ART: The Hard Truth. Answering questions on galleries, critics and selling
Vložit
- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- Let's talk art galleries, art critics, selling platforms and other things and learn some hard truths about what it takes to make a success of your art practice.
In this video I am answering some questions about being a professional artist. Opinions are entirely my own and may not work for you (spoiler - they do work!)
ARE YOU NEW TO THE CHANNEL? Excellent! A big welcome to you. We are LIVE from the studio every Wednesday so why not come and take a look on the next stream? The current link is always available here and we'd love to see you on the next one: www.swarez.co.uk/live-streaming/
This is us and this is our world...
*Main website: www.swarez.co.uk/
*Patreon: / swarezart
*Instagram: / swarezart
*Twitter: / swarezart
*Facebook: / swarezmodernart
*LinkedIn: /
*Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/swarezart/
We have LOADS of awesome Swarez merchandise in the Merch store so head over here to check out the selection:
We also have some sweet NFT's from the huge Swarez collection and we'd love to show you them here: opensea.io/collection/abstrac... - Jak na to + styl
Artists giving professional advice are everywhere, especially on CZcams. But I find your advice to be grounded in real experience and genuinely authentic in every way. Thank you for that, it's rare and refreshing.
I am humbled and flattered by that Ember, thank you so much! Guess we are doing something worthwhile after all then? :)
@@SwarezArt You absolutely are! Keep doing what you're doing. It's certainly worthwhile to artists like me and I'm sure to many many others as well.
@@mikemcdonaldart Absolutely.. You could count me in too :-)
Ember Art - Abstract Painting Agreed! 😊
I've been a full time, independent artist for nearly 10 years now. I agree with everything you've said. As far as critics go, the only critics I care about are those who are buying - ain't buying, ain't listening:)
"ain't buying, ain't listening" - my new mantra! Amen to that Brother!
Solid!
I am a struggling artist, and your videos always give me motivation while putting me at ease. Thank you for your no-nonsense, real advice on being an artist.
My absolute pleasure - Thanks for your kind words!
I've always liked what Mark Twain said: "The Best Way To Get Ahead Is To Get Started." I have it hanging up in my painting area as a reminder.
A most excellent quote! Thank you for sharing...
Art Vale Was itWoody Allen who said ‘99% of life is just showing up”? Gotta be there before you can get anywhere.
yours is nicer than mine - which reads "Focus on your f***cking artwork!"
@@user-dq2ym1nn9k ...Not bad. Mark Twain would've loved it.
If I may say something similar goes like “ a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step”
Dude you are always spot on, being a artist is hard, and it is so nice to have this encouragement especially from a like minded creative ,so keep up the good work, you are doing more than you know 🥰
Wow! Thank you so much Laurie - I really appreciate that!
Great video. I was forced into retirement because of my heart. I've always
Been drawing but never sold any I gave them away. i drove truck for 35years.
I started painting for the first time at the age of 56. Last year. I have 100 plus
Works done. And still grinding. I don't like galleries. I have sold my works on
Side streets near main street in affluent areas of Washington DC.. I have a
Truck and I park then display 4 to 7 canvasses. I do ok. Cash only is my
Go to. I'm starting to get phone calls from my customers freinds.
ScrapArt Bravo!
amazing!
Me too! I am still working a 9-5 job at age 68. I paint on weekends and evenings after work and have sold online, in office blogs, at street fairs. Hoping to give up my day job and make art my full time career. A bit scary because cash flow won’t be a sure thing but exciting because I know in my heart I can do it if I believe it! Keep going!!
Thank you, I've been at this art business for over 30 years... and its gets worse each time. I'm not giving up because I lOVE !!!! this life.
The last three years, been recording videos of local art shows in my area of my friends progress. Also recorded information on my art and life to educate the potential investor on who I am, and what surrounds my art.
Art galleries, online & brick and mortar are just launch points for me. Occasionally I get commissioned to do portraits and other creative projects to stir the challenge of my skill set, or simply I have bills to pay out of my control. Such as life.... I am an artist, till my death do I part.
Again thank you, for the refreshing rebuttals from common questions of art and life.
Juan Gomez, a fellow artist from Philadelphia, Pa in the USA .. pleasure to have watched this video, of yours.
Thank you so much Juan - that's great feedback and always happy to hear other artists positions on these very contentious topics. Thanks for stopping by!
only one out of 5000 artist will make a comfortable living in art. not counting teaching. just being an artist. more artist now in the history of man kind. TRUTH!
This was two years ago but stays forever fresh and refreshing... Truths all through.. I keep searching for your contents since the very first day.. Thank you always!!
I appreciate that, thank you for supporting us Eric!
Thanks, always enjoy your videos. I was widowed a few years back, very difficult situation, and I am still struggling to find the inspiration that was once "just there", but art is all that really gives me any purpose, so I plug away at it.. Appreciate your no nonsense approach.
Thank you for reaching out Dan; your words definitely resound with me. Keep going. Do what you enjoy. That's all that really matters. Thanks for your feedback :)
If you need a clear and strong prompt to get back to your art, please consider reading "The Artist's Way" by J. Cameron. It grilled my prejudices and misconceptions like a pro. :)
I liked the video and really appreciate your insights. I think we are pretty fortunate to be getting free advice from a professional who's got the goods to show for it. And I continue to be so amazed with the variety and quality of your paintings. Lots of artists paint the same painting over and over just slightly different. And that's not a criticism at all because hey if it sells more power to them - they are creating something people want and have a niche. But most of yours are very different from one another. That's inspiring to me since I like to try different things and styles within the abstract genre. Anyways I really appreciate your channel and tips and look behind the scenes. 😊👍🙏
Thank you so much KC. I really appreciate your thoughts on my style diversity - I get bored easily so I am always trying to think of new things. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't - but we have to keep pushing right? Thank you for taking the time to comment. Very grateful.
So happy to find your videos. I am a 77 year old female artist and just started painting. After retiring I started sculpting, just after joining a adult education class. Loved it and discovered I had some talent. Now my body cannot do the heavy work anymore and decided to start painting. No idea how to start but just bought some paint and some large canvasses and went for it. I was doing it for me and did not care if others liked or not. Funny though they do like them. I am learning so much from you and wanted to thank you for sharing your talent. From Canada.
Thank you so much Clasina - wow! I am at a loss for words now (savour it, that doesn't happen often!). Thank you and welcome to the channel!
Thank you for your advice, I'll never give up, I give up giving up, I quit quitting cuz quitters never win. Love the passion in your art and there is so much more that I can see then the top 10 richest living artists on Earth.
A quote that changed my life was from an astrologer who said, "The difference between doing it and not doing it, is doing it." It is that simple.
Brilliant advice! I love that!
I love the "Just do it! pep talks" - generalizations applies to everyone "We all have different perspectives". - My home life inspires me creatively - The web is your gallery - Thank you for being YOU!
Well said! And thank you for such kind feedback - glad we're doing something right!!
My favorite video so far. So many great points, but the one that really got me was about not excepting advice or critics from someone else. To be true to yourself. I am so thankful that you do this.
Glad it was helpful Tera
I agree about the galleries. I took my work away from a few galleries when I found my art stashed at the back of the store / gallery. One said it helped give an impression of volume, even though that meant my work was not seen. Another said they didn't like my name therefore were not prepared to display my work
Ughhh. how awful? That's no way to treat anyone. Sorry to hear this.
Gallery owners can be ignorant and avaricious bastards. But they are not required anymore. The internet rules .
My favorite part of these videos is the fun of seeing your paintings..each so different.beautiful colors.
Thank you so much 😀
Thank you - advised to watch and so glad that I did! You have answered so many of my questions today and empowered me. Truly appreciated
Ah thanks Chloe - very much appreciated :)
Thanks so much for your candid comments and insights. For artists who want the truth about the business of art your videos are THE best!
You are so welcome! Thank you Tom!
We love you guys. Thank you for what you do.
Pleasure!
Much solid common sense and a lot of experience: thank you!
You're welcome Grazia!
Thanks Ed, keep telling it like it is, exactly what serious artists need
Cheers Tony, much appreciated
I belong to an art gallery on Main Street, NORTHPORT, NY. Last year I sold the most pieces but didn’t make the most money. I have such a stash of paintings that I’m happy to sell at a reasonable price so people can have a piece of my art. I believe that no one is going to pay for something they don’t like, so I’m not bothered by the prices I set… it’s still a thrill to have a sale! I did put a high price on one piece because I loved it and didn’t want it to sell… well, it sold!! Thank you for your advice and wonderful art!
Thanks for sharing your experiences Marilyn! Much appreciated and glad to hear about the sales!
I find it sad that people are so critical of this channel when it’s possibly been THE channel to teach me about what I need to do to become a full time artist. Kuddos to you for addressing your critics and providing even more value! Thank you for everything you’re putting out here on your YT channel!
Haters always gonna hate! Thank you for your kind feedback - much appreciated!
This was my favorite. You truly know how to direct and explain a lot of issues. Some things you talked about , I haven’t even thought about. So thanks again.
Glad it was helpful Linda!
So very helpful. Clear, concise, and honest. Happy to see your magnificent art, and thankful that you share your passion and wisdom!
You are so welcome!
Great advice, A good painting will sell itself. I've been painting for 16 year's and every decent painting I've done got sold. In Australia the Gallery commission is 30%. Happy Painting Mate 👍🎨
Thanks Tez - much appreciated!
@@SwarezArt Thx Mate 😊🎨
Thank you so much for this- i needed the straight forward practicalness of this today. Just done three art fairs and made a loss at each- imposter syndrome beginning to creep up but you've given me the kick up the arse I needed. Brilliant. Thanks. xx
You are so very welcome Bron; sorry to hear about what's been going on recently. Glad to hear some of this has been helpful to you!
Thank God I have found you and your videos... which are great, as is your art!!
Thank you for your videos. Im finding them very helpful. Im only at the VERY beginning of what I plan to be my art career. Your very kind to be giving back with your pearls of wisdom.
Thank you so much Kristal!
Thank you, you couldn't be more right. It's good to hear an artist say "just do it" sometimes a person just needs to be reminded. It's just that simple, just do it. I also couldn't agree more when it comes to galleries, why do they deserve your creative ability.
Well said Doug! Glad you found the information useful
I really love your videos, honest and to the point. I really resonate with what you are saying, thank you for making these videos, your time making these is really appreciated, very valuable experience you are sharing.
You are so welcome!
Thank you very much, learned a lot. Every bit is Gold!
Great to hear!
Thanks for taking the time. Very interesting comments. Wish you the best. Chris
Thank you Chris!
Thank you for doing this video and answering all of these questions and being genuine and transparent about it even when the questions asked were rudely worded.
You're welcome!
What can a say Swarez - Just down to earth honest and valuable information and guidance - and congrats on the studio or gallery evolution - inspiring. Thank you
You have beautiful insight and artwork. I'm so glad I found your channel. Knowledge is its own reward and I have learned alot in the short time I have been watching your videos.
I am very glad to hear it...
Thank you, i needed this, educational, informative and inspirational.
You are such an amazing person and an inspiration and artist. You are such a great speaker and so humble and straight to the point that I believe you genuinely are teaching us with your words.
Thank you so much!!
I really do value these videos so much, thank you for answering one of the questions I haven't seen anyone else address
Glad you like them! Thanks for the kind words
I love all your videos very easy to listen to and straight forward with everything .. nice to hear someone talk about these things that has knowledge and years of experience. Thank you 🙏🏻😁
Cheers Randy!
Relevant questions & wise advice from real experience. Thanks,
My pleasure Ruksana!
It’s always always a delight to see you speaking among your bright full pieces
Thank you so much!
I’ve been using you and your business as an example to other artists as a benchmark for at least 7 years since I first met you. It’s great to see that my impression was well founded and you continue to make a success of your approach and still hopefully inspiring others as you still do me.
Much respect and Thanks. 🙏
Wowsers! Thanks Johnny - I really appreciate that and am humbled that my working model has been used for others. Power to you my friend!
Thanks for sharing mate. Thanks for keeping on no matter what people say. Congrats on your success and God bless!
Thanks Benjamin, much appreciated
Thank you, this was so refreshing. I love it! The best 'pep talk' I've ever heard. I wish you all the best!
💖🙋🇸🇪
Wow! Thank you so much Lillemor!!! How very kind of you :)
EXCELLENT feedback, ideas and inspiration. Keep it up. I'm newly inspired since I started following you in 2022. Thank you!
Awesome! Thank you; that's so good to hear!
I love this video! Thank you 🙏
I really like that you encourage us to just create. I love art and I feel like it genuinely heals me and is very therapeutic.
Good to hear
I agree with you 100% regarding your opinion on galleries, they are a waste of time. I have been professionally painting since 1986, showed with galleries before but became independent for around 7 years already, best decision I ever made, galleries were a waste of time, they do not really help the artist find buyers, plus 50% commission is outrageous! It’s a good feeling being independent, the artist is fully in control. Your are so spot on with your observations, galleries don’t really care about the artist, that’s the brutal truth. Your video is so useful to artists, great job!
Thanks for sharing Stella
Thank you for sharing all these brilliant nuggets of wisdom with us. It's great to see your continued success. Very encouraging and inspiring as well as being down to earth. And your art is just beautiful! Onward!
That's very kind of you Nicky and I appreciate it!
@Swarez Art !This is absolutely inspiring !You are so straight forward and down to earth authentic in your sharing . Truly appreciate much thanks ! and keep those videos coming !
Thanks Maneesha - don't forget to watch the live stream in an hour here: czcams.com/video/Mfrp4agvILo/video.html
I love you talking about don’t let anyone criticize your work! So true! I did a painting once, it was my least favorite, it was the first to sell at a show. The girl that bought it was over the moon in love with it. You have know idea what people are looking for, everyone has different tastes.
And that's it in a heartbeat - it's all down to the individual. Nothing else matters but that one person who loves it. Great comment Tina - thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks For The Talk.
Just found your channel.
So Glad I Did
Much Love
Thank you, you are an amazing person!
Wow, thank you Nina!
Awesome advice. Thank you!
You're so welcome!
I have been ripped off far too often by galleries and am therefore also focusing on my website - thanks for this common-sense advice
You’re a great motivator, thank you for that Adrenalin rush I’ve just felt!😊
You are very welcome!
I love your art. The bright colors and energy is awsome. I call myself a "Becoming" artist. I enjoy your videos, so keep up the great work.
Thank you Sophie!
Thank you for sharing your experience!.
Rhodope Art my pleasure!
Always useful, down to Earth and entertaining. Keep them coming .
Thanks Malcolm - we'll do our best!
OMG, I should have watched this a year ago!!!!!! Thank you, thank you! I have been so depressed that I stopped creating for 6 months now.... your advice makes so much sense... I am taking it to heart, every bit of it.
Thank you so much - glad you're finding it useful!
@@SwarezArt Practical advise and actually common sense, but once someone (like me...lol) hit a low, it is difficult to get yourself out.... I am binge watching and sharing. Thank you.
Thank you so much!! your advice makes my day! thank you sir!! really appreciate it.
My pleasure Dob Dob!
Love your channel. Very informative and funny. I laughed at the end
Thank you for Sharing so glad I came across your Channel!
Thanks Debora!
Thanks for making all these great videos. You are very generous! Your art is unique.
Thank you Erica - most kind of you!
Thank you very informative. You speak the truth and try to help
I do, thank you Davina!!
i dont know how i found you ,but i adore you. simple and experienced . thank you for sharing very useful informations.it's very clear you worked alot to arrive there ,you're a true inspiration for me
Thank yo so much Camelia!
Your videos are absolutely excellent! Great insight, great work, and great studio. You are a great resource for artists. Subbed.
Thanks Nico - that's very kind of you!
Loved this video---especially when you said it doesn't matter what someone else thinks...just what yourself as the artist thinks of your own work... it is so true. You can go around pleasing everyone else and doing what they want and die a little bit inside each time or you can make what brings you joy inside yourself.... that is what I aim to do...
Every artists/humans experience is unique so speaking generally will get advice to a larger audience! Well done!
Well now, thank you very much for that Mr Burgher!
I've got so many answers that I've been thinking and are so reasonable from You! Love these video's! Thank You so much! 😇🤩
You're so welcome!
Thank you for getting real about the art world. You are right we are our own galleries, critics and salespeople. We know what is best for ourselves. Hear, Hear! Finally, someone who speaks the truth.
Thanks Roza - I really appreciate that!
You give such helpful advice, and you're so encouraging! I adore you! Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much!
Interesting responses to the questions. Both useful and entertaining makes listening a pleasure.
Thank you very much!
The works are stunning. I was able to listen but my eyes were enthralled.
Never asking for critique or opinion might make someone bullheaded and they may not see where they need to grow or learn new technical skills. I work in the commercial art world, and revisions and criticism is a huge part of it. It makes us better!
A valid point Sir!
always enjoy your videos and always looking forward to the next
Thanks you so much Daniel!
I just found your channel and it's so inspiring. I'm working on building up a volume of work and this was reassuring when I'm always told it wont happen but I firmly believe it will and this was a much needed boost to keep that going
Thank you - glad you're finding some of it useful...
Thanks so much. Fantastic! I agree totally that the only opinion on anyone’s Art that is of value is their own. We pour our heart and soul into a piece and if we love it that’s the only opinion that matters. Great work and contribution mate. Thank you.
Rob
Thank you so much Rob; I really appreciate your feedback and glad to hear the video was useful! 👍👍
Thx your very kind to share!
My pleasure!
Useful! If at all there is a word more better than useful then i would choose that. Your advice is like parents advice. Thank you for your time brother.
You're very welcome!
Dear Swarez, you're a godsend. You dispel so many myths and offer so much insight into the realities of being an artist. Until I found your videos and subscribed, I was mystified as to how I could make my passion for painting into a sustainable business. Thank you! If you begin charging for your advice I will cry but I would totally understand👍😉
Loved watching this video. Your paintings looks lovely and your advices are very helpful. Thanks a lot.
Thanks so much 😊
You’re welcome Swarez.
Good sensible comments. I enjoy practical..
Thank you very much indeed!
Love the space you built
Thanks very much Aaron!
Thank you, I needed to hear this.
My pleasure Keith!
This is the best I ever see about art, bless you
Thanks Mag, very kind of you!
so sincere and inspiring....
Thank you!
AMAZING VID. my name is John Robillard, im 40 years old and been creative since birth. i subscribed to youre channel because its SO USEFUL ...thank you from Canada
Great video! Been painting for 50 years and you are right on!
Good to hear! Thank you Terry!
Very good advices sir! Thank you
You are welcome!
Wow, my new favourite artist… So touching when you said never listen to critics and never, never give up! Thanks so much for that. I am a new artist and my work is actually very good. If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t do it. Thank you sir!
Thank you so much Jack - I am very grateful for your kind words...
thank you brother... i was just gonna go to another channel and boom, i saw your 5 tips video.. thank you so much..
My pleasure Shane, thank you!
Great content. Please don't stop. Really like your art as well.
Thanks, will do!
Great help, especially who the only critic should be.
Absolutely Michael!
Brilliant Cheers Mate...
Always a pleasure Mike!
Solid advice. Many things you pointed out made me really stop and think. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
thank you again wonderful and inspiring to me.