It’s very easy for a full-time artist to fail. I know, I hate to be a pessimist, but that’s the truth to the matter of it. I firmly believe there are two distinct types of failures when it comes to oil painting:
- Testing
- Quitting
If you’re objective is to become a collector-worthy” artist, you should test as many techniques as you can all day long, and unfortunately, there will be times where you will not like the results. It happens to the best of the best out there and is something that many of us working oil painters have to deal with. Sounds horrible, huh?
Well, on another note, quitting is absolutely catastrophic.
Here are a few characteristics in people that I’ve known to become quitters. Before criticizing, I want you to know that I’m not trying to single out anyone here. Simply put, I’m trying to help you better recognize these characteristics and traits:
1. They want results yesterday, and have zero patience for anything
2. They don’t put in the work that truly matters because they’re afraid of failing
3. They feel entitled to have everything completely free or cheap as possible (treating it like a side hobby versus a passion)
4. They spend too much time analyzing versus just doing
But the most common of all of them is quite simple…
5. They aren’t willing to commit to it
Now here’s the important thing to understand…
Almost everyone that I know (including yours truly) has shown these traits before at some point in their life.
Like most people living in the world today, I’ve quit things as well.
But, if you want to really excel and be in the “club” of individuals that are capable of creating “collector demanded” artwork, you’ve got to work past those negative traits and push yourself. Go against the grain and do things to succeed and become a better artist.
You can start by investing in your yourself through art classes. With the right mentor and mindset, the sky is the limits.
If you’re interested in taking art classes or having a private critique or consultation, please feel free to email me.
If not, feel free to check out some new pieces that I’ve just released in my online store:
This is one that I call the Golden Moment. It’s a small original oil painting on panel, that is perfect for any fan of sunsets…
I’ve also got a loose painting that I’ve created using acrylic oil paints. It’s for those that are red wine lovers. I can see this being displayed in a wine cellar or home owned by any wine drinkers.
