I wanted to share a few articles that you might find interesting. They're all from LINEA — the official publication of the Art Student's League in New York City. I used to take classes there when I lived in NYC and I still find their articles fascinating. You don't have to pay anything to subscribe to their newsletter.
Advice for the Beginning Art Student
I don't necessarily agree 100% with this list, but it's 15 tips that are worth thinking about. I particularly like #4:
4. Different teachers can have very different concepts of art. Don’t lock yourself in. Explore many. Beware of classes where all of the students’ work looks the same as the instructor’s. Learn what you need to know and move on. Ask yourself continually throughout your education what you want or need to know to create art based on your own vision.
I often say something similar to students in my classes: Don't create work that looks like mine! Learn the techniques and ideas and then make work that looks like yours!
I guess I like lists. This is another list. 100 survival tips for the painter. Again, I don't agree with every little idea 100%, but there are some important take aways! This list emphasizes: doing the work, personal style, working from y0ur heart, being generous, and constantly being a student. All tenets I wholeheartedly agree with!
Becoming An Artist: Exhibiting Your Work Publicly
I think this article is of particular interest to me because this is the path I'm starting to go down — exhibiting work publicly. In fact, I have three paintings appearing in two upcoming juried exhibits (here and here – all work for sale, btw). I read the following excerpt with particular interest:
Some wonderful work had to be rejected because it did not meet the Hudson Valley Art Association’s exhibition criteria. Some competent work was turned down because it was too similar to other work. Many excellent images of typical subject matter — winding roads, boats docked at sunset, vases, flowers, fruit, grapes, and portraits — ended up competing against each other for the exhibition’s limited wall space.
It was often obvious which artists had studied with the same teachers, and those images also began to compete against each other. The goal of the exhibition was to find from among the submissions the freshest and most personal approaches to traditional concepts.
For me, it was disheartening to see how many submitted images were painstakingly detailed copies of photographs. The use of photo reference is an unfortunate necessity to be handled with discretion as a starting place for inspiration but not as an end in its self. To me, an image that “looks just like a photograph” is not a work of art. It is just an excellent copy of a photograph. I felt work done from life sparkled alongside those images too closely rendered from photo reference.
Reading it, my take away is that originality is the key to success in a show environment. As for the last paragraph, I've heard a great deal of discussion on this topic in real life and online. In fact, this LINEA article also tackles photography as an art tool.
What do you think about working from a photo?
Thanks for stopping by!
I so believe in striving for your own originality as you learn, work and grow with art.
That said, while one is starting out and learning, there may be the look of similarity with the material or artist they are learning from. This is fine and where your confidence grows from.
To submit your work to shows and galleries, you feel comfortable in your own style that has emerged.
And your style and subject matter may be close to another’s. That seems only bound to happen at times.
But I never really thought about the photograph issue. When I see a painting that is so detailed that I would say it looks like a photograph, I am amazed at the talent it takes to achieve that with paint and canvas. You don’t always know if it started with a photo.
If the photo was taken by the artist and then painted, it is an original and the artist’s style is in showing details of real life- capturing that moment.
If all references are from the artist’s perspective, than it is original to me.
I so believe in striving for your own originality as you learn, work and grow with art.
That said, while one is starting out and learning, there may be the look of similarity with the material or artist they are learning from. This is fine and where your confidence grows from.
To submit your work to shows and galleries, you feel comfortable in your own style that has emerged.
And your style and subject matter may be close to another’s. That seems only bound to happen at times.
But I never really thought about the photograph issue. When I see a painting that is so detailed that I would say it looks like a photograph, I am amazed at the talent it takes to achieve that with paint and canvas. You don’t always know if it started with a photo.
If the photo was taken by the artist and then painted, it is an original and the artist’s style is in showing details of real life- capturing that moment.
If all references are from the artist’s perspective, than it is original to me.
I so believe in striving for your own originality as you learn, work and grow with art.
That said, while one is starting out and learning, there may be the look of similarity with the material or artist they are learning from. This is fine and where your confidence grows from.
To submit your work to shows and galleries, you feel comfortable in your own style that has emerged.
And your style and subject matter may be close to another’s. That seems only bound to happen at times.
But I never really thought about the photograph issue. When I see a painting that is so detailed that I would say it looks like a photograph, I am amazed at the talent it takes to achieve that with paint and canvas. You don’t always know if it started with a photo.
If the photo was taken by the artist and then painted, it is an original and the artist’s style is in showing details of real life- capturing that moment.
If all references are from the artist’s perspective, than it is original to me.
I so believe in striving for your own originality as you learn, work and grow with art.
That said, while one is starting out and learning, there may be the look of similarity with the material or artist they are learning from. This is fine and where your confidence grows from.
To submit your work to shows and galleries, you feel comfortable in your own style that has emerged.
And your style and subject matter may be close to another’s. That seems only bound to happen at times.
But I never really thought about the photograph issue. When I see a painting that is so detailed that I would say it looks like a photograph, I am amazed at the talent it takes to achieve that with paint and canvas. You don’t always know if it started with a photo.
If the photo was taken by the artist and then painted, it is an original and the artist’s style is in showing details of real life- capturing that moment.
If all references are from the artist’s perspective, than it is original to me.
I so believe in striving for your own originality as you learn, work and grow with art.
That said, while one is starting out and learning, there may be the look of similarity with the material or artist they are learning from. This is fine and where your confidence grows from.
To submit your work to shows and galleries, you feel comfortable in your own style that has emerged.
And your style and subject matter may be close to another’s. That seems only bound to happen at times.
But I never really thought about the photograph issue. When I see a painting that is so detailed that I would say it looks like a photograph, I am amazed at the talent it takes to achieve that with paint and canvas. You don’t always know if it started with a photo.
If the photo was taken by the artist and then painted, it is an original and the artist’s style is in showing details of real life- capturing that moment.
If all references are from the artist’s perspective, than it is original to me.
I so believe in striving for your own originality as you learn, work and grow with art.
That said, while one is starting out and learning, there may be the look of similarity with the material or artist they are learning from. This is fine and where your confidence grows from.
To submit your work to shows and galleries, you feel comfortable in your own style that has emerged.
And your style and subject matter may be close to another’s. That seems only bound to happen at times.
But I never really thought about the photograph issue. When I see a painting that is so detailed that I would say it looks like a photograph, I am amazed at the talent it takes to achieve that with paint and canvas. You don’t always know if it started with a photo.
If the photo was taken by the artist and then painted, it is an original and the artist’s style is in showing details of real life- capturing that moment.
If all references are from the artist’s perspective, than it is original to me.
I think we all learn differently. I always copy my instructor. It helps me to see what they see and to better learn the technique they are trying to teach. I am not naturally original but after “copying”, I can usually take that learned lesson and create something that is my own. I take classes to learn, to interact, have fun and to treat myself to something just for me
I think we all learn differently. I always copy my instructor. It helps me to see what they see and to better learn the technique they are trying to teach. I am not naturally original but after “copying”, I can usually take that learned lesson and create something that is my own. I take classes to learn, to interact, have fun and to treat myself to something just for me
I think we all learn differently. I always copy my instructor. It helps me to see what they see and to better learn the technique they are trying to teach. I am not naturally original but after “copying”, I can usually take that learned lesson and create something that is my own. I take classes to learn, to interact, have fun and to treat myself to something just for me
I think we all learn differently. I always copy my instructor. It helps me to see what they see and to better learn the technique they are trying to teach. I am not naturally original but after “copying”, I can usually take that learned lesson and create something that is my own. I take classes to learn, to interact, have fun and to treat myself to something just for me
I think we all learn differently. I always copy my instructor. It helps me to see what they see and to better learn the technique they are trying to teach. I am not naturally original but after “copying”, I can usually take that learned lesson and create something that is my own. I take classes to learn, to interact, have fun and to treat myself to something just for me
I think we all learn differently. I always copy my instructor. It helps me to see what they see and to better learn the technique they are trying to teach. I am not naturally original but after “copying”, I can usually take that learned lesson and create something that is my own. I take classes to learn, to interact, have fun and to treat myself to something just for me
I am unable to comment about your podcast in any other place. Just wanted you to know how much I look forward to your Adventures in Podcasting! They are marvelous ! So empowering, authentic. I just love the wisdom your mom shares. I especially enjoyed the podcast with you, your mom and Diana Trout. I found it so useful for myself and my own development. Must be something about the 60’s decade that makes us realize we do not care what others think anymore. I am encouraging my 34 year old daughter to learn this important lesson now not when she is 60. Thank you Julie for all that you contribute to the learning of art and life! With so much gratitude.
I am unable to comment about your podcast in any other place. Just wanted you to know how much I look forward to your Adventures in Podcasting! They are marvelous ! So empowering, authentic. I just love the wisdom your mom shares. I especially enjoyed the podcast with you, your mom and Diana Trout. I found it so useful for myself and my own development. Must be something about the 60’s decade that makes us realize we do not care what others think anymore. I am encouraging my 34 year old daughter to learn this important lesson now not when she is 60. Thank you Julie for all that you contribute to the learning of art and life! With so much gratitude.
I am unable to comment about your podcast in any other place. Just wanted you to know how much I look forward to your Adventures in Podcasting! They are marvelous ! So empowering, authentic. I just love the wisdom your mom shares. I especially enjoyed the podcast with you, your mom and Diana Trout. I found it so useful for myself and my own development. Must be something about the 60’s decade that makes us realize we do not care what others think anymore. I am encouraging my 34 year old daughter to learn this important lesson now not when she is 60. Thank you Julie for all that you contribute to the learning of art and life! With so much gratitude.
I am unable to comment about your podcast in any other place. Just wanted you to know how much I look forward to your Adventures in Podcasting! They are marvelous ! So empowering, authentic. I just love the wisdom your mom shares. I especially enjoyed the podcast with you, your mom and Diana Trout. I found it so useful for myself and my own development. Must be something about the 60’s decade that makes us realize we do not care what others think anymore. I am encouraging my 34 year old daughter to learn this important lesson now not when she is 60. Thank you Julie for all that you contribute to the learning of art and life! With so much gratitude.
I am unable to comment about your podcast in any other place. Just wanted you to know how much I look forward to your Adventures in Podcasting! They are marvelous ! So empowering, authentic. I just love the wisdom your mom shares. I especially enjoyed the podcast with you, your mom and Diana Trout. I found it so useful for myself and my own development. Must be something about the 60’s decade that makes us realize we do not care what others think anymore. I am encouraging my 34 year old daughter to learn this important lesson now not when she is 60. Thank you Julie for all that you contribute to the learning of art and life! With so much gratitude.
I am unable to comment about your podcast in any other place. Just wanted you to know how much I look forward to your Adventures in Podcasting! They are marvelous ! So empowering, authentic. I just love the wisdom your mom shares. I especially enjoyed the podcast with you, your mom and Diana Trout. I found it so useful for myself and my own development. Must be something about the 60’s decade that makes us realize we do not care what others think anymore. I am encouraging my 34 year old daughter to learn this important lesson now not when she is 60. Thank you Julie for all that you contribute to the learning of art and life! With so much gratitude.
I really appreciate the excerpt and your take away on showing work publicly. Almost 100% of the sentiment applies to modern quilting and quilt shows.
I really appreciate the excerpt and your take away on showing work publicly. Almost 100% of the sentiment applies to modern quilting and quilt shows.
I really appreciate the excerpt and your take away on showing work publicly. Almost 100% of the sentiment applies to modern quilting and quilt shows.
I really appreciate the excerpt and your take away on showing work publicly. Almost 100% of the sentiment applies to modern quilting and quilt shows.
I really appreciate the excerpt and your take away on showing work publicly. Almost 100% of the sentiment applies to modern quilting and quilt shows.
I really appreciate the excerpt and your take away on showing work publicly. Almost 100% of the sentiment applies to modern quilting and quilt shows.
My cousin is a fine oil artist, made a wonderful living as an artist, and is close to retirement. He is an expert in photography and currently does more of that today, spending days hiking and camping to obtain unusual moments to print. I have no doubt he used his photographs throughout his life as inspiration for his nature and animal art. But the animals were painted as true to life as possible, using preserved animal bodies, counting the number of wings on a bird, etc.
My cousin is a fine oil artist, made a wonderful living as an artist, and is close to retirement. He is an expert in photography and currently does more of that today, spending days hiking and camping to obtain unusual moments to print. I have no doubt he used his photographs throughout his life as inspiration for his nature and animal art. But the animals were painted as true to life as possible, using preserved animal bodies, counting the number of wings on a bird, etc.
My cousin is a fine oil artist, made a wonderful living as an artist, and is close to retirement. He is an expert in photography and currently does more of that today, spending days hiking and camping to obtain unusual moments to print. I have no doubt he used his photographs throughout his life as inspiration for his nature and animal art. But the animals were painted as true to life as possible, using preserved animal bodies, counting the number of wings on a bird, etc.
My cousin is a fine oil artist, made a wonderful living as an artist, and is close to retirement. He is an expert in photography and currently does more of that today, spending days hiking and camping to obtain unusual moments to print. I have no doubt he used his photographs throughout his life as inspiration for his nature and animal art. But the animals were painted as true to life as possible, using preserved animal bodies, counting the number of wings on a bird, etc.
My cousin is a fine oil artist, made a wonderful living as an artist, and is close to retirement. He is an expert in photography and currently does more of that today, spending days hiking and camping to obtain unusual moments to print. I have no doubt he used his photographs throughout his life as inspiration for his nature and animal art. But the animals were painted as true to life as possible, using preserved animal bodies, counting the number of wings on a bird, etc.
My cousin is a fine oil artist, made a wonderful living as an artist, and is close to retirement. He is an expert in photography and currently does more of that today, spending days hiking and camping to obtain unusual moments to print. I have no doubt he used his photographs throughout his life as inspiration for his nature and animal art. But the animals were painted as true to life as possible, using preserved animal bodies, counting the number of wings on a bird, etc.
Congrats on exhibiting your artwork. I hope to live a little vicariously when you show us your art hanging in the galleries. I usually take a lot of art classes and workshops throughout the year – some online and some “in the real”. My favorite teachers are those that emphasize the “do it in your own style” way of learning or they mostly teach techniques which are easily incorporated into my own art.
Congrats on exhibiting your artwork. I hope to live a little vicariously when you show us your art hanging in the galleries. I usually take a lot of art classes and workshops throughout the year – some online and some “in the real”. My favorite teachers are those that emphasize the “do it in your own style” way of learning or they mostly teach techniques which are easily incorporated into my own art.
Congrats on exhibiting your artwork. I hope to live a little vicariously when you show us your art hanging in the galleries. I usually take a lot of art classes and workshops throughout the year – some online and some “in the real”. My favorite teachers are those that emphasize the “do it in your own style” way of learning or they mostly teach techniques which are easily incorporated into my own art.
Congrats on exhibiting your artwork. I hope to live a little vicariously when you show us your art hanging in the galleries. I usually take a lot of art classes and workshops throughout the year – some online and some “in the real”. My favorite teachers are those that emphasize the “do it in your own style” way of learning or they mostly teach techniques which are easily incorporated into my own art.
Congrats on exhibiting your artwork. I hope to live a little vicariously when you show us your art hanging in the galleries. I usually take a lot of art classes and workshops throughout the year – some online and some “in the real”. My favorite teachers are those that emphasize the “do it in your own style” way of learning or they mostly teach techniques which are easily incorporated into my own art.
Congrats on exhibiting your artwork. I hope to live a little vicariously when you show us your art hanging in the galleries. I usually take a lot of art classes and workshops throughout the year – some online and some “in the real”. My favorite teachers are those that emphasize the “do it in your own style” way of learning or they mostly teach techniques which are easily incorporated into my own art.
Why just one photo? Why not several? An artist I admire uses photocopies of parts of photos to combine in stunning work. Another, a porcelain artist, uses photos to capture realistic landscapes, some imaginary, some actual. You sort of have to use a photo to help make an accurate portrait–to get the placement of the features right, but after that–another artist friend uses photos to make color-block portraits; unrealistic colors, but recognizable people. It’s not just using a photo–it’s HOW you use it that counts.
Why just one photo? Why not several? An artist I admire uses photocopies of parts of photos to combine in stunning work. Another, a porcelain artist, uses photos to capture realistic landscapes, some imaginary, some actual. You sort of have to use a photo to help make an accurate portrait–to get the placement of the features right, but after that–another artist friend uses photos to make color-block portraits; unrealistic colors, but recognizable people. It’s not just using a photo–it’s HOW you use it that counts.
Why just one photo? Why not several? An artist I admire uses photocopies of parts of photos to combine in stunning work. Another, a porcelain artist, uses photos to capture realistic landscapes, some imaginary, some actual. You sort of have to use a photo to help make an accurate portrait–to get the placement of the features right, but after that–another artist friend uses photos to make color-block portraits; unrealistic colors, but recognizable people. It’s not just using a photo–it’s HOW you use it that counts.
Why just one photo? Why not several? An artist I admire uses photocopies of parts of photos to combine in stunning work. Another, a porcelain artist, uses photos to capture realistic landscapes, some imaginary, some actual. You sort of have to use a photo to help make an accurate portrait–to get the placement of the features right, but after that–another artist friend uses photos to make color-block portraits; unrealistic colors, but recognizable people. It’s not just using a photo–it’s HOW you use it that counts.
Why just one photo? Why not several? An artist I admire uses photocopies of parts of photos to combine in stunning work. Another, a porcelain artist, uses photos to capture realistic landscapes, some imaginary, some actual. You sort of have to use a photo to help make an accurate portrait–to get the placement of the features right, but after that–another artist friend uses photos to make color-block portraits; unrealistic colors, but recognizable people. It’s not just using a photo–it’s HOW you use it that counts.
Why just one photo? Why not several? An artist I admire uses photocopies of parts of photos to combine in stunning work. Another, a porcelain artist, uses photos to capture realistic landscapes, some imaginary, some actual. You sort of have to use a photo to help make an accurate portrait–to get the placement of the features right, but after that–another artist friend uses photos to make color-block portraits; unrealistic colors, but recognizable people. It’s not just using a photo–it’s HOW you use it that counts.