Never thought it may be two styles for different reasons.
Interesting.Nice you are doing what you really want to.
I suppose there must be some frustrated artists who have to stick to the "bread and butter" side of things, do you think there is wasted talent because of such?
The commercial type of work was far more restricting - art directors would ask for a set of 6 Easter cards or Christmas cards - sometimes it got a bit frustrating, but back then, it was worthwhile. It was also a big learning curve and taught me discipline in my work too.
It could be fun ...6.45 flight to Hea
throw, breakfast in the Kings Road, then in for a meeting (the company was above Heals). Other meetings in Worcester and Islington etc.
I was even asked to do a painting of the Princess Diana roses as a commemorative print.
Not long after I stopped doing that type of work, the publishing companies began using in-house graphic art which greatly reduced costs, and the payments for outside sourced artwork were greatly reduced.
The fine art has been a
huge upward learning curve though, and it's been a journey of pure joy - setting the bar a bit higher each year. Apart from the first one, I've never approached a gallery either, they all approached me. Very humbling and so motivating.
However, the galleries and clients do come to expect a particular type of work, and to deviate too far from it can be a mistake. I do have ideas for work that isn't quite as people expect i.e. no fruit, just objects such as old coach lamp, motorcycle lamp or oil cans, a mandolin or violin, etc., and at one time I'd have put one or two into one of my solo exhibitions to see what happened, but since the recession ..and particularly since early 2012, it's been very difficult for both galleries and artists. That's one area of the economy that hasn't recovered yet unless at the very top levels for such as Hirst, Banksy, Gormley etc.
As such, it's brought it's own restrictions in that I feel an urgent need to paint things to an even higher standard, and because of that personal pressure & apprehension, probably fail miserably.
The lower level of sales to spur me on coupled with the feel of needing to achieve even better has had a rabbit in headlights effect on me, and added to whatever is causing my lack of focus & concentration, it's proving disastrous and making me really unhappy, not least because my solo exhibitions are my best chance for sales, and as such I try to produce a really decent number of my best work. If I were to lose those exhibitions, it would be devastating to me.
The bowl in this piece is amazing
View attachment 482488
Thank you!
I was pleased with that one too.
Glass & silver was something I didn't attempt much until recent years, and I soon realised that it was necessary to have the actual objects in order to get the correct reflections - with a little artistic license in order for it not to look too photographic.
Much better thanks, just went down the doctors, to let them have my discharge letter, and request 17 more of the Clopidogrel to last me until my next prescription is due, and I managed to walk at my old walking pace (light infantry 180/min)
, but on the way back the osteo arthritis started to kick in so had to slow down a bit, but the more I can do that it will help the OA ease up.
So good to hear that things are already so improved.
It's been a frustrating journey with all the last minute cancelled appointments and the failed attempt, so it's doubly nice that it's done at last
