It's tough love, babe. Deciding to separate from the muse can leave an artist treading water without land in sight. Placing a lifetime of passion and dedication up on the shelf calls for stern resolve of epic proportion. I did it, I experimented, and now I'm back to mend the relationship if only temporarily. Let's say we're dating.
Advice from friends and associates sounds something like this:
"It was a great ride while it lasted, wasn't it?"
"What a terrible time to be in the horse racing business - for anyone."
"Paint something else until the business fixes itself."
I'm a bit more optimistic about the future of horse racing. It will survive albeit not as we presently recognize it. Owners will continue to buy good horses as well as treat themselves to the luxury of expensive cars, beautiful homes and collect great equine art that elicits personal and emotional resonance. These purchases will occur within a changed climate, like everything else that's newly...changed. The smart artist acknowledges and is ready.
I'm so glad for the expansion.
"Full Cry" oil on canvas, 11"x14"
"Twilight" oil on two canvases, each 11"x14""If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come." - Chinese Proverb
2 comments:
Sharon,
Great attitude! An artist must always continue to grow, learn and accept new "adventures" and this can only be done by accepting change. You have shown a strength in doing just that. May your new "adventures" be as rewarding as your muse has been. You have proven you are not only the "Queen of the canvas to the sport of kings" but an artist as well. Best of luck and you go girl! By the way, "Welcome back" - from your "muse"!
Times they are a changing, indeed, and all of us equine artists must change with them or perish. You are wise to seek new markets and set aside your One True Love for now.
So many equine artists have found it necessary to expand their subject matter if not abandon equine art altogether. It's not just horse racing but the whole horse industry that's suffering and in decline.
Looking at the situation from the positive view, it's a great time to build up inventory in hopes that the economy will turn around soon and collectors will once again come calling.
Best of luck to you, Sharon. Keep sharing your wonderful paintings.
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