Was asking what is the best way to overcome "painter's block"Here is what I said:I am surprised to find anyone suffering from painter's block after fifteen years, but it is completely understandable at the beginning of a career in art. After a bit of derivative painting, these first models should be shelved. Copying is not a bad beginning, but it cannot remain as the underpinning for serious fun and games. I am surprised by the tendency of many painters to look for a niche in terms of subject matter, and remain there because it is unprofitable to do otherwise. Leonardo said, "It reflects no great honour on a painter to be able to execute one thing well." My advice is, "Get over it!" There are sales for all kinds of subject matter: florals, landscapes, seascapes, figure studies, portraits, wildlife; the list is endless. Choose an untouched category and a really big canvas and have fun rather than a restrictive commercial moment. In four decades of painting, I have found that every painting has an eventual home. If it doesn't deserve one, destroy it! At the end of a long career, I am plagued by the idea that I am not going to have the time to complete all those partially filled canvases. Subject matter proliferates once it becomes less of a concern; but for me that has meant working consistently almost every day.
To read what other artists thought go to:
http://clicks.robertgenn.com/what-paint.php
1 comment:
Hello again... looked through the site and agree with you, no need to be unkind. I doubt the training makes any difference, more likely just a lack of confidence to proceed. I have my regrets about not going the formal route, but then I sometimes think the disadvantage would be being given a set of rules and a mold, which would then require breaking away from. Frankly I am always feeling like there is a line up pounding at the door waiting to get out. So many ideas, so little time!
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