I totally agree , especially with this quote.
Quote:
Think empathetically about where the artist is coming from and try to identify no more than three needs. Predicate your input
with the caveat, "It's only an opinion." Sandwich these needs,
as you see them, between two genuine compliments, no matter how
minor. Don't be afraid to be straight up and honest. In some
ways Egbert had the "tough love" idea right--if they can't take
it, they're not on a growth path and need to be abandoned
anyway. If possible, give specific suggestions--take this
course, go to this school, join this group, go to your room,
phone the Guggenheim. Better still, phone the Guggenheim for
them. Offering up-and-coming artists a simple connection with a
public, commercial or educational venue is one of the best
things a helper can do.
|
I try to adhere to " If you have nothing nice/constructive to say, say nothing at all" . People who cross the line and tear into others to humiliate them into utter defeat, have no place to consider themselves teachers. A true teacher guides and if he/she feels the pupil is not responsive should withdraw his/her help
in a civilized manner.
Constant praise or in the setting of the forum, repeated praise just to join the chorus, is not fair either. Regardless of level of accomplishment, every artist should realize there is something to be learned by the observation of others. I find it refreshing when someone points to the need of a little correction or adds an opinion, which could push the artist's abilities just a tad more to give the work that extra " umph".
As the article pointed out, those who are not serious about learning, will soon drop out. Becoming a successful portrait artist is no easy task and my hat goes off for all those, who hang in there, no matter how cruel and insensitive others have been to them!