Below is my entry for a new blog segment on the DIY Lounge website called “Weekly Tips from Teachers.” I hope it proves handy for some of you – my artist friends.
Handling Rejection:
Being an artist can be difficult in many ways. For some of the students in my class the hardest part is just putting themselves “out there.” Artists can get very attached to the art they are making. The art often becomes a very personal expression. As one student put it, her work is very “precious.” So, of course, the thought of having the general public scrutinize it and potentially reject it is not something she relishes having to do. To a professional artist this can be a dilemma seeing as it is your job to continue putting your art out into the world for all to see.
These are some strategies I use to manage rejection which might be of use to you:
- Find a way to make your art seem less “precious.” I am very prolific with my painting so that although each painting is still important to me, they loose their “preciousness.” Being prolific is a good way to work because it allows you the ability to show in more locations. And, the more work you have out in the world the greater your odds are of having someone like it.
- Treat yourself even when you get a rejection. Making art can be an emotional roller coaster. Make time to take care of yourself. You can do this by congratulating yourself for working as hard as you do. Find ways to reward yourself even if you are rejected from an art competition or gallery. Give yourself time to regroup and rejuvenate after working on a big project like a show or art festival.
- Hang your acceptance letters up where you can see them. Although you may end up with a full folder of rejection letters don’t allow yourself to get discouraged. You have to keep thinking positively. Eventually you will have a file of acceptance letters as well. When you get an acceptance letter post it up on your wall as a reminder that you are on the right track and doing a good job.
- Remember that art is SUBJECTIVE. Just because one group of people doesn’t gravitate to your work doesn’t mean that it isn’t good. You might just need to find the right audience/market.
When in doubt, look to friends, colleagues, and family for support.
Last Sunday I taught my first Exploring Acrylic class. It was a small yet friendly class. The project was to create 15 postcard sized paintings in four hours. Students were encouraged to put aside any art fears they had or feelings that they had to create the perfect painting. Instead, they focused on experimental play with glazing, scumbling, masking areas and sponging. My friend Dave Benz took the class and wrote a review. It is posted on his blog: http://www.davidbenz.com/news/2008/03/17
Below is a photo he took of two paintings he created in the class.
The next Child’s Play class is March 23rd. Students will get to experiment with chalk pastels.
Sunday the 13th was the Dreams, Poems, Wishes class that I taught at Collage. There were eight students and they all seemed to focus on the “wishes” theme for this project. It seemed that they were all thinking about the beginning of a new year and focusing on goals they were setting for themselves. The students made some really thoughtful and bold collages. Below are photos from this class.
Students used acrylic paints and mediums, brushes, pallets, magazines and other scrap materials, to create their collages on 11″X14″ canvases. All these materials were provided for them with the cost of the class.
I assisted students with color mixing, composition for their paintings and demonstrated painting tips and techniques, as needed, during the class.
A work in progress.
Another student working on her layout.
Her completed painting.
Another finished painting. This student incorporated dried flowers which she brought from home and a rub-on stencil which she bought in the store. Sorry about the glare.
This student continued her collage on the sides of her painting using found text. She also put a secret word, that only she knows, on the back.
In keeping of the theme of her painting “never hide” this student and I decided the powerful color red would be the most suitable background.
Most students from this class finished their paintings in this three hour class. Only a few took them home to finish up. This class will be available at Collage again in March.
This was the first class I taught at Collage on Alberta through DIY Lounge. It was a small class but they seemed to have a lot of fun in the race against the clock. The most prolific student managed to get 20 watercolor paintings done. Below are some photos from this class.
Students busy at work. I did this project along with my students and stopped to take photos and answer questions.
On a roll; this student was incorporating line work and washes of color. She even included her paper towel in her series of finished paintings. Beauty can often be found where you least expect it.
A student’s “practice painting” using pencil, watercolor washes and salt.
Two finished paintings and two works in progress by another student.
I had a lot of fun teaching this class. It will be available from DIY Lounge again in March.
This winter I started teaching art classes at DIY Lounge. Below is a list of upcoming classes.
CLASS LIST:
The Art of Exhibiting 101
Want to show your artwork but don’t know exactly what that entails? This class will help you get your work out there in a coffee shop, restaurant, or other alternative exhibition space. Learn the basics of documenting your work, portfolio presentation, choosing the right space for your work, working with a venue owner, writing a contract, promoting the exhibition, hanging the show, and more.
Evenings from 6:30-9:00pm
Tuesday, August 19th
Thursday, October 16th
Register
Cost: $45
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The Art of Exhibiting 102
Are you ready to move on from showing your art in alternative exhibition spaces? This class will show you the steps to take in finding and applying for gallery level exhibition opportunities. Learn how to build and format your resume, present your portfolio, choose the right exhibition opportunities for your art, work with a gallery owner, write a contract, and more.
Special notes: The Art of Exhibition 101 is a prerequisite for this class.
Evenings from 6:30-9:00pm
Tuesday, August 26th
Thursday, October 30th
Register
Cost: $40
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Child’s Play – Exploring Acrylic
Using acrylics, acrylic mediums and pencil on canvas students will create 15 postcard sized paintings in four hours. Students will receive a brief demonstration on basic color theory. They will see a variety of ways acrylics and mediums can be used to achieve different effects. Then they will use what they learned to explore on their own.
Postponed till later notice
Cost: $50
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Child’s Play – Exploring Pastel
Using chalk pastels, and pencil on pastel paper students will create 20 postcard sized drawings in four hours. Students will receive a brief demonstration on basic color theory and composition. They will see a variety of ways pastels can be used to achieve different effects. Then they will use what they learned to explore on their own.
Postponed till later notice.
Cost: $50
***
Child’s Play – Exploring Watercolor
Using watercolor and pencil on watercolor paper students will create 20 postcard sized paintings in four hours. Students will receive a brief demonstration of the abilities and strengths of watercolor along with basic color theory and composition. Then they will use what they learned to explore on their own.
Postponed till later notice.
Cost: $50
(Note: this class was adapted from the ImaMama series classes. It is now open to non-moms) See photos from previous class on my blog.
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Wishes and Affirmations – Acrylic collage
Postponed till later notice.
(Note: this class was adapted from the ImaMama series classes. It is now open to non-moms) See photos from previous class on my blog.
WHERE:
DIY Lounge at Collage
1639 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR 97211Classes are held at Collage, a locally owned business that sells art and craft supplies with a class space in the back.
For more detailed class descriptions and to register visit:
http://www.diylounge.com/teacherlist.php
Come take a class and together we will conquer the world with the making of art!