In the course of teaching painting, I come across a lot of angst in folks who feel that they have started "too late". Another variation is that they are unable to devote the time they feel is necessary to get their art where it needs to be. Ultimately we ALL seem to have some regret. Perhaps this simple analogy will assuage our self flagellation.

Think of art as a highway. Some artists get on it early, and really haul a**. Some start late, and can only go a few miles once a week. And so on... there are millions of variations. OK. There it is. Let's just take a deep breath and accept that it's OK! And let's lose the stress and do the best we can with the time and energy we have.

Ultimately words like angst, stress, guilt and such really mean FEAR! My favorite philosopher says "fear is useless, what is needed is trust"*.

I don't think that trust, or faith, means that I'll ultimately be an amazing successful artist. To me it means faith that I'm on the right path. Fear and such just become nuisances that can impede my progress.

As Thom Yorke wrote in "Optimistic", "try the best you can... the best you can is good enough."

Spring Trees-14x12 Oil (my first landscape-2003)

* Luke 8:50

Deep planning. Fundamentals. These are not strong aspects of our go-go culture.

I feel very blessed to have had the art instruction I've had, but each step seems to bring with it the realization that there is so far to go. Often the path is not entirely clear.

We can get good, or even pretty good. Let's call that 80%. The grim truth is this; that last 20% is brutal. Perhaps impossible! What to do? Some thoughts...

1. Focus on remaining weak spots. As my friend Thomas Nash says, "if hands are your weakness, study, draw and paint hands". This could be true of anything; color, perspective, composition, concept, business materials... whatever it is... ATTACK IT! Often our response is to avoid confronting these difficult challenges.

2. Seek out what really inspires you. Ask yourself what it is about your favorite art that truly excites you. If you try to break it down into tangible elements, you may be able to bring some of that to your own work. For example if you love Sargent's bravura and brushwork, try copying Lady Agnew's head, just for the learning experience. This is a time honored way of learning, practiced by Sargent himself. Then do some head studies (from life, like the master!). See if you can incorporate the new approach you're studying.

3. Think about key instruction that can help us make the "quantum leaps". Perhaps finding a mentor, or taking a workshop, or working with a book, or taking a trip to study art treasures, or a class, or a degree... there are many ways to learn new things that can really move us forward.

Of course ultimately the goal post will always be just a bit out of reach. That's OK! We will always be growing and learning. Hopefully this process is an enjoyable one as we gain creative fulfillment, and constant improvement. Our dreams may remain like the proverbial mirage of an oasis in the desert. We strive for the unattainable but achieve the best we're capable of, and that may take us far.

After John Singer Sargent's Lady Agnew 20x16 Oil

Hilton Vase With Onions And Garlic

Well, this is the last painting from our six week class. It's always great working with a group of artists, and good progress was made by all. Even the instructor, I think!

Thanks to Nowell Guffey for loaning me all of the vintage Carolina pottery.

There had been so much strong color in many of my paintings from this class, so I set this one up with a decidedly muted palette. I always say that the subjects reveal themselves to us as we paint. It is amazing how much color there is in an onion, or a garlic bulb, or even a 'plain' background.

Each class or workshop is a different experience. The greatest compliment for anyone trying to teach is to see inspiration in the students. I hope our class continues to paint and grow. Here are my six, in order. If you have a favorite, do let me know!

If you would like to paint with me here in Tryon, consider my Portrait /Figure Workshop in January 2011. Thanks! Rich Nelson