• Home
  • Blog
  • Paintings for Sale
  • Painting Course
  • Top Painting Tips
    • Prints
  • Art Coaching
  • Resources
  • Free Download
  • Artist Statement
  • Podcast
  • Painting Podcast
  • Contact
  • Reference and Tutorial
Malcolm Dewey Fine Art
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Paintings for Sale
  • Painting Course
  • Top Painting Tips
    • Prints
  • Art Coaching
  • Resources
  • Free Download
  • Artist Statement
  • Podcast
  • Painting Podcast
  • Contact
  • Reference and Tutorial

An Artist's Sacred Space: The Studio

30/9/2014

Comments

 
Paul Cezanne's Studio
Paul Cezanne's Studio
Every artist needs a space to make art. Fortunate artists have a dedicated space they call their studio. Others have to make do with a corner of the living room or bedroom. The latter aspire to greater things as I did once when I used my bedroom corner as an improvised studio. I did not mind and it trained me to be careful about messing paint. A useful skill. Now I have a suitable studio all to myself. How fortunate am I!

There is no doubt that the word studio conjures up romantic images. It certainly sounds a lot better than office. Spending time in your studio sounds like time well spent. On the other hand does anyone wish to spend more time in an office? Why would they? It sounds too much like unpleasant work.

Setting up a studio is not difficult. An easel and a small side table for your palette and paints is sufficient. A little cupboard space to keep some of the other items like brushes, jars, painting panels and so forth will ensure a neat and welcoming spot. The most important point is that your space be ready for more work at short notice. Consider the welcoming studio used by Paul Cezanne shown above. There is real energy within such a space.

Clutter Kills Creativity
Aside from having your studio on standby for when the muse strikes you will also need to keep an eye on creeping clutter. This condition befalls all artists. One day you will open your studio door to stare at piles of assorted artist’s kit blocking free movement and wonder where it all came from. Clutter is insidious. It robs energy and hampers free thought. There is another problem however. Artists seldom spot the clutter before it reaches critical conditions.

Fortunately I have my wife who is the bane of all clutter. She recently put me on notice to sort out my studio. This might have turned into a domestic disturbance, but I had to concede that I could not reach into certain corners without moving piles of canvasses, used paint tubes and other oddments that should have been binned long ago. I had to do something.

Make a Date to Restore Your Studio
So a Saturday was set aside for the task. What I thought would be a morning’s work turned into two days of labour that left me with aches and pains for the next week. My better half made me carry out every item in the studio until we had the bare shell. The walls needed repainting and from there it was an extreme makeover. Nothing was spared and we were ruthless.

How did a little bedroom corner turn into a cluttered studio? Give it a few years and other priorities. Before you know it you have something that will no longer be an energising space within which to create. Having gone through this process I am resolved never to repeat it. If something comes in then another item must be thrown out.

Resolve to Make a Sacred Space
I know there are some artists who seem to insist on cluttered studios, but I suspect they are missing out on something. A studio must be a sacred space where energy can move freely. Air, light and sound not to mention the artist’s movements must never be blocked by clutter. Friends and collectors should not be horrified but noises and movement under piles of canvasses. Rather let them share your studio and the delight you have in creating.

So if you have a studio take a moment to assess whether it needs a clean out. You may also remove a few creative blocks together with all the clutter.  Have fun!

Need a little inspiration? Check out my Artist's Studios Pinterest board. There are tips for storage, studio layouts and much more. 
Comments

The Artist Who Conquered Doubt

12/9/2014

Comments

 
Picture
It is one of the peculiar parts of human nature. The desire to create something as well as the appreciation of art for art's sake. No other species does this. What makes this even more peculiar is that art is perceived as merely a luxury. True when survival is at stake purchasing or creating a painting is not a priority. Yet even in the extremes of war the preservation of art was important. Important enough for people to risk their lives. We saw this in the true story recently shown in the movie Monuments Men.

Think of the history of art. What compelled cave paintings when life was so precarious? Perhaps art had supernatural power to help them survive? Despite weapons and strength the human mind sought something more from art. Even in these modern times art can provoke extreme responses. But how is this relevant to you me? I simply want to make art and maybe you feel the same or you want to collect a special piece of art.

You see there is still one big issue that artists struggle with. It is the doubt that what they are producing is not good enough. Even worse is the artist who does not start creating because of self doubt. Yes there are other challenges artists face too, but so long as the doubt exists there is no more energy to face these challenges. That is what doubt does. It steals the artist's will to create. What is the answer?

There is only one response to doubt. Make a start. Persist.

We would not have been given the urge to create and appreciate art if it was not important. Animals can attack and destroy and so too can humans. But only humans create art for the sake of art. It does matter. Art is part of what makes us unique. So when the doubts surface remember that your art is necessary. Do not hide your talents. Share your art and be confident that you are following a tradition of endeavour that is unique in the universe.

Comments

Tips For Painting Commissions

2/9/2014

Comments

 
Picture
The Wave (oil) 90cm x 65cm
The words "I would like to commission a painting" should be exciting to any artist. It is a compliment and a financial windfall. However commissions can go horribly wrong if the basics are not covered. Commissions are simply part of the artist's repetoire and come with their own unique challenges.

Here are a list of considerations for both artists and collectors:

Artists:
  1. Do not be guided in your decision by money alone. Despite having the wolf camping outside your door it will not solve your problems if you accept a bad commission deal. You will only add to your troubles.
  2. A commission is a relationship with a collector. It is not the trading of goods. The difference is huge and requires both parties to get to know each other. If this scares you then rather pass.
  3. Communication is key. Ask the collector questions such as: the subject of the painting, what size the painting must be, where will it be displayed, framing requirements, which of your current works the collectors likes most. Also ask what the collector does not want. These will all give an indication of what the collector imagines your painting will look like. These basic questions will lead to more questions and clarity.
  4. Personality Issues? Much as I would like to keep it all business it is not possible since painting has a strong emotional content for both parties. If there is a personality clash the whole deal will end badly. This can have a major negative effect on the artist's morale. Keep your eyes open for these issues early on so that you can pass on the job if uncomfortable.
  5. Price:  This is often easily agreed upon, but needs to be sewn up properly. Put it in writing even if it is only recorded in emails with a written acceptance by the collector. Agree on price and a deposit (usually one-third up front nonrefundable). Negotiate if you must, but know in advance where your sticking point is. Do not undervalue yourself. Keep costs such as materials, delivery, framing and your time in mind. You do not want this to become a financial loss.
  6. Progress: I like to keep collectors updated on progress. I do not send photos until near completion and finally upon completion. If the collector can view it in person then do a reveal and make it a fun occasion. It is at this point that you want to deliver and be paid in full too.
  7. Payment: This is where things can get sticky. I suggest that delivery only take place once full payment is received. This is accepted practice, but you will find requests from collectors who want to take the painting on approval before making their mind up. Resist this as it can throw the entire deal into doubt. The painting is complete and you are entitled to full payment. Not payment in installments. Be strong!
  8. Get Excited! Talk, share and have fun. Your vision and the collector's vision are beautiful things to talk about. Keep the entire process an enriching experience for both of you. 

Collectors:

  1. Be Realistic: Unfortunately some art lovers are so moved by their favorite artist's work that they want a large painting or two. Both parties get caught up in the excitement of it all, but then price comes up and everything fizzles out. By having checked out the artist's other paintings and prices you will have an idea what the cost will be. Do some homework on this and it will help you negotiate without being embarassed. 
  2. Know What You Want: Be prepared with the subject matter in mind. Reference photos in place and a good idea about size of the painting. Do not be shy about what you want painted and where it will be displayed. Yes we know that paintings need to match the decor sometimes. That is life.
  3. Price: Without repeating myself be sure about the price and get this all confirmed in writing. Then stick to the deal.
  4. Progress: Get an idea on duration of the project. Although things come up and there may be delays this should not add months to a project. Sometimes time is critical. Make this a point of the contract. Ask for updates, but do not nag the artist. Calls and texts every few hours will not help!
  5. Have You Commissioned Work Before? Yes both artist and collector have track records. If you have commissioned art before then tell the artist. It will give the artist some comfort too. 
  6. Share Your Vision: If you are new to the art world you may feel shy about opening up about your vision for the painting. Do not hold back. Artists should welcome your feelings as this will help them get into your psyche a bit. It will help with the painting as there is an emotional factor involved.
  7. Any Issues Before Delivery? If there is a major issue with the completed project such as quality of work, materials or some departure from what was understood then try and resolve it amicably. Usually there would no be a big issue at such a late stage because each party did  their due dilligence. 

Commissions can be fun for artists and collectors. By taking a few common sense steps there should not be any problems, but rather the start of a beautiful relationship between artist and collector.

Any suggestions or points that you would like to add? Please leave a comment.
Comments
    FREE Book
    Picture

    Color Tips for Artists:
    ​Free
    Picture

    Book Bundle Special
    See More
    Picture

    Author

    Malcolm Dewey: Artist. Country: South Africa
    View Portfolio:

    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    Categories

    All
    Art Business
    Artist Notes
    Books Worth Every Dime!
    Its An Artists Life
    Musings
    News
    Painting Course
    Painting Demonstration
    Painting Tips
    Podcasts
    Popular Posts Archive
    Reviews


    Picture

    Picture

    Visit Malcolm Dewey Fine Art's profile on Pinterest.

    FREE
    ​GUIDE

    Picture

    RSS Feed


    Picture

    Picture

Studio:  Troon Crescent, Port Alfred, South Africa
​Malcolm Dewey Fine Art is committed to top quality art, excellent educational material and having a great time! To back that up all works sold come with a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. Simply return the work, undamaged, within 30 days. Returns at purchaser expense. All transaction are protected by third party bank-level encryption to keep your information safe. Plus your email address is safe. No spam - ever!

​Copyright 2010-2020: Malcolm Dewey Fine Art
​
Picture
30 Day Money Back
Picture
Secure Transactions
Picture
Picture
No Spam Ever!
Photos used under Creative Commons from maHidoodi, buggolo, Fabio Téllez
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Paintings for Sale
  • Painting Course
  • Top Painting Tips
    • Prints
  • Art Coaching
  • Resources
  • Free Download
  • Artist Statement
  • Podcast
  • Painting Podcast
  • Contact
  • Reference and Tutorial