The "artist" has to decide if he/she wants to do it for fun or to go professional and to what extent. Then just go for it!
Gene retired in 1994 and we have been able to travel and do many things. I had to decide if I wanted to focus just on painting full time. For me, I am on the right path. I paint as much as I can and do it as professionally as I can.
I had gallery and studio space in the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild Gallery for several years. First I shared space in the back room, then had it on my own for a while. In 2010 I had the front gallery space for a year. I thoroughly enjoyed that, but having a store front is really tying yourself down to a business. There was no taking off to go to lunch in Austin or a weekend in San Antonio. A store front business requires regular hours and you have to be there when you say you will be there. One visitor arriving ten minutes before closing time and not finding you there will spread the word that "the gallery is always closed when I want to go there!" We were not retired anymore. It was fun and helped me decide where I am going.
I realize to sell paintings, people have to see them. I have work in Art Connections Art Gallery and take part in First Friday Art Walk when possible. I have had a home show and hope to do that more often.
I found this article by Sue Favinger Smith titled "When Age and Art Converge". It is a good read about we older artists. http://goo.gl/UEHXEZ Her blog is very interesting with good advice. She has written a book to help artists. You can find it on Amazon: Ancient Wisdom: Emerging Artist: The Business Plan (not just) for the Mature Artist. http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Wisdom-Emerging-Artist-Business/dp/061554441X I'm ordering it now, I like the way she writes.
So old or young, get to painting!! Or sculpting, or writing, or .........
My last sketches for Hunt 349. I sketched in the large sketchbook with the Prismacolor Premier 03. I left my pen next to it so you get an idea of the size.
Number 7, animal - my red Valentine gorilla, he is so ugly he is cute. Photo here. http://goo.gl/x3FDZR
Number 8, cloth - his black shorts with red Valentines.
And a bonus of some yard birds this morning. You can click on the photos to see them larger.
A crow in the tree and then flying away.
Ah, no bird. That is a fishing dock/bench. It looks like a picnic table, but not!
This seems to be a Mockingbird on the post and flying.
And my favorite roadrunner, wish I could get closer to him.
It is a nice day outside. I was taking a photo of my new pastel painting. I will post it soon, probably in my newsletter, so you can have a sneak preview before the show next Friday. (See above for info)
7 comments:
I've always had a love for art. In my high school days, I filled drawing pad after drawing pad with sketches. I did a few paintings grabbing what art supplies I could. But when I married and had kids, there was very little time for art. Now that I am older, I find that it is a perfect time for art. I also think that I appreciate it more and take it more seriously than I did when I was younger. By all means, if someone wants to paint - no matter your age - go for it!
Ahh, Jo - very nice post here. I can't imagine ever being too old to paint or draw or create art of some kind. You have to, right?
And I love looking at the photos of your beautiful surroundings. It makes me very happy that you found such a nice new home.
Bag Blog, it is perfect time to paint. You teach,too,and that is another great opportunity.
Regina, yes, we have a passion. You seem to be in a good place, too.
I miss painting with you and do enjoy our new home. Thanks to you!
Jesse's second focus in art is print making. She has been doing roadrunners. I think you will love them.
Bag Blog, I bet I will like the roadrunners. Does Jesse have them on-line anywhere?
That gorilla is something else! Love the photos. Hugs...
Joanna, that may be my last "ugly" little gift. I mentioned I didn't want anymore after it was already in the works. Ah well, maybe your dad will forget! Heh, heh.
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