an artist. It’s about being unique because I’ve thought of something without being prompted and done it (even if it’s been done before the way I do it is different because I’m different). Experimentation and exploration is the only way that I can truly be “me” as an artist.
So, I have made a little resolution for 2024 … I’m not taking any art courses. Not a workshop, no online courses, no “guided” sessions (never have been fond of them anyway). I admit I did sign up for a January workshop just before Christmas as a way to kickstart the year, but I’ve decided to ignore it – to ignore the influence of another artist and another online course that I do not need. Don’t get me wrong – I love learning. But this year, I’m going to learn about art from me. That is something I need to do. I’m going to look inside and explore and experiment and just keep going and see where it takes me….
I’m going to make a lot of mistakes, and probably a lot of bad unfinished paintings, but I am going to learn. And at the end of this year, I think “self-taught” will feel more real to me.
In a world where social media platforms are often seen as essential tools for artists to showcase their work, it might seem counterintuitive to consider a path without them. However, achieving success as an artist without relying on social media is not only possible but can also be deeply fulfilling. This article hosted by Driftwood Gallery explores alternative strategies for artists to market and sell their creations.
Spring fever
Cultivating Personal Networks and Communities
Building a strong personal network is crucial for artists avoiding social media. Engaging with local art communities, participating in art fairs, and attending gallery openings can lead to valuable connections with fellow artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Personal interactions often create deeper and more meaningful connections than online ones, leading to potential collaborations, commissions, and sales.
Showcasing Art in Local Venues
Displaying your work in local venues such as cafes, libraries, and community centres can significantly increase visibility. These spaces often attract diverse audiences who might not typically visit galleries or art shows, exposing your work to potential new admirers and buyers.
Engaging with Art Collectors and Galleries
Directly reaching out to art collectors and galleries can be more effective than passive social media posting. Research galleries that align with your style and approach them with a well-prepared portfolio. Building relationships with art collectors can be done through art fairs, exhibitions, or personal introductions.
Embracing Collaborative Opportunities
Collaborating with other artists, local businesses, or community organizations can significantly amplify your reach and create new opportunities. This can involve working with another artist on a joint exhibition or art project, which not only brings together different styles and audiences but also fosters a sense of community and shared creativity. Local businesses often seek unique ways to decorate their spaces or promote their services, and here, an artist’s work can play a key role. For instance, creating custom artwork for a local café or designing a mural for a community centre not only showcases your talent to a broader audience but also embeds your work in the daily life of your community. Such collaborations can lead to increased recognition, potential sales, and the chance to engage with a diverse range of people who might not typically visit galleries or art exhibitions.
Leveraging Adobe Express for Marketing and Sales
Adobe Express offers a range of features that can be incredibly beneficial for artists looking to
showcase and sell their work. Here’s how you can leverage Adobe Express:
Creating Stunning Posters and Flyers: Adobe Express allows you to design eye-catching posters and flyers to promote exhibitions, workshops, or new art series. These can be distributed in your local community or at art-related events to attract a wider audience.
Designing Desktop Wallpapers: Creating personalized desktop wallpapers can be an innovative way to share your art. Offering these as digital downloads presents an opportunity for an additional revenue stream, allowing art enthusiasts to enjoy your work in a functional and everyday setting.
Building an Online Portfolio: Even if you avoid social media, an online presence is beneficial. Adobe Express can be used to create a professional-looking portfolio website where you can showcase your work, share your artist statement, and provide contact information for potential buyers and collaborators.
Success as an artist outside of social media is not only achievable but can also lead to more authentic and meaningful connections with your audience. By utilizing tools like Adobe Express and embracing traditional methods of networking and marketing, artists can carve out a unique space for themselves in the art world. This approach may require more effort and creativity, but it often leads to more sustainable and rewarding artistic careers.
As an artist I enjoy creating – that comes with the territory.
As a human I am concerned with dwindling resources, waste and the seemingly irreparable negative impact we are making on our natural environment.
In my personal life I do my best to minimize waste, shop responsibly, use less fuel, recycle… sometimes it seems pointless but I’m doing what I can.
The same applies to my art practice – as a mixed media artist I have an opportunity to use many materials in my work, and also a responsibility to make the best choices for the environment. So here’s a little list of some of the things I do to care for our planet in making “environmentally conscious” art.
“Leftover” Paint
One of my favourites – “Thoughts I forgot to have in the day” started out life as a “throwaway” board
I paint mainly with acrylics, and I recognize that itself may be a concern for some people. While they are water based, there are plastics in the acrylics that could contaminate our water supply, not to mention some of the toxic pigments that are used to give those vibrant colours.
For me, there is no such thing as “unused” or “leftover paint”. I paint on a wet palette – acrylic paint can stay workable for days this way. But sometimes at the end of a painting session I will apply any remaining paint to a “throwaway” board. Just boards I have laying around to make random marks – they never actually are thrown away… After many random applications, the boards have a rich history and I then can finish these as paintings with more layers of paint or collage. The palette paper itself (tracing paper or baking paper) I may also use as collage material.
Brushes
Somewhere in that mess are various containers of water!
Cleaning brushes is one of the biggest concerns. Running paint brushes under a running tap releases an enormous amount of pigment, binders and other chemicals into the water. (A septic tank in my case). There are systems you can purchase to filter out solids from the paint water, however they are tedious and time consuming, and to implement on a scale large enough for me would be next to impossible. So, I’ve developed my own process to minimize paint waste into my septic tank.
My brushes do not get washed every day. I put used brushes in a container with a very small amount of water – just enough to cover the bristles. Sometimes brushes stay in there for a week or more. Not the best for the brushes perhaps, but I’ve had some that have taken this treatment for the last 3 years or so, and they are still going strong. I would not suggest doing this if you’re a fan of Kolinsky sable – I use cheap brushes to start with so I don’t feel guilty “abusing” them.
If I want to use a brush that is in the “sludge” that builds up in that container, I simply squeeze as much out of it as possible, and then get any remaining pigment/sludge out of the brush with paper towel or by wiping on my desktop (which is covered in water colour paper that later will become finished paintings, like the random boards).
I have 4 containers of water on the go at all times.
Clean water, clean at the start of each session, emptied into container #2 when it is dirtied.
Dirty water – used as a final step for cleaning off that sludge brush and sometimes wetting a clean brush. When too dirty, I pour some into the sludge container and top up with clean water.
The sludge – here my brushes sit, waiting to be used or cleaned.
The waste – a covered container that I empty the sludge or really dirty water into. I allow the water to evaporate, leaving the paint waste in a solid mass at the bottom that can be sent to landfill instead of the water supply. Not perfect but as close as I can get.
When I do wash my brushes, I make sure I get as much as I possibly can out of them before sending any water down the sink. This includes using a bit of cheap (cruelty free!) hair conditioner massaged into the brush, and rinsing in my dirty water container. The conditioner does a wonderful job of releasing paint from the bristles into the water. By the time that brush sees running water, it’s basically just rinsing hair conditioner out. Plus the conditioner leaves the bristles very soft!
Paper towels
Studio assistant inspecting the towels
Yes, using paper towels is somewhat wasteful – I try to minimize this as much as I can. All paper towel is used, dried and re-used. I have a stack of used paper towels, some of which have been going for months now – they don’t get thrown away until they are completely hard little scraps. I have considered using rags, and washing them, but then we’re faced with the problem of paint entering the water supply again.
Failed paintings
Collage paper waiting for me
There’s no such thing! I don’t throw away paintings that are unsuccessful – I file them away and finish them later, or tear/cut them up for collage elements. And bookmarks – lots of bookmarks!
I have stacks of unfinished works just waiting to be given a purpose!
I want to talk about a time when I was struggling with confidence – in myself and my art. I’ve blogged previously about how difficult it is to call yourself an artist.
Can you relate to this, too?
Being self taught, it can be difficult – almost impossible – to call yourself an “artist”. Even people with a formal art education struggle with it! I don’t know why people feel so precious about this word, if you make art, you’re an artist. That’s it.
I think it comes from a lack of confidence in your art making skills. Once you know how to do things, and why you do them, the confidence builds. But getting there… oh it’s hard.
It’s a surprisingly common problem …. So common, in fact, that my friend and colleague Nicholas Wilton has decided to address it in his upcoming free training called, the Art2Life Workshop
It is…
Totally free
Held online — so you can watch from anywhere in the world
Starting on February 14, 2022 (available on-demand to watch for an entire week)
Designed to help you make art that is much more like you (and more impactful, too)
I loved last year’s workshop so much that I will be taking it again this year.
Nick has been making and teaching art for over 25 years, and he is known for helping artists push their art to exciting new places (or simply find the confidence to claim “artist” as their title for the very first time).
In the workshop, he will be talking about how to overcome struggles like confidence in your art and yourself by mastering what he has called the “Art2Life Process”.
Specifically, he will be covering the first 3 (and most important) stages in the Art2Life Process, including:
DESIGN:
Why so many people with lots of education, degrees and experience still struggle to make art they love
How to master composition in a way that will quickly elevate your art
VALUE:
How to strengthen your discernment — that internal compass — that tells you when to go further, pivot, or pull back with your art
How to create a beautiful kind of depth and balance in your art
COLOR:
How to add a vibrant new level of dimension AND subtleness to your work with a perspective on color you haven’t heard before!
How to feel more confident in your creative choices — so you can begin making art MORE like YOU.
These ideas are simply not taught in art school (at least not in the way Nick teaches them) and most artists are left on their own to figure out why things aren’t working.
So how about a shortcut instead?
Once I understood these concepts, making art I loved became so much easier…much more fun… and it began happening way more often! I am painting daily now, and having so much fun doing it – there’s never any stress, because I know I can “fix” whatever is wrong with my painting, as long as I keep working through the principles Nick has taught me. I also have no trouble saying to people “I’m an artist”, and when they are interested, talking more about my work. For someone who is more than a little introverted, this is a huge step for me!
If you want to make 2022 the year that you stepped up bigger and more boldly for your art than ever before…
Then joining Nicholas in the free Art2Life Workshop is the perfect first step.
2 minute video that show the creation of a mixed media collage page in my journal. Journals/sketchbooks are a great way to exercise your creative muscles. No pressure, no expectations – just the freedom to explore.
