Learning from your own work...

At some point in attempting to develop a “style” or personal voice in my work, I find that I am really teaching and learning from myself. That the biggest source improvement for what I doing comes from my examination of what I’ve done. This painting, which is in progress, is one that I’m still searching for answers. Because there is not a model I’ve gone to taking photos of the its early stages, and using them as a reference as I go forward.

“What I Can do for You” (WIP)

By Bob Martin

Learning how to paint...

I have decided to work a little slower and to consider what I’ve done (reflect) before moving forward. Most times I am just making stuff up. Like this painting which is the same painting from an earlier post. After taking this photo, I’ve noticed a ton of stuff that I will change, stuff that for some reason I couldn’t see before.

The Artist Cheerleader...

The artist cheerleader is who I’ve become. I don’t expect to change some-peoples need to suffer, feel pain or desperate in order to create art. We all have been feed a high dose of crap on the difficulties that great people have had to endure. This past weekend Tiger Woods became even greater (in the media’s view) because his dad pass on and he, Tiger, won the British Open. Well I don’t think life needs to be tragic in order to create something that people appreciate. Besides something tragic happens on its own and is not a gateway to “greatness”. I’ve over heard two painters who I admire, David Laffel and Harvey Dinnerstein say that they feel blessed to be able to do something that they love.

It’s still very hot...

I’ve been getting up early to paint and to avoid the heat. Yesterday it reach 118.

The Artist Statement and Bio...

This is my last harangue for the summer on this stuff, but I am going crazy over request for my Artist Statement and Bio. What difference does it make? If I could communicate with words I would have been a writer, but I paint. So do we really need to comment about why we paint? With who and where did I study? And knowing this will tell the viewer what about the painting. If all of this is to justify the purchase of a painting, I would rather them buy my artist statement and bio. That seems just. Again, i will not visit this again, or at least until Oct, when I will be preparing for a show.

Art’s Purpose...

I’ve certainly gotten older. Long time ago I would be all caught up with the very busy blog conversation about what is the meaning, purpose or what is good, bad or insignificant art. I suspect no one knows, but it good way to fill a page. Some of these folks write really well.

Staying Focused...

Not being distracted by the simplest things requires isolation? I hope not. There just seems to be a lot going on. For example the people who broadcast the news are determined to find creative ways to use the “Crisis, Terror, Fear, Radical, etc.” in every headline or spoken word. So when my refrigerator went on blink, I found myself saying “this is a crisis”. Who am I kidding.

Artist Groups and Associations...

An artist I recently met via a group that I am “distantly involved with” was disappointed with the lack of support she was receiving from the group. As we talked I could see that her accomplishment without the group, in terms of getting her work seen around town, was good. I suggested that she might consider being a member of a group as a way to contribute vs. a place to get support. I find myself avoiding groups as I always question the benefits belonging to something. But when I am not looking for any direct benefit and see ways that I can help/support is when I gain the most.

I just came accross this article on aging artist and belonging to groups by the New York Foundation for Artist. This gives me some additional reasons and types of groups to belong to.

Creating a Name...

For some reason, I find it difficult to give names to my paintings. Almost always, I immediately regret the name that I’ve chosen. Does the right name help the painting?

“Sunset” (c)

By Bob Martin 06

It’s a Holiday and It’s Hot...

The paint that I’m using must know, it’s taking it’s time in finishing the paintings I am working on.