"There is this Looming Fear that I’ll never be Good Enough to MAKE A CAREER OUT OF MY ART"
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ธ.ค. 2020
- Advice for a young, aspiring artist who wrote to me, saying that he was afraid that he will never be good enough to make a career as an artist. My thoughts.
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About me (bio) :
Website :
www.florentfarges.com
I am an artist living and working in France. I learned the techniques of the Atelier of the Nineteenth century and now I try to share some of my knowledge with the rest of the world, because I think that beauty still has an important role to play in artistic creation. I do mostly drawing and oil painting, and my goal is always to provide techniques, thoughts and explanations that can be useful to anyone, from beginners to more advanced artists.
The material I use most of the time (not necessarily in this video) :
Drawing
Equipement
✓ Kneaded eraser
✓ Plumb line
✓ Small mirror
✓ An old synthetic brush
✓ Masking tape
✓ Cutter
✓ Sandpaper or sanding block
✓ Mahlstick or Hand rest (DIY)
✓ Level ruler
Graphite
✓ Pencils 2H, HB and 2B
Charcoal
✓ If available: Nitram charcoals (H, HB and B)
✓ Square charcoals
✓ Natural charcoal box
Black and white chalk
✓ Sketch pencil Conté white
✓ Square Conté noir : HB and 2B
✓ Chalk or pencil holder
✓ Pencil sketch Conté Pierre noire : H and HB
Sanguine
✓ Sketch pencil Conté : Blood and blood Medici
✓ Crayon Polychromos Faber-Castel : sanguine
✓ Sketch pencil Conté white
Oil painting
Palette
(Extra-fine paint, recommended brands depending on availability: Lefranc Bourgeois, Winsor and Newton, Royal Talens Rembrandt)
✓ Titanium white PW6
✓ Yellow ochre PY42
✓ Burnt Sienna PR101 or PBr7
✓ Venetian red or English red PR101
✓ Permanent Alizarin crimson (Attention: do not use the traditional pigment, which is not very light-fast) PV19 or PR177 or Quinacridone Rose PV19
✓ Cobalt teal blue PG50
✓ French ultramarine blue PB29
✓ Raw umber PBr7
✓ Burnt umber PBr7
✓ Ivory Black PBk9
Brushes
✓ About ten filbert hog bristle brushes sizes n° 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12
✓ Some flat brushes
✓ Round sable brush or round Kolinsky sable n° 4, 8, 10, 12 (from the size of the nail (about one inch) or synthetic imitation
Medium
✓ Linseed stand oil
✓ Odourless mineral spirits
✓ Safflower oil
Surface
✓ Linen canvas, fine grain universal coating
✓ For studies : Canson oil-acrylic oil paper Figueras
Others
✓ Palette
✓ Foam and spalter brushes
✓ Palette knife in the shape of a water drop, no souldering
✓ A few small pots, containers, jars...
✓ Paper towels
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#art #painting #inspiration
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Thanks for watching !
I am 60 years old and I am an artist the words just spoken are the epitome of Truth
To those who are young
Please take them to your heart
And please remember
Life itself is an artform
Make it beautiful :)
🙏🙏
You're good! Boy I'm 59 and just starting to really practice. Thank you for the video.
Wow this was so encouraging. I’m a young artist who fell into depression and hasn’t painted any original pieces this year.. This video really inspired me to get back up, pick up my brushes, and try again! Thank you Florent for your answer 🙌🏾 and Aroha for asking this!
Hope and inspiration to you 🙏 You can do it, don't give up !
Best wishes for you on your artistic path! :)
I have been struggling with these same questions and your message was exactly what I needed to hear, thank you!
You are so welcome! Glad it helped !
This video gave me wings literally ! Hey Aroha , i don't know if you will be reading this in the comment section of this video, i don't know where you are from , but i must say that i feel you bro! Every word in this video is a jewel , and the best advice for all us "Arohas" all over the world !
What a wonderful answer to that young person's question. I wish I had continued with my art when I was their age but for some obscure reason, I just stopped. Decades later, I realised it's the only thing I've ever been vaguely good at and have recently taken it up again in earnest. It's challenging but I love it and nothing gives me more satisfaction and fulfilment. It's true that art doesn't necessarily have to be your full time career. In fact, you probably don't appreciate right now how little pressure there is on you. You can do whatever you want when creating your art. There are no expectations from anyone. You can take your time and experiment freely. There are no deadlines or nagging or demands from galleries or customers. Of course it's frustrating when you don't manage to convey your ideas as you had imagined them onto paper or canvas due to your current skills level. This is often referred to as "the gap". You need to bridge the gap between your vision and your skills and be confident that it will happen. Be careful what your wish for, though. Before you know it, the pressure is on! In the meantime...just enjoy!
I dont know if i can really express how helpful this video was for me.
And like... it showed up at the very moment when i was extremely troubled by the same questions... Which ofcourse were beautifully answered and expressed by Florent.
Thank you for creating this.
And Aroha, you're not thr only one.
This video literally sums up my first year at art school.
Not me. I had all the confidence in the world! It's now, down the road - quite a few years that I KNOW to be terrified. ;- )
I just wanted to say in the sane way you apply the fundamentals for being a "good artist" the same applies to real life and honestly this was the motivation i needed to try again not only in my art but in anything that i do. Whether it's my job, my failures or even my self sabotaging personality. It is important to find balance in having achievable goals but at the same time not settling in comfortability. It is important for growth in the stages of life. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for giving me the courage to try again.
Thank you Florent, as always, you are inspiring! Since Aroha is so young, perhaps there are other things to mention that can help guide. Your advice on being a traditional artist is excellent. I believe that the need to draw and paint can also be translated into a profession, such as a designer, or a concept artist, maybe even digital art could be enticing? Aroha, there is a world of talented artists making a living outside of the world of galleries, where talent and imagination is sought after and rewarded (think of video games, or animation, for example). Just another thing to look into as you dream about the future you want to build for yourself. All the best! :)
Thanks Lola, that's right actually, I forgot to mention this other side of creative work ! So true !
Wow.. thank you so much...
It felt as if it's me writing the mail.. to Florent.. I m at the end of my high school.. I used to draw now and then before..but it's only recently that I started to draw and paint consciously... I am a very beginner... but I love telling stories.. when I read novels there are images in my head that I want to express.. and I realized I can do that only through art... but the voice that "I am not good enough" always lingers around me... nd same goes for the things with expectations.. I've watched a lot of art videos and got to know and realize a lot... I am convinced.. that yes the journey is long very long... I now draw everyday... 50% of the time learning technical stuffs... like values forms.. etc... and 50% the time.. just drawing... telling a story... ofcourse it's not good and exactly how I want it to be in terms of art... but I am happy that I am atleast able to convey something... I am surely looking forward to what more can I do... and this video really helped me a lot.. to realize and clarify more things within me..
Thank you, Florent.. for the video.. your advice is truly a gem for me..
Thank you Florent. Another excellent video that deals with so many personal progress issues, and how the world sees that progress. Excellent advice to just stay focused on improving ourselves; Not comparing our journey into the art world with our fellow artists. Each of us have vastly different ideas...even on the same subjects...no work could ever be the same quality or have the same emotional impact. Perhaps an art agent could help this young artist? I don't know if agents are available, but maybe that could help ease the process of learning the art market? Sometimes finding a business student who is going into gallery management can help both artist and future manager learn together and get experience when you are young? Loved the advice to just keep making art for the sake of it alone. Someone will always respond to your art if it comes from a true and genuine place. People intuitively respond and gravitate towards authenticity....please don't lose yours in worrying about selling. Florent is right...nothing great comes from a "tragic artist" stereotype. This is just painful for the artist sometimes dealing with health or mental health issues...and it is anything but "romantic"....it is devestating to the person and the artwork. Please, don't believe that traumatic experiences and lifestyles are necessary for artwork. I am much older, and I was literally told "you haven't suffered ...what are you doing trying to make art at your age," when I was 18. It was horrible...no one really knows what another artist has been through at any age...but to glorify trauma and trouble is sickening. Please listen to Florent's good advice....work anyplace if you have to, support your art desires, and try not to be afraid of critics and comparison between yourself and others. I hope you do better than I , and I hope you are more successful !!! There is nothing sadder than losing touch with your artistic self! No other thing in life can fulfill that desire. Don't let the others sell the illusion of tragedy to you as a way to succeed!!! It is an outdated lie that consumes young artists. Thank you again Florent...as always, this has been most helpful, sane and thought provoking!!! ❤️🎨🖌️
wow excellent advice. Thank you. The best part was when you said, Be so good, that they cannot ignore you. That is how I roll...
I almost watch most of your videos not because I an artist but because I am a grieving person a human who paints to find reasons for my loss and honestly what you said made my soul soar into a different realm; a consoling sort. Thank you for making sense where nothing make sense to me anymore.
hey, florent I'm still learning so much from you,
Appreciate you ; )
GREAT TEACHER !!
Happy to hear that! 🙏
Still watching thanks for the video
Struggling with art college,comparing and fearing of not being good enough.
I have to save it to watch when i need.
I am not in touch for long days... But your words are mind-blowing, let's start to think... Once again... Let's see what my mind and hand says... Let's do paintings...
Wonderful video, I loved the letter and the response-I could see myself in both roles-which I imagine many could relate to as well.
I feel incredibly lucky that I was a teenager at a time when the internet was just starting to take off (I think I was a sophomore when I got a MySpace account lol). My point is that the only point of reference for mastery were the old masters and the comic book artists and illustrators I liked. It was rare that I had a peer who’s skill level trumped mine-and so while I didn’t have an arrogance towards my drawing, I wasn’t being bombarded with mind-blowing imagery that was contemporary.
I also dropped out of college and spent 11 years outside of any kind of artistic community to compare my work with as I had a really bad addiction to contend with. I continued to draw throughout that dark time, very seriously, but I lost the idea of ‘being an artist’ as an identity-and although I would never recommend someone to go about this the way I did- considering drawing as a private passion with no consideration for monetary gain was helpful in that it allowed me to fall in love with the process of art, rather than just the end result. I would draw people on trains, and when I was confident in my hand eye coordination, I started to experiment with injecting some stylistic influences in these studies. In time, this practice of drawing from life and trying to mimic components of my favorite artists, would transform into the natural way that I now make art.
I’m now 32 and I’ve been healthy for 4 years. I had to struggle to understand platforms like Instagram, and with that came waves of envy, frustration and at times deep resentment initially. However, this all started to change when I began to meet artists that were in my age group who I considered better than myself-while I may have initially felt envy, I found a deep love for them. It seemed foolish to even compare my work, as it was a disservice to them but myself as well. It’s embarrassing, but only in the last year did it dawn on me that it was okay not to be the best-though that doesn’t mean I don’t put every iota of my being into the work I make.
This is the kind of response I needed to hear when I was at school, faced with a decision to study art or sciences (and being gently pushed to the latter).. I respect your clarity and generosity in responding to a request like this and have gained some inspiration for myself too, thank you.
Beautiful. Brilliant. Wise.
Well done Florent!
Thank you florent, you always inspire us young artists
I appreciate that ! Hope and inspiration to all young artists out there !🙏
Thank you. Great video, good words. I needed to hear this.
Wow.. Very logical advise. Thanks.
Well said Florent! Thx!
Beautiful loved the story behind t painting thank u for sharing👏🏻
Beautiful words of encouragement. Thank you.
Thank you very much Aroha for the questions and Florent for the great advices. Although that it may be really kind of logical that many people if not anybody who deals with art would have this thoughts, it's still quite amazing every time to get to realize that you are not alone. Thanks, I really appreciate the great help.
You're very welcome! Most creative people share a lot of thoughts and have similar problems, so...no, you're not alone, far from it 😊
@@FlorentFargesarts 🙏
A lovely response florent, insightful and Inspiring
Let me put my 2 cents.. Well said Florent, brava!
I submitted a piece,to a show, my first public show, and in 15 minutes, it sold. A lady loved it so much!
Then, i met a gallery owner. To make the story short, he asked to see my work. I did tell him i am just starting to paint. No matter he said, show me. I brought in my work to him and tragedy happened. He said, well, its clear you can't paint. But, ill give you a number to an artist who can teach you..
Theres more to this dialog. But it was devaststing to me. I learned one thing quick, get used to rejection. Now, a few years later, the tide has turned and i am gaining success in technique and networking. Its showing up everyday to work at my art is the key.
Thank you for this video 🧡
You're message really inspiring, and full of truth..
Very cool message 👍
Content is King 🤴 Thank you ♡♡♡
Another great video. Thanks 👍
Glad you enjoyed it ! Thanks
Superbe toile Florent ! Ton projet du moment ? J'adore et admire ce que tu fais 🤩 Très beau discours et un propos qui sera utile à notre jeune ami. Merci de partager ton univers, ton talent, tes connaissances et tes précieux conseils
This is really informative and interesting 🥺 ( you inspired a lot of artist that is questioning their capabilities )
you are inspiring
OmG! I feel like crying 😢I’ve struggled for so long as an artist and I think tonight my struggles are over! It’s like someone has spilled out my problem and it has been solved for me😢
Awesome, glad the video helped you. So happy that you can now go ahead and make wonderful art 😊🎨✨
Sir big fan from India
Thank you.
It took me a long time to realize there is no faster way to ruin my art journey than to be constantly preoccupied with the thought of profits. Alan Watts, a brilliant philosopher said it simply, "find what you love, become a master at it and someone will be interested and the money will follow". With your head filled with worry about money, no good improvement will occur. *You* have to be the first satisfied customer with your work.
Well said
Usually the best artists are the ones who think they are horrible. They have hit “ the valley of despair”
Très beau message et cette nouvelle toile a l’aire superbe :)
Merci beaucoup !
Big fan from Egypt 😚😍❤
Guys imagine that your father and mother have the same mind as yours and can get you entirely like only you can, forgetting abut your parents and past for a moment
Merci Florent pour ces conseils avisés. J'ai vu toutes tes vidéos et tu m'as beaucoup appris. Pour Noël, je pense m'offrir quelques cours de Monsieur Florent Farges 😊🎄👏
Have you read _The Death of the Artist_ by William Deresiewicz? While I don’t agree with his discouragement of amateur artists, he points to a lot of other salient facts about the current state of things in all the arts. BTW, I love what you’re doing in your videos recently, and your new course on color. Keep up the good work!
A very kind video, thank you to take time for this young person !
NB : what is the music played at the beginning ?
nowdays young artist have great chance to improve their skills with helping videos on youtube or enother social network. this generation of artist have the best opportynity for self developmant. they should use this chance and change his life
Shared with friend
Thank you so much Cynthia ;)
You're really good. ~~~♡★☆♡♥♥
great.....
I,like....
Super vidéo ❤️. A tu une marque ou ou un modèle de chevalet à nous conseiller cher Florent ?
can i learn that kind of art in 1 year if i do 5 hr of practice everyday including breaks? i can only draw and paint with carcoal i never try paint ?
The video that I nedded
Glad it helped 🙏
No doubt it helped me thanks 😀
exactly what i feel , i am 47 yo and still fighting my demons
How does he make this look so easy
Well done Florent!! You apply a lot of wisdom in your advice, and I have found you very interesting and inspiring. Your talent is so natural and effortless, yet as a budding artist, I fully know just how difficult it is to translate paint into a work of art on canvas. I'd love to be able to speak with you. If you are able to accommodate me, I shall be most grateful. Do let me know how I can reach you if you able. Thanks in advance, and in the meantime, please keep up the great work you do
My pleasure! If you want to write me, use the contact form on my website www.florentfarges.com talk to you soon!
@@FlorentFargesarts Many thanks Florent, I will do as you suggest. I look forward to chatting with you soon too. In the meantime, take care and do keep safe and healthy out there. Thanks again
Can I have some of your leftover paints and used materials? 🙂
I have to wonder why young people, still teenagers, are in such a hurry to enter the adult world. Its not all its cracked up to be! I miss the days when I just made art for art's sake and was free to explore whatever I wanted. I wanted to go to art school afterhigh school, and I got into a very prestigious one,, but things didn't pan out. Why in such a hurry to think about careers and making money? You're in the best years of your life! The burdens of economics will arrive soon enough. Just be free!
I like your videos but it's hard to concentrate listening to you with background music 😀
I understand, maybe levels weren't right...