Paint Outs, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!
November 8, 2009
Red Mooring Ball at Low Tide with Fog
It’s only been two weeks since my last post but in the world of “cyber-time” it probably seems like I disappeared into the witness protection program. I was at the Crescent Beach Paint Out and enjoyed a full week without internet access or good television reception.
First Light
The paint out was fun if not challenging. We had plenty of good subject matter but not enough time to get to it all. I did 9 paintings in 6 days. 7 were exhibited, 1 was for my host and 1 was deemed unfit for public consumption. The first of the six days was spent exploring. Overall the show looked great. The artists deserve a round of applause. The pics in this post are of paintings I did during the event.
The Meagan Garret
My last post began a discussion about “the process” of creating art within the context of a plein air painting event. It occurs to me that I should take a step backwards and say a little about the events themselves because many of you may not be familiar with how they work. Participating artists are selected by invitation or submission process. Organizers usually designate a territory and often limit the number of paintings each artist can exhibit. Paintings have to have been created during the event and must be for sale. Proceeds benefit the artist and the promoting organization. These events do contribute to an artist’s income but most artists don’t rely on them. The best thing about paint outs is that they are like mini “Artist in Residency” programs. They enable the artist to work away from home without distractions and in the company of other working artists. Artists are pretty much left to do their own thing. No says where to paint or what to paint. The aforementioned painting territories are usually broad and loosely enforced. Many artist regard boundaries as guidelines rather than absolutes. I tend to fall into that category. Many events provide host for lodging and other perks like meals and socials.
If you are an artist who wants to include some paint outs on your schedule here’s the good, the bad and the ugly:
- Avoid events that require an entry fee. Entry fees are simply revenue for the sponsoring organization and are often not applied to all invitees. There are plenty of great events which won’t charge you to participate.
- Only enter events that provide hosts for housing. You don’t want to have to pay for a place to stay. I have enjoyed some fantastic accommodations and made great new friends this way.
- Don’t bother with plein air painting competitions. Judges usually reward their friends and names they recognize. These events become very political and will often leave you with a sense of disillusionment. I’ve seen enough questionable shenanigans that I have sworn off of them.
- Shows which have an Artist’s Choice award are good. This means the artists vote by secret ballot for their favorite painting. The one with the most votes wins. It’s a super fair way of awarding the best work.
- Choose events in places that inspire you or which support a cause that you believe in. Inspiration makes doing your best work easier.
- Have fun but conduct yourself with a sense of professionalism. No need to perpetuate the myth of the eccentric artist. You are a small business person in a vital industry.
- Remember, ALL of the other artists involved know something you don’t. So make learning a priority.
- Paint in places where the public can find you. Hand out business cards promotional material from the show.
- DO NOT make a fuss over onlookers who watch you work. Yes, they may be sneaking a free lesson but you’re best off to embrace them. These people will buy the painting they watch you paint!
I’ll have another post up later this week about “the creative process”. It’s good stuff. Until then….
Comments
4 Responses to “Paint Outs, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!”
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Hi Robert,
This is very well said. I agree with your observations and it gave me an idea to add and “artists choice award” to the Wekiva Paint Out. I think it’s a great way for artists to give each other kudos.
Thanks for being such a professional artist and I look forward to your paintings at Wekiva next year.
Leslie Long, Event Director
Wekiva Paintout – March 1-6, 2010
http://www.wekivapaintout.com
Robert,
Great tips and advice.
I’ll be in Sarasota in Dec for Gene Costanza’s “Hope on the Horizon” exhibition and workshop. Would love to see you and Penny, let me know if you can make it to the opening!
Charlie
I agree with you, but want to point out that many Paint-Outs aren’t invitational, rather, anyone can come and paint, both professional and amateur. “Paint-Out on the Wabash” welcomes all including chidren and will take place April 30-May 2nd next year in Lafayette, IN along the Wabash river. The antique train depot will be the hub of the event and will host a two-day sale of both framed paintings brought by the professional artists as well as hot-off-the-easel “wet” paintings. FREE to everyone. We offer host family accomodations, receptions, a Sat. evening talk at the Lafayette art museum, and a Sunday brunch. If you’d like to come, e-mail me at kclark@twinrocker.com.
[...] small plein air painting was posted in a previous blog. I keep it in my studio because I enjoy it’s company. It was painted during the Crescent [...]