I posted the sketch a few days ago, but I had a chance to sketch this out on the canvas today and it’ll be the next painting that I tackle…
I like the paintings I’m doing a lot these days, and I’m building up a nice portfolio of work in this series. My friends say nice stuff to me about them, but I really wonder if I’m kidding myself that I can actually pull off a successful gallery show let alone sell enough art to maybe live off it one day. I mean, it’s not like the stuff I paint isn’t something that anyone could paint… All it takes is the motivation to do it — but maybe that’s the big scam in art… That anyone can do it, and anyone can do it well?
But I guess that’s true of most things, and one of the realities of success in all things is that it’s as simple as just going to the effort of doing it.
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I think you’re right about most people being able to become proficient at most things, with a little (or lot) of practice.
And quit being so humble. You know your paintings are good, and you know you could get a show if you wanted. I say, go for it. It’s a nerve-wracking but fun experience – just like most things in life, I guess.
Oh, I’m not in any way downplaying my opinion of my paintings — I love them! But I do think anyone could do great paintings if they decided to.
Any advice on getting a show is totally appreciated by the way.
Your paintings are unique and exceptional as are you. If you wanted to you could get a bunch of them and your sketches together and see if there’s a common thread running through them that you could tie together into a short story.
Many people who started out as illustrators have had gallery shows and have made big bucks. Toulouse Lautrec painted posters, Norman Rockwell is very recognized and was quite popular in his time. they’re all considered artists, painters. Where you cash comes from, who cares?
Painting, let me say creating, is great therapy isn’t it??
Sorry I don’t know about getting shows, the ones I have been in were long ago and I was asked to participate. Linda
I can’t paint walls one solid color for crap. I know that I do not posses the talent it takes to produce the artwork that you do. Besides what you create really is art, you make it art by putting yourself into it. Anyone can write a book, but whats the difference between writing a book and writing a great literary work?
I love your artwork, and it would look great in my house. I think you are wrong, however, about the ability to paint. I’m a doula, and I don’t think anyone can do it successfully – you have to have the passion and fire for it.
I also wanted to let you know that you and Nefarious totally inspired me, and now my 6 year old and I do collaboraitive drawings together. THANK YOU.
Shannon, I wish you would smile more often in your photos!
oh my god, that’s awesome! i need that painting!!! ;)
Shannon, I´ve been watching your paintings in IAM and here, and let me tell you, if I ever go to Canada, I would definitely like to buy some painting from you.
If I feel this way, I guess I am not the only one.
What´s great about your work, or at least what I love about it, is how naive and full of color it is, and I usually don´t even like colors!!!
I say go for it!
The paintings are good, and getting better. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t or shouldn’t show them publicly.
Shannon, you’re right – almost anyone can become skilled in anything given the right amount of investment in time, practice and passion. Some people seem to be more inclined or gifted in some ways than others, but that doesn’t mean that they have a permanent advantage – just think of all the horrible tall basketball players out there – they have the advantage, but not the interest, or the willingness to make an investment in learning the skill.
“Your friend’s painting looks good, but I only see one, and it looks like there is another one in the works. But if he wants to have a show he’s going to need like ten to pick from because the gallerists like to leave some out, I don’t know why, it makes them feel more powerful or something. From what I see I think he needs to have a lot more work.”
Advice from a loved one who has had a show in NYC. It wasnt exactly detailed in telling how TO get up with a gallerist (?!) but I informed her of your volume of work and asked for specifics so maybe.
Yeah, in this series I have four complete right now, and this one’s well on its way now… I was shooting for having a dozen done that I could offer up.
Does the popout menu on the left display “this webpage cannot be..” for anyone else? When I click on the “Popout Menu not working?” link, it just moves it down slightly. Any idears?
Correction; She ascertains that she has not had a show, doesnt have enough work in recent years and knowing her mad skillz, this is criminal but that’s beside the point. Unfortunately it sounds like there is much networking involved…
“if you have a body of work you document it, and you just go around and introduce yourself and say you’re an artist who is interested in a show. The galleries take a huge cut from any sales you make which is how they pay their bills, so whether or not they take you just depends on if they think they can sell you to their normal clientele, so you’re better off going somewhere that is as much in tune with your work to begin with as possible”
You know all of this already I’m sure so really it’s more a question of gallery hunting at this point.
looks amazing, kinda reminds me of a devildriver video :)
i need some of your art bro…….problem is i think im not the only one in the que ;)
Always love your artwork, and think that people would flock to buy your art!!
omg a gallery show would rock…it would totally remind me of my first year at york getting drunk for free and pretending the first year art was deep.
cheese platters and kegs…woo hoo!
also
*still waiting patiently for caitlin to post*
There are as many routes as you can imagine to getting a show:
- Know somebody. That always helps. I’m sure you know somebody if you think hard enough.
- Submit some work for a juried show. Often, these are theme shows, so your mileage may vary.
- Get a group of artists together (if even 2 or 3) and have a group show. There’s less pressure on you, and a gallery owner can be a little more willing to book a group because there’s a variety of work being shown.
- Rent a library gallery space, or even get a show at a coffee shop. Every little show counts, no matter what anybody says.
Unless you know somebody, getting a one-person show as your first is nearly unheard-of, even if it seems that way. Most people will need to work their way up to bigger and better shows. Which is a good thing: you’ll learn along the way how the system works, how to prepare for mounting a show, etc.
I started having shows at 17 or 18 with some school friends, and within a year we must have put on 6 or more shows, with each one getting more and more press coverage (I even managed to sell a piece). After a few shows, you might find that gallery reps are coming to YOU, rather than the other way around.
As far as advice for your work: get a lot of it. A lot. It’s like any other portfolio – the better it’s put together (with consistently good work) the more likely you’ll grab somebody’s attention.
I know, all painfully obvious, but sometimes it’s good to hear. Don’t look over the small shows, commercial shows, etc.
also – why put in the effort, when you can just steal the fruits of someone else’s effort?
“Most people know what is going to come in the future, because it’s already happening.” – Terry Pratchett
I think I read that 15 years ago in The Colour of Magic(?) but every day it seems to have a new application.
Create art – you will be/are an artist.
Saying anyone can do what you do is bullshit. I can’t even draw a stick man well and my creativity level is about that of a small insect. So get over it dude, you have telent, hold your head high and pull your shoulders back, I know I would if I could create and draw like you. Your quite lucky.
Jake — it’s not about technical perfection. ANYONE can be taught how to draw perfectly… The trick is being willing to pour yourself into the paint.
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