Follow Your Own Passion As An Artist And Stop The Copying!
The Artist 7 x 5 Watercolor
Yes, I see so many many artists trying to copy and mimic other successful artists. They paint what they think will sell. It doesn't work.
The work looks like crap (to put it bluntly). The technical skill is usually there, but the work is blaa. There is no fire, no passion…the artist is dead. All for the mighty dollar.
I've enjoyed my creative journey and what I have learned about myself through my paintings. I don't understand why a real artist would rob themselves of that...all for the mighty dollar. I have gained so much more, than money could ever buy. And the icing on my cake??? Is my collectors. They see the work coming from my heart and soul. They want a piece of the artist in every work of art. They're not just buying a pretty picture to hang on the wall, or a sculpture to fill an empty spot on the desk...they are buying love, passion, emotions and the connection to another human that helps them to see and feel something in a different way. This is why my work sells. My collectors tell me this.
Buyers and Collectors aren't stupid, and we shouldn't treat them like they are.
Would YOU want to be treated this way, by an artist? Would YOU buy a work of art that made YOU feel stupid or ignorant? I didn’t think so.
And until you, as an artist realize what you are doing, to your self, to the artist you are copying, to the general public and to Gallery owners, you will not be successful, other than being a successful con artist. You will surly ruin your reputation, fast.
Maybe you lack confidence in what you have to offer? Fear is the killer in many an artist. Fear of rejection, fear of putting your own work out there, to be picked apart by critics, judges, family, strangers….you name it. An Artist does have to be a brave soul and thick skinned. But if you believe in yourself, and your work….others will see that too.
It’s okay to admire other artists and study their technique and how they work. It’s okay to try different materials that those artists use. But in the end, you need to find what YOUR passion is, and how you want to live YOUR life. And most of all: Create what fuels YOUR fire, YOUR passion, YOUR desires. Explore YOURSELF through Art. Be true to YOU and success will be true to YOU.
And the big Moral dilemma is using a successful artist’s name to get into Invitational Exhibits and Galleries. That is damaging. To the artist who’s name you used and to yourself. When you undercut, stab in the back, and turn the knife on your fellow artist, you have set the stage for failure to yourself.
Have a wonderful creative day...and paint and draw with passion you've never felt before! Let the art materials fly!
(You have the technical skill, you are so very talented, now throw your heart and passion into it...and you will be successful!)
(This Blog post is Copyrighted Debbie Flood © 2011. Use of this Blog post in any form or way is subject to action by ways of the Copyright Laws USA, unless you have written permission from Debbie Flood to repost or use else where. You will be held accountable.)
~Debbie Flood ©
www.debfloodart.com
