I have been playing in painting and sketching for many years. Sometimes as you get older you want to try something new or something that has been nagging at you to try. I decided to revisit this post I wrote last February:
Someone mentioned to me recently that they would like to paint, but were too old to start. I just don't think we are ever too old to paint or learn something new. The learning may take a bit longer as I know I am slower in moving and in my thinking, but the desire is there and that may be the most important part. To me desire equals talent. When we are young we don't apply the same patience to learning. Older makes us more serious. I don't think anyone sits down at a piano and plays or goes in the kitchen and makes a five course meal. We have to start learning somewhere.
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 .........
I will read the book by Smith again. It was a good read.
I hope that you can be encouraged to take the plunge if you are not already painting and to restart if you have been in a slump like me. We can do it!
I will post a couple of "old paintings" to inspire us.
Private Property
Pastel 20 x 16 inches
Yellows
Pastel 5 x 7 inches
6 comments:
I haven't read that book, but it sounds like a good read. Sometimes I think about doing little watercolor classes at my mom's independent living place - when I have more time. I think my mom would love it anyway.
Bag Blog, Smith's blog is more humorous and easier reading than the book. I recommend that to start with. I have done a couple of classes at senior centers. Very rewarding and fun. They have no fear and lots of desire. :) Your mom would love that.
I like your post. I think sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves and expect our art energy to always be the same. Like everything else I think it ebbs and flows. I'll have to go look at the other blog. Enjoy!!
Hi, Joan. Thanks, we do have our "dips". Hope mine goes away soon, been too long.
I like the "old" paintings you decided to include!
Thanks, Joanna. I like those paintings, too. Good memories.
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