The school of life

Finally a letter that speaks to me. I am slumped, numb from life and feel I have little potential because lets face it, there a moat around me and I can’t seem to get out. Happy people have happy lives, I use to be happy — a few months ago — I was happy, life was good — I had plans and now I paint without seeing/without and make a big mess. oh look at me go on… maybe someone can write and tell me to get my act together…please do, I need to shape up.

Hi Marsha Clemments, we submitted comments at the same time -you popped ahead of me – enjoyed reading what you had to say and thank you for it.

The missing quality in the lists: Sensitivity

Love it. this letter should be posted in art venues everywhere. I would add (perhaps under the “passionate” heading): the innate capacity to derive a great deal of pleasure from what you see, coupled with the strong desire to share that joy.

Hey Susan – Read number 4 again. :)

In art, it takes a lifetime of moving through the tests. Fact is, they never stop coming. To which I would add: So accept that that’s how it is and stop worrying about it or feeling bad about it. Embrace it and move on. Keep looking forward.

I took the test and got 38. Thanks.

Bob, you forgot love of beauty, didn’t you?

People can love beauty like crazy, but it doesn’t give them the chops to become artists.

Al, your comments leapt out at me … and forum, please humor me to address Al for a moment. There’s obviously something going on in your life that has you down right now. It may be personal, financial, professionally, or all of them … as artists we feel those influences deeply. After all, we are sensitive souls. It is easy for someone flying high to dismiss such concerns but most of us have “been there” at some time in our lives. You don’t need to “shape up” in the larger sense. If this current situation is professionally, deal with those one painting at a time and work through it. If it is personally, time helps ease the pain. One must find oneself – alone. If it is financial, take practical steps to solve it. With all of the former, call on family and friends to help you through the moat. Reflect on the serenity prayer …. know there are some things beyond your control. In among all that, there comes a time in our lives when we acknowledge our life long dreams probably aren’t going to come true. There comes a time when we realize our lofty goals were possibly beyond our grasp. There also comes a time when we are content with “that’s okay.” What DOES matter is a life of influence (on people you may not remember, but they do). A life of relevance. A life of contribution. A life producing art as you were called to … and finally, you will work yourself out of whatever funk you are in right now. You may have some or none of those personality traits but know you weren’t given your art incidentally … hold on to that. Your therapy is your art. Just do it, meditate, paint, one day at a time … and paint.

As Robert has said many times, “You become what you focus on.”

I scored pretty darn high, and if I had a bit more energy, I could put some ooomph behind the *energetic one! Thanks for this, very affirming. BTW readers, the featured premium artist, Barry J Raybould, is a fantastic teacher with excellent courses on-line.. very well worth the time and money.

How can I send my address to the 800,00 folks who don’t continue to paint. A starving artist who could use all their slightly used paint supplies! One could only hope . . . ;0)

As an artist who is struggling to make it as a professional, and with many years of toil and learning behind me, I am often frustrated by the sheer numbers of “artists” out there who are simply people who decided to pick up a brush and, because they managed to paint a tree that looks like a tree, they figure they’re ready to break into the commercial market. Local art fairs are overflowing with such individuals and often, I think, the public is overwhelmed by sheer numbers; the market becomes over-saturated with art of “questionable” standards and it boggles the mind of the average Joe. Unlike any other profession, to be an artist there is no real accreditation process, no scoring system, and no firm standards (unlike golf where you might have the most beautiful swing in the world, but the bottom line is your score). Virtually anybody can claim to be an artist. What does that do for those of us who are truly committed to this vocation? Well I guess it means we just have to buckle down and make sure we get really good at it, that our work shines, and that we’re in it for the long haul, and I guess that’s what we should be doing anyway. It’s not a vocation for the dabbler, the hobbyist or the weekend warrior, it’s for those who can’t imagine doing anything else and are willing to do what it takes.

I can’t imagine any quality more important than TENACITY!!!

I am so grateful for the gift of wisdom in these letters. I read them often, hoping the lessons and advice become an integrated part of me. Regarding the list of personality types: I am having a difficult time with the word “egoist,” although I can well understand how important this trait might be in the art marketplace. When I paint and write, I ask to be guided by my spirit; I pray that my ego not interfere with the process. How can one learn to incorporate these seemingly contradictory qualities?

I know you are right about the thousands who buy supplies and start trying to paint and become discouraged. I’ve met some, even had some ask me to teach them. And I know how easily discouraged some are. I have also seen people with a tremendous gift for drawing well, not follow up on it, and I felt frustrated that someone who could draw that way wouldn’t actually develop it. I have always been moderately good at drawing but not “brilliant”, so felt that others who were, were wasting that ability if they didn’t develop it. Here in Halifax, there is a huge flowering of artistic talent. I have met so many, usually women over 55, who upon retiring from teaching/nursing/banking, etc., decide to follow up a life long interest in art. They take courses/workshops and then start showing their work at malls and stores and anywhere there is a space that can be used. They join groups and the groups arrange for these shows annually. And then, fundraisers at churches. We have I am sure, more visual artists per square foot than just about anywhere else in the country. They are everywhere! Galleries spring up and then die down, as it is difficult to make a living by selling art unless you are experienced. But it is cyclical. Right now, it is quite a struggle to sell art here. I am a member of an artists’ coop and we have had some vicissitudes and are now coming up the other side of a down turn. And am an artist at a new gallery which is innovative and well done, but it takes time to get established. However, there is an interest here in art, too, in all forms of it, so that is helpful.

and what happens to all of those discarded art supplies?????

89score & still ticking….I change from time-to-time & score either go over board or down so low I put the pencils/paper away only to be discovered again & again….must sketch everyday!

doesn’t it seem as though there should be an excellent pool of discount barely used art supplies readily available at all times???

Pretty sure I should give myself a 30 in the egotistic department :). Another great article, thank you!

I would add to the twelve traits one to wrap them all up in- tenacity. The stubbornness to keep on making things and showing them off in the face of discouragement, criticism and ridicule is worth bucketfuls of God given talent.

I love this Robert! You just saved my #$%^ as well. I have to give a talk in about 45 minutes to a gallery full of people about my art. I’ve never done it, and was stressed about what to even say. Your post spelled it all out, and they are all getting a “test”…well at least your artist IQ test. Thanks a million! (oh and my score was 131/120)(I got bonus points for individualistic, resistant to prior programming)

This is so interesting, including your statistics…I wonder, when I am in an art shop, where all the art supply buyers go… Music was my first choice but no one heard my desire for lessons at the time, so, art has been with me throughout the school of life, color – endlessly interesting when things have been bleak, all aspects of art – a focus when I have been in despair or angry, art instruction books I have already worked from – friends in times when I have felt predominantly misunderstood and alone. Odd thing this, all this focus has taken me to a place where I have developed something I can do fairly well it seems, according to others…it’s a funny business.

Just started to paint about 2 years ago. Score of 101. Great quiz, thank you for sharing this information. It helps me to keep moving forward and focus on becoming a better painter.

Going through that list takes a lot of thought. I’ve painted for many years and paint because I love the process. I think I might be obsessive when I get started on a painting, for I like to finish it to show. One thing I know is that you never stop learning which takes a lot of patience. Interesting article, thanks Robert

I thought about this a lot after my first comment. I had all of these qualities in spades, but still struggled. So I looked at what I know I’m missing and therefore have to work harder at. Being ADD, I have to work at FOCUS. Being perhaps too curious, and always wanting more and better skills, I often won’t/can’t single out one thing and work only at it. I must paint in three mediums, draw as well, and use pastels. So while this works in a way, as all complement each other, it may serve me better to concentrate on one at a time- at least pick a week. So I lack and need to work on decision making and stick-to-it-iveness, or follow-through. Perhaps the ability to self-structure well. Although I do have what I think is missing from the list, and thats perhaps the ability to self-evaluate in as detached a manner as possible. I’m certain there are a lot of other ADD-type artists out there suffering the same. For the digital art person- I’m not sure anyone said digital art isn’t art. It surely is, but because of the arsenal of tools that a digital artist could use, even if you don’t, to alter a photograph, many find classifying the genre difficult. Photography is certainly art as well. I think many people in this forum are painters, pastellists, and drawing artists.. but many, many of the same things apply to digital art. Less digital artists in an art-supply store, I’d think! I bought a photography magazine where the “artist” photographer, had taken a photo, messed around digitally, then printed it on tiles and then played with the emulsions and paints on top of it. Fantastic! and certainly art. I can see where some artists may have an issue with thinking your work is “art” according to what they do. But why would you let that upset you? Every single artist has their own methods, mediums, and outcomes. And opinions..

Your scoring system is brilliant and simple. It clarified why I made some big decisions in the last two years. I scored lower in the following areas; obsessive-compulsive, loner, egoistic, exhibitionist and got I top marks in philosophical, passionate, energetic, self motivated, individualistic and patient. Total 99 points. I don’t believe I can change myself to be something I am not, but perhaps I can still grow and learn and live my life as best as I can with my personality traits. After 20 years of working in my studio and showing my work at the various art shows and festivals, I have found one theme that has run throughout the whole experience. Art making in my studio is lonely business. Art shows were helpful in relieving the isolation, but it was not sufficient. I had depleted my best ideas, sold my best pieces and had nothing left to fill my heart with inspiration. I made a significant life change. I closed my studio and got a job setting up and running a new art supply store. Every day I meet artists. Some well established and others just beginning. My purpose is to share my passion for art making while helping myself to re- connect with other artists. The some of benefits of my new job has been unexpected bonanza of free paint, an explosion of creative people coming into my life and a challenge from my bosses to learn airbrushing. Most days begin with a hour long art making session before the store opens and I do daily demos in many different mediums. Suddenly, I am hungry for art making again. Over time I hope to re-build my art career in a way that is easier to buffer against the lower scoring areas. In the meantime, I will do my best to help the beginning artists who come to my store to pick a suitable medium and give them the encouragement and instruction they need to start and keep going with art making. It’s all about Karma.

thank u robert for ur weekly letter ….i am learning and getting inspired in art work….ur suggestions are very useful for artists.

I teach kids that are marginalized within the greater scheme of things. Then, when they have that opportunity to create they often wonder, “Why me??” Here, in a very small town on the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont these kids, who so often say…”Why me?”, painted a series of parking meters which are totally awesome. Still they ask why us, why not the kids at the “Academy” who are taught art. I smile, then corral them back to the project. Why me? I wonder…why me?

Never stops! Especially in the world of moving ahead in art!”

I scored 101, but while I got a ten for egotistical, I think that is the most needed thing to have especially here in new york to get noticed like Basquiat and Andy Warhol, just egotistical based publicity and they will take notice and make headlines.

I was born a geek, got identified as a geek in high school, and had geekness thrust upon me in life. It’s not easy being geek.

Marvin, I felt that way when I first met my wife!

I got a perfect score which made me smell like a dahlia Which makes me wonder why at art I’m such a failia

Note that that’s a screening test that only indicates possible “clinical significance”, not an evaluation tool. But there is an important point Andrew is making, which is our tendency to use the clinical term “obsessive/compulsive” to what might better be described as tenacity and perhaps attention to detail. I know people with O/C, and their lives are disrupted and controlled by their disorder. I do not think we are talking about the same thing.

“A life in Art”. Even with talent and ability there is always the dubious need of luck with becoming a successful artist. If one wants, one can search the Internet and find literally hundreds of thousands of names of artists you have never heard but who, in their lifetimes, produced beautiful works of art. Yet they will remain unknown for the most part. Talent, whether innate, inherited or bought through education, will not guarantee a successful career as an artist. While the idea of a successful career means many things to different people, what really determines what success is, remains a mystery. Those who have this ability know that being an artist is more a state of mind than a vocation. It isn’t something you do, it’s who you are. I have seen many who draw and paint, create fairly good artwork. But what I also see is they don’t take the time to realize what it will take to continue to do this as a career; what the cost to family, fortunes, and acquaintances this profession will have on their lives. Artists are a bit crazy or at the very least they seem to be. They talk funny. They use words like concept of idea, value scale; color that is warm or cool; liquid mediums. They also see life around them differently; more clearly than most in my opinion. They are able to spend long hours even days hunched over a canvas smearing paint here and there in what sometimes seems aimless abandon. And when they produce a finished work there is virtually no one interested in seeing it save for your mother, sister or aunt who fain interest because they love you not because they understand what you made. Wherever you show your work, it gets criticized for one thing or another; rejected by those who are supposed to be experts, shunned by gallery owners and generally though inconsequential by most of the world. Most of it will adorn your own walls for years. I mean, after all, you’re not curing cancer for heaven’s sake. Yet you continue to paint and after some years your fingers can’t hold the brushes anymore; your skin has become too sensitive to the paint so you have switch mediums; your eyes don’t focus as well; color is harder to distinguish and you find you get tired more quickly these days. Painting out of doors is harder too; lugging all your supplies up hill and down dale to find the perfect spot to paint. You don’t remember being so sensitive to the sun and those pesky bugs are more abundant than you remember. A life in art shouldn’t be something you seek, it’s more a destiny; a circumstance of fate if you will. More often than not, it chooses you, you don’t choose it. You can elect to ignore it or abandon it but when you embrace it, it will be the lover you never fully conquer or win over. With all of the above said, it is a life I would not trade with anyone. For art has given me more joy, taught me so much about myself and has affected so many and brought pleasure to those who appreciate it in ways too numerous to mention.