Starting To Paint: Your New Career In Art.
"I can't paint" is a phrase I really hate to hear.
You will have heard it said that everyone can paint. I believe this. Everyone may not be able to paint exquisite figurative art or a perfectly proportioned portraiture, but everyone CAN paint.
It comes down to some very basic things about being human.
Firstly, there is the desire to paint. You have to want to do it and if you are reading this, then there is a reasonable chance that this statement is true. Secondly, depending on the scale of your ambition and your reasons for painting, you will require some funds and thirdly, and I think what this article is really all about, you need confidence. Not a brash, fake confidence, but a genuine confidence that comes from deep within.
Lets deal with the easiest one first. If you have no desire to do it then don't. If you want to create art as a hobby, then do it, enjoy it and don't worry too much about it. If you are a shade more serious and are considering making a living from your painting then you have a lot of thinking to do and the desire to create art will become very important.
It is important for various reasons but on the whole, painting for a living can be a solitary career and it's not just about starting, it's about keeping going. There are practical considerations:-
* Where will you paint from?
* Will you have two children and a dog running around your feet all day?
* Will your heating bills double because you are at home more?
* Will you become sick of the sight of the same old environment?
* Will you be tempted by the television, and the proximity of the kitchen?
* Will you become drawn to taking afternoon naps on the comfort of your bed?
* Will your home take on a whole new light?
The desire to create artwork must be strong when you are working from home and you must have protection in place. Set a schedule just as if you were working for someone else in an office or in a 9 to 5. Discipline your breaks. Let your family and friends know that you are working and they can't just drop by whenever because you work from home.
It is a balancing act but it is also good to schedule in time for visits by friends, other artists whom you may make contact with and also, eventually, people who like to buy art.
The best option, if you can is to have a studio space away from your home. Not only is this good practice from a practical point of view, but there is something psychologically healthy about designated places to have your home life and to have your art practice. Also, the temptation to raid the larder is less!
This also brings the benefit of the opportunity to meet with other artists which will open all sorts of new doors for you.
You will have heard it said that everyone can paint. I believe this. Everyone may not be able to paint exquisite figurative art or a perfectly proportioned portraiture, but everyone CAN paint.
It comes down to some very basic things about being human.
Firstly, there is the desire to paint. You have to want to do it and if you are reading this, then there is a reasonable chance that this statement is true. Secondly, depending on the scale of your ambition and your reasons for painting, you will require some funds and thirdly, and I think what this article is really all about, you need confidence. Not a brash, fake confidence, but a genuine confidence that comes from deep within.
Lets deal with the easiest one first. If you have no desire to do it then don't. If you want to create art as a hobby, then do it, enjoy it and don't worry too much about it. If you are a shade more serious and are considering making a living from your painting then you have a lot of thinking to do and the desire to create art will become very important.
It is important for various reasons but on the whole, painting for a living can be a solitary career and it's not just about starting, it's about keeping going. There are practical considerations:-
* Where will you paint from?
* Will you have two children and a dog running around your feet all day?
* Will your heating bills double because you are at home more?
* Will you become sick of the sight of the same old environment?
* Will you be tempted by the television, and the proximity of the kitchen?
* Will you become drawn to taking afternoon naps on the comfort of your bed?
* Will your home take on a whole new light?
The desire to create artwork must be strong when you are working from home and you must have protection in place. Set a schedule just as if you were working for someone else in an office or in a 9 to 5. Discipline your breaks. Let your family and friends know that you are working and they can't just drop by whenever because you work from home.
It is a balancing act but it is also good to schedule in time for visits by friends, other artists whom you may make contact with and also, eventually, people who like to buy art.
The best option, if you can is to have a studio space away from your home. Not only is this good practice from a practical point of view, but there is something psychologically healthy about designated places to have your home life and to have your art practice. Also, the temptation to raid the larder is less!
This also brings the benefit of the opportunity to meet with other artists which will open all sorts of new doors for you.
Source...