I love this story and such a relevant one for many of us who are new or experienced in art.
Funnily, I've gone the other way recently. I've always painted but mainly in acrylics and avoided watercolours because I couldn't get the hang of the technique for my style.
I'm just finishing up an art-based coaching diploma and fallen in love with watercolour for its immediacy and expression.
The art-journalling pieces aren't for 'good art' but I love creating them because of the deeper meaning in them.
Great to see the 2020 vs 2024 images - watercolorist indeed!
Many forget or don’t credit that the journey is more like a polished gemstone (the desired outcome) than the finished piece. And I feel you on this. I transitioned to art late in life. It took me a minute to call myself an artist. And fwiw, I adore your early ink and wash “illustrations.” They would make a beautiful children’s book. It’s great to connect!
I paint in watercolor and I have to say, it's the most desirable to me. for one, acrylics are putting plastics into the world and I think that it is going to be less and less desirable as people become more and more awake about that.
but also: I had someone ask for permission to use one of my paintings as a tattoo (I said yes) and if that isn't finding one of your art works desirable I don't know what is.
WOW! Personally, I believe that art schools can only teach you the basics, the main rules, etc. of art. The rest, you have to learn on your own. You have to learn how to put your emotions into your work and in many cases to simply paint in order to get your emotions out does just that. If I were in person, I'd have something to say to the person who said that about watercolours I can tell you that right now. There are so many watercolour artists! I love and applaud many of them. Watercolour artists are AMAZING to me. I'm not one of them because watercolour is so hard to control. To say what that person did is simply being cruel to anyone who is interested in watercolours. ALOT of people really don't give artists the credit they deserve and it's very sad! I think it's mainly because many don't know the true value of visual art. I don't really LIKE the business side of art but I've had to research it over the years. The value of art in actuality is often increased if the artist is self-taught because the story behind the artists life, etc. adds to the value of the work sold. Example: How much are Frida Kahlo, etc. works and how much are works with less of a story behind them sold for today? Of course Frida Kahlo also painted with famous artists like Diego Rivera. The story behind her struggles added to the value of her work. Then there's Jackson Pollocks works. A different style but they were and are valued a great deal. As well as Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollocks wife. Of course there was also Janet Sobel who inspired Jackson Pollock. Many of Pollocks works would not have been created if not for her inspiration. Of course these artist's are from the past but that only proves that the date of works also increase the value of them. If you go to any museum, you'll find that older works are worth more because of the fact that the value increases over time. There are the prices of any art supplies needed to create that work as well. I could go on and on about the value of artwork. I know that but still tend to devalue my own work. Even with a good story if you can go to college, classes, etc. to have that on your resume is a good thing. If you don't even with all the experience in the world and a great life story it's likely many won't even give you a chance. Not in todays world....because you have to have a college degree in order to even apply for some jobs. This world is not as knowledgeable of the fact that one can learn without going to college. That's sad though and a huge loss to the world if you ask me. There's the main fact that you have to go to an actual art professional in order for them to find out and know the true value of art. You should also note that if you go to a professional without the knowledge needed about the value of art, they will most likely be completely unaware of it's value. In some cases you will most likely be taken advantage of as well and truly won't know the value of your art. I may not have a paying job but trust me when I say your art is more valuable than you think. Some just probably don't want you to know that fact. Research it because YOU MATTER! If I'm wrong, you'll find that out too but if I'm right, you'll find out the worth of your art. It's worth looking into. Anyway great post.
Angela - great reply and I love your passion and insight. I do think we are in a moment when the pendulum is shifting and the world is recognizing that a college degree is not the only path forward. People are being recognized for their skills not their pedigrees. That being said I am also in Oregon. Might not be apples to apples in other spaces. Thank you so much for the robust reply!
I am a self-taught artist, and I am employed as an art teacher in a school. Being self-taught is not somehow 'less than' in the art world -- the vast majority of the Greats in history were self-taught.
Art school teaches you discipline, but it also teaches you to follow current social trends with art. (They don't even teach you business practices, which is mind boggling to me.) For those of us who want to paint or draw more traditionally, art school doesn't serve us well. It's better to invest your money and time in specific classes teaching the skills you want to learn and grow that way.
Bravo! Personally, I love watercolor. It's challenging because it has a life of its own. It doesn't obey the brush strokes, but takes off on its own little toot. That's why it's so much fun to use. As for that snobby art teacher, bosh! I once had an artist instructor (notice how I defined her!!!) who clarified a stupid rumor that she didn't like painting with green pigments. She told us (and showed up a totally green painting) that she had gone through a "green period" and just got sick of it. Besides, she continued, we shouldn't use green pigment straight from the tube. Instead, mix greens using yellows and blues to get richer, more authentic colors. Listen to your heart! But then, you've already learned that, haven't you.
It is a lesson I keep coming back to. And I agree about watercolor….it does its own thing. The more I “force it” the less it behaves. When we (the pigment and me) work together it is a magical feeling.
Watercolor IS amazing! And my second favorite love is mystery/murder stories (in writing that seems like a really random and dark statement). 😆 I’m looking forward to doing some binge reading on your Substack Reda. Have currently been catching up on Midsommer Murders.
I would like to purchase one of your artworks with cats. My wife is a cat enthusiast and would appreciate your artwork. Thank you, Patrick
My husband always calls me an artist, I just say I’m someone who enjoys painting, but not as much as I love cooking
So you are an artist AND a chef! 🤗
Do what you are passionate about, it’s a gift. And we all have our own unique gift.
I agree! Thank you for reading Nancy!
I love this story and such a relevant one for many of us who are new or experienced in art.
Funnily, I've gone the other way recently. I've always painted but mainly in acrylics and avoided watercolours because I couldn't get the hang of the technique for my style.
I'm just finishing up an art-based coaching diploma and fallen in love with watercolour for its immediacy and expression.
The art-journalling pieces aren't for 'good art' but I love creating them because of the deeper meaning in them.
Great to see the 2020 vs 2024 images - watercolorist indeed!
Some beautiful sentiments here. I'm sorry you were put through that criticism! We should all be able to make art that is true to us.
I love that last bit though. I try to tell my mum that when she makes something that "only took ten minutes" - no, it took 40 years and ten minutes!
Exactly! Thanks for reading Zenobia!
Where is granny when you need her?^^
Many forget or don’t credit that the journey is more like a polished gemstone (the desired outcome) than the finished piece. And I feel you on this. I transitioned to art late in life. It took me a minute to call myself an artist. And fwiw, I adore your early ink and wash “illustrations.” They would make a beautiful children’s book. It’s great to connect!
Thank you Maureen! Your reply is thoughtful and motivational. Much appreciated.
I paint in watercolor and I have to say, it's the most desirable to me. for one, acrylics are putting plastics into the world and I think that it is going to be less and less desirable as people become more and more awake about that.
but also: I had someone ask for permission to use one of my paintings as a tattoo (I said yes) and if that isn't finding one of your art works desirable I don't know what is.
Oh that is the best! Did they share the tattoo when it was done? I would love to see that!
we lost track of each other. so someday if I bump into someone with a certain blue bird, I'll know it happened. ;)
WOW! Personally, I believe that art schools can only teach you the basics, the main rules, etc. of art. The rest, you have to learn on your own. You have to learn how to put your emotions into your work and in many cases to simply paint in order to get your emotions out does just that. If I were in person, I'd have something to say to the person who said that about watercolours I can tell you that right now. There are so many watercolour artists! I love and applaud many of them. Watercolour artists are AMAZING to me. I'm not one of them because watercolour is so hard to control. To say what that person did is simply being cruel to anyone who is interested in watercolours. ALOT of people really don't give artists the credit they deserve and it's very sad! I think it's mainly because many don't know the true value of visual art. I don't really LIKE the business side of art but I've had to research it over the years. The value of art in actuality is often increased if the artist is self-taught because the story behind the artists life, etc. adds to the value of the work sold. Example: How much are Frida Kahlo, etc. works and how much are works with less of a story behind them sold for today? Of course Frida Kahlo also painted with famous artists like Diego Rivera. The story behind her struggles added to the value of her work. Then there's Jackson Pollocks works. A different style but they were and are valued a great deal. As well as Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollocks wife. Of course there was also Janet Sobel who inspired Jackson Pollock. Many of Pollocks works would not have been created if not for her inspiration. Of course these artist's are from the past but that only proves that the date of works also increase the value of them. If you go to any museum, you'll find that older works are worth more because of the fact that the value increases over time. There are the prices of any art supplies needed to create that work as well. I could go on and on about the value of artwork. I know that but still tend to devalue my own work. Even with a good story if you can go to college, classes, etc. to have that on your resume is a good thing. If you don't even with all the experience in the world and a great life story it's likely many won't even give you a chance. Not in todays world....because you have to have a college degree in order to even apply for some jobs. This world is not as knowledgeable of the fact that one can learn without going to college. That's sad though and a huge loss to the world if you ask me. There's the main fact that you have to go to an actual art professional in order for them to find out and know the true value of art. You should also note that if you go to a professional without the knowledge needed about the value of art, they will most likely be completely unaware of it's value. In some cases you will most likely be taken advantage of as well and truly won't know the value of your art. I may not have a paying job but trust me when I say your art is more valuable than you think. Some just probably don't want you to know that fact. Research it because YOU MATTER! If I'm wrong, you'll find that out too but if I'm right, you'll find out the worth of your art. It's worth looking into. Anyway great post.
Angela - great reply and I love your passion and insight. I do think we are in a moment when the pendulum is shifting and the world is recognizing that a college degree is not the only path forward. People are being recognized for their skills not their pedigrees. That being said I am also in Oregon. Might not be apples to apples in other spaces. Thank you so much for the robust reply!
What is the ‘object’ in the middle of the picture of the cats?
This pic? Just their feet.
I am a self-taught artist, and I am employed as an art teacher in a school. Being self-taught is not somehow 'less than' in the art world -- the vast majority of the Greats in history were self-taught.
Art school teaches you discipline, but it also teaches you to follow current social trends with art. (They don't even teach you business practices, which is mind boggling to me.) For those of us who want to paint or draw more traditionally, art school doesn't serve us well. It's better to invest your money and time in specific classes teaching the skills you want to learn and grow that way.
Bravo! Personally, I love watercolor. It's challenging because it has a life of its own. It doesn't obey the brush strokes, but takes off on its own little toot. That's why it's so much fun to use. As for that snobby art teacher, bosh! I once had an artist instructor (notice how I defined her!!!) who clarified a stupid rumor that she didn't like painting with green pigments. She told us (and showed up a totally green painting) that she had gone through a "green period" and just got sick of it. Besides, she continued, we shouldn't use green pigment straight from the tube. Instead, mix greens using yellows and blues to get richer, more authentic colors. Listen to your heart! But then, you've already learned that, haven't you.
It is a lesson I keep coming back to. And I agree about watercolor….it does its own thing. The more I “force it” the less it behaves. When we (the pigment and me) work together it is a magical feeling.
It's kind of a lesson in humility, isn't it?
Indeed
And, they say... watercolor is the hardest medium to paint with 😎 I love your rocks!
Right?! And painting river rocks is a meditative process for me. It is almost as fun as agate hunting.
Thank you Substack algorithm. Cuz that's how I found you. I'm in the same boat... Self taught and experimental and happy to be that way.
Happy the algorithm matched us up Emily!
Watercolor is the best! I’m so glad I discovered you, your paintings are amazing.
Watercolor IS amazing! And my second favorite love is mystery/murder stories (in writing that seems like a really random and dark statement). 😆 I’m looking forward to doing some binge reading on your Substack Reda. Have currently been catching up on Midsommer Murders.
Yay! This makes me so happy to hear!
I’m obsessed with that river rock painting! I no joke had a dream about it. Thanks for sharing your story and art.
Thanks Kerry!!!