In reading de Kooning: An American Master, it’s pretty clear that there’s a dispute over how much control Willem de Kooning had over his late works, when he was suffering from dementia. At different points in time . . . Someone else chose and laid the colors out for de Kooning.Someone else drew the initial […]
Deep Thought Thursday: By the master’s hand? Read
Artists love to hate this question they hear from buyers and customers. And, yet, you continue to hear it over and over again. What's your best response to this . . . How long did it take you to make that? For the best response today, I'm giving away a CD of the "Best Of"
Deep Thought Thursday: How long did it take you to make that? Read
When times are good, artists make art. When times are bad, artists make art. When time stands still, artists will continue making art. Artists who are true to themselves do not make art for the marketplace, but for themselves–to start a dialogue with their viewers, their fans, and the world. They make art because
In the June issue of Art Calendar magazine, Jack White says: When you made the choice to become an artist, you committed yourself to a life of solitary confinement. That is, if you plan on being successful. I’m of two minds on this. The first is that, yes, you must spend a great deal of
Deep Thought Thursday: Going solo Read
Painting and art cannot be taught. You can save time if someone tells you to put blue and yellow together to make green, but the essence of painting is a self-disciplined activity that you have to learn by yourself. There are no goals that I still want to reach. I don’t believe in goals; goals
Deep Thought Thursday: Can art be taught?–a 2-fer Read
How much affect do circumstances and location have on the type of art you make and they way in which you make it? For instance, your circumstances . . . No studio? Do you have to make work smaller? No bank account? Can’t afford bronze casting? And what about location? Does where you live influence
Deep Thought Thursday: Circumstances and location Read
As a mature exhibiting artist, you need to make enough work to have a couple of solo exhibits simultaneously. I know you’d be happy if I told you an exact number, but I’m not going to do that. (Sorry/not sorry) © Bonnie Hurst, Buffalo Painting #2 (detail) Some people will tell you to have enough
How Many Pieces Are in a Body of Work? Read
When asked what advice she would give to the current generation of aspiring artists, artist Shirin Neshat said: My only advice is to spend less time on thinking about success and put all the energy in making art itself. Otherwise your relationship to your art changes. It becomes less genuine and honest. Art should not
Deep Thought Thursday: Success and mediocrity Read
Question from Patrice Erickson: Is it preferred or not preferred to sign and date paintings on the front of the canvases rather than on the backs? I have always signed and dated on the fronts. On a recent visit to a high end gallery I noticed that none of the paintings were signed this way.
To sign or not to sign (your artwork) Read
from Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way, pages 183-84 Creativity is not a business, although it may generate much business. An artist cannot replicate a prior success indefinitely. Those who attempt to work too long with formula, even their own formula, eventually leach themselves of their creative truths. Embedded as we often are in the business
Deep Thought Thursday: Stuck in a rut? Read
