Mystery in the art world might be sexy, but it's not helpful
Art is a mystery to lots of people, and there's a fair few myths about artists too. It makes art a confusing thing. Perhaps I can help a bit.
All the mystery makes it difficult when thinking about buying some art, or shaping a fine art collection. And that's a shame because supporting artists is a great thing to do.
Especially as you end up with lots of lovely evidence of your philanthropic principles, and your style! I'm sounding like a marketing executive now – except it's true.
As an artist, I like supporting other artists for those very reasons myself. And I don't believe for a minute that only artists are philanthropic, and the only folks with style. There's lots of non-artists who are and do too.
So some of the confusing and mysterious aspects of art could do with shining a light on, imho.
As and when, I occasionally post things here I think might be helpful.
Why I don't use photographs (much)
When painting outside en plein-air, I'm often asked if I use photographs when making my landscape art. I don't, and here's the reasons why.
Click goes the shutter (Published soon)What does an artist actually do?
How do artists make art? Is making art hard? The brief answers are: artists solve problems, and yes, it can be easy.
Find outAbout my fine art prices
Pricing is always a hard exercise for artists. Most artists will tell you they dislike it intensely. I've spent many hours over the years trying to be 'scientific' about it. In the end, my approach is quite simple.
Let me explain…Why an outdoor painter needs a studio
Parking that I also make studio prints and paintings, I actually need a studio for my outdoor en plein‑air art, too. Here's how I use my studio to help me make outdoor art, and how I'm constantly modifying it to support that.
FAQs about my studioHow to buy a good painting
None of us want not‑good art on our walls, do we? But how to tell if it's good?
Out of five reasons why people don't buy art, four were all to do with confidence – or more accurately, the lack of it.
Is it good art?