In the internet age, the concepts of peer review and knowledge about a subject are often not given the respect they deserve. In my opinion there are two convenient places to get inspiration and knowledge when you need a little “help” (motivation) – local art  galleries and museums. You must use judgment when visiting galleries as there can be a difference in the quality of art and in the expertise of the owners. Museums are likely to have more structure and the staff will have been vetted for expertise before hiring.

Take time to see the groups and how they are displayed, then envision how your work would fit in. What type of work would yours display with in a persons home. We all like to think that our art would be the center peace – but what if it isn’t? See how your art fits in the art world – that gives you the unique selling position of your art – and that tells you how to market your art. Understanding how people will place your art is very important and that is exactly what you can learn buy visiting galleries and museums.

Take some pictures (if allowed) and place an image of your art in the groups (Photoshop or otherwise) and see what the feel is. Understanding how your art relates to other pieces in the art world will help your artistic sense of place.

You’ve probably seen those listing in the side menu that are business related in the categories section. I have been a small business consultant for 10 years (retired now) and I’ve put everything I learned in the posts in those categories. If you want to succeed as an artist it will pay you to understand small business and this is just what those posts do. Take some time and look through them, many folks paid thousands of dollars to learn what I wrote – the advice may work for you.

You may be the world’s best artist, but unless you understand business you will always be at risk for under selling and most importantly protecting your artistic visions franchise value. Its free so the only thing it will cost you is a little reading time.

Expanding Your Subject Matter Will Expand Your Creativity

When you know a subject extremely well it can limit the way you see things. You become accustomed to photographing, drawing, or creating a specific type of art and how that subject matter relates to you and the world can limit your artistic vision. If you’re an artist who works in the studio try Plein Air, if you’re a sports artist try still life, try learning an instrument, take up a physical activity like hiking, biking,  or swimming. Go to places you’d never want to go (inner city (be safe), the woods (be safe), or any other  location that doesn’t naturally draw you. Expand your vision by expanding your mind. You became an artist because you wanted to share your vision of the world, expand that vision and you can expand the art you crate.

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