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TRUE TO ONESELF

By:	jameswhenry
Mood:	don't know
Date:	08/26/2008 16:27:41
Music:	You're the One

Hey everyone-
I haven't blogged in a long time so heres a subject thats bothering me. I have been busy painting for all kinds of shows. I have had some commissions, I have painted things that are in the news. At the moment, I'm painting a painting for the Gala (benefit auction for art scholarships in our area). Well, I'm doing a panaramic view of downtown Burlington (Where I live) In the past I have donated surreal art and only got around 500.00 fr the work. Then, one year I painted a work of a local scene of Burlington and it brought 3,300.00. Since then, I have donated paintings that I knew would bring in the bucks. My cousin says that I'm selling out for the buck, not true to my art. I feel that I'm trying to get more money for the kids going to college with the desire for art. What do any of you fine artists feel on this? If I wanted to sell out, I'd paint wildlife (very big in the midwest.) I also feel that its good to try different styles to challenge yourself. Anyone agree with me or is my cousin right?

James Walker Henry

MEMBERS COMMENTS

VIEWING 1 - 5 OUT OF 5 COMMENTS

From: mlhooper
08/28/2008 07:41:19 You know, art for art sake is great for those who are wealthy. But, when you must support a family and eat and have a roof over your head, why should we be diferent than other artists in history: Sometimes we must paint what sells. In your case, it does sound like you are inspired by what you are painting for money--is that so? If it is, than I think you have the best of both worlds [Art for art sake vs instrumental use of art]. Follow your heart and do what you need to do. Remember, all the famous artists of history [and today] are criticized [often by those who did not make it!!!}--jealousy?????? Good luck

From: kkrucoff
08/27/2008 11:43:18 Hi David. Yes, Keemo really nailed it here. As did Sunshine and David. You are NOT selling out. It sounds to me that you are being true to yourself and helping others in the process too. Keep up the excellent work! Kathleen

From: DavidMcCamant
08/27/2008 00:11:14 You are correct. If you make paintings of several different subjects and one subject sells well, and you like to paint that subject, why not paint it? Too many 'artists' make lots of 'rules' so they can justify their opinions and usually they also do something else to support themselves. Keemo's right on the ball. Cheers, David

From: Sunshine
08/26/2008 21:03:17 You're not selling out at all. The money wasn't even for you. I knew a very good artist who would make all kinds of works, though mostly prints the way he wanted to make them while we were attending a week long art class in the north woods of Wisconsin. On Thursday (the "studio walk" was Friday night) he would crank out a couple of pieces he knew would sell. We nicked-named him Cash Monet and nobody thought he was selling out! Thanks to you for making a painting for donation.

From: keemosan
08/26/2008 18:35:11 There is absolutely no reason that you can't paint a downtown building, get paid good for it and be true to yourself, to your art and to the kids. The whole answer to selling out is between your two ears and your heart. I have always found the whole "true to your art" phrase to be a load of crap. It is more important to be true to yourself. If you are true to yourself and your heart than it goes without saying that being true to art, will follow. Drop the notion of selling out and paint away! You are a great painter doing great things and raising money for a great cause. Sound like the complete OPPOSITE of a sell out to me. One last thing... How much money did your cousin raise or donate to the art scholarships? Do you feel like you are "selling out"?

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