What Separates Professional and Amateur Artists?

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What Separates Professional and Amateur Artists?

What do you think separates professional artists from amateur artists? We could probably list 20-25 things, but I think it really comes down to only two things.

First on my list is Practice. Most professional artists have painted thousands of paintings. Most have also mastered the design fundamentals and sharpened their skills over many years. Compare that to a typical amateur painter who paints just a few paintings a year and is constantly trying to learn a new medium: hot wax, cold wax, watercolor, etc.

Does it help to have a natural feel for how compositions flow or how colors harmonize? Sure, it helps, but those things can be learned - you guessed it, through practice (and proper instruction).

If you understand the design fundamentals and know how to implement them in painting, and you do it over and over and over, you will be a better painter. All things being equal with regard to the latter, the artist who paints the most paintings will, most likely, be the better painter.

Second is the ability to create a consistent body of work over a long period of time. This is hard to do. First, you have to do the Practice part as I described above. Then you have to be able to hone in on the exact type of work that you like to do and that you are the best at. You then must be able to create a consistent body of work that looks like it all goes together, looks like the same person did it, and reflects your heart and personality, as well as the natural way you use materials.

This one stumps lots of people because artists aren’t always willing to focus themselves enough to be consistent. This is one of the main traits that galleries and sophisticated art collectors look for - consistency.

If you want to get serious about your work give these two things a try. Everyone I know who makes lots of paintings and creates a consistent body of work are much more successful than those who don’t.

If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)

2022 Workshops

David

Simple Color System Colorwheel

If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.

You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.

I Have a NEW Online “Short Course”:

Using the Color Wheel. Has anyone (even an art instructor) ever asked you to purchase a color wheel, or told you need a color wheel, but then never taught you how to use it? In this course I’ll show you exactly how to use it and provide you with a system to implement all the color combinations in your work. Includes 13 video tutorials. $47.

Click Here to Purchase

Other Online Workshops

ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings. Now On Sale for $50 Off!

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Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course. Now On Sale for $100 Off!
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The Painting Insider (formerly Abstract Painting Insider) now has a new format and is not abstract painting specific. Weekly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course!

Click Here to Find Out More