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Support for beginning artists?
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Message
Posted
It has been said that there is a certain buzz about this site, and I do agree. But so many postings go by without comments and I wonder why this is. Derek was right when he said, in another recent topic, that it is not a clique, but that we tend to comment on certain artists whose work we follow or like. But there are quite a few less experienced artists here as well, who are showing potential in their work. On the 'old' site we used to comment with supportive and helpful suggestions. and as newcomers ourselves, I remember, we actively invited 'criticisms', but that does not seem to happen now, Is this a lack on our support network, I wonder? Or do artists here no longer look for help and advice? Do many look upon it merely as a showcase in which to air their work?
Posted
Anybody who's serious about the art they produce should welcome critique; it's the only way they'll learn to get any better.
I do agree that beginners/ emerging talent should be supported. If an artist can't get support from a website where the contributors are artists themselves, then where?
Posted
If you really mean on the Gallery, I do often comment on new people's work - though I agree there's a tendency to concentrate on those we know; probably because people are nervous about commenting on the work of people they DON'T know; I think we should certainly encourage new painters if and when we can. If I've really nothing useful to say, though, I do make a conscious decision to hold back, as opposed to my gabbiness here: "very nice" is a comment you see, and I know it's well meant, but I just don't see myself saying it .... yet sometimes, what else can you say?
On the forum, I would hope that new people do get supportive comment and advice when they come to ask a question or make a point - I think they generally do. The thing about the forum here is that, unlike many others, you can just dive in as though you've been here for years, and nobody minds or is precious about it: you don't have to "prove" yourself, and I've always liked that about POL.
Posted
I must agree with you Robert - POL is very open from serious through to flippant (which I am usually guilty of) and it matters not a jot - I think of it as a bit of an open family. The only issue I would like to see extended more is the matter of supportive comment in the gallery and encouraging everyone to actively seek it - if not asked for it rarely happens and I might lead the way by adding something to my future postings.
Posted
I tend to view works which attract my eye and this has led to me commenting on them thereby finding the same names commenting. However some works are by people I haven't hear of but attracted to and if I feel like it I will comment. I do also think that the new members don't comment back, so we find we are in a small number of commentators all the time.
Posted
Its usually easy to see the works of beginners , I often home in on them and make some positive comment usually because they have no comments from anyone else. But there is a sort of etiquette about the gallery re the answering of comments about your work.
Maybe if we leave any sort of comment we could add something like " what do you think" or " do you agree" or some such. I suppose it could provoke a verbal punch up , though I must admit they are quite fun occasionally.
I did leave a comment fairly recently on a pic and she well and truly jumped down my throat. I dont think I leave negative stuff and hadnt in this instance....but she obviously didnt like what I thought.
Oh I did forget one person who we all know, whos work I usually HATE .
Posted
Now whom CAN you mean - chortle....
I didn't see the angry response but I'm afraid I'm totally indifferent to that sort of thing: if people show their work here they can expect an honest opinion, or if they really want we can just ignore it and watch it disappear down the gurgler. Those who can't take criticism are doing themselves a bad turn - it's the only way to learn. I've had criticism and have benefited from it in just about every case - sometimes I've disagreed with it, but it's always taught me something, if only that we don't all see things the same.
Usually, I admit, I get my self-criticism in first: not sure that's a very good idea - I think I might have alerted people to failings they might not otherwise have noticed - hmmmm. Now I come to think of it, I'm sure that's happened - it never pays to under-sell yourself. BUT - I welcome criticism of my stuff - I can't always see what's wrong with it and it can be hugely helpful if others spot a problem one just didn't see. If you think a criticism is wrong, for goodness' sake, just say so: you're entitled to defend your work - it's infantile to get offended by a genuine criticism, though: benefit from it and get better!
I too have had people resent my comments, but - I don't really care, to be quite frank. There haven't been many of them, and those there have been have usually managed to misunderstand what I was saying. Perhaps I'm insensitive - I should appreciate a chorus of "No, no"! Not you! Never!" at this point - but I'll criticize where I must, support where I can, appreciate when it's appropriate (as here, it so often is), and never think I'm any better than anyone else, because that just isn't the point and it's not why one comments anyway.
Posted
I was so pleased to see that every one of these replies and comments to this post have been constructive. I was particularly struck by your comment, Sylvia, when you suggested including a "What do you think....?" type of comment following a suggestion. This is a very kind and understanding way of approaching a "beginners" work. (Heavens, that sounds patronising,,,It is not meant to be!)
When I posted the topic I was not in any way criticising what happens on the site. But there are artists who are clearly struggling who often "bloom" and go on in strength to an acknowledgement of their posting. It is Wonderful to receive recognition, is it not, especially when starting out on the rocky road to Art with its many pitfalls,...and so much more especially if you feel you have potential and vision but do not know quite how to direct it. Thank you all for giving it some thought, you have given me material for very humble thought too....we all have so much yet to learn.
Posted
Yes the forum is a bit hidden. If you are in the gallery and want to go to the Forum you have to click on to Art Community to get to the forum link - now who would have thought of that? Oddly if you are on the home page, the Gallery which must surely be one of the popular sections is not listed as such and you have to go into the menu to find it.
Posted
I'm going to try and be a bit more active here. I like the forum and the layout of the gallery. I am all for constructive criticism on my pictures here, and welcome it at all times. Maybe if there was an option on the gallery page that you could tick that made it clear somehow that critique is welcome? Say if a notice showed above the comments box that said "This artist welcomes critique" or something?
As much as I like people commenting on my pictures, I like people to tell me what they like/don't like. I post pictures on WetCanvas, and a few people do give critique, but the majority of people are very polite and don't do that.
Posted
Triduana,....A big welcome to the site and the Forum. Often we talk a lot of general stuff, friendly banter etc., but it has its serious side too. Your suggestion of an indication on the Gallery page of critique being welcome may just be a good idea, because there are a lot of artists posting who really want comments on their work but don't ask, and rarely get them. It is a bit of a minefield, though, as you will appreciate. Hope you have a long and happy association with POL and the Forum. Lovely to see you contributing.
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