Episode 257: More Than One Direction

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 21:00:00 -0500

In the interest of having a consistent style, artists are generally advised to stick to one type of work --both in the studio and when exhibiting. But many artists are experimental, curious, and explore more than one direction—so this advice can seem too restrictive. In our last episode, we touched briefly on the idea that a range of the same artist’s work can be promoted effectively if done with consideration. If you have more than one direction you may have questions about how you can best present your work when exhibiting or in other situations, and today we will address those concerns.

While it is advisable to have one primary focus that you fully develop and go deeply into, there are many good reasons that artists explore multiple directions as sidelines. Working in various media and approaches tends to inspire new ideas, energy, and insights, and helps keep your work fresh. Different approaches may also appeal to different audiences and thus expand your marketing possibilities. But it's important to think about how to present your work when you have more than one direction. Different situations involve different concerns, and you need to consider the audience for each.

For example, when approaching a gallery or applying for a grant or commission, you will make the strongest impression if you present only your main body of work. In these cases, the person deciding about your work wants to see consistency and an immediate visual impression. Other situations, such as when you post on social media, hold an open studio, or do a slide talk about your work, it's fine to show the breadth of what you do. In these situations, your audience has more time to absorb your various directions. If you want to show a range of work on your website, it's best to clearly separate your various directions and provide some written insight into your reasons for pursuing them.

In the best scenario, your work in various media or approaches will have an interesting relationship. Viewers seeing a range of your work will then be able to deepen their understanding of who you are as an artist. If your ideas come from a strong inner source rather than being very scattered, -they will be more worthwhile for you to pursue,and be more likely to enhance how others view your work.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.

When you buy art supplies at Blick remember to use our affiliate link to support the podcast! Bookmark this link and then you don't even have to think about it again. This is one of the best ways to support the show. It takes a few seconds and costs you nothing! The Blick website works exactly the same way, but we earn 10% every time you buy art supplies.

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

What's new at Cold Wax Academy? As Rebecca and Jerry reach the end of their third year of Live sessions they are launching a new phase of programming aimed at reviewing and reinforcing foundation topics--beginning with Color in their Summer quarter that starts on July 5th. This summer's sessions will also mentoring and professional development topics, as well as a painting clinic and a member critique. As always, Members of Cold Wax Academy have unlimited streaming access to over 100 previously recorded sessions. And a table of contents to easily find specific topics in the recordings will soon be available. For more info and to join CWA please visit www.coldwaxacademy.com

Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for more information as well as basic information about using cold wax medium.

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience with Cold Wax Academy:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

Also-- please visit https://www.espacioart.org to learn about Rebecca and Jerry's newest project, Espacio, dedicated to providing beautiful living and working spaces for artists and writers. Espacio's first offering is Casa Clavel, a modern, fully equipped house opening this September in the beautiful cultural city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A few booking openings are still available in 2023, so please incquire if you are interested.

Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.

For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
www.facebook.com/messystudiopodcast

For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com

The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.

Episode 193: What Realism Teaches Us

Rebecca Crowell — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0500

It can seem sometimes like artists and art lovers fall into two camps—those that adamantly prefer abstraction, and those who feel the same way about realism. Of course, this is a very simplistic view of art --and the fact is that these two approaches meet and mingle in countless unique ways. But it can be demoralizing for an abstract artist to be dismissed out of hand as lacking seriousness and skill, and the same for the realist who may be criticized for lacking imagination or unique vision. In fact, all artists who have gained mastery at what they do have something to teach others.

Thinking of abstraction and realism as a simple duality is misleading; it is more useful to think of various ways of depiction as a continuum, with extremely realistic work at once end and completely nonrepresentational, pure abstraction at the other end. The line in between filled with various departures from either extreme, and any kind of art is an interpretation, and there are always limitations to the medium an artist uses.

While each way of working has its strengths, too often abstract artists don't consider or exploit the depth and nuances that can be observed in the real world and that realist artists are by necessity very aware of. These can bring more intricacy and complexity to abstract approaches. Realist painters learn skills such as creating visual texture through subtle shifts of value and color, and to edit their work carefully to create good composition that are applicable to abstract work as well.

On the other hand, realism may also include approaches that do not interest abstract artists such as depiction of deep space and perspective, and there are interests that are unique to abstraction such as a focus on materiality and visual elements for their own sakes. So, while there are distinct differences, it's worth paying attention to how these various approaches overlap. All forms of art have more in common than they do differences, and it can be very beneficial to understand other approaches to the visual world.

www.messystudiopodcast.com/blick

Rebecca and her partner Jerry McLaughlin are excited to be launching year two of Cold Wax Academy's membership program, which began in October of 2020. In the coming year, live online learning sessions will feature an entirely new set of topics---beginning with a deep dive into technique and the steps involved in developing a painting. Other topics for year 2 include professional development, abstraction and realism, principles of design, and expanded uses for cold wax medium.

As always, members have access to recordings of all previous sessions including everything from the first year, so it's easy to join anytime. Fall Quarter begins October 6th. Please visit http://www.coldwaxacademy.com for details about membership levels and to sign up for a year of exciting learning experiences.

Here is what a member named Sandy has to say about her own experience:
"Rebecca and Jerry have presented the most professional, authentic and structured approach to a creative activity I have ever come across. Their selfless sharing of all their knowledge and encouragement is a gift in my life unsurpassed."

The Messy Studio with Rebecca Crowell - Episodes Tagged with “Realism”

Episode 257: More Than One Direction

Episode 193: What Realism Teaches Us