As we looked back on 70 years of American Artist in the January 2007 issue, we were reminded of the artists who shaped the way we draw and paint today. Here, we present advice that has been collected from articles about these artists. Be sure to look for articles about the continuing influence of these historic artists in American Artist throughout the year as we celebrate our 70th anniversary.
by M. Stephen Doherty
- Strive to find your own artistic voice and speak with confidence.
- Recognize that talent is less important than solid training and constant practice.
- Trust nature and your power of observation.
- Study the best artists to understand their creative processes.
- Understand that poor materials yield poor results.
- Remember that creativity is a process, not a result.
- Understand that the best realist art has a solid abstract foundation.
- Be self-critical, but enjoy what you’re doing.
- Understand that artists need support, especially from one another.
- Keep learning no matter how much you think you already know.
- Share your gifts with others.
To read this feature article, check out the January 2007 issue of American Artist.