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In Every work of Art, the Artist themselves is Present
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Artists must Work Work

3/11/2014 10:45:46 AM

Several years ago I wrote a blog called Getting Ready, I wrote about how much work it takes 'before' and 'after' the paintings process to be an artist.  This topic is not unique to my blog; Doug Swinton wrote of it lately, as did Robert Genn.  My 2011 blog  Getting Ready  is available on my website if you'd like to read it.  I also thought I would share a recent edition by Louise Hall, from Leading Edge WorkShops.  Louise Hall recently wrote about an Artist from California; Joanie Springer, who layed out what it takes to build a painting.

 

Louise said when she read Joanie's post she thought that 'it's no wonder artists are so busy and  overworked'.  I thought it was worth repeating ~ 


 

"For those of you interested, here's a not necessarily comprehensive list of what it takes to actually BUILD a painting.   Professional artists are keenly aware of   these step, but for the art collector, or newer and aspiring artists, perhaps this will offer some insight into our process.
 
 Select and purchase the proper support (archival paper, canvas, cradled box, etc…) {This is more important that you think!}
  • Prepare support for archival purposes (sand, gesso, sand some more) {Very Time Consuming}
  • Purchase and use artist/professional grade paints {Supplies are costly, Ask me how much money it takes to be an Artist each year!}
  • Then the Ineffable…the creation of your painting – what are you going to paint? what’s your inspiration?
  • …use original photo?  {Decisions, Decisions! The wrong choice could mean your wasting your time}
  • …use a sketch that you made in a journal? {Time well spent}
  • …create out of your deep imagination? {Truely an Original Creation!}
  • …paint from a live model? {A wonderful opportunity}
  • Paint, and review, over and over again, for days, weeks, sometimes months and longer {Relive what inspired you!}
  • Deciding / knowing when a painting is finished. {Decisions, Decisions, there is not book to read on this one!}
  • Varnishing – often requiring two separate steps with sufficient waiting in between. {Time consuming}
  • Adding wiring for hanging, or perhaps matting and framing {Costly, Physical, and Time consuming}
  • Photograph your artwork (which necessitates buying the best camera you can afford, AND learning how to use it)
  •  {Wait for the perfect lighting of the day!}
  • Importing your artwork image into a photo editor (another steep learning curve) and making adjustments, naming it, watermarking it, and resizing {Different for every Exhibition you submit your work to}
  • Oh yeah, having a website / blog is assumed! {Decisions, Time consuming, learn to write!}
  • Uploading artwork, label with title, size, medium, and write description {Be creative, write about what inspired you!}
  • Price your artwork {Compare your work to the marketplace}
  • Then, if you self-represent on various online galleries beside your own website, upload and repeat previous three steps. {Repeat Repeat}
  • Not done yet, Processing Order online, and …last but not least
  • SHIPPING.  That requires stocking boxes of various sizes, or custom building your box with each order. This step alone can be daunting. 
  • Creating shipping label and of course, paying for it. {Very costly, and the fear of having work/frames damaged lingers}
  • I have not even mentioned anything about MARKETING one’s artwork.  A whole other discussion! 
    •  
    There you have it, the BUILDING OF A PAINTING from start to finish, and I daresay I have left out some steps, but these are the ones on my mind at the moment!"  
    ~ Joanie
    I hope this list does not discourage anyone from being or becoming an artist if that is where your passion leads you.
    ~ Louise

    I agree with Louise, that I hope this doesn't discourage new artist, the information comes more from a supportive role.  It might be worth mentioning its' harder than it looks and most of it happens behind the scenes!  
     ~ Sheila

    See more of Sheila Schaetzle Art on my website  

      

     

     

     

    Art is the Only way to run away; without leaving home! 

    Topics: Life as an Artist

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