Lindsay Allinger's Gallery

Hi again,

Previously I only addressed technical issues of training yourself and developing your drawing skills, but you also asked about the professional aspects of art. I can't talk about this in just one note; I'll try to get back to you from time to time.

At the highest stratospheres of prices for living artists, it's mostly a hoax. Read "The Twelve Million Dollar Shark." There are some people, like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, whose are the Paris Hiltons and Kim Kardashians of the art world. They're famous for being famous. I don't think what they did or do is anything to aspire to.

There is a very respectable level of real artists, who command good prices for their work. But even the very well known supplement their income by running schools and workshops, publishing books and prints.

To be self-employed in any field requires self discipline, a strong stomach for the ups and down, and endless hope in the face of adversity. There's a Bible verse which goes: 'Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build.' All to say, you give it your best, but there are no guarantees, but this isn't only in the business of art.

Keep drawing,

Laurel

I looked at the two artists whose work you  mentioned. Both have excellent drawing skills, which are foundational to good painting. Are you a self learner? If so, I recommend Juliette Aristides' "Classical Drawing Atelier." Put yourself through the paces described in Atelier Disciplines: master copy drawing, cast drawing, reductive figure drawing and portrait drawing. Even untrained eyes can recognize when human proportions are off, so drawing problems can detract from emotional and creative expression. Draw daily and find a friend or two to critique you. Talent must be refined and developed. No dancer or musician expects to reach the heights of their craft without daily hard work. We need to do the same. All the best!