Making Art Archives

The Best Idea for Unloading Unsold Art

We received loads of good ideas for what to do with earlier artwork that is taking up emotional energy and inventory space.

Many of you wanted to donated it to charity, sell it at a steep discount, repurpose it, or destroy it. On top of this, a number of you said that if it’s not up to your standards, you should rework or destroy it rather than give it away. I agree.

As promised, I have selected a winner. Be sure to keep reading for the honorable mentions.

The Best Idea for Unloading Unsold Art Read

Virginia Folkestad discovers insights into her life’s work by using a visual timeline.

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective

A retrospective is an exhibition that shows off the entire oeuvre of an artist’s career. Typically arranged chronologically and later in an artist’s life, retrospectives treat art viewers to the progression of the work in a single space. I try to visit as many retrospectives as I can for artists I admire, which sometimes involves

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective Read

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective

Your Life’s Work: The Artist’s Retrospective Read

The First Step to Curating Your Art

Let’s face it. Artists are terrible at curating their own work. There’s no way you can be objective. You love everything, you hate everything, you want to show everything you have, or you don’t want to show anything at all. Sound familiar? Today’s article is inspired by an email I received from Karen Meredith, in which she wanted to know about the proper number of works to have on a website, in an exhibition, or at an open studio.

The First Step to Curating Your Art Read

Dear John: So Your Kid Wants To Go To Art School

Parents are rightly concerned about their children’s future, but with preparation, an art student can excel in life. In honor of Fathers’ Day week (Can I declare a week for all dads?), I share this query from John G. from my Facebook page and my response.

Dear John: So Your Kid Wants To Go To Art School Read

Idea Jumping Trumps Forced Focus For Artists

Kirstin Borror writes: “My difficulty seems to be staying focused on one creative idea at a time. Any tips?” Creativity coach, Romney Nesbitt responds, “Dear Kirsten, You may be fighting a losing battle. The natural tendency of creative people is to carry the seeds of many ideas at the same time; the trick is keeping all ideas moving forward. . . . “

Idea Jumping Trumps Forced Focus For Artists Read

What Did You Learn From Your Art Teachers?

I knew I was an artist when we made cut-out bunnies in grade school because mine was the only bunny with a hula skirt on. I was fascinated with Hawaii at the time. Two other art teachers have also left a big impression on me.

What Did You Learn From Your Art Teachers? Read

Fight Complacency

When is the last time you promoted your art without relying solely on email and social media? Apply a similar mindset to your marketing that you use in the studio when you’re trying to work through a problem. Try something new. Anything!

Fight Complacency Read

6 Things Nick Cave Said That Made Me Pay Attention

Listening in on a conversation with artist Nick Cave, I was taken by his dedication to his art (DEEP dedication), his interest in seeing his art remain alive and relevant, collaboration, preparation, and more. See what I mean.

6 Things Nick Cave Said That Made Me Pay Attention Read

Attracting Crowds at the Coffee Shop

Like many of us, Barbara McKee gets cabin fever and just needs to get out of her home studio. About 3-4 times a week, she packs up her watercolors and heads to the local coffee shop – to paint. The biggest advantage is meeting new people. The bonus advantage is that no cats are around to paw at her water or get hair in her work.

Attracting Crowds at the Coffee Shop Read