by Frank Baggett on 6/9/2010 12:44:16 AM
Many folks ask how did I get started as an artist, or how long have I been painting. I simply hold my hand out at about the height of my waist and say "I have tried to be an artist since I was about this tall". I am still trying to be an artist, because an artist never matures, or can no longer improve their work. With each new work that I complete..I have learned something new. Combining all of these little pieces of experience and knowledge into each new work..is what makes an artist more professional.
Painting a painting is like learning how to ride a horse. You can read books all day, listen to lectures all night, take extension courses thru any accredited school..go jump on a horse, and get thrown off as quickly as you got on. But any horse person knows..you have to get back on. By getting back on that horse, you have applied yourself towards being a better rider. The same rule applies to picking up a paint brush and learning how to paint. It is YOU that decides which brush stroke to make, or how much pressure to apply to the reins of the horse you are riding. Too much pressure on those reins, and that horse may rear up. A misplaced brush stroke can ruin your work of art. Each time you get on that horse..you are building a little more confidence in yourself as a good rider. Each time you begin a new work of art, you build a little more confidence in yourself as an artist. I call this common horse sense.
With each new piece of work completed and released to the public, I personally feel that a part of my inner feelings have been exposed to the world. I actually "live" in each work that I do...I am not in my studio sitting at my easel..I am inside of the painting. Many hunting and fishing experiences are still stuck in my memory..just waiting to be put on canvas. I paint what I feel, and I feel what I paint. Apply that simple statement to your artwork, and it will become an important part of your everyday routine in life. I stress the use of temperature in artwork. Cool blues, warm yellows..all have their own effect on a painting. The decor side of the art world stresses neutral colors..browns, tans, greens. If your life is just a plain brown color, you are missing out on life! Is a sunset brown? Is the season of fall..just dull brown? What if your television screen..was only neutral colors?
Your artwork is not going to be accepted by everyone. This is called diversity. If you want a good critique of your work, show it to family members...all will say it is beautiful. If you want the truth, find or start a critique group of fellow artists that have the same interests in art as you. You will be amazed at what another pair of artist's eyes looking at your work can see! I will say this..CONSIDER what other members of your critique group suggest and then make your final decision based on YOUR feelings. Carrying your feelings on your shoulders will not work when using a critique group, you have to be open to suggestions. I have a wonderful group of artists that I have become friends with and use as my critique group. All of the members agree...it works.
I hope this entry in my Blog will help others, and I have had to stop the comment section in it due to so much spam. But if you would like to contact me or have any questions, or comments, feel free to look me up either via email or even a phone call. I always have the time to talk to another artist, because I am still trying...to become an artist.
Sincerely,
Frank Baggett
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