Update from Linda

Linda Nelson · 01-28-2005, 02:25 PM

I'll try to keep you posted as I learn the world of fine art. I can tell you at this stage , speaking from the artist 's viewpoint, the "start up" phase is about managing "opposing" issues on multiple levels -

1.) being completely confident of your talent and what you can offer as a distinctive "product", and recognizing the market is chock full of work out there already by very talented people

2.) deciiding what to paint .... Painting what you are drawn to, yet taking a serious look during the process to the viability of whether what you make is marketable. Out of the 6 paintings I've done, I'd say 1 is not viable (but will make for a good portraiture example) 3 could be sold as inexpensive fine art (two of the three I still see potential, so I'd sell them as "studies" with the idea to re-paint the composition) and 1 looks like it would have enough general appeal to sell it through limited edition reprodutions. When you're painting you have to put aside whether it's sellable. But you have to be open to knowing that it may not be worth much on the fine art market - and better to be proactive at that analysis than find yourself with a hundred painting that no one wants.

3.) Trusting your judgment .WHILE trusting others' advice.

4.) Learning to rely on others to help sell your work while being conscious that they are only good for you IF YOU ARE GOOD FOR THEM . Be conscious of it and see it as a good thing, but pick and choose who you work with as it seems there alot of way the artist can lose inthe equation.

It feels alot like like when I was a new mother - feel competent and totally inept at the same time - The struggle of being ok with either sentiment at any given moment.

Geary Wootten · 01-28-2005, 03:38 PM

I really appreciate your observations here Linda. Sounds as though you've also been given a gift of ideas for a book. This is a great outline for one.

And I must add, that analogy of being a mother feeling "competent and totally inept at the same time" makes all of your male counterparts here have a connection as to what motherhood is really all about. Because, creating a painting is like experiencing a birth. Of course without all the pain and cussing! Ok....maybe a little cussing.

~Gear

Sharon Knettell · 01-28-2005, 05:02 PM

Linda,

In case you were looking for some inspiration to keep your portrait business humming while the ponds are frozen, here is an idea done by a native Rhode Islander, Gilbert Stuart, called "The Skater". It is one of my favorite paintings and totally impressive in person.

By the way, good luck with your other ventures.

Linda Nelson · 01-28-2005, 06:38 PM

Wow that man is definitely not expecting to fall on the ice. That's one confident pose.

Sharon Knettell · 01-29-2005, 03:10 PM

Linda,

I think it could be a new Minnesota look for you!

Tom Edgerton · 01-29-2005, 04:12 PM

Linda--

Thanks for the news.... hang in there! The analogy to new motherhood is apt as I STILL feel competent and inept at the same time, even now.

Then there's this from the inimitable Sir Henry Raeburn.

Sharon Knettell · 02-02-2005, 02:04 PM

Linda,

Do a lady in furs!

I have always loved El Greco, and his "Lady in a Fur Wrap " would be an inspiration for elegant portraits today.

She is so gorgeous.