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Artist, Photographer, Webmaster, Etc.

By Sharon Weaver on 3/25/2011 3:05:02 PM 8 Comments

A few days ago I posted a blog with my painting of a lily pond at Descanso Gardens on my other blog Reflections of an Artist. My friend, Marian Fortunati who painted with me that day, commented that the actual painting was much nicer than the photo. That inspired me to try again to produce a more accurate image. Above are the two different photos. I am not satisfied with either one but hey I'm not a professional photographer. Do I need to be? Maybe.

This got me thinking about the impact the internet has on an artists learning curve. Not only must I be a great artist but a great photographer, an expert at Photoshop, a marketing genius, a webmaster and the list goes on and on. The internet has opened the world to every artist, which is amazing but, it has also changed how our images are shown to the public. Everything is done digitally through email or websites. Galleries, plein air events and art specific websites all demand not just an image but a great image. As my paintings have become more subtle, I have found it more and more difficult to produce a satisfactory image which shows the intricate colors and brushstrokes. I have had photographers take photos of my work only to be even more disappointed.

I realize that if I do not present my art with an accurate reproduction, it won't sell and I risk being left behind without an audience while other artists will move ahead of me. So what to do. I continue to improve my photography, I try to stay ahead of the learning curve and I listen to how other artists deal with this problem. I take a lesson from my art; to become the best I will try anything.

Topics: Learning Curve

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8 Responses to Artist, Photographer, Webmaster, Etc.

Marian Fortunati
via sharonweaver.com26 months ago

Unfortunately VERY TRUE..... I feel the same way... The way my photos turn out (color, ability to capture without glare, etc) really depends upon the time of day and the particular settings I choose when I photograph the work.

I used to think that having a professional photographer do the work was the answer, but I too, have been disappointed....... AND the cost has gotten really prohibitive.

So... keep painting, keep taking photos... and... well you DID say you were in the market for a new camera didn't you???

Sharon Weaver
via sharonweaver.com26 months ago

The time involved with doing this is the real issue but I can't figure out any other way either.

Cooper
via sharonweaver.com26 months ago

The other problem with pro-photographers is accessibility, never available when you desperately need them.
I have become fond of photo-ing outside, in the lightest shade available. Sometimes I lay the canvas flat on the ground, sometimes lean it at an angle, and sometimes that makes all the difference --why on earth?!

Cooper

The whole scenario can be a nice "crutch" however... "You didn't get juried in?" "Yeah, my photo was really bad." See? Eliminates admitting my painting was (ahem) questionable :)

Sharon Weaver
via sharonweaver.com26 months ago

Cooper,
You are right on both points. The photographer I used only works part time now and come to think of it I have used my photo as an excuse for not getting into that show. You caught me.

Jane Thorpe
via sharonweaver.com26 months ago

Ditto. I look at other artist's painting photos realizing it probably looks a lot better than the photo. And the photo can look different on different computer screens. Arrrggghhh! I look forward to meeting you at the opening on Saturday, Sharon.

Sharon Weaver
via sharonweaver.com26 months ago

I forgot about the inconsistency of every computer. It really makes the whole thing impossible. Saturday at La Galeria Gitana should be a fun reception. See you there.

Faye Creel
via sharonweaver.com24 months ago

Your articles are always so right.

Because we try to paint, photo, frame, market, attend art shows and classes, and do our own bookkeeping, and care for family and friends, we are really in a "NOwin" situation, except for the joy of knowing we are being the best we can be with 24 hours a day. God gave all of us 24 hours and our spiritual and mental health must fit into that 24 hours. Artists are a special group of people, and we don't want to make the wrong changes for our life.

Again thank you, I always enjoy your articles, as well as paintings.

Sharon Weaver
via sharonweaver.com24 months ago

Thanks Faye
Just recently I was talking to an artists who is just starting her career. She was so enthusiastic and full of questions. Should she take a photography class (I told her no), what about Photoshop (I think every artists needs to understand it), who would I recommend for a workshop(I told her to find artists she admired for that)? I was exhausted just talking about all the things she needs to do to just get up to speed. How did I ever overcome all that stuff? I guess not knowing how much you need to learn makes it less daunting. Talking with her helped me appreciate just how far I have come. Wow!