Mike Barr Art Blog
Painting in front of other people
by paintingsuccess , April 28, 2009—12:00 AM
Painting in front of others is a problem for most of us, particularly early on in our painting life. I just know as you read this you have a story to tell on this point! Some cannot even paint in front of family members let alone strangers, but there are benefits in being able to do so.
I remember the first time I was determined to do it during a craft sale at a low-key country show. I had my easel all ready to go and paints were packed in anticipation, but when the time came I just coudn't do it! The spell was broken a few years later when I had my own little stall at on outdoor art day in a city square. It was a quiet affair but there was hardly a minute when someone wasnt watching me work - it completely cured me of being afraid to paint to an audience, as casual as it was.
Generally speaking, people enjoy watching artists at work, despite the artist's own perception of how well they can or can't paint. I really enjoy watching other artists paint, as do most other artists. It's what we do and we like watching others do it to - it's just how we are.
So, what are the benefits of plunging into public painting?
Firstly, it's a great confidence booster. It was for me anyway. I tended to fiddle around less and just get on with it. But, there are more benefits than this.
Being able to paint in front of others will release you into the world of outdoor painting without any fear attached to it! People may come over to see what you are doing and perhaps even engage in conversation. It will be something you may learn to enjoy as part of working outdoors and it will all add to 'getting your name out there' if that is what you desire.
Volunteering to do demonstration paintings at art shows for instance is a great way to promote your work. You get to meet art buyers and you will also network with other artists to, who will really wish they were there painting with you! Art Show organisers tend to like that too, as it generates more interest in the show.
Why not try painting outdoors in a place that has trickle of on-lookers who may look in on you? It will most likely break the spell of fear and release you to another level of enjoying your art that you may not have imagined before.
Now - I know you have some interesting stories to tell on this point!
COMMENTS
05/01/2009 * 10:02:38
I have never to my recollection been shy about people watching me paint, but I think that comes form my teaching background. I had some real shyness to get past as a teacher, but it was worse in lecture situations than in more casual encounters.
What I would add to your list of benefits is the opportunity to become a photo pro for the local paper. That has happened to me repeatedly over the years, perhaps a dozen times in all, all of them while doing landscape plein air. That really gets your name and picture out there.
04/29/2009 * 22:53:33
Hi, I know what you mean--When I first started to paint it was because I felt that I really was not good enough, but as I became more confident, I did a lot of art shows and painted there. I did a lot of demonstrations for art clubs in the area. I havent been able to go to my club since I moved away. So I do miss it. But I would encourage anyone to just paint for anyone at any time. Its good for you. Milliegiftsmith/artid
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10/23/2009 * 19:27:13
Hi Mike,
For some reason, I've always liked painting with a group around me. I was shy in other things but confident in drawing and painting. I think it has much to do with being able to focus and tune others out. A few years ago, I was painting in the plaza gardens of San Miguel de Allenda. I was in the middle of a very involved sketch of a street vendor when something fell on my paper. My first reaction was that a kid had thrown a worm on my drawing. I glanced around and found that there were people on each side of me and behind me watching me draw. A couple of titters from two girls made me realize that a bird overhead had used my drawing for a bathroom. I then noticed I also had droppings on my shoulder and my sleeves. Big laugh---total focus.