April Fools - NOT

I sold my first artwork in high school.  I used that money to buy Laurie and I cheesesteaks on a Friday night date. Now I have the good fortune that I don’t have to sell my paintings to pay the bills.  Moonlighting as an engineer for forty years allowed me to paint what excites me while developing my own style.  I officially retired the ol’ slide rule (look it up millennials and other newbies) eight years ago and I now find that I’m working pretty hard at being the artist I always was.  This time each year its kind-a-funny that we file tax returns for art sales, have art business insurance and track art milage and other expenses. And I’m still painting what inspires me.

I’ve told interviewers that “I try to paint a picture that starts a story that each viewer can finish in their own mind guided by their personal experiences”.  It works sometimes as folks say, “I’ve been there” or “I can feel the cold in that painting”.  And some collectors tell me, “I have to have that painting it reminds me of…”. That part is really cool.

For those collectors out there, buy what excites you not just something to fill in a wall space. Buy from artists you can connect with and inspire you. Chat with the artist if you can… we appreciate and learn from your feedback.

For my students and other artists looking for tips… make April a “Check-in with your Mentor Month”. Get a critique, ask for advice, learn a new way or just have a chat.  It’s all learning that’s gonna help improve your art. I spent a day with my long-time mentor and got all the above. More importantly, he lent me a painting for a month so that I can study in detail.

What’s coming up…

• Plein Air sessions on April 8^th and 23^rd.  Spots are still available. Satisfaction guaranteed. See the Instruction section.

• “Painting Barnegat Light Workshop” at Pine Shores Art Association June 10^th. Link in the Instruction section.

And while you’re browsing check out Laurie’s SweetestSongPottery.com

This month’s painting from 2008 (the engineering years).  “Spring – Point Loma” (18” x 24).