EXAMPLE:

HOW TO HELP THE CHALLENGED ARTIST
by Brienna Pruce

Currently I am polling artists on Facebook about what is the most challenging aspect of being an artist. It seems that "running out of time in the day" is the most popular concern (as it has received the most votes so far). Time management is a major problem for all artists! Hah, I know because I am one and we most often times live in our own custom-made time zones. So, I'd like to help fix this with a few simple tips.

First, keep a calendar and actually write down your daily schedule so you don't float off into daydream land.
www.etsy.com/listing/71049902/reserved-cloud-tree-original-acrylic?...
Figure out how much time it takes you to do everything from eating breakfast to picking up the kids from school. You need to write in bold caps: ART TIME and work in time like it is your 9-5 job BECAUSE IT IS!

Second, don't kill yourself on one project as your mind might wander.
www.etsy.com/listing/70480156/do-you-feel-sorry-for-killing-a
Instead, write down your ideas as they come to you, take little breaks to reflect on what you've accomplished and come back refreshed. You'll be more efficient if you're well fed, had plenty of sleep, and your studio isn't a wreck, so take time out to take care of yourself.

Third, you're not an island.
www.etsy.com/listing/70369040/the-dodo-approached-us-with-a-child-like
Make sure you connect with other artists and art collectors so that your work actually goes to a good home and you feel rejuvinated because you know you're appreciated. Actually, motivation and good vibes will energize you and give you the extra push you need to finish something in a shorter amount of time.

Fourth, go to bed (no burning the midnight oil).
www.etsy.com/listing/71262635/reserved-fire-tree-original-acrylic
Yes, this does sound counter-intuitive, but really this ties back into not killing yourself on one project and also keeping a calendar. You need to have a "normal" schedule, one that includes an appropriate about of rest so that your next day isn't shot to hell! Truly makes a difference, trust me... I know from experience.

Posted at 6:00 am Apr 19, 2011 EDT

I was just invited to join and accepted. I am an old hand, by now, having come back to painting around 1999! Here are some thoughts about starting a painting or drawing. As a student I was taught to "grid" my canvas and the inage I was working from. I those days we gridded almost to every inch, and that turned us into copiers. But, in fact, I find modified gridding very helpful.

II work with my own photos and I grid my canvas. But there are two ways of doing a painting or drawing. One, the opposite of what I do, is to put a mark on the page or canvas, and then respond to that, and then to that, and so on. This is very free and great for abstract work if one has a good sense of composition. I did that a few times and it IS very free.

The other way is to design the image, using a sketch, or photo, etc., that is cropped to the dimensions of the canvas or page,. One grids the image and the canvas in the same way. I divide each dimension once in half, and each in half again. That is usually enough. My secret is that I use thread, so I don't have to deal with pencil or charcoal messing up my color. This is a much more controlled way of working, good for a realist painter. The freedon for me is in the brushwork.

We as artists are naturally one way or the other, and teachers are making mistakes when they insist the artist go against that..

What do you think?

Eleanor

Posted at 12:05 pm Apr 20, 2011 EDT

Very interesting write up, Eleanor! And how innovative using string instead of drawing out a grid. I think this could be a great read for the ASG blog, and how cool would it be if you could document using your methods with photos! I do hope you'll submit it! You're work is so lovely, and along with your article, would be so inspirational to the other wonderful artists on the team.

xo
allie

Posted at 1:44 pm Apr 21, 2011 EDT

Dear Allie,

I just sent you a convo containing the revised article and images. Two refer back to my work on Etsy and three were designed for the article and are attached.
Eleanor

Posted at 6:53 pm Apr 22, 2011 EDT

We have an article this morning from Eleanor (Egilpatr) one of our talented members, so do come on by and check it out, leave your comments, and share with other artists: artschoolgrad.blogspot.com/2011/04/grid-painting-vs-freehand-mark-m... exploring how she created this stunning work: www.etsy.com/listing/68400261/spring-yellow-on-blue-an-original-still

brienna

Posted at 2:19 am Apr 28, 2011 EDT

Don't forget to submit your articles to us...or your ideas! If you don't have the time to write, tell us what you'd like to read about on the team blog! And be sure to check out the article by fellow ASG Team member, Eleanor Gilpatrick!

artschoolgrad.blogspot.com/2011/04/grid-painting-vs-freehand-mark-m...

xo,
Allie

Posted at 10:55 am May 2, 2011 EDT

A wonderful new article by a fellow ASG team member, be sure to check it out!!!

How to Have Square Thumbnails Show the True Dimensions of Your Art - by Eleanor Gilpatrick

artschoolgrad.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-have-square-thumbnails-sh...

AND feel free to share your own articles or article suggestions here! (or convo me)

brienna

Posted at 2:43 am Jun 23, 2011 EDT