Yes, that is a problem, I'm not going to deny it. I think that sort of thing originates with the people who sell art, for obvious reasons. They are intersted in the "hook" that sells it; we are interested in making it. An artist I know said recently, "I want to get simpler and more abstract, but I can't. My gallery owner won't let me." That is sad! And now that I'm becoming more "known" for my aerial landscapes, galleries don't want the other stuff. It does sell, but they are less interested in marketing it.

Hobson's choice
 

The only way out of that commercial reality is to do what the impressionists or the Vienna artists did and band together, In their case it worked but they were for the most part in the same place geographically etc and the individual artist isolated from his.her peers cannot escape the gallery unless they have the wherewithall to stump up the cost of renting or buying their own gallery...ah well. I did look into the cost of renting a gallery for a month in Paris many years ago but the answer had a bleaching effect on my skin tones and I turned to rustling up permission to hold mini exhibitions in companies I worked with. That did bring the odd sale but......

Peter, I quite enjoyed your introduction and comments posted. I also appreciate your honesty and struggles whether in art or everyday matters, and your cander while expressing your point of view. I have been attempting to come out to Malaga, Saville way, to pickup a used concert guitar for a while now (new guitars being pricey for a hobbyist). This is where the question comes up 'how much are you willing to spend', to which I would respond with "as least as possible." Then they would say, Hmmm? I sigh, and thats the end of the matter. But I, I do not stop there....

To me, the search is like the artist searching to paint that perfect, dream come true, painting. The one painting that will get him there. And when we get there, will one know that they have arrived or if this place is where they wish to be?

Even though some will label me a professional, and my students are beyond them selves in what, now, they are able to do with a pencil, I personally see my self as a student, one that loves the challenges and experiences of the life the "artist" lives.

Somehow, I sens this in your tone as well, maybe I'm wrong? Maybe, this is where I get the cuff...

I really like your use of space and tonal balance in your work.

A hearty welcome Peter

I enjoy your rigour Mischa both in your own work and in your critiques. At the moment I am very much the student and I don't expect this to change merely the challenges. If anything ever becomes easy it is time to raise the bar and this is true in every form of art or life for that matter. Work that seemed OK just a few months ago now seems clumsy and what I sign off today will cause embarrassment in the future and that is the way it should be. This is not a reason for dourness but is the source of all joy in Art.

I

Peter, thank you.

Your comment "If anything ever becomes easy" I could not agree with you more. One should never be satisfied with ones present condition (condition, sounds like a plague, who knows maybe it is?).

My digital camera is quite literally on its deathbed and is now incapable of taking in focus shots of paintings. For some reason it still occasionally manages to make sense of 3 dimensional objects hence this post. This is a life size plaster bust I made of a friend many years ago so it doesn't seem appropriate to post in unveilings or critiques. I am trying to talk myself into flashing out on a new camera but summer is always hard financially so we will see - meanwhile I will keep trying to get at least some half decent shots of recent paintings.