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8 Things to Love and Hate about Being an Artist

October 22nd, 2014

8 Things to Love and Hate about Being an Artist

After years of painting and my first year of being a full-time artist, I have learned to love and love/hate the life......

I love....
- the satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment it brings when I nail what I wanted to create, or when the painting turns into something quite different from what I'd intended and with surprisingly wonderful bits.
- the feel of the paint under my brush... so much so that I need to get my fingers in the painting at some point (not great when using Cadmium reds etc.!).
- the feelings when I get a "wow!" when someone looks at my latest "masterpiece", or when they make a purchase. It is, frankly, a wonderful mix of pride and relief!
- that I can make something flat turn into 3D; create light and texture where there really is none and that I can evoke mood and feeling.

I hate/love....
- the fact that I have knelt on the floor bent over a commission painting I've already finished to "tweak" something (a face) to "get it just right".... for 5 hours!! The astonishing part is that it felt like 10 minutes. It was only when I stopped that I noticed my aching back and knees and that I was dehydrated and ravenous.
- that I am a natural DABBLER! I love to paint so many different things in different approaches that I can't seem to find my own style.
- the doubt and anxiety that inevitably comes during "ugly/awkward" stage of each painting, and the fact that some of them never really emerge from it.
- that it is such a challenge to sell enough paintings to make a living, despite talent and effort.

No wonder paintings can evoke a variety of feelings from on-lookers, for what is poured into each piece is a true roller-coaster of emotions.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY! (c: