ARTWORK FAILURES
WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WORNG … WRONG !
Recently I posted on Facebook a meme that read, “The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.”
When experienced artists confront difficulties, they either know that somehow they will get through it, or that it is just not worth the time or artistic juices to push the piece of artwork any further. Therefore, the project gets temporarily shelved or trashed in favor of a new and, hopefully, more promising project. The beginner artist, upon experiencing difficulties or failures, often begins to doubt his or her artistic abilities and may even contemplate abandoning their dream of becoming an artist.
In my blog, which is about all things artistic, I have used the word “throes” as in “…the throes of creating a work of art”. Dictionary.com defines it as: “THrōz/ : intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change.” How appropriate when contemplating what goes on inside most every one of us as we struggle through the emotional ups and downs of creating a work of art. Often our inner voice gently whispers ,”This piece just might be the best thing you have ever done!” And then 10 minutes later that same inner voice screams,” Throw this piece of crap away before someone sees it!”
I once had a very gifted adult art student whose first attempt at every medium was a huge success. I entered the very first graphite portrait that he had ever done in an art show and it won “Best in Show”. After roughly two years of successfully handling every media, he attempted a scratch board, and at his level of ability, it just didn’t turn out very good. In disgust he said, “I guess I have just been fooling myself “. He walked out the door, and I never saw him again.
NEWS FLASH: “You are not going to master every media!”
I have had many hundreds of art students who are great at two-dimensional media, but cannot sculpt whatsoever. Then again, many sculptors don’t seem to be able or are just not interested in drawing and painting. Many tight pen-and-ink artists hate the uncontrollable wet and wash qualities of watercolor and many painters feel that they are slowed down too much when asked to work in colored pencil. Some artists want to master every single medium and can’t wait to jump head-first into the next one. Often we find that the most successful artists “choose to fail” in most media so that they succeed in their medium of choice.
So … your watercolor wash went a little out of control, huh? Lift it off with paper towel and try again or throw it out and start over tomorrow. You are still a good artist; you are simply moving through the throes of creating a work of art … as do all artists. Count on failures and set-backs and don’t panic when things go wrong.
Sometimes “set-backs” become “set-ups” for new ideas, new techniques, and innovation and they often become a runway for creativity. And, by the way, don’t “choose to fail” on any media until you have tried it.
As an artist the goal for myself and for my students is to try to learn every medium. So much so that upon receiving a commission or inspiration I can effectively use whatever medium best fits the subject . The alternative being that I have to bend, alter or reduce the subject to fit it into my limited range of abilities. The reality is, of course, that you will prefer a certain few media but the “goal” should always be to learn them all.
Agree totally, Dave. I’ve tried many mediums and continue to work in colored pencil, watercolor, and acrylic. Started out in oil, went to acrylic, added pastel and watercolor. Now I can work in several areas using whatever fits the subject.
Thank you Diane and BIG THANX ! for sharing my art blog with your many art friends
Dave, you put things so neatly in such clear order. Thanks for your blog. I sure enjoy reading your words of wisdom. I put down the pencils and have become an idiot at working on home made cards. My kids even have purchased shelves, tables, etc that I use as my “GAL CAVE”, the bedroom here being long forgotten. So much of what you said, even though my corner of interest is on a smaller dimension of things you were referring to, has proven true for me, I started out with Iris Folding, since then have gone to classes to use stamping, embossing, and can’t wait for a new adventure with something new. Oh how much fun it is to stretch these lazy bones to “the unknown.” At 82, I’m still ready for the next adventure. Keep up the great blogs. One of your fans…..