“All artists are willing to suffer for their work. But why are so few prepared to learn how to draw?”–Banksy
This truism unfortunately seems to be a prevalent tune in the art world. Conceptual artists are well and good, but can they draw? On the flip side, you hear folks say “I can’t draw” in response to the question “Do you create art?” To break down the quote, it’s not about learning how to draw: it’s about being disciplined in creating your work. How many artists fit the suffering ‘sensitive artist’ stereotype, and what can artists do to break that classification? Discipline!
“You need to draw everyday. Buy a sketchbook and take it everywhere with you.”—commentary from Avatar: The Last Airbender animator on Nickelodeon
Good advice. How many artists do you know who actually follow it? My challenge to you, and myself, is to do just that. Draw everyday; good, bad, mediocre, you don’t have to share it with anyone. Get a small sketchpad you can tuck in your pocket or purse, a good pencil, and DRAW everyday. Don’t know what to draw? Just doodle. Train your hand to be prepared to capture a bit of daily life, even if it’s just a non-representational scribble. Discipline.
“My advice to you? Read Read Read and Write Write Write.”—Margaret Atwood
Advice given by Atwood (@ the 2010 Ellmann lectures) to an aspiring 19 year old writer, I found somewhat of importance for artists as well. You’re a young artist, a student, or someone who’s been creating work for a while? Go out and see other art—museums, art galleries, open studios. Talk to other artists, discover their techniques, see what new things they’re doing. Look at art–then draw, draw, draw (or paint paint paint, or sculpt sculpt sculpt!). Allow yourself to be influenced without copying, and to react to what you see. Found that sketchpad yet?
“Set aside time every week to devote to your art. I painted every Wednesday for years just to paint. My children would paint alongside me or watch.”—Jerry Wray
If you have the discipline to pursue your art, then do exactly that—set aside time. Fix it in your schedule, and be as dedicated to it as if it were a doctor’s appointment or a work assignment. Art majors and students often decrease their out-put after graduation mainly because they have to create their own structure, their own schedule, their own ‘class assignment’. Materials once used without thought are suddenly quite expensive when starting out on your own. To cut costs, start small and build your materials, but keep it going. Set aside time on the weekend; instead of heading to the bar, head to the studio or back to the ‘drawing board’. Take the sketchbook to the bar, even! If this is your passion, be passionate about it! Your friends & loved ones will start to get it, and treat you more seriously in your pursuit. Jerry Wray was named one of Louisiana’s top 6 artists of 2010. How did she achieve that? Dedication to her passion and discipline.
Jerry is 85, and has been a disciplined artist for 67 years. If you follow her example, you could be claiming the same accolades when you’ve become a master of your art.
“My teacher said I’m already a good drawer, and I don’t have to take drawing to be an artist.”—overheard quote at an opening
It’s not about being a good drawer, or a good artist. It’s about building the foundation of knowledge to support your talent. Are you willing to learn how to draw? Are you willing to learn how to be disciplined?
*Ms. Wakefield has been so disciplined she once put herself in the corner for time-out.
Advice from the Curator's Desk 