In defense of my friend the other moderators- not that they need any.

I work at home, I have no children. I have a great deal more time. I only do portraits when a client shows up to pose, otherwise I do my own work.

I am not :

A: Jumping on planes to photograph a client.
B: Handling a full time or part-time job.
C: Driving kids to school, soccer games, doctors, dentists etc.
D: Cleaning my own house or mowing my lawn.
E: Dragging my kids around to look at colleges.
F: Poring over college scholarship and entrance forms

Again, I have more time.

I had to talk Linda Brandon out of doing endless private painting critiques sent to her by members. She is an extremely kind, talented and generous women, notwithstanding being a full time parent of teenagers, teaching and doing portrait commissions.


Many of us, perhaps in many people minds are lower tier painters, however we struggled and did not have the information given here gratis at the touch of a key pad.

Many people enjoy being entertained, because they are bored. They also want instant answers to why they can't paint- magic bullets. That is not what we are about.

I think you made some really good points there. I just wanted to add the flip side of it and point out benefits.

You are absolutely right Sharon! I think regardless how much time any given person has, weather moderator or forum member, we all need to remember that no one gets paid here, everyone has time restrictions (some more than others) and what is being shared is on a voluntary basis. Something that is easily forgotten, but needs to be respected, never the less. We just need more volunteers!

Geesh, Sharon.
I am aghast. I am not that nice. All I do is paint. You too, I know!

Anyway, I made the highbrow comment to pique Marvin, who is not even reading this thread.

Moi! A second tier portrait painter! Now you tell me. :)

Seriously - if we worry about judgment - whether we will be deemed Major, Minor or Mediocre, by other artists, bored internet surfers, art critics, the marketplace or history - dear God, does that ever get in the way of getting good work done. I don't care at this point in life whether I'm "good" or not, I'm just trying to create paintings that I like.

And Enzie, you sure are stepping up to the bat - thank you for all your contributions to this place!

Linda, it's my pleasure! ;)

Linda,

Me too. I have a collision of worlds , as I know you do as well--

this commission world is unto itself,

Well said, Linda,

that's excactly the way to think, this has become my "excuse" and way of making peace with art history.

I don't believe that good art can derive from anywhere else than your own heart.

One can learn from others but it's the personal touch that makes it art.

If this topic is still about - daring to enter and participate on the forum - I'd say, that's the attitude :thumbsup:

"My work may be good enough to qualify, but I'm intimidated by the jury process

I'm just shy in general and don't like to put myself out there on any forum"

The quote above is where I bet a good many members listed on this forum might be emotionally. Of course, being too busy to post might be another very good reason. And it's a very very good reason for a moderator not to be able to do all they wish they could do.

It's hard to put your work up for critique. A person's art is like a piece of yourself. To hear that it needs improvement is difficult to hear but necessary for growth.

I'd rather hear what needs improvement, even if it sends me into temporary despair, than a million "attagirls" with no guidance.

To any artists out there who are afraid to ask for critiques, either on this forum or with fellow artists: please make yourself do it! You will ultimately be happy you did.

From another talented moderator who has been tremendously generous with her time.

Yes, you belong to the client until the picture is finished.

really now...
 

By and large, the work here is not of very much substance and the discussions also lack depth.
Perhaps it is not that you are too exclusive. Quite the contrary...

Weighing one's words
 

Hello Linda:

*More* high brow painters used to be on the forum, is what I wanted to write, meaning member painters who are not moderators (like yourself).

Obviously, as must have been clear from my posts, I did not intend to insult anyone, but just to offer some helpful suggestions.

I still believe having proactive, energizing moderators, who contribute on a regular basis and can keep conversation or debate flowing, is the way to go. Naturally, some people have more outside duties than others, but a minimum of contributing activity is to be expected if one takes on the role of moderator....From our perspective, it's a bit strange to see that this fabulous site has moderators who have been silent for most of the past year or not made substantial, meaningflul contributions.

Gratitude and thanks, of course, to all others who have been active and energizing.

Sybilla