Me, Teach Art?

I have been encouraged on a couple of occasions to teach art. The problem for me is that I don’t understand why someone would want to watch me show them how to paint something so they could go away and duplicate what I have shown them.

To me it’s kind of like getting instructions on how to write songs from David Bowie.

I wouldn’t want to learn how to write “The Wide Eyed Boy From Freecloud” it’s been written.

Art is predominantly about the war to secure some kind of originality. It’s kind of hard to work towards that goal if you are being shown how to paint or being provided with too many techniques.

Take Sandra for example:

http://www.sandramucciardi.com/

You can’t teach that kind of art.

That art is the result of someone who has discovered something from within.

Granted, there is brilliant technique there. That takes some knowing. That takes quite a few late nights of agony. Perhaps she did learn a couple of techniques from a mentor or two over the years… and yet, maybe she didn’t.

But there is something very loud going on.

I’ll tell you what it is…

It is art that clearly represents the person who created it. The hesitation has completely gone (if it was ever there to begin with) . It’s like hearing a Alicia Keys song– you listen with confidence because you just know she is always going to hit every note because it’s no longer about technique, it is all about who she is.

What comes to mind when you look at Sandra’s art?

Well for me….

Purity.

An unrelenting dedication to something or someone close in her life outside of art.

A reminder that we all have a purpose – therefore keep searching because these eyes are looking out for you.

Perhaps Sandra is looking out for someone.

There is a sense of…

“I have had some experience with life, I have not let it make me jaded. There is so much that is still very mysterious about life” in there too.

The thing is, I don’t even know Sandra personally.

And yet I somehow managed to pick up a few things about her through her art.

But I’m certainly not an art critic. I don’t need to be. I am the public. I just need to know what I like.

So my point is, you don’t need to learn technique as much as you need to learn how to get your voice on the canvas.

Focus on the message and less on the paint.

That is the only real art lesson I can give in terms of “how to paint”.

However, I truly appreciate the requests I have had for me to show you a few things, but I have to be honest and tell you that I really am not in the business of teaching art.

Besides, I wouldn’t even know where to start (wink).

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Is Someone Making A Virtual Buck From Your Art?

I received an email some months ago from a lady who is a player/participant on the virtual world game…

Second life.

If you haven’t heard of second life, in summary here it is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

It’s not my thing, but it has given some people a chance of living out their fantasy world.  SL actually has it’s own currency (Linden Dollars). You can buy Linden Dollars with US dollars.

And Linden dollars is exchangeable to US dollars. I’m led to believe the exchange rate is something like L$275–285 per US$1

Anyway…

This lady wrote to tell me that she owned an art gallery in SL and that she had been selling images of my art (obviously taken from my website at CAKUart) to people who want art for their “virtual homes”

Kooky, but true.

Due to some new enforced copyright issues, people such as the lady who owned the gallery were forced to re-assess where and how they were accessing and distributing the art and images of real life artists.

Hence why I was contacted.

Ultimately she wanted permission to continue using my images to on sell to people who wanted some cool art for their virtual homes.

I rejected her request.

It’s nothing personal, its just business.

I said that unless I can see how the images of my art were being distributed for sale, and how they were being represented in her gallery, I no longer wanted her using them and requested that she delete them from her gallery.

I am aware that there are artists using SL to promoted their art. I have even heard of one story where an artist has done quite well for himself in terms of recognition. His popularity as an artist has shifted from the virtual world to the real life world.

Good for him.

Though I wonder if all that time spent on SL promoting his art could have been time better spent promoting his art in the real world.

Who knows for sure.

What’s your opinion on this?

Perhaps you are an artist who is using SL to promote your art. If so, how is it working out?

Or have you had any similar experienced with virtual galleries using your art to sell the images to members of SL so they can decorate their virtual homes and offices?

Perhaps you don’t even know they are using your images. Do you care or are you not phased by it?

Power to you and your art!

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Outdoor Art Shows and Festivals

Participating in outdoor shows and festivals really can EXPAND your world as an artist. For many artists in can in fact be the only avenue they’ll ever need to pursue in order to promote and sell their art. This in turn makes it easier for an artist to focus, organise their time and ultimately get their artwork in front of people on a consistent basis.

Exhibiting your art for sale at outdoor shows and festivals allows art buyers to see your artwork in flesh. They get to admire your work on a deeper level because they can view it directly up close.

As the artist you get to personally interact with people and explain your work, which helps to add significant value to your artwork. Art buyers get to see your artwork for what it truly is. They get the experience the ENERGY of your art –something that is difficult to achieve through promoting your art for sale on the Internet.

Art shows and festivals are like giant marketing laboratories for an artist – you are constantly exposed to genuine feedback, you can establish who your customer is, and you can test your marketing plan as much as you want until you begin to experience the results you want.

You also get to network with other artists. Networking with other artists will provide you with a wealth of information, great tips, advice and encouragement. There simply is no better resource than learning from the very people who are out there on the front line exhibiting their work for sale regularly.

Participating in Outdoor art shows and festivals provide what you ultimately need… a targeted market of buyers. The greatest benefit of being amongst a targeted market of buyers is being able to sell your art.

You can exhibit your art to impulse buyers, and both novice and experienced art collectors. You can create your own collector base. This can mean repeat sales through building customer/client relationships, and you can generally build a reputation within in the art industry.

One major challenge a lot of artist face is the on going costs involved with buying materials to maintain an inventory of work. If you are regularly participating in art shows and festivals, and selling your art, this of course means you can afford to keep creating your art because you are continuously generating a cash flow.

Expand your world as an artist and participate in Outdoor shows and festivals. It just may be the very course of action you needed to take to get things really rolling for you as an artist.

Some helpful words of advice…

Enter the outdoor show and festival circuit with the attitude to work and apply everything you learn along the way. Try to keep your foot off the accelerator and enjoy the experience – you’ll be far more receptive to what is going on and what you’ll need to apply in order to make things work for you, if you avoid going in with too many high hopes.

Most of all, enjoy the journey.

Watch the Get Your Art Out There Video

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Get Your Art Out There

Book Launch Date Is Sunday 11th April 12pm CDT If you are not already one of my “Anatomy Of An Artist” Newsletter subscribers, and you would like to be notified as soon as Get Your Art Out There is released, simply enter your details in the box to the right.

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Suffering From Information Overload?

What is information overload?

My take on it is…

Being impressed with too much

It’s being BURDENED with a real GORILLA of a problem, which is…

Presented with TOO many choices.

“Drowning in data”

(gulp)

Psst… they told me that things would get EASIER with the arrival of the Internet.

Most of us have never felt so OVERWHELMED.

Tsk

Tsk

Tsk

If you are an artist baffled as to where you should start because you have been exposed to SO MANY options to REALLY get the ball rolling, I have a few tips for you.

So let’s get on top of this problem with some…

Information Overload Management

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1.    What is important?

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When you have finished reading this email, get UP and walk outside and decide what MATTERS the most to you.

I discovered some time ago that the best way to get on TOP OF information overload is to decide WHAT you want, and then begin to work your tail off.

And don’t look back.

Don’t consider the options anymore.

You’ll feel so much more POWER, ENERGY and PASSION for being an artist.

(Yep, you will)

2nd Thing you have to do is…

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2.    Map The Day

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Before you let yourself get SOAKED and washed away with every TOM, DICK and Harry trying to get your attention, and waste a lot of your most precious resource which is…

TIME

Then decide HOW you are going to spend your time rather than let someone else decide that for you.

Not sure how too?

Have a look at the things you wrote down from principal one.

I refer to the “what is important?” list.

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3.    BLOCK distractions.

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When you are on the computer working, turn off Facebook instant messenger.

Turn off the MSN messenger

Turn off skype.

Stay out of the forums

And get some work done.

It really is as simple as that.

I DARE you to only read a 3 emails a day.

I DARE you to only ANSWER 3 emails a day.

Pssst… you don’t gotta read them. You don’t gotta answer them.

They CAN wait.

Honest.

Remember:  Feel the POWER of control

(wink)

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4.    Tell The Crew

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Do not be afraid to set boundaries.

You have to tell your family (friends) this is how it is…

“I gotta work, I work between these times, and I would GREATLY appreciate that we come to some arrangement so that I can make it happen, because I just have to make it happen”

I set those rules LONG ago

I wasn’t rude about it.

My crew appreciate it

They have seen the results I have made because of it.

They know I have to do what I do.

When you are just starting out, your family and friends may not be able to completely appreciate this request because in their mind you aint as famous as Mick Jagger.

So they be tempted to ask…

Okay, then why do you need all this “special time” then Miss Madonna?

Because you CANNOT progress unless you ESTABLISH boundaries to USE your TIME to contribute MASSIVE ENERGY into your creative calling.

And when you are not working, give your family and friends ALL the time you can.

Fair deal?

Yep, I think so.

The thing is, mastering information overload can be made really easy if you follow those steps.

The one thing that is going to see you produce results better than anything else is being able to MASTER your time.

Master Your PRIORITY = MASTER your TIME.

If you are looking to focus on just one avenue of selling your art, then keep your eye out because I am right in the middle of having my first art-marketing book published.

Wow

Exciting

I agree with you.

My book, “Get Your Art Out There” is due for release in the coming weeks.

So if you would like to know more, I will have an update real soon.

Till next time,

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Travel Bug

In my personal experience, nothing creates inspiration like traveling does. It opens your soul and in some respects extends your life. I have traveled to over 20 countries and it has truly added to my overall appreciation for life. Here are some pics from a few countries I have had the privilege to experience.

(Africa – Sahara Desert, Morocco) That was my camel – his name, “Jean Claude Van-Dame.” We got on quite well. Though I swear his snorts were an indication that he was getting tired in his old age.

The silence when you walk out far enough into the Sahara Desert is amazing. Though I did hear our travelling buddy Chris (from Canada) yelling something about not being happy with one of the locals charging him too much for the camel journey we were under taking. I heard him yelling something about leaving the camp and threatening to walk home – back to Canada.

Chris walking back to Canada

Myself and Chris in the main street of Marrakesh Morocco. What a wonderland that town is. Oh, that’s us trying to cross the street. It’s around about 4:15pm there. Not bad considering we starting trying to cross the street at quarter to three.

This is me in the Atlas mountains after just having recovered from being very ill. Something I ate. We did not manage to get up as high as we would have liked simply because our bodies were still in a bad way. But we had a go.

Yes that is a snake around my neck – a real one – a live one (Main square – Marrakesh).  Steve Irwin would have been proud of me – god rest his soul. Though I don’t look that confident do I? This apparently, is a custom to warn of bad spirits. Ironic – I actually told the spirits a long time ago that I hope I never get caught with a snake around my neck.

Sitting with a few Aussie travelers on the roof in Marrakesh.

(Cairo – Giza – Egypt) Gosh, that shirt got some wearing. What a place. really amazing. I was surprised that the pyramids of Giza are right on the city’s edge. I had always imagined it to be way out in the desert. In fact there is a McDonald’s just down the road from the pyramids.

Police wanting to know where I bought the shirt?  Not really. In fact they asking us leave the pyramid compound. You see, they actually close the gates at 5pm. We were still in there trying to get photos of the sun going down over the pyramids. After a bit of bartering, they let us stay. All they requested from me was some ‘pens.’ Yeah, like as in ‘biro.’ Seemed like a fair deal to me, though I am not sure to this day why there was such big interest in Biro’s in Cairo.

(Dahab, Egypt) I spent a lot of my time in Dahab Egypt under water. How could you not? It has some of the best coral reef diving in the world.

Waiting for my diving partner.

Everything is wonderful under the sea

(California, USA) Hey go easy on my enthusiasm. After all, this is Hollywood! The hair you can comment on, sure. But not the enthusiasm.

Halloween sure is one hell of a celebration in this town. I loved L.A.’s enthusiam for it. This is my bunch of pals throwing a party especially fo the occasion. We had just just rocked into town and had nothing to wear for halloween. Quickly found something though. That’s me on the far left.

(Petra, Jordon) What an awesome place! Mind blowing. To think that they carved that out of the face of the mountain back when there was inadequate scaffolding and no overtime wage incentives.

I always get his one mixed up, but I think this one is called the ‘embassy’ and the other one, for which we had to walk quite some way up the up through the valley mountain, is called the ‘Treasury.’

(Palmyra, Syria) - Sleepy Sandy Plains Of History Definitely one of the most amazing places I have had the pleasure to experience. I think it was the calmness and the quiet of Palmyra that made it such a tranquil but eye opening experience. We stayed one night. The evening meal played havoc on my stomach for 2 days after. It’s amazing how your stomach holds such a grudge huh…for 2 days! Sheesh!

That’s me trying to get an ever better view

Luxor, Egypt – By Night (Luxor Temple)

A little foreboding but an amazing atmosphere to be apart of this historical land mark at night.

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Waiting For Inspiration

I haven’t studied a lot of art history, so I don’t know much about it. But I like to think that is because I am often too busy contributing to it.

In other words I don’t rely on the history of art to push me forward with inspiration. I don’t spend 2 hours flicking through artist memoirs or wandering around the local museum. Call me an ignoramus, but that’s just how it is with me.

It kind of bugs me a bit when some artists suggest to other artists the long way around seeking inspiration in order to get some work done.

I may sound like a bit of a spoilsport, but only people pretending to be an artist sit around, search and spent hours wandering through their local library or gallery trying to seek inspiration.

The active artist, the disciplined artist does not worry about it. They don’t get up and say, “Gosh, where will I get my inspiration from today.” He or she knows that they just have to rock up. They just have to clock in.

They just have to get their tail into the studio at 9am sharp or 8pm sharp – whatever the schedule is.

Waiting for inspiration is like sitting around waiting for the perfect partner to knock on the door. It’s just not going to happen unless you leave the house and interact with people.

In other words, do whatever it is that you need to do in order to get the result you ultimately want. In the case of the artist, they just have to start working at 9am (or 8pm) whether it be scribbling, writing and planning – they just have to be in attendance and in front of the canvas,  so to speak.

This often requires you to work with a headache, with a toothache, without inspiration, after a bad exhibit, after a dispute with the phone company or hearing some bad news.

Yeah it’s hard, really hard some days. But it’s the only way to actively produce some solid results as an artist.

Are you still waiting for inspiration? Don’t wait, be proactive. Just try doing some work, you’ll often find it right there.

Power to you and your art!

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An Artists Prayer

1. Love what you do

2. Be patient

3. Do not tolerate disorder. Inspiration finds it difficult to present itself when there is chaos.

4. Don’t question your talent, just use it. Focus on how, and forget about why.

5. Always remember the best way around fear is going straight through it

6. Never make excuses. Nobody is responsible for your life but you.

7. Never wait for the perfect opportunity.

The path you walk will always be uneven. Learn how to step over the cracks, deal will the setbacks and learn to asses how to make the most of your time and energy in order to keep moving forward.

8. Know that as an artist, you are prone to self-sabotage. Don’t deny it, because if you do you can never be prepared to confront it.

Know that there is no greater force that will try to “remove you” from your craft than that little inner voice of defiance. Know that it is there, accept some of the crap it will try to get you to believe, but carry on doing your work regardless. Time, persistence and accepting that each day is a going to be different is what will keep you winning the fight against self sabotage and that little inner voice of defiance.

9. Don’t work for applause. Be of service to your craft.

10. Know that you are not your art.

Avoid identifying yourself through the paintbrush. Society, history, family and love have given you the privilege to be an artist. If you believe you are your art, you’ll dilly dally around in your own mind instead of mastering your technique. Master your technique, use the privilege you have been given, so when inspiration hits, you will always be ready to create that masterpiece(wink).

11. Don’t be too proud to seek help. Know that you cannot do it all on your own. Ask for assistance. We all need a lawyer, accountant and a coach.

12. Accept that the art industry is a breeding ground for criticism. Critics know that it hurts you when they are critical. Criticism is the weak man’s way of tyring to get you to be obedient. He knows full well that criticism doesn’t just hurt you psychologically; it hurts you on a cellular level also. Remove the emotion and look at your art objectively. Do that and you’ll be able to watch the critics tear your work to pieces while you sit back and have a laugh.

13. Know that your career as an artist and many days five, ten, fifteen years from now will throw challenges at you. Be aware of this and it will save you from being overcome by humiliation and defeat. Be aware of it so your inner voice of defiance (self-sabotage) does not wallow in it like a pig in a sty when challenges do arise. Keep your mind on what is good. Be grateful you get to use your craft and be the performer, regardless if you have to dodge a few tomatoes from the audience from time to time.

14. Acknowledge and appreciate other artists, creators and people serving your industry.

Power to you and your art!

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Tips On How To Be Awesome (wink)

Attitude is the single biggest attribute you must attain in order to be regarded as awesome.

Your interpretation as to what is going on is FAR more significant than what is actually going on. Think like that you’ll considered to be quite awesome.

Establish your OWN way of doing your thing. This is how you separate yourself from the herd.

Never avoid doing something for fear of what other people will think. Do not be unarmed by presumption. In other words, tell yourself (not them) “I don’t give a s___ what you think, I’m going to do it anyway!”

Never take criticism personally. Lose the emotional attachment to your art. Go pro and look at your work from an objective point of view. That’s business, not emotion. Create with emotion, but ditch it as soon as your work gets to the auction house.

Know you are outstanding, but always share your wisdom and never claim it as your own. The person who claims to know it all is a fool. The person who claims to know it all AND be the innovator of his wisdom is not a just a fool, but should be avoided at all costs.

ALWAYS remember that you cannot be awesome on your own. You need other people around you who are also awesome.

BE REAL and you’ll attain real friends, business associates and collectors.

Be accommodating.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. I can assure you there are people out there who already do. They don’t need any more company (wink).

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Your aweseome!

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What Do You See For 2010?

I have been laying out a basic blueprint plan for 2010.

Just like every year, I want the New Year to be my best year ever. It doesn’t always work out that way – in other words, there are always big challenges that throw my plans around and delay things. But I have become used to it now… and I factor that in to my plans.

If you have been sitting on the fence in regards to wishing you could do something worthwhile as an artist, then you should know that 2010 will be the same… a long time sitting on the fence… unless you write down what you want to do and create a few basic action steps to make it all fall into place.

If you have been meaning to start that business, then start it now.

If you have been meaning to get an exhibit up and running, then contact the owner of the venue you want to exhibit your work in, tomorrow.

If you have been putting off spending an allocated amount of time each day in your studio, then create a big poster that says, “What! Are you gutless? Then get in the studio, now!” and stick it on your bathroom mirror.

Make that art video and upload it onto YouTube.

Get your website built.

Start your blog and keep a regular running dialogue for your fans and collectors to read.

Do what it is you have been putting off and make it happen in 2010. Chances are, if you don’t, you probably never will. At least, that’s how I view it.

We can go and on and make every excuse we want. Um, I think they are called “rationalisations” actually. Rationalising and excuse making is part of our human genetic makeup. It’s like this unseen power that controls us. But if we are aware of it, we can actually acknowledge it and avoid it by simply doing the work we need to do in order to achieve what we want to achieve.

It’s that simple really. Just do your work.

Don’t have the time?

Get up two hours earlier (I do)

Still got an excuse?

Too bad… it just wont happen for you. And that is the reality of it. Unless you can stop listening to the bullshit you tell yourself, things simply will not happen.

All we have is now, so go and make it work. At least, give it all you have to try and make it work.

Do your work.

Make 2010 a cracking year and one you can look back on and tell the kids, “That was the year it happened for me”

Happy New Year.

Power to you and your art!

Carl

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