Scapegoat

…oh, you are a man of tact, Robert! I wanted just to write, “HAHAHAHAH!” but let me just add that I am smiling and I love your letters.

With all due respect to baseball, but scapegoating is the true American pastime. Ask one hundred people about the causes of all the trouble in their personal lives and I’m sure you’d be lucky to find 20 that would point a finger at themselves. When someone gets a speeding ticket it has become an accepted excuse that the reason was because the city, county or state is trying to generate revenues. It couldn’t possibly be that they were driving 60-mph in a 45-mph zone. I wonder what the results would be if you ask one hundred artists that can’t seem to sell their work why that is? Substandard work? Lousy economy? Unsophisticated art buying public? I’d be willing to bet that that first answer would be the minority response.

When you point your finger at someone or something as the cause of your problems, there are three pointing back at you.

You’re a sturdy and convenient target for all that venting and it’s kind of you to respond. You might just fire off your closing words, “Don’t lay blame; give credit.” (Though who knows what would fire back.) Coincidentally, my own ezine topic today centered on vanquishing fear and falls neatly into your “overcoming” realm. That’s what creativity requires — overcoming fear, failing and trying again, falling down and getting back up, having faith and working damned hard. Did you ever see the Lindsay Anderson film “O Lucky Man”? Malcolm McDowell’s character careens through fortune and calamity. At the end of the film, depleted and torn, he’s slapped, hard, across the face. His response is a slow to come but genuine smile. It’s a great moment. It’s a pity there is such a lot thwarted creative expression and ill dignified energy. In my Online Basic Drawing and Watercolor Course, we spend considerable time contending with accumulated internal negativity as the foundation lessons and assignments unfold. It’s always a thrill for me to witness the personal breakthroughs and light shining through. March 15 in my next start date drawandwatercolor.com Didn’t anybody blame god? Suzanne PS “women taking over…” ha, ha, ha

I have a great network of supporters on Fb and Pinterest..My fav this week is: WORRY IS THE DARKROOM WHERE NEGATIVES ARE DEVELOPED! ‘Doubt’ is the greatest tool of delusion, we have the choice where we look, even when it seems hideously hard.

The original scapegoat was saved from sure death by not being sacrificed, yet sent out into the desert. Not sure where to go from there, just like the original scapegoat, I guess.

I predict the greatest collection of whining compiled anywhere, with a few great pearls of personal introspection. Let’s add one more platitude … your work will progress WHEN you stop blaming others and realize the greatest hindrance to success is yourself – more specifically, your attitude. Throw that effort into your work instead.

I’m not sure if “Why I am not an artist” refers to people who didn’t succeed at making a living as an artist (or part of their living), or people who stopped doing art completely at a young age. In any event, I think the ones who kept making art even when it was inconvenient while others made excuses are the ones who can proudly say, “I am an artist,” even if they aren’t full-time artists.

Conditions are never ideal. Just do it.

Negativity is a quality I work very hard to avoid! When confronted with it, I turn away, sometimes rudely, and search out positive attitudes! Positivity breeds optimism. Success comes from optimism and hard work! I’m optimistic, work hard, and have success! And like the snail I’m very happy! Ignore the complainers. They only drag you down.

In today’s mail I got my semi-annual solicitation from The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists along with a set of their greeting cards. My usual comment is always, “Gee, I wish I could paint like that!” I keep trying, however.

I once realized that I have lost more friends to jealousy than to any other illness. When I get into a defeatist mode I tend to scapegoat myself – I just can’t give another person enough importance. But that isn’t good either. Any which way, the work gets us out to the safe ground, you are so right about that. But people are people and although your message is very much needed, it can’t change the human nature. There is a saying in the old country that nobody gets to drink a cup of honey without seasoning it with a cup of bile.

I think it is important for artists to read about art. It keeps us all in touch. I agree with most of your insights and psych attached to art. The letters give me pause to really think about what statement you are trying to make.

How can an artist be defined more clearly? Is it someone who is an occasional master piece or someone who tried to find beauty in all they see through their creations? Skill is developed over time. I have been what I consider to be an artist most of my 43 years however some times feel as if am undeserving of the title “artist” especially when I see works such as yours as well as others.

Robert, LOVED this epistle. Going to send to my accountant friend who believes in more conspiracies that one can count. Balm to my can-do heart.

I can find a million diversions to keep me away from painting, but painting is always at the top of my list. Back when life was complicated, with young children and money troubles and too many overwhelming commitments, when just the smallest windows of empty time opened up, miraculous and unexpected, I grabbed my paints and got to work. True, my style changed, learning to work in short bursts when a free moment presented itself, but that was good. I built some serious art muscles, painting in the kitchen of a house full of people surrounded by distractions. I want and need to be in the middle of a painting. The hardest brush stroke is the first brush stroke.

People who have a hundred and one reasons why they can’t succeed at painting (or anything else for that matter) would still not be successful even if all the planets were aligned and all the lights green. It is so much easier to blame circumstances for failure than personal weaknesses. Successful artists/craftsmen are self-starters, independent doers. As a teacher of the textile arts, I so often hear students give reasons why they have not progressed in their art. But the real answer comes down to their priority list. If making art is at the bottom of your list (forget anyone else’s list), then it is no wonder other stuff and other people get in the way.

Robert, having been in Patagonia I’m just dying to know where you were, what you painted, and did you enjoy the experience. I found it kinda cool (even cold) weather-wise !

Yes we can blame other people, work, lack of time etc, but if you have an ounce of artistic bent it will eventually show itself. I didn’t take up art until I retired and then I found your newsletter and the wonderful online wetcanvas art forum. I then started to apply myself to watercolours and occasionally I produce something which is noteworthy.

Scapegoat: Made me laugh. We can only do what we can do. Good or bad. It has nothing to do with anyone else, really. Look forward to meeting you one day.

Dear Robert, I have been following you since hearing you on AHA. Was immediately impressed with your practical sensibilities. Your continued prioritizing reality apparently does not impede your popularity and generally gives me hope.

I’m an artist and teacher. I’ve been thinking about having discussion program where everyone who doesn’t do art can tell their story about what or who stopped them from doing art. Was it a comment made by their father or criticism from a teacher? Whatever it was, I’d like them to say it, get it out, (share it for sympathy and understanding,) and move on. I’m thinking a therapist should be at the discussion in case some major trauma comes up that should be dealt with professionally. Your letter this morning prompts me to go ahead and plan an event. Thanks.

Bravo! I was just getting ready to blame my new boss, who is OCD and 24 yrs old…. that I wouldn’t have time to submit for our only juried show this Spring, that because of HIM, my creative flow was stymied… blah, blah, blah And I truly feel distracted over it all… .until my 26 yr old, youngest son,pointed out last night… that I spend anywhere from 5 days to 20 minutes on my abstracts as my wheels turn and churn over ideas 24/7…. I too,could be OCD over watercolour medium. So, I will shut up, stop my blame game and start painting! I do have “sick days” I could use… Thanks for the direction!

Thank you for “Scapegoat.” I was recently in a show where I received no award. My very best friend cleans them all up, every time. We are both pastel artists and I realized I have not been doing this form of art as long as she has. She is my mentor and I have made a lot of progress. It just takes time and patients. I do see the glass half full. I did get into the show after all.

I was taught that a fresh perspective on a painting can be gained by turning it upside down or looking at it in a mirror. Maybe this allows the other side of the brain to kick in and offer criticism. Whatever the reason, it seems to help.

That’s amazing that you get so much negative mail. I see being and artist as a privilege, successful or not.

I’ve been getting your letters for several months now, and you hit my personal nail on the head time after time! I have a special R.Genn file on my computer where I save your special gems so I can refer to them whenever the need arises. Thank you so much for doing this — your letters are always succinct, insightful, smart, and often very funny.

You sent out this email when you are burdened down with a ton of email backed up. Bad timing because here goes a long litany to mitigate the scapegoat issue. The French in Quebec blame the English for the conditions in the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, etc. The basic problem was education or lack of it. The expectation at the time was that it was acceptable to be a doctor, lawyer, dentist, notary public or a priest/nun. OK it wasn’t acceptable for a woman to be any of the above except there was an expectation that at least one girl in the family would become a nun. The acceptability of it all was determined by the Church. As the Church lost its grasp on the population and education gained some value the good jobs found their way into the arms of the Francophones but not before the Separatist movement got some headwind. Oddly now that the Francophones rule the Province and have limited the language options to the point that the majority of the population are uni-lingual French, all the good jobs are once again going to the English population who are bilingual. It seems that English is spoken outside of Quebec and you can’t get anywhere without it. So much for history, but not quite. I mentioned expectations a little earlier and in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s the expectations were that you would live the American Dream or at least the Canadian version of it. That meant much the same mix as above but business person would have been exchanged for priest/nun. When my aptitude was tested as an elementary school attendee, it indicated that I should be an artist or a banker. Expectations and social pressure dictated that you would not live the American Dream as an artist. I ended up in business school. I did dally with the concept of becoming a professional artist for a brief period in 1985 and although I managed to sell quite a few paintings the mortgage company and the car leasing company soon showed me the error of my ways. Expectations change. I tell anyone who will listen that if you chose a profession that does not give you joy it is like signing up for a 50 year prison sentence. Be an painter, a dancer, a musician, whatever makes you happy. Business school will wait but you will keep regret with you forever. This year I am eligible to draw my pension and did I learn anything? In theory I know what I should do and have enough business experience to now how to do it. In practice there are too many people depending on me to continue what I am doing. Expectations or fear of a blank canvas? I will be discussing that this evening with Johnny Walker. Thanks for the regular email. They keep me connected with where I would like to be.

I’ve only been getting your letters for the last 3 weeks, and I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write & share them. I’m thoroughly enjoying them.

I love your letters they are a hoot – there is so much to comment on — but I leave the cosmos in the hands of God and get to painting. Hallelujah!

Exactly!! I’m a so-far-unsuccessful novelist and a fledgling painter, hopeful and absorbed but uncertain–the only thing for it is to get to work. Everyone needs to hear that twice a day.

Yes, you got me there, Robert. I blamed my hubby for my not going to coffee shops and drawing unobtrusively plein air indoor landscapes. I feel kind of guilty going by myself so I don’t. What to do? I did sketch once and saw another artist in the shop (my hubby spotted him) doing the same thing. I need to return to the scene of the crime. Thanks for your encouragement and admonishment.

Not original to me; I don’t have the source handy but wanted to share. “When life throws you lemons, learn to catch.”

Thank you. I am one of the lemonade makers in life and though my art is not famous or fantastic, the process of ‘getting my smock messy’ provides much happiness. It’s often a struggle to physically and mentally persevere, but the effort makes it ultimately worthwhile. No excuses! I enjoy your letters, pick up your book for inspiration when I need support and appreciate your wit. Keep up the good work! You provide much more to your readers than ‘art lessons’.

I’d like to echo the thoughts from someone who wrote in regarding getting some tips for painting backgrounds; my most challenging struggle! As to “Scapegoat” reasons for not being an artist: “Being Stuck”; those who choose to lay blame elsewhere, rather than take a good look inward, and break the chain of defeatism.

You state that you hate to drop this little nugget but, “the human psyche in possession of even a small amount of personal success is often, but not always, quite deliriously, even delusionally, happy”—I am glad you did because I am going to give you an example of exactly that! I could write a book of excuses as to why I am not an artist but I am quite certain you have read each one of them in those emails. Well perhaps not the one where I lament not having a place to paint comfortably because the room I intend to turn into my space for painting is full of stuff that needs to be either properly stored, given away or thrown away. That is another story! However, we had house guests a few weeks ago. Knowing that they were coming, I framed a watercolor that I had done, I chose a color from that watercolor and repainted the guest bath in that color. I bought matching towels, hung the watercolor and was quite pleased with the result. The deliriously , even delusionally happy came when the female guest asked if the male guest had talked to me about that watercolor. He came in and apologized for asking but explained that every time he went in that bathroom he liked that watercolor more and more and he seriously wanted to purchase it. Yes-I was deliriously happy. I explained that everything in that guest bath revolved around that watercolor so I could not sell it but, I would try to paint another like it and if I was able to do that and prove to myself that I was not a “one trick pony” I would send him that watercolor.

What those artists need to remember is that no matter how little support you get from family, friends or “the universe” – having “art buddies” goes a long way in keeping a healthy “art psyche”

At times I get quite discouraged in my efforts to master watercolours– seem to be getting nowhere, but then, just sometimes, I get a small breakthrough….enough to make me roll up my sleeves again and keep at it……i know, I know, I must “go to my room!” Your advice is so often spot on! Thank you.

Here is my story of moving from blaming others to blaming myself to blaming none, all accomplished over time and finding expression in a work of art. I convinced myself that the voices of criticism in my mind belonged to others and as an adult I could banish them if only I could figure out how. A friend suggested that I write the harsh words, rules of should, and memories of negative actions from others down on paper and then burn the paper. I immediately rejected the idea although I didn’t know why at the time. However, part of my friend’s suggestion stuck with me: write it all on paper, all the manure (although that wasn’t the word I used) piled up during childhood and early adulthood. That thought was followed by my memory of a painting by a cancer patient’s wife. She wrote the words of her experience and feelings, then painted ghosts over them in red and white acrylic. I could combine those ideas, and I did. I took a full sheet of cold press watercolor paper and wrote the solitary words, the repeated phrases, and the stories of all the voices my mind would shout. That was the base and when it was finished, I knew the title was “Creation: Fertilizer.” By changing the word “manure” to “fertilizer” all that I wrote took on a more positive, useful note. I realized that burning the paper wouldn’t eradicate the words from my mind, and if it did, there would be gaping holes in my past. That dilemma was solved by deciding to overlay the words with images to which I turned in going beyond survival to find beauty in living. I’ve had a great time using watercolor, ink, pastels, colored pencil to depict nature, animals and symbols of people, all that grew in the “fertilized soil.” There are parts were the colors are “too” brilliant, jarring, and that too is part of my life. Parts where two adjoining images clash. Parts where the words mixed with the pigment. Some words are clearly exposed; some words are hidden. There are still open spaces for two more images, known and not added yet, a work not yet finished. I spent many, many years listening to voices from my past in my mind and blaming others for my childhood trauma and its effects on my adult life. Now, even with the work unfinished, I look at it and see what the process has unveiled. I carried those voices for all those years. I accepted the words as truth without question all those years. So the blaming switched from others to myself. I keep looking at the work. There is connection between the fertilized soil and the beauty that grew from it. There is none to blame. All is me. There would be a fading of the beauty if I erased any of the words. Even with the overlay, the words are there underneath, a wholeness of life. There are two words formed clearly and large at the top left and bottom right: MAGIC is one, GRATITUDE is the other. The magic of growth and the gratitude for all of life, all of me. Thank you for writing about blaming. I know your context was different. Yet, I wonder if it really is.

Well said, Mr. Genn. There is much to be gained from reclaiming our responsibility along with our dignity. I’ve been meditating as I work on a word you used recently – autonomy. A powerful word. A gift for which you have my gratitude.

Keep doing what you are doing. It sets my path straight to read your posts.

To the lady that said too many people, like u, were sending out too much info, she doesn’t have to read them, does she? unbelievable

Art comes in many forms – my own small talents lie not in painting but as a published writer and illustrator – I find your letters unfailingly interesting and often inspirational – they apply not just to painting but much more broadly and are appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you Robert for your insight, we all need to be reminded of this stuff. ‘What can I do with what I got?’ When that is my focus, what I don’t got starts to loose importance. Also, so easy for students to look at a painting in progress they are working on and only see stuff they don’t like. I ask them what they DO like and then work on how to embellish that. lots of life lessons in the art making process. Art making takes a lot of humility. I will never forget a brand new student of mine, she had never painted before. I was delighted with her very first work. She looked at it and lamented… ‘It looks so amateurish!’ I tell my students all the time that we need to look at what we make and celebrate what we are able to do – just like you are your own child who proudly brings a painting to show a parent… you are your own parent and you need loving encouragement – just like a child…I find that since most folks are so very hard on themselves in terms of what they expect of their capabilities, I like to do class admiration’s instead of critiques. Most folks are so good a criticizing themselves, what they really need is encouragement. We have 3 painting terms each year (10 weekly 2 hr classes)… fall, winter, spring. At the end of each session, we put the paintings up and say what we like about each of them. Only after each has been explored for it’s strengths, I will make a little aside about an improvement…. Doing an admiration this Thursday. I gave my class a little pep talk last week about the creative process, about allowing it freedom – not needing anything from it other than to enjoy doing it. Since they are already more beautiful inside than anything they could ever make, they don’t need success as prop to the ego… that is where the freedom comes from. Oddly – that is also where real success comes from too. Keep on sharing Robert, Love reading these little notes.

I totally agree with this article. I do have a question that I had asked a long time ago that I would like to ask again. How do you travel with paint? With the world becoming more paranoid, how do painters travel with 2 or more oz. of “gel”? How do you travel with them and not have everyone think that they are components to a bomb or such. I love to paint and paint in new locations inspired by everything around me. To loose a very expensive tube of much loved and need paint would be quite a loss. Obviously, you do not have them in your carry on luggage. Do officials in the airport bother you? I paint with acrylics and live in Ecuador. I would like to travel with my paint and paint as I go. I bought my acrylic paint in Canada and put them in my suitcase with no problem but that was 4 years ago and times have changed. I also know that the paint here is of a much lower quality so buying here is out of the question. Have you got any advise in this regard. By the way, I am one of those people who find it important to take full responsibility for the art that I create. I do this because I create art from the passion in me, and though outside approval is wonderful, I need to love it and believe in it first.

I’m teaching myself (mostly) to paint with watercolor, and have been for about 10 years. I recently joined a couple of artist organizations in my area, and found to the courage to enter some of my pieces in their shows. One of them won an honorable mention in January, and I’ve been on a high ever since! And the interesting thing is that everything I’ve painted since then has been so much better! You are so right about a little encouragement and the great impact it can have.

You are keeping my artistic spirit alive. “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”

WOW! Thank you so very much, Robert. I absolutely loved this letter. It applies to everything in life. My husband has been trying to teach me NOT to blame others for anything I do. I have had a bad habit all my life of doing that. I have read positive thinking books off and on throughout my life to try to help me. My Dad gave me one he had read when I was 18. My brother and I have had a few discussions about how negative we both are and have just begun to realize it at this time in our lives (ages 67 and 70 respectively). We both imagine all the things that could go wrong when thinking ahead to whatever we might be planning to do each day. I am glad that a couple of people mentioned the Hand and Foot artists. You are such a positive inspiration. Thank you so very much. I am sorry that you have so many negative complaining letters. It is wonderful that you take the time to send out these wonderful letters twice a week and also that you take the time to read all the letters sent to you.

I was one of those who took time off to raise children, become a better believer in myself, and keep on honing my skills with the little time I could spend on art. Having learnt that some people don’t get to start being artists until they are middle-aged or more, and that art has as much to do with knowing ourselves so we know what we feel and therefore what we want to express, from joy in this world to hatred of this world, I reminded myself when I was too much in the non-art world that everything I experienced in life was making me into whoever I was and that this would all contribute to my art when I could one day focus on it. I still cannot paint full, full time, but I definitely do more and more regularly than before I turned 65. I’ve also found that the necessary other non-art stuff (some of it art business) contributes to my art, either as a sideline or as an enrichment of my life as a whole. If we really want something, usually we can muster the will to get it. It is a lot easier to become an artist through practice, practice, practice than a surgeon. It is much easier to start late with visual art than with ballet, where the body’s suppleness and strength are so important. All that is important in art is our own growth as a person and our willingness to do a lot of bad art on our way to getting there, wherever there may be. VanGogh certainly didn’t get much help becoming an artist – except from his brother Theo, and he did OK even if the fame didn’t come in his lifetime. If it is fame you want, that is a different kettle of fish.

Your comment about blaming others is so true.. Our world is full of people who blame others for their own problems and unhappiness. We all have issues and hurts in our lives, but we need to adopt an attitude of forgiveness and move on. And sometimes it is not easy to do especially if the problem is ongoing.However we need to look “within” and change our own attitude and get off the blame wagon.There may be some wonderful artists out there who could bless the world with their art work if they would only leave the past behind and push ahead to fulfill the desires of their heart.Our lives will be full of unhappiness and misery if we continue to blame others for the way we feel. We need to begin to create beauty from ashes! That could be a great title for a painting.

I enjoy your letters, and am so pleased with your final paragraph here…art has been my “soul core” always…I am so grateful for this… It is my friend, my companion..my teacher and my wisdom. …AND you, are a wise artist indeed.

I have been unable to pursue much in the way of artistic endeavors the last 3 years. It would have been so easy (too easy, and if you ask my wife I seldom take the easy way) to blame somebody else. It is my responsibility and lately I have been owning this and doing some more sketching and looking for subjects in preparation for the day when some of my more pressing responsibilities and needs have been met and the road to continue art is not so steep. We don’t need to be a martyr, just get that smock messy. Do it for the joy first.

I used to blame the art school I went to, but now I realize I got myself born into the wrong historical time/place for basic academic realism to be taught. That happened back in the sixties, when my particular art school emphasized creativity, while minimizing discipline and foundation. Realism was out of style, and that was that. They thumbed their collective noses at anyone who dared paint flowers or still life. Eventually I went and acquired my academic realism on my own, over the years, from various places: local art museum school, art groups, ateliers, books, and the good old internet. It’s been a fun journey. Hopefully by now I have something to show for it!

Unbelievably brilliant information in these letters. UK

These are lovely drawings – and i really like the addition of colour in your work Robert.

With a deep bow and flourish of my hat I salute such wonderfully observed, flickering with life drawing. Mr. Lansdowne and Loates are true masters of split second gestural observation. This type of drawing can not be done without deep prior knowledge, which is built over the initial gesture lines! Having taught Zoo drawing for years I have never attempted such high octane line work! Beautiful!

for Lynn Ward…You are an artist and everything you do becomes informed by this…I wonder if working in three dimensions will turn your interests to sculpture! Good luck.

IIf you mention that you have had no support from your parents from an early age, it may not be scapegoating but a response to the often used, “my parents saw what a great artist I was at an early age”. You may be just saying , like I did, “They I made it as an artist in spite of some things that didn’t go my way”. Are we to always just be silenced when we point this out? Should I just leave large gaps in my life if I say things aren’t always rosy? There is a balance here that needs to be struck between biographical information or complaining, and blaming. Hey it’s ok to inform and perhaps encourage others who may be facing illness, or a busy childrearing career coupled with outside work, all sorts of reasons you may not be producing to your fullest potential. When we focus on peoples complaints being scapgoating perhaps we miss the point; we need to encourage by showing them ways to create art in spite of everything. That’s what I try to do, just give people the tools they need to express themselves no matter what. I did it, I was able to get the time but I was also blessed with opportunities along some setbacks; but hey that’s what life’s about.

I’ve read all the posts, I’m an artist, have been and am, quite successful,but to quote Michelangelo, “Ancora Imparo” ! (I am still learning). If you ever think you “know it all”, it’s time to quit, because your work will be yesterday’s news.

Your drawings are lovely Glen. Although I don’t usually comment, I also enjoy your insights on art and the (art) world through your weekly newsletter. Thank you for sharing. – Deb

I am SO excited about your letter regarding drawing because that is what I like doing the most! Thank you for the added info regarding what to do after. I am going to try all of that. I have really enjoyed all the added comments from people since Mar. 06 besides the ones before. I found a poem that my Mom typed out for me many years ago. I don’t know who wrote it. The Grumbler O lucky me! How happy I should be; I have a roof above my head; I have a bed, In which to sleep. And three meals a day to keep My body well and strong – And yet I wail and whimper, when I should sing a song, I have the sun, the trees, and the great blue sky above. I have the smiles, companionship, and love Of friends who would indeed, Help me if I were in need; I have two good eyes to guide me on my way And God above who hears me when I pray. And yet I fuss, and pout, and growl, And just set up an awful howl, When how happy I should really be, O lucky me!

Robert, I notice you use red “dots” in many of your paintings, which I find fascinating. Would you comment on this? Patty Oates

I adore the penguins. Really beautifully done!

Love these penguin sketches! Drawing birds in the field is a great challenge, and yes, penguins don’t fly, but they dont stay still either..these do a great job of capturing los pinguinos!

Your drawings and subsequent painting of the penguins are so full of life and charm. You have captured their unique character so beautifully and skillfully. Robert, I am in awe. Thanks you for sharing these.

Thank you for your hard work creating your newsletter. I love reading it and I’m still only a baby (in experience, not age) artist. Very inspiring. The blame issue is interesting, isn’t it? It’s a tricky one to overcome and when things get tough, people get blaming. It seems to be everything from the weather to natural disaster and all in between. I’m probably a particular fan because you’re from Canada, which I love. I (and several other of your fans) are from Australia and consider Canadians to be our twin-separated-at birth. But Canadians seem a lot politer. How hard is it though being right next to the US? Does it strengthen the Canadian sense of identity? I think New Zealand’s proximity to Australia has that effect on their psyche – their a wonderful, proud and feisty lot. Keep up the good work and thank you again!!

I think I understand where some of these folks are coming from but I do believe if we keep at it we will become artists. I had parents who supported my early talent by encouraging me to take art classes in high school and college but always reminding me that it should be a hobby not a vocation. And yes, college in the sixties was a bit disappointing for those of us who wanted to paint like the old masters, but I’m sure I learned something! Thanks to the many wonderful contemporary realists like yourself who emerged over the last 20 years to teach weekend seminars, I have been able to continue to learn while working and raising children. Now, at 64, I am making it into juried shows and am represented by a gallery. Tuscaloosa,Alabama