Visual Artists Are Invisible

Well we have a new president, maybe us visual artists may get some notice. The performing artists
are getting all of the praise and glory. Painters and sculptors are going to have to raise cane to
get any coverage. I hope the new administration raises the profiles of the visual artist.
See USA Artists website, look for "American Paradox."
This will give you some idea how artists are regarded in the USA.

Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth was an artist hero of mine. I liked his point of view and his work. I like the fact that he made his art, no matter what critics said . Andrew Wyeth was his own man, I like independent artists , I happen to be one . I work on what interests me art wise. I was fortunate enough in my early art career to be able to see over two hundred original Wyeth paintings and drawings.
I went to the Chicago Art Institute, by train overnight in 1966 to see the exhibition. It was one of my art pilgrimages, the other, was to see the work of Henry O. Tanner.
The public outvoted the critics and I for one, am very glad.
LONG LIVE ANDREW WYETH!!!!!!

Hustle! Hustle! Hustle!

I just looked at the Wally Findlay gallery website. Dang!!!! I forgot about all of those artists, that group of european painters who are pushing paint around just like the american artists are. The number of artists trying to get on walls is mind boggling. I am not going to be a critic about bad art or good art here , but being aware of the large numbers of artists means, I will have to keep my selling skills sharpened. The next eleven months will be more uphill than usual. I will hustle, hustle,hustle.

Career Traction

Art career don't just happen. On 1-10-2009, I went to hear an artist answer questions about his career. The session was held in a gallery that opened an exhibition of art by artist Michael Workman. There were several woks sold in the $3000-6000 plus price range.
One of the questions asked of Mr. Workman was, how did he get his first career break? He said a gallery saw his work years ago and that was the start. I have seen the work of Michael Workman in Santa Fe,New Mexico several times. Think George Inness, when it comes to the look of the work. The gallery in Denver that is showing the art of Michael Workman is Gallery 1261. Find by Google.
Most artists that have a on going art career, can recall their first art career break. I find it interesting to hear how artists get their start.

It's Not Easy

I often read about the troubles that artists have with galleries.
The more I read or hear about how some art galleries treat their artists, the more I am glad to be able to handle
my own art business.
Marketing experts abound in the art world, this makes me wonder how many of these people make art on a
regular basis.
There are no easy paths to a successful art career, one has to be able to stand the slings and arrows that come with the art life.
I know this is not news to many people. I just have to say it. If one can endure the rewards can be very satisfying.
The only thing I would change in my own art life is, I would've learned more about the business side of being an artist a lot sooner.
There are no magic answers to being a successful artist, it's not easy.

Longevity Matters

I hit the big 70 today. Just wanted to note it here for posterity. My art life continues, I am glad to heat and eat as an artist.
I also am glad to have several colleagues, who, like myself, just forge ahead in the art world.
I will make some drawings today to commemorate my getting to be 70.
I will also celebrate not being starving artist.

An American Paradox

The United States Artists website is full of information. In November the organization awarded fifty $50,000 grants to American artists in many different disciplines. Since the NEA gutted the individual artists grants, USA Artists has come to the plate.
There's a section on their website that states 96 percent of people want art in their communities, only 27 percent believe artists contribute a lot of good to society.
Hey , I don't make the news, I just report it.
Anyone can look this information up.