Growing as an Artist

[Julie Deane]

This is just a rambling set of thoughts on growing as an artist. I would love to hear others' thoughts too.

I keep learning how much more I need to learn. When I started out seriously to draw and paint after many many years away, I began with pure delight, and thought everything I did was great. Then I found this website and was able to see a little bit better how much improvement was needed. Every time I grow I see how much further there is to go.

Every time I put something up for critique, or have my work in a show, I go through this process:
First I think the work is great. Then, I compare it with others or get a critique and see how much I need to grow. Then I realize once again, only stronger than before how much WORK I need to do to get to a higher level in my art. It doesn't make me depressed or anything. I can see progress over the past year, and that has been while working a full-time job. So, if anything, it makes me more focused or determined. But also, a bit dispairing. Because I get impatient and want to get to a high level now, but I can't (kind of like a two-year-old's "want a cookie NOW").

I would love to hear others' reflections on artistic growth.

[Ngaire Winwood]

Hi Julie
My aspirations are similar, having started late in the Arts. I am 42 and have only activated my heart and my brain the last 6 years. It has only been this last 8 months that I am really really serious, now I live, breath, think about developing every single second of the day, I have had to build this passion up to a point where my life is totally art focussed now, no more excuses. I have had to build this passion and the determination as it wasn't there as consistent early on.

I have just done my first colour sketch for my first real portrait but am hesitant to place it here on the forum. Talk about catching up with time lost. I could kick myself now that I didn't allow myself more time for my art over the years. Better now than never.

The mind set for ambition and determination has had to be developed over time I found, I couldn't get it straight away, even though I loved painting, I just couldn't believe I could get any where with it, as I saw so many brilliant other artist's works especially here on this forum. But about a year ago, I looked over my paintings and realised I did 80% figurative work right from the beginning. I suppose it is a natural progression to develop into portraiture.

Now all I do is live and breath information to develop with. I have finally set up a space in my dining room next to the table to get a model in. I am unfortunately on a government allowance, not from my liking, and have squeezed enough to get one and a half hours for a model, once a fortnight. It is a start, now I am trying to coax my son to sit for me, at least it would be cheaper. I have to start from a place where I can develop from. I do not want to rely on photos to do portrait work and I want to always hopefully have sittings to complete paintings. Here's hoping.

I do feel that seeing other artist's accomplished works is only the fuel to get my butt off the chair and tell my mind that I too could do this if I practice, practice, practice.

[Julie Deane]

Hi Ngaire -

I sure can relate to the late starting out. For mainly family reasons, I put aside art for years...(.it's hard to do too much when you're supporting not only a child but an invalid spouse, yet I used that as an excuse at times I think). I feel the need to make up for lost time very strongly too. When I was a late teen, an artist teacher commented on my lack of commitment. Well, better late than never!

About the color sketch - yes, it is scary to put something "out there". I was terrified the first time. But go ahead - take the plunge. You'll be glad you did!