Lions and Tigers and Bears (Oh, my!)

Yep!  I just watched "The Wizard of Oz", the restored version... Now THERE is some art let me tell you.  And in the newly restored version the art is evermore evident.  The colors and sound are so amazing.  You can see that the scarecrow's face is really covered in burlap.  They must have glued it on somehow!  Try to see it if you can. 

So, what do the art world and the Wizard of Oz have in common???  Well, entering the Art World, like entering the land of Oz takes, Courage, Brains and Heart.  
 
Courage is needed to stand up to those who think art is not important, or, who don't like YOUR specific brand of art.  Putting your picture out there is like sending your child out into the world and hoping they don't get bullied.  It can be pretty scary...  There are some very vocal people who will say that only 'certain' kinds of artwork are acceptable.  If you have deviated from the classics in any way, you will have heard them!  OR, sometimes as a classical artist, I hear that the Old Master's style is dead... only modern art is important now.  It takes courage to speak up for your art, even to continue doing it, when others want to pull you down.  It can be tempting to turn tail and run.
 

 

Having a heart for art is the second requirement.  We need to be deeply involved and in love with what we do, so that it is almost impossible to NOT do it.  This may also mean needing to give up other pleasures to pursue your art.  I love the romantic Tin Man, and I especially love the line the Wizard tells him "A heart will never be practical until it is made unbreakable."  There have been heartbreaks for every artist, but those who truly love art will not give up!


Entering the Art World also takes brains!  Be smart about how you approach art as a business.  This is probably my weakest point.  I can do the artwork all day, and never flinch to display it in public, but have no business sense whatsoever.  There are some great courses and books on promoting your art, how to deal with galleries and sales reps, and if you do decide to pursue fine art as a career I recommend that you read up.  I will add a few links at the end of this blog just for you!

So, off to the Wonderful Land of Art.  If you have some magical shoes, all the better, and certainly can't hurt.  Remember that after perseverance Dorothy received the desires of her heart.  And today, with the tools available to us (internet, etc.) it should be easier to pursue our art.  So, march up to the door and bid it OPEN!




Now here are the promised links to some Artist Business sites.  This Blog would have gotten posted a LOT sooner if I had not stopped to read some of these more thoroughly!!

http://www.artbizblog.com/  This Blog by Alyson B. Stanfield covers SO MUCH.

http://artistshelpingartistsblog.blogspot.com/  These artists run a radio program where they discuss marketing and reproducing work.  They talk to successful artists to get their tips and tricks!  There is a blog on this site too.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-m-eger/the-business-of-art-and-a_b_981528.html  and finally, here is an encouraging article about how most art students are finding gainful employment IN THEIR FIELD after art school.

Till next time, keep on working!

Laura