MOST artists begin their studies in a traditional manner, of working from still lifes in black and white, first, then color, and so forth...Years in each "department."
As for myself...I do everything backwards! It wasn't until I starting teaching, that I realized I HAD NEVER PAINTED A STILL LIFE!!! Here I had students and teachers coming to me to study, I had wonderful still life set ups for them, and I had never painted one!
So, after every one left the first day of a 3 day workshop, I pulled some onions from the garden, and did my first painting!
I attempt never to do the same set up twice, thus giving each piece it's own unique "spirit".
I also set out to understand an art principle
that I want to understand better. Hopefully by the end of the period, I not only have learned something, but perhaps also have something worth signing and framing!
My primary goal, always, is to learn. If I just set out to do a painting to frame, I will never arrive at my destination!
It's almost like getting the cart before the horse...the "thing" that motivates me, is the discovery, the search, the "pulling" (like the horse) of what we may be blessed with, that may follow such an endeavor! The "cart" is the results, be it a painting to frame, or the cart that is the marketing aspect of my career. I think too many times artists may loose site of the reason to paint...is it to learn and to discover, or merely to sell? In the answer you will find where your passion lies!
http://www.billupsfineart.com
Betty Jean Billups: bbillups@coldreams.com - (208) 263-1117
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Betty Billups+artist, B.J. Billups, Billups Art, Plein Air Painters of America