An Artistic Endeavor

Posted By Slade on June 1, 2010

“Self -Taught” – two little words that are frowned upon in some circles and praised in others.  I’ve found myself a little embarrassed by my lack of formal education, and until recently, I’ve evaded the subject.  But to be an effective representational painter knowledge is nothing short of a “requirement”.  In fact, representational painting continues to be as much a science today as it ever was, if not more.  The modern eye is more discerning than even a hundred years ago and we have something that the past masters did not – hundreds of years of representational master works and the ability to study their techniques, materials, triumphs and mistakes.

At an early age I focused my efforts on learning from the past masters.  Recently while flipping through some childhood drawings I came across a Da Vinci study that I dated at the age of 11.  Drawing and studying from books was followed by a string of mentors that took special interests in my talents, then junior college courses, then sporadic private lessons and workshops.  So, I’m not totally self-taught, but with a young hunger for knowledge without the bankroll or inclination to pursue an art school degree, I had to be creative and decisive in my approach to acquiring a classical education with my limited options.

Although I do believe that a formal education is a valuable tool, I also believe that there isn’t anything that you can’t learn from studying artwork, books, articles, websites or learning from peers, mentors and workshops.  I am in great debt to the artists and teachers out there who have taken the time to put their pens to paper, to explain their processes, give honest informative critiques, and yes – even “blog”.

On average I spend about 10-15 hours a week studying everything from composition to the chemical properties of artist’s materials…and I know that I’m not the only one.  From recent fine art college grads to the retiree who decided to dust off “the old paint box”, artists have questions and ‘trial and error’ being a long and tedious process is a counterproductive way to arrive at answers to the more basic questions.

For a primarily self-taught artist I have been very fortunate in my experience with artists, teachers and in my career and I hope that I can help with a few answers for artists that are searching for them online.

I welcome all artists that have a something beneficial to add to this blog regarding materials, resources and techniques, to comment or email me so that we can benefit from each other’s knowledge.  Thanks!!!

Category: Why Do I Blog?
Tags: