Paint for Yourself

“I paint for myself. I don't know how to do anything else, anyway. Also, I have to earn my living, and occupy myself.” -Francis Bacon

 

In this day and age, I don't know if this statement is entirely true for anyone.

 

There seems to be a mad dash for everyone to be a "jack of all trades, master of none." Don't misunderstand me. There are circumstances where this works really well, and there are people that can pull it off with ease. But when mastery is no longer valued and encouraged, where is the craftsmanship?

 

We have an industrial mindset where the speed of production is valued over the actual product. Quantity has conquered quality to an extent. And let's be honest, art appreciation is not what it used to be. However, there is still a market. It just has different values than the markets of old, where people would sit for hours (sometimes for numerous sittings) and then wait weeks, months, and even years just to get a portrait.

 

In this day and age, most clients want their painting yesterday. The constant time crunch and lack of understanding of what actually goes into creating the artwork can be a drain on your enthusiasm and zest for art. This is where the statement becomes oh so true.

 

The cure for the industrial mindset is to paint for yourself!

 

Take your time, enjoy the process, make mistakes, and have fun with it. Then, share it.

 

I know it's weird to give yourself a big pat on the back, but take pride in your work. That time was valuable in being able to create the final piece, and with each painting you share that demonstrates how much time makes a difference, your art will gain value and you will gain a reputation that might just afford your more time in your next client piece.

 

If nothing else, it will occupy you and rejuvenate the part of you that longs for craftsmanship. You are not a factory. You are an artist.

 

So, do yourself a favor, and paint for yourself!

 

Hand-painted in Adobe Photoshop CC using the Wacom Intuos Pro and the Wacom Art Pen.