Influencers vs friends is a topic worth considering. Social media has become a race for followers, to some artists. I know more than one artist who has given up their thoughtful posts on social media, because they don’t think people care about what they say. They don’t get a lot of comments, or large numbers of followers. I have never been an influencer. I’m not even sure what that makes you. 

I don’t share my thoughts to get followers. I have about 1200 followers on Instagram. What does that mean? Nothing! I have never sold paintings on Instagram. Artists have the idea that these platforms are for selling art. Perhaps they help aggressive artists.

My thought is that social media is for friendships and admiration for others who do much to improve the world. I’m lucky to have many friends, due to my career. I’ve become friends with many thanks to social media. None of that is a popularity contest, nor should it be. I leave that mindset to the Kardashians of the world.  Yes, I am deeply grateful for every painting I sell, but my posts come from the heart, stories of my life and career.

Every now and then I get a comment from someone who has never commented before. They tell me that they look forward to my posts each day. Who knew? It means the world to me. Every friend I have means everything to me. Perhaps artists need to rethink social media. Much can be done here to improve our world.

Life is wonderful for country painters......

As a nature painter, I study landscape, and parts thereof. I studied birds a couple of years ago, flowers after that, and vegetables after that. My beloved trees have been studied for many years, and will be a subject for me for the rest of my career. I paint what I love the most regularly. That subject will be my strength onward, because I know it best. Trees and land are my favorite and what I do best. 

So, why not stick to those all the time? Because when you only paint one or two subjects, you don’t stretch and grow. You never paint poorly to learn new technique. You stick with the same palettes, brushwork, values. Your work becomes stale and predictable. Eventually, collectors have seen what you have, and look for something different. I know artists who do precise, excellent work, but their work looks just like it did 20 years ago. 

The other issue is that you become a rote painter. You can do it in your sleep. I never want to be that painter. I want to continue to struggle, to make ghastly mistakes, to learn new material and earth’s subjects. There are bird painters whose work makes me gasp with awe. I’ll never paint birds that well, but someday I might be one of those tree or landscape painters. 

This country painter loves a challenge…..

Collecting art is one of the best ways to bring joy and culture into our lives, especially during difficult eras. Art brings decency, education, and civility to our homes and offices. No matter how battered the world becomes, it takes but a moment to rest and feel peace with a fine piece of art. It doesn’t matter what kind of art you love. Art is selected, depending on your culture, where you live, and what speaks to you on deep levels. There is no better reason to own art. 

Your choices also depend on budget, and how important knowing the artist is in your plans. The Internet has allowed artists to connect to collectors directly, without the gallery system. Galleries still have value, especially for nationally and Internationally recognized artists, who don’t want direct contact with collectors. I love befriending people who like my art. It is one of my favorite parts of an art career. Other artists do not. Some collect for investment. I’m glad my collectors purchase for the love of owning original art. 

After all, I’m just a country painter….

Before visiting a studio or gallery think about the size you will want to hang on your wall. I suggest putting a piece of paper on your wall to see if it is the right size. Consider the extra inches of framing if you want a framed piece of art. This is much better than just measuring. 

Consider the style of your furnishings, the color and mood of your space. More traditional or modern? Still life, landscape, floral, abstract? Price range and budget. Be realistic. Don’t expect a well known, skilled artist to sell a large painting for a low price. If your budget is low, choose a beginning artist for large paintings. 

Plan your visit to an artist’s studio in advance. This gives you and the artist time to prepare ahead. We southern artists like to welcome you with a bit of hospitality, food and drinks. I serve tea and snacks to my guests. I have been told that other regions do not. 

This country painter loves a visit….