Searching for a mentor is difficult. How do you find one? Do you go fishing? Craigslist? Stalking? Wage war? No. No no no.
First, i think it's important to consider your personal skill level. Before you get a mentor you should be fairly consistent in your output and have some knowledge of proportion, value, anatomy, execution etc, so that you don't waste much time going over basics. You should also be dedicated and patient. Art is not a thing that becomes overnight, it's a thing to nurture throughout a lifetime.
In my search for prospect mentors i search for an artist i admire in terms of the art they create and if they understand the concepts/aesthetics i'm interested in. They will know essential academic principles and as well as the ropes of the business of art. They need to be genuine and there should be mutual respect between pupil and teacher. If they come at you with a paddle, that's not the way to go.
Lastly, i think the dynamic between two people needs to be put into consideration. Is communication a cause of stress or does it come easily, are you comfortable asking questions? How do they critique your work? Are they honest, open and do they guide you in a direction you want to go? Let them teach, be willing to learn. Does it make sense? Is there mutual respect?
I'll admit that the concept of a mentor is abit intimidating. The idea of someone helping you with what is the most important aspect of your life.... It is, your life, and someone who just, guides you is... remarkable. I know there is a trade there, but it's not based on your standard currency exchange, and again... being an artist is your soul. (Spread cheese all over toast here)
I'll also mention the issue with being a female in this field is that at times people will offer a hand of help expecting to sleep with you. I've had potential models offer the same exchange in not so many words. Uh... they did not model for me and i walked out on people who offered to help with my education who had other ideas in mind.
So... what's next? I figured out who i would like to study with.
Hummm. Well. I'm sure there are alot better answers to this then the one i'm about to post here but.. this is what i'm doing. I have a friend who studies with one potential mentor, this person will mention the issue. The seed. They will have time to consider. I will seek to see this individual in person, whether that be in a show or through cold calling to stop by their studio. I'll probably see if they can check out some paintings i've been working on first, then if all goes well see if they can help me out further. The idea of asking someone point blank 'will you be my mentor' just sounds... weird. The essential idea is to see them in person and ask if they would be willing to help you out or suggest a trade of sorts (in my case, modeling.. or cleaning brushes or whatever, some people have other skill they can use to trade). If you do manage to land a mentor, work hard for them and listen to them. That's why you're there. Remember to shower.
So, this week;
Worked some more on the two larger paintings of mine. Not done with them but i don't know where to take them. Started another one this week. Going to do some smaller studies as well, started sketching for those, they are figures in the environment. In my sketching i usually like to focus on construction and anatomy. Make sure i have everything down since i'm still a newbie and all practice is golden. I start focusing more on shape, light and simplification as they develop into paintings.
On a side note, I model for most of my paintings. That's because to me i'm a free model, and i just happen to be everywhere i am and am willing. So i'll shoot ref photos. During my trip i was running around with a friend of mine for a little bit and he was around when i was inspired and i got to take photos of him. Needless to say, it's pretty exciting to have a change of model :). The painting i'm working on now though is just an instance in time; I was in Venice (Italy), saw something remarkable, and am turning it into a painting. There have been lots of these instances and i look forward to bringing them to life eventually. Or simply.. working from life. Anyhow. Life is awesome, high five.
Plein air from this week;
mon
sat
Now... i'm not sure what to do. I want to work on my venice painting, i'd like to work on a still life, and i want to do a nightscape plein air. Those all sound amazing. BUT, i currently have no income. I'm sending a last painting up north (small) to see if it sells, but my paintings haven't been selling where i'm sending them. I hope the holidays will bring good fortune. My next mode of income is to go into digital... so theoretically, i really should work on my digital portfolio tonight so i can start putting it out there and turning a little profit. Time will tell all things, yet, time is the most useless of them all.
Were you dying to find out what i ended up doing? I know, i was too.
I ended up going out and painting. Probably explains alot.
Time warp; artists in history, Jacques Louis David. Very present during French Revolution. Incredible artwork.
Self Portrait, 25" x 31", Louvre
Death of Marat , 65"x50", 1793,
Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium
