Too much information? - Page 2

Michele Rushworth · 08-05-2003, 10:02 PM

Jean is also one of those whose work has improved tremendously since she's been on the Forum!

Michele Rushworth · 08-06-2003, 12:32 AM

Here's the first portrait I completed for critique, and the one of the teen I was referring to. These paintings are two years apart in time. Everything I learned in those two years I owe to this forum.

Tom Edgerton · 08-06-2003, 08:42 AM

Wow, Michele, this is an amazing comparison, and amazing progress.

Kim--

Oil painting is hard, and the longer I paint, the harder it gets. Richard Schmid has remarked that when you become a painter, you take on something that can never be mastered. But that's no reason not to try. He also remarks that the solution many times is not to speed up, but to slow down. I've found my speed has increased slowly but naturally, as I have to repaint things less often because I get them right sooner now.

As to being easily satisfied in your work--it's simply death. You need a healthy dissatisfaction with everything you paint. Note the operative word here is "healthy." It's a highwire balance between self-confidence and relentless objectivity with oneself.

But again, if it were easy, there'd be no museums.

Back to work. Me too.

Best--TE

Cynthia Daniel · 08-06-2003, 03:01 PM

Wow, Michele! You should be pleased and proud!

Michele Rushworth · 08-06-2003, 03:27 PM

I owe my progress to the artists who so generously contribute their time and wisdom to this forum, but mostly to you, Cynthia, without whom I wouldn't have this career that I love so much!

SB Wang · 08-06-2003, 03:44 PM

Sure that boy
should make
someone
sleepless in
Seattle!

Jeff Fuchs · 08-06-2003, 04:25 PM

Hmmmm. What will Beth be posting two years from now? (Give me four years)

Jeff Fuchs · 08-06-2003, 08:37 PM

Michelle,

I've re-visited the above post a few times since you posted it, and I'm just so inspired!

I've been drawing nearly every day, and I have so much farther to go, but when I see someone whose work has made quantum leaps, I keep the faith.

I mentioned Beth above. She's another one who's going places. Her energy is infectious. She's gaining the respect of the pros on this board, and it's an uphill battle. I'm glad there's a group of artists who won't let us get away with low standards.

I feel like I can't post my work here until I've made some significant strides, and I'll get there.

I'm delighted for you, and I hope your prices have gone up to match your quality.

Jean Kelly · 08-06-2003, 09:20 PM

Kim, as you can see, great leaps can be made. Michele, your progress is inspiring! And thank you for the compliment.

I also wish I could fly over the little steps, but 2 years isn't much time in the long run.

Jean

Michele Rushworth · 08-06-2003, 09:30 PM

Thank you all for the kind comments. I'm happy with what I've accomplished but I have so much farther to go!

Just so you know, here's what I've done over those two years. It wasn't a cake-walk. I've spent about 4 hours almost every weekday at the easel, painting. I've spent another two hours a day, on average, marketing my work (making business cards, figuring out how to reach clients, etc).

I've spent an average of another hour or two a day reading (SOG posts, books and websites recommended by SOG artists, etc). I also attended an ASOPA conference in New York and Bill Whitaker's workshop in Phoenix, both at the recommendation of SOG artists. I bought and studied Peggy Baumgaertner's set of videos. I bought and studied Chris Saper's book among others.

I typically put in 30 hours a week -- I keep track -- on this fledgling business of mine. I also have two small kids at home, otherwise I'd have been at this 80 hours a week.

So it was two years of what I consider rather intensive study. I only wish I had more time!