Tell All - Chapter 12

 

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now with the last post in the series...

Participants were asked: what is the one thing that you know now that you would have liked to have known when you first started to create art? 

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I wish I'd had a mentor who encouraged me and my creative impulse, all while being VERY raw honest about the struggle. Mostly how normal it is, and how we humans face "struggle" in every walk of life. Maybe I wouldn't have had so many anxious, neurotic moments. Jacqueline Auvigne

You just have to do it to get a good result sooner or later. Marion Bockelmann

How to better connect with my readers and the technicalities of the cyber world. It's a pretty steep learning curve for those of us who weren't raised immersed in the world of computers. But it's been a fun ride! Deryn Mentock

How much I need a patron. Sarah Fishburn

There are no rules. I have no formal art training or education, so for many years I was intimidated because I didn't know the "right way". annie!

That being an artist does not mean that you can draw realistically. Dawn DeVries Sokol

I would like to have known a patient Gallery owner. Seriously, it would have spurred my art career on at a much younger age to feel comfortable knowing I would not become a "starving artist". Cathy Minerva

That I don't have to have a goal when I start a piece, even though it comes in handy when I get "canvas block". ange

Yes you can! How to shut out that self-doubting voice. Wish someone had taught me that as a child. Why does that lesson take so long to learn? Kim Palmer

I would like to have known then (when I started to create art) what I know now and would like to know now what I will know in 5 years from now. Antonia Griva

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This is the last Tell All post in the series and the last post from the entire 5th online edition of The Pulse. Thanks to all the participants for sharing their work and words and thanks to all of you who have spent your Sundays with me and with The Pulse.

Stay tuned for an all new 6th edition to begin soon.

Tell All - Chapter 11

 

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now...

Participants were asked: what is the one thing that you know now that you would have liked to have known when you first started to create art? 

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To create my own art style and not to worry what everyone else thinks about it. That it's okay to be inspired by other artists and take that inspiration and apply it, in some way, to your own art. Judy Shea

That there are no rules. You make them as you go. Don't try to please anyone. Don't lie to yourself. Stephanie Brouwers

That painting gets easy. Well, maybe not easy peasy, but easier, the more you do it. So don't stop. Keep painting! Katherine Labbe AKA Miz Katie

That my best work comes when I don't care what other people think about it. It's more fun to work this way - no pressure, no problem. Cathie Parreco

I am an artist. donna louise rodgers

That it is important to be true to myself and not make art with the idea of having to please other people. Sharon Read

Nothing. I am still growing and always playing. Building upon what I discover. Stephanie Hilvitz

That people will actually pay money for my work! I might have started being serious much earlier if I knew that! Cyn Richardson

That the fundamental basics are so important. Cory Celaya

I wish I would have been more fearless when I first started to make art. Dayna J. Collins

You ARE allowed to question everything. Marsha Jorgensen

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Next Tell All will be the last post on the series and will be posted on Sunday, March 24th

Tell All - Chapter 10

 

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now...

Participants were asked: what is the one thing that you know now that you would have liked to have known when you first started to create art? 

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I started my journey as an artist as a painter and straight away I wanted to sell my art. As a result I painted what I thought would sell and what would be considered to be a good painting. Painting to sell put a lot of pressure on me and I wish I had known then that a sale is much less satisfying than creating something that sings to my creative soul. Lisa Sarsfield

I sold my first piece of art when I was 16 and really got into my painting before taking a decade break because I was both too hard on myself and not fully able to express myself. I was afraid at that age to fully do what I wanted to do or show anyone the results. I always loved anatomy, but thought people would think it was weird to paint a human heart, for example. Now I don't care what people think - and I use LOTS of anatomical hearts in my art. I feel that had I known this at 16, I never would have stopped creating and how nice it would be to have that extra decade of experience. Alicia Caudle

Well, I think about when I started painting using oils in my late teens, finishing several paintings back then. I wish I had not let so much time go by before picking up a paint brush again. If you want to be good at something, I think it takes a lot of practice and time. JoAnnA Pierotti

I have been making boxes all my life. I never called it art. I never knew it was art. Sometime in the 1980's I got to see a Joseph Cornell exhibit. I was spellbound. Knowing that I had a connection with his work and this art form affected me in a profound way. I started looking into "assemblage" and "box art". It was not until the mid-2000's that I actually took the plunge on my own artistic journey. Rebeca Trevino

I started creating when I was a very small child and the need to create has stayed with me all that time. I cannot think of anything that a child needs to know when creating art other than to enjoy themselves. As an adult, however, I would have liked to know how hard it is to sell work - especially in times of worldwide financial hardship. Gillian McMurray

I first started to create art at age 26. It was really a "just for fun" thing then. Now it is a passion. It took me a long time to figure out how important a part of my life creating art is. Wish I knew sooner. Liz Hampton-Derivan

The first time I remembering creating art (not just some activity like coloring in a coloring book) was when I was 7. I drew winter trees, without any leaves, across from where we lived, and I really labored over it. Looking back now, it would have been good to know then that I didn't have to try so hard, and I would have gotten better results if I used a lighter touch. Jude 

Since I started creating art at the age of 5, I really knew then what I forgot and then learned much later - I'm allowed to do anything I please with my art. Shirley Ende-Saxe

I would have liked someone to tell me way back when I wanted to be a working artist straight out of high school, that it is actually possible to have a career in art. If would be so much better if we encourage creativity in kids and then armed them with the skills they needed in the business world. Being an artist can be a day job - provided you have the right skills to turn it into a business. Rhomany

Art is in the eye of the beholder, and within the individual artist. Being criticized in high school art class for thinking outside the box did not help my self esteem at all! I still do not consider myself a true artist. I have never been schooled in any particular discipline, I just like to try all things. When I entered blogland, a whole new, exciting world of art, inspiration, ideas, tutorials and creativity presented itself to me. It's a wonder-full thing! Pat McNally

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Next Tell All will be posted on Sunday, March 17th

Tell All - Chapter 9

 

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now...

Participants were asked: what is the one thing that you know now that you would have liked to have known when you first started to create art? 

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Be proud of yourself! At the beginning I was hiding in my studio. I never thought it could have interest for others - until someone proposed me to exhibit. Yes, you art has meaning for people! Lise Hoffman

I feel art is a journey of discovery, revealing of style, techniques, and tools. It continues to build upon itself as each of us matures in our artistic careers, so I have no regrets for not knowing. It is only through our successes, failures, and experimentation that we become who we are. Tracie Lyn Huskamp

Do what makes you happy. Pam McKnight

I would have loved to know that as an artist YOU have the freedom to decide how, where, what your art should be about. Your art is YOUR personal expression and that's the only rule you should follow. Dorit Elisha

I would have liked to have known that I would eventually make my living as an artist. I would have learned sooner to follow my dreams. "Impossible is only a word" - La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil. Holly Dean

Keep it fun. Annie Kerr

There are no rules. Be inspired by something or someone (visually, spiritually or emotionally) and make it your own. Lottie Anderson

I wish, wish, wish, I had realized that I don't need each and every product that comes out. New supplies are akin to sweets; I want it all. But along the way I've learned that I can make some pretty cool art with what's around my home. I'm beginning to seriously destash and figure out what it is that I really use over and over again. Paula Bogdan

I would say that an artistic career builds over a number of years. Be persistent and confident in your skill and talent, mix with other artists, and form a network or group for support. Kim Logan

Nothing actually. I have enjoyed every step of the experiments and discoveries, the good ones and the bad ones. And I think there will always be more to know. Luthien Thye

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Next Tell All will be posted on Sunday, March 10th

Tell All: Chapter 8

 

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now...

Participants were asked: what is the one thing that you know now that you would have liked to have known when you first started to create art? 

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I wish I had known that it was okay to make mistakes. In the beginning, I was such a perfectionist that I was afraid to take risks or try new techniques; I hadn't yet realized that making mistakes is a vital part of the learning process. when that finally dawned on me, it was extremely freeing, and a major turning point in my evolution as an artist. Sharmon Davidson 

That art and money DO mix. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to be okay with making money from something that comes easily to me. It was hard to frame art/teaching as WORK when I enjoy both so much. I felt unnecessarily conflicted for a really long time about making money from my passion. I wish I had found out so much sooner that it is okay. Deb Eck

Every single idea, sketch and doodle has the potential to become something great - but you've GOT to honor the muse and the process by showing up to the sketchbook and regularly recording everything. Then let it simmer...sometimes for years. Then go back with your artist's eye and cultivate the diamond. Victoria Crowder Payne

That it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks. I used to have a "deer in the headlights" reaction - to the point where I stopped creating because I was worried how the end product would be received. If I could go back in time I'd tell myself to trust my gut, just do the work and stop getting distracted. Stacey Merrill

No one in the world can tell you if you are an artist or not. That choice is up to YOU. Don't wait until you're "good enough" or get paid enough for your art. All of these things come second. FIRST, you have to embrace what makes the creative side of your heart beat, and allow it to flourish. Withholding the title of artist from yourself or allowing others to withhold it from you is not the way to do that. Rachel Whetzel

If I had known that art would have me to deal with many painful memories and express my deepest feelings, I would've definitely started creating earlier. Svetlana Spasojevic

This is a difficult question to answer. Therefore I quote Robert Motherwell, that "Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it." Eric Adama

That art is a personal thing. It's not about who likes what, it's about what speaks to you. If you like something or enjoyed creating it, that is enough. The views of others are their opinions and not something you can influence. Trying to make things to appeal to others that don't make you happy is something I've tried to do for far too long. It takes time to learn this, but you feel so liberated when you can escape that thought pattern and create things that make your own creative spirit soar. Billie's Craft Room

An artistic voice and artistic skills are developed over time and require hard work plus the willingness to persevere even when the process yields less than stellar results. Yes Virginia...good art is directly linked to bad art. Denise Aumick

Forget what I've read and heard - and just paint! Evie Zaccardelli

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Next Tell All will be posted on Sunday, March 3rd

Tell All: Chapter 7

 

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now...

Participants were asked: what is the one thing that you know now that you would have liked to have known when you first started to create art? 

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I would not have spent so much money buying every art supply I could lay my hands on! It's a treat to now now where my interests lie and not be tempted by things I will never use. Makes for easier storage too. I have many grateful friends and colleagues who have been the recipients of my many purges in the last few years. Erin Perry

I really started painting again about 5 years ago. It was me all alone in my little condo, painting on large canvases and adding collage elements. I then attended my first art retreat where I found out that this is called "mixed media". I began to devour everything I could find out about retreats, blogs, mixed media artists and the magazines they were published in. So much so that I stopped creating with that unabandoned innocence I had started with in my condo. I'm not negating those things as I've learned a huge wealth of information. But I wonder how much further I would be along had I not spent that time comparing myself to those things. Adrienne "Dree" Berry

No matter how careful you think you're going to be, never paint while wearing a white top. You would not believe the amount of clothes that I've ruined because I didn't cover up! Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Probably I would have liked to know that any class that required me to purchase an extensive or expensive set of specific tools was likely not for me. I've taken a number of classes that I had to do this for and never used the tools again. I eventually figured out that my first love is paper-based art. I then considered any future classes carefully, paying close attention to the supply lists. I know take classes that help me add to my skill set in the medium that I create in on a daily basis. Lelainia Lloyd

Creating everyday and being consistent is the biggest tool and advantage you can secure for yourself and your art. I've been pretty dedicated to my art since I started, but the difference really came for me when I decided I was going to do something, anything, every single day that gets me closer to my goal. It's been a motivating factor for me. Jodi Ohl

If I had known how much pleasure creating art would give me, I would have started doing it much earlier and more often. And I would have made sure I had a sink in my studio. Susan Madden

I'd share this with all young and all old artists: learn how to haul your regalia or your stuff around - tents, displays, easels, supplies and artwork - because that's what you do a while heck of a lot. Laura Lein-Svencner

Don't get hung up on about having your own style. Just create. Create lots. Your style developed all by itself somewhere in the middle, and just when you think you have your style pinned down, it begins to change. Natasha White

The importance of organization. Organization of the records of one's body of work from the get go would simplify things. It makes things easier when you have a website, when you apply for work, or need to put together a portfolio.  theresa mARTin

It would have benefited me greatly if many years ago I started a sample book of my experiments, both the failed ones as well as those that were successful. With time, some things are forgotten, of course, and sometimes I look at an older piece and can't, for the life of me, remember exactly how I created it. Jessica Walthall

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Next Tell All will be posted on Sunday, February 24th