The art of practice
Learning through doing.
I can’t remember if I’m three or four weeks into my full time art practice right now but here’s what I’ve learnt to far… This is not a full time art career just yet! Over the years I’ve supported my paintings through my other businesses and this is still the case. I wanted to develop more art work and make this my full time living but the truth is I’m just not there yet. I still have faith though that one day I will be. So, on that note, I’ve decided to not beat myself up over it and just do as much as I can. I’d originally thought I could do this with the financial support of my husband and whilst I could of done, it just didn’t sit easy with me, so back to work I go but I’ve now formed a better plan for making this a sustainable practice in the future.
This week getting into the studio has been difficult as life got in the way, which means I’ve been in the studio over the weekend and magically made more hours for myself. Family have been supportive so that’s always helpful. I may of mentioned at the start that I’m working towards a solo show this October. Whilst talking this over with the mr over a glass of wine at the pub on Friday night we came up with a plan that realistically, if I want to sell my own art and make a proper living from it, then I will need to do at least four solo shows a year to make this work. I love this idea as it fits my personality. I love talking about my art but hate art fairs so this feels like my easy way, well not easy but my preferred way to do things.
With this in mind I’m working on doing as much painting as possible. It’s difficult but I’m doing it. I’ve just started a body of florals as my solo show is about the seasons, I wanted to work on summer florals as one section. It’s been ages since I’ve painted florals in oils and I’m struggling with my patience which is odd as when I paint landscapes I’m much more laid back about the time it takes. The picture shown above is the first layer of oils and cold wax which I will gradually build up over time. There is an art in itself to practicing techniques, it requires discipline and knowing that there will be paintings which I just don’t like and won’t make the Final Cut and I’m learning to be ok with that, to be ok with the fact that not everything I paint I’ll be happy with. Just accepting this takes a lot of pressure off.
Florals used to come easy to me but just lately I’m struggling and I think it’s because my techniques have moved on from when I paint landscapes that I can’t go back, so I’m having to practice new ways, making both mistakes and happy accidents, new discoveries and a way to move my art on. I think we can only make our own art and we can only do that by making a painting in our own unique way. Right now I’m just figuring out my own unique way with these florals. Tomorrow I’ll try a different method and see how that outcome feels. I like my art to feel beautiful and atmospheric and I want the same emotion to show through in my florals like it does in my landscapes. I’ll let you know when I’m there with that. But right now, it’s all about the practice.
Wishing you a good week.
Emma x