The #1 Reason Why Your Abstract Art Fails (& How To Fix It) + BIG NEWS!

[@zabe_era]

I'm seeing a lot of people talking about expensive materials, but when I watched the video, its not about price but about quality and intentionality.

[@YaelEylatTanaka]

I'm sure beyond any doubt that many hobbyists languish with the same intentionality that so-called professional artists have. How "The Scream" got picked up for $125 million is a mystery, and certainly not something I'm jealous to emulate.

[@LeeroyGreezy-zt7jk]

That’s what I always say

[@susanwright4108]

Please remember that this is one person‘s opinion. There may be artist who are extremely prolific. Do incredible work, but do not take them to galleries. Perhaps they paint because they can’t not paint as any true artist it does and they don’t really care whether the work sells or not. This does not make them a hobby artist just because they don’t put their work in galleries. I think the true artist is basically a person who can’t not create no matter what medium they are using and why use, whatever is at hand, or that they can afford.

[@barjoll7037]

I agree with your statement. For me, not painting (creating) is not an option. Better quality does come with time and practice.

[@jamesgage5418]

​@@barjoll7037 and has nothing whatsoever to do with what materials you place in their hands. I find his statements to be nothing more than opinion, based upon an attitude of pretending to have "the answer."

[@Ale.p10]

I agree. There are artists that have a very profitable business and haven't showcase their work in galleries, because their target audience is public in general, not collectors. It's difficult to make it as a gallery artist, you need to have very good connections. Just because these artists don't go to galleries doesn't mean they are hobby artists. In my opinion what makes you a professional artist is if you do it full time and sell your art.

[@catherinehenry6762]

@@barjoll7037 I concur. Starting/starving artists may not have the funds, or self assurance to slap pricey paint on a high end canvas if they are not sure of the results. This indeed comes with experience, some success, and a bit of wampum in the bank. IMO

[@willtheo]

What makes great art are rules of composition. Buying expensive paint and grounds often works against ‘great’ art. Did Basquiat work with expensive paints? Van Gogh? I was told Hans Hofmann used to take paint he didnt use and deliberately spread it over his canvas -“ like $hit”. And we can find cigarettes in pollacks later work- not sure if that was deliberate. Doesnt matter what quality your paint is . What matters is if you study composition . So buy a book instead of an expensive cadmium red and pick up Rudolph Arnheims seminal “ art and visual perception” , Hans’s hoffmans concept of push-pull. Earle Lorans study of cezannes composition , Gilles deleuzes “logic of sensation “ where he analyzes Francis Bacon. Kandinsky’s ppint/line/ plane. If you think buying expensive paint is more important than learning about composition, then you must think buying art is the same as making it. And it’s not.

[@MW-vb8rm]

THIS!!!

[@PRAKASH-cm1vo]

Exactly!

[@robertb3842]

“Avoid mass-produced supplies” like pre-stretched canvas… but it’s innovative to paint on materials like velvet or from a hardware store which are also mass-produced? I think you’re downplaying the importance of an original vision and skill, which matter more than materials. Banksy uses regular old spray paint and stencils…

[@laurelindon]

I must say, I'm a bit disappointed by this advice. Not to oversimplify what you said, but it sounds as if you are saying that the first and foremost argument (or point of analysis) when distinguishing the abstract art of a master painter and the scribbles of a child is the originality and material quality of the paint? So, correct me if Im wrong, but it seems to me that what this says is that there is basically no striking, immediate, tangible, visionary difference between rudimentary scribbles and deep intellectual abstraction, except to look at the tools and materials (and their combination) used. This, imo, is a gross undermining and even insult to the works of great abstraction. Its like calling abstract paintings no better than the scribbles of a child, save for the price tags of their supplies. What about the ideas of the author and what their abstraction is meant to convey? What about the meticulous structuring of the composition? What about the subtle and purposeful color-mixing? Or, hey, what about the subject and object of the painting itself?! A child will scribble non-sense, basic subjects like: a house, a flower, a dog, a rainbow... Whereas a painter will try to convey emotion and much deeper meanings. I really thought that you would speak about some glaring aspects of composition, palette complexity, brushwork, themes and intellectual challenges overcome and captured in deceptively naivistic forms. Something that seasoned and educated curators can spot instantly. Not tell us that the first thing a curator does is inspect if the supplies are stock. What does that mean - if you use cheap stock supplies, no matter how good your painting is, your art is not worth it - and if you use expensive, self-made, improvised supplies; than no matter what kind of garbage you paint, your art will be valued?

[@contemporaryartissue]

Wouldn't you agree that exploring the selection and use of materials is a visionary difference? And it is very striking, immediate, and tangible. And yes, there are other important aspects required for a great abstract picture, as you rightly point out, but for this video, we focus on the starting point before all those things can come into play-as it was the number one issue I encountered when reviewing and advising abstract painters over the years. The video does not say that all abstract art with stock supplies will be bad and that all with unconventional ones will be good. It states that it becomes incredibly difficult to achieve a great work of art when using acrylic paint (premium or cheap) straight out of the tube on a normal cotton canvas on thin wooden stretchers. Hope this might clarify things a bit further.Wishing you all the best!

[@jay-by1se]

If you see a wooden sailboat built by a MasterChef builder, and a wooden sailboat built by a 12-year-old, even an incredibly talented one. There is nobody on earth need to be explained those techniques working to tell the difference. The battle is in the ego. All modern art is simply away for people without great skill or talent to create something beautiful. If you have great skill or talent, you move onto something far more complex.

[@laurelindon]

@@contemporaryartissue Well, no, to be honest. I see the choice of materials to be primarily a question of resource management, an economic question, not an artistic one. Basically, it makes the difference between a poor painter with no money for expensive supplies, and a wealthier painter who can afford to experiment with higher quality materials, nothing more! Imo, this distinction should NEVER come into play when reviewing their art as a curator or critic, let alone when comparing and gauging the quality of the expression in a piece. I agree that it is a technical aspect that can inform on the piece and the artist, but never be an argument in comparison or ranking of quality or ingenuity and artistry of expression. Hell, how many grand masters have you herad of that have been struggling with poverty their whole lives and used whatever materials they could find to create their art (Frida, Modigliani, even Picasso, to name a few)? And no critic worth their salt today would dare say that these artists' work was in any way inferior to a more elite artists' just because they painted with paint made from beet roots or wallnut, on linen sheets or construction planks or whatever... on the contrary, they would find it even more engaging because of the ingenuity, praise the resourcefullness, determination and dedication, and even point out the limitations in which it was manifested as an attributing factor to the greatness of the artist, not their inadequacy in producing objects of quality and expense. So, to sum up, no i do not agree with the analysis, sorry to say.

[@justinferguson9779]

Beautiful is beautiful no matter what.

[@hamptonshome]

Tons of famous artists worked with whatever they could find, literally made their art from shit and sticks. And still that was good art. So my friend you are totally wrong thinking self-stretched canvas lift your art to the next level.

[@jeffreypostma6832]

It is also hard to compare the art on a website like Saatchi to the work in a professional gallery as you only see a digital reproduction and can't actually see or feel the materials used. What I believe is crucial is that the art is really connected to the artist on a personal level. Whatever materials the artists use to pursue their personal vision is the right meterial.

[@shiranzaray]

I think that’s exactly his point though. Make it your own. It’s interesting advice.

[@samus598]

Making art with shit and sticks tells a story, and it's a lot more interesting than the alternative story: "I went to Hobby Lobby." Abstract art is deeply human and personal, I completely agree witb the video in that a unique canvas elevates both the work and the value. It's not only the feel of the canvas, or the weight, but also in the size. Imagine walking into a gallery and every piece has the exact same dimensions.

[@robsmith588]

Using the most expensive paint will not help if there is no vision or authenticity behind it.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Agree

[@InspireHealthSystem]

Definitely! ❤

[@sheilatanart9874]

Agree! Also discipline, skill and a command over strong composition

[@contemporaryartissue]

Absolutely!

[@weedo4269]

What i feel when i use expensivier paint is that i tend to think a little bit more

[@Stevegalan]

I once heard someone answer your question regarding how to tell the difference between “real” painting and “amateur “ painting. First, look at a million paintings. After that it’s pretty easy. As far as store bought materials, if Gerhard Richter bought a pre-stretched canvas and a few tubes of paint, he could produce a painting on par with his best work. Real art is made by real artists. Quality is subjective but consensus tends to bolster itself until a painter is considered to be an artist. I’ve been painting for over forty years. I build my panels, stretch my canvas, mix my own colors, and have never considered what I do to be a hobby. My paintings attempt to capture what I’m feeling at the moment. Some succeed some don’t. I’m hesitant to call myself an artist but the fact that I’ve been able to continue doing this convinces me I’m successful. I like seeing your dog in the video.

[@EzeICE]

"You go to an auction house, let's say Christie's right, and they bring out a nice Picasso, and it's dead quiet. Nobody says a peep. Then, as soon as they announce the price, there's a huge applause 👏🏽 from the crowd. You'd think they'd applaud the artist, like what a great painter he is, yes? Nah, they'd rather applaud the price tag....go figure." -Fran Lebowitz 😂😂😂

[@Accountdeactivated_1986]

The art market is a very different thing than the art world. Or it should be.

[@collegeri]

Leblwitz is an idiot. The fact that they are there for the auction is the applause. Lebowitz was interesting for 2 minutes in 1971.

[@mentalfloss100]

Bingo ….. the more eccentric the painter the greater the piece….

[@lartist-jk8fp]

​@@mentalfloss100They don't care about eccentricity as much as they care about vulgarity and nudity

[@darrelqify]

Picasso is a terrible rip off.

[@robsmith588]

The quality of the materials used seems superficial. For example, Franz Kline and Pollack used cheap house paint. Alberto Burri used humble burlap. The making of great abstract Art goes much deeper than this and relates to the vision of the Artist and what they are trying to say. Bad abstract art is bad because the vision itself is simply generic.

[@albinobeach]

How many hobby painters are using house paint? Hardly any. If add that the house paint was used because it enabled the artist the express motion and dynamism because of it's viscosity. There was a reason for it. And yes because it was cheap. Most hobby painters do as the video describes Acrylic on canvas no mixing, no medium, no grit. It's decoration

[@contemporaryartissue]

Spot on!@@albinobeach

[@contemporaryartissue]

@robsmith588 the quality or price of the materials is indeed inferior compared to the artist's originality or genuine use of those materials. Creating art with cheap house paint is a lot less common and, therefore, most often more interesting. Of course, the vision, skill, and experience are essential to elevate these materials to a high-end work of art.

[@contemporaryartissue]

Actually, the price of the materials is somewhat irrelevant-the originality and use in the selection or manipulation of the materials are more important. Pre-stretched canvases and premium acrylic paints are expensive, but when using them straight out of the tube on a normal cotton canvas on thin wooden stretchers, it will be very difficult to make a work that stands out and looks and feels interesting or high-end@faganquin6483

[@robsmith588]

@faganquin6483 It's true, back in Pollacks time there were only a few Artists. Now everyone thinks they are an Artist, including movie stars and hunter biden. One would think that with this many Artists, we would be in a new Renaissance. That's not the case, rather it is a sea of mediocrity.

[@deepashtray5605]

First off, CONGRATULATIONS! It sounds like you're describing the age old question between what is art and what is craft. From my own experience I see them on a gray scale for the most part where one end is artistic expression and the other craftsmanship... but where a good piece of either art or craft requires that one must have a solid familiarity with both artistic expression and quality workmanship. An artist works to master the subject and the craftsperson to master the materials, while both need to find the balance that best works for their creations.

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you! Great comment, thank you for your contribution and wishing you all the best

[@journeyofaconfusedartist]

Looking into old traditional art techniques. Is it Craft or Art? Rangoli & Ebru for example. I have reported on this before..

[@desertstar223]

You have a very interesting, thought provoking take on the subject. However abstract 'art' is neither. It's rubbish. An insult to real talented artists, who can represent the world around them in a stunning, unique visual manner . Whereas anyone without ANY talent can make splashes, stripes, drips, spurts, smears on a canvas and call it art.

[@deepashtray5605]

@@desertstar223 I respectfully disagree with some of that. I used to hold that opinion but have since modified my position.

[@desertstar223]

@@deepashtray5605 It's YOUR position. Everyone has a right to his/her own opinion. It might be a nonsensical position, but it's your position.

[@stephenmorton8017]

Most abstract art fails because it's simply doesn't go with the furniture.

[@carmona_design]

This is the truth my friend. Find a way to put into people's houses and they'll have to have it.

[@jeffreypostma6832]

Who determines if a work is a failure anyway. Is a work of art that does not sell useless? I have seen a lot of pretentious stuff in museums that I think is way worse than what a lot of less famous painters are doing. It is subjective, and the art market does not per se choose quality but also trends, famous names and novelty.

[@AskPiaAkashic]

I worked for a couple who owned a gallery that represented NY artists and your comment is so true unfortunately!

[@stephenmorton8017]

@@AskPiaAkashic not that there's anything wrong with that! lol

[@TheTishy44]

No matter what keep creating and making art, u don’t have to make it big, just to enjoy it.

[@KeithBrighouse-m4g]

Congratulations on your new assistant! I think when you look at a series of works by any abstract artist, it creates its own context and you can start to get a sense of the artist's underlying philosophy.

[@contemporaryartissue]

Absolutely, that's the beauty of a solo show or a retrospective. The individual works start to support one another resulting in a synergetic entity.

[@brianharris7243]

"You can feel it"- so it's an aesthetic/subjective judgement. You like it so it's 'better' art?

[@karlabritfeld7104]

I just don't agree with most of this. Materials are nowhere near as important as the skill and vision and intent of the artist.

[@contemporaryartissue]

The importance of the materials does not reduce or overshadow the importance of skill and vision. They are not mutually exclusive. Even more, especially with abstract painting, these are intertwined. Making the right choices and exploring the possibilities of your materials requires both skill, vision, and intent. Wishing you all the best Karla!

[@anyajohnson4471]

If you were going to buy a piece of jewelry (another type of luxury item - like a painting in that sense), would it matter to you if the stones were made of glass or real gems? The design, vision, artistry could be magnificent, but if it is made of glass and tin it is just not going to have the integrity of gold and rubies. Materials and vision are two separate aspects that play together to form the whole.

[@jeffreypostma6832]

@@anyajohnson4471 I am not sure the comparison holds between jewellery and art. If it were, every artist should make art using gold and the most expensive materials at hand. The wonderful thing about art is that the artist creates that value by himself, regardless of the kind of paint or canvas used. The value of the art is always more than the sum of its material parts.

[@Queenie145]

Thanks!

[@LuGam-vf1yi]

I disagree with the materials. Imants Tillers used your so called "stock made canvases" as that is all that was available to him and his studio was the small kitchen table that he could work on. Therefore his large scale artworks are made from those pre-made canvas boards, hence famous well known artist DO work with stock made products. More research was needed before this video was put up

[@mrfudd13]

Pigment straight from the tube is that hue's best possible chroma. Palate mixed paints often quickly lose chroma and tend toward black. It completely depends on what effect the artist intends, whether to use paint from the tube, or palate mix.

[@HondoTrailside]

It isn't true that mixed paint looses chroma, or tends towards black. Nor is it true that paint in the tube, like hues, are devoid of those problems. Paint just is what it is, and you have to know how to use it.

[@seanfaherty]

Granted but I can sure tell when I see straight Ultra marine or cadmium yellow. Sad thing is I like it, I like the intense colours of modern paintings. Not always but often. There a lot of renaissance paintings with straight Fra Angelico blue. They used it straight on purpose, saved for Mary’s veil . It was everywhere. This guy has to quit the gate keeping or I’ll start telling everybody why his shit sucks, and it does. You know it does. If it was any good he’d be satisfied and wouldn’t be compelled to try something new. Just like the rest of us.

[@ifychiejina1292]

Congratulations on your new assistant 🎉. She came just in time to help ring in the New Year. I'm thankful for all the information this channel has offered to artists 💜.

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much! The pleasure is all mine, thank you for joining us on this journey 🙌

[@AliceShapiroStudio]

Your new assistant is gorgeous, Julian! Glad seeing Perrier is getting equal attention too. Thanks for your extraordinary videos and see you in 2024.

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much, Alice. Perrier loves her new sister and we’re indeed making sure she’s as involved in our little family as before. Happy days! The pleasure is all mine, thank you for your loyal support and see you in 2024!

[@DianelosGeorgoudis]

I was hoping for some insight, but what I got was at best practical advice: If you want a gallery to be interested in your abstract work, don't use stock materials. But there is a genuinely interesting question: What makes abstract work great? My tentative answer is: The personality of the artist. The power of the abstract work comes from how the artist's personality has changed the way people perceive art in the first place. The power of the work resides not in the work, but in the artist. With some help from the galleries and investor-collectors.

[@mr.pringle8466]

So you're saying if Picasso or Renoir used stored bought paint it would be shyte..?

[@gavinyates9189]

I received the highest of scores in art School bud. Later in life I started abstract art. It was absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life . But being an a+ art student I kept pushing and I found a style and technique that has been praised by gallerists and collectors. Because it's not only style that you must have to be great bud to be one of the best. You must have style and a technique. Keep up the good work.

[@christineodonnell2711]

Congratulations on your baby girl! Happy 2024!

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much 🙏❤️🥂

[@k8marlowe]

Your “little family” is beautiful! Thank you for giving clarity on this subject. It’s funny… before I could afford to buy the best paints, gallery wrapped canvases or all the other supplies we think we need, I used whatever was laying around my grandparents garage, including wood planks, old tarps, wood stains, waxes, paints and other household materials. The things I created back then were, by far, my most original works.

[@helloalanframe]

So, if I can’t afford a workshop to make my own stretchers and expensive cotton duck and ‘luxurious’ paint should I just not bother?

[@jeffreypostma6832]

Yes😀 And if you don't sell your art at a gallery you are a hobby painter...

[@biggreen9845]

No. You should bother. I spent close to 3K on just one artist, unknown and never in a gallery who would be “classified” as a hobby painter using these metrics. I have also bought work from galleries, and couple at auctions. You know which artworks brings a smile to my face and I show off the most, the two artworks by the so called “Hobby” painter.

[@johntaylor6211]

I love adding things to my paint . Like chalk dust . Herbs . Dirt . Cornstarch. Basically anything that works for me to create something original.

[@johntaylor6211]

I also always use . White yellow blue red and burnt umber to create all my colours. Mixing up my own different blacks especially. Red black Green Black Blue Black . These different blacks can have a huge effect on the final outcomes .

[@michaelmartin3026]

Beautifully articulated explanation, original materials + original ideas = long shot at successful results… vs. no shot at all

[@konstancealbina6633]

very cute assistant director 🐣

[@brianjetton3962]

When I was in art school, I was fortunate to have instructors who wanted us to learn basics and conceptualisation from the start. My first painting class, the paint was supplied. One gallon each of red, blue, white, yellow, and black. One learns real fast how to mix colours when you HAVE to. Worst paintings were always when students tried to use colours straight out of the can.

[@milootje007]

I used to also be from Belgium (Antwerp) and have been living in the US for over 7 years now. I used to have a huge affection for original mid century furniture (still do) but now i mainly collect mid century abstract expressionism. The most expensive painting i ever bought was $35K And i have quite a few that i paid around $10K. I fully get it, and like to think that i have a trained eye. The answer is that there is no simple answer as to why some paintings are very valuable and others aren't, it's just a feeling. I have no issue paying a lot of money for a painting of an artist i've never heard of or even one that is completely unknown, the value lays in the strengt and presence of the work itself and one should trust their intuition and only buy what you love. There is some merit in what you say, but at the same time someone like Miro can simply put a pencil scribble on a piece of torn paper and it has power.

[@contemporaryartissue]

Great contribution, thank you very much! And you're right; it is about the presence, directness, and impact the work can have when populating a space or when someone is standing in front of it. And you're also right about how true masters can do so much with so little. Wishing you all the best and curious to hear more about your collection. All my best, Julien

[@milootje007]

@@contemporaryartissue I only buy original artworks. Some of the best stuff i own is paintings by Francis Hines, Richard Pousette-Dart, Emerson Woelffer and a beautiful contemporary work by Dana James. I also own a collection of paintings by Maurice Ambroise Ehlinger (19 paintings i think) and then some classical paintings and some more unknown but very good mid century abstracts and portraits.

[@briangibson7606]

I think that as an artist you have to follow your own path and know your own sweet spot . To know when something is working and know when to stop. One fatal mistake is to attempt to make the "Perfect Artwork"

[@ashofangels]

Congratulations on your new assistant ❤

[@rolandcr-7832]

Thank you for putting my thoughts about good art vs mediocre into something clear and concise. A video like this is so useful to help people understand the real difference that too many people just do not grasp. So many artists out there whining that they work so hard and get no recognition when they fail to see how "stock" their work looks. That's a really great way to describe it.

[@seanfaherty]

Yeah , people use stock canvas so they can buy stock frames. Keeps costs down for customers. Composition is the difference. Not materials. “A poor workman blames his tools” is what Grampa would say.

[@benita0102]

the best assistant you ever can have, congratulations!!!

[@eenkjet]

Excellent advice. A good example is what I'm currently dealing with. One of my series's uses basic styrofoam panels which are milled, coated, leafed, and painted. They sell well (currently finishing a $70,000 commission). But I don't like the material. So, I've gone about this year figuring out how I can make foam panels in studio, an "artisan foam panel" if you will. If moving forward with this series, I need the piece to have a material mystery...a trade secret vibe to it for it to be taken more seriously.

[@contemporaryartissue]

A great example of exactly this artistic and material quest. Wishing you all the best!

[@10vogels]

I am using polyurethane (insulation) boards, they are a bit harder, stronger and smoother than syrofoam, and can easily be cut to create relief 2.5D effects. Maybe e worth a try? I also tried to make my own polyurethane boards but that was too hard. good luck!

[@eenkjet]

@@10vogels I've seen the HDU (precision board) at suppliers but am blown away at how much it costs. A 1" 4x8 EXP board is $25. The same in HDU is $700. One is crazy cheap the other eats into margins. I came across something the other day that might work. I used to mill drywall which was very fragile and dusty. But it presented a porous interior much like coral. The other day I was doing a repair and decided to mix some micro-spheres with some 1:1 polyurethane resin. When detailing the repair it had a similar core to the drywall. Since I'm usually milling around .20" into a board, I'm considering coating a cheap EXP board with a .25" layer of PU resin with the microspheres. The milled layer will give the impression of it being porous all the way through. I think the PU resin is having a slight reaction with the filler which makes these small cavities. Also it has that natural bone color when milled which is nice.

[@Mightyrobz]

Congratulations to the new family memeber! Thank you for the great information it's highly valuable.

[@weedo4269]

This channel is a real treasure

[@williamerickson520]

By manipulating your paints, do you mean mixing colors yourself? How large of a factor would that be? Does this apply to styles other than abstract?

[@ZadenZane]

I take your point you're talking about abstract art and it's better to go to the source to express an idea directly where possible than to use paint... but I was looking through contemporary art drawings tmon sale today and some of it was on school exercise book paper! For £10,000 I thought that was a bit ridiculous because it wasn't some salvaged early masterpiece by this artist as far as I could tell... it was just his choice of materials...

[@irinathomas3703]

Congratulations on arrival of beautiful daughter! Have a special Holidays and thank you for this video!

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much 🙏 the pleasure is all mine. Happy holidays to you too 🥂

[@stellaboulton9531]

Very interesting. Thank you. Love the beautiful Perrier!

[@RiverWhisperPrd]

I am new to art and I appreciate the information that you have presented in this video. Thank you. And, all the best to you and your new family.

[@barborakachlikova7512]

Congratulations to a new baby assistant💝🍾 Merry Christmas and all the best to the 2024!🎄

[@roybrewer6583]

My art is so unique, that it doesn't actually exist, but only as a picture in my mind 😮

[@robertarisz8464]

For years I had mine in the same gallery as you. But getting something (anything) onto a finished canvas is a very rewarding step.

[@roybrewer6583]

@@robertarisz8464 I am going to take the plunge and put some of my "art" on Facebook, over Xmas.

[@rohitmadashri7250]

Same here. I usually serve Meth at the opening of my shows.

[@Cafeston]

I noticed a large percentage of acrylic on (what appeared to me) generic canvases at the last Art Basel. It appears that most of them were custom sized, the telltale sign of hand-stretched canvases. It never occurred to me that a generic sized canvas could be detrimental to the value of an artwork.

[@rohitmadashri7250]

SO what you're saying is, they bought generic canvases and resized them?

[@Cafeston]

@rohitmadashri7250 The sizes of the artworks are for instance 177x133cm. As opposed to stock 150x100cm or 180x120cm. Which makes me think that the artworks were painted on canvas rolls then framed or painted on custom-made canvases.

[@neetabhapkar9290]

Love to see your cute little new assistant director 😍😘💕✨ Congratulations & Best Wishes for this festive season! 💐🙏✨

[@manaswiniv320]

Awww the end was unexpected ❤ The intro of the new asst. Director 🥰 And yes, thank you for the video! This was really helpful.

[@Bunga-u3i]

Thank you now I can become a renowned artist using cloth wash powder olive oil mixed with fermented sewage water.

[@leonardoluc6362]

Thanks for the show and solid advise. Now what to do if you’r an artist painter with ideas but don’t have the budget for the art supply store goodies. Oil paint and special the oil sticks are very expensive for sure i dont even think about that anymore. Here i make my own panels and/or find canvassen & panels by the garbage, paint them over and than start happy as it keeps the cost down. Further with the paint, i buy paint in the hardware store and the garbage again mix or with plaster / sand / cheap cooking oils just to create a different look on the cheap yes but the process by it self brings out creativity and helps to work around the ltd cash.

[@spectrem]

Congratulations! Just welcomed my little assistant 2 months ago. This was very helpful and confirmed for me some of the strategies I have used in my practice.

[@pierregrenier]

Thanks for your work on the visual arts art. I find your videos the most interesting ones.... I share your attitude about exploration, invention, originality and risk taking, finding your own path.... I am also painting ( last 8 years) . I am happy to say that I followed your advice since the beginning and I continue to do it.... and I think I have found my own path/style ( kind of non-style!), It is a much more interesting experience to experiment. Congratulations on the arrival of your new asistant. Looking forward to watching your new videos.

[@jinjahlilly1557]

Aww congrats on your baby. Many blessings. And thank you so much for for your videos, I truly feel like I too am involved in the art world.

[@Michimel99]

omg I screamed when I saw your new assistant! so precious!!

[@Seductive_Psycho]

I am interested in learning how to make my own canvases... I find all kinds of stuff at the hardware store to use for texture... And there's a variety of different things that I will mix with my paint... Some of them are actual mediums and others. Are things I find outside like sand or dirt... I will glue different things to my canvas like pieces of cardboard or plants or tree bark... Just whatever happens to be available that I think will look good

[@hello.eriall7303]

Congrats on your new assistant! She is adorable =)

[@contemporaryartissue]

She's such a good girl. Feeling blessed!

[@cedarraine7829]

In the documentary CY Dear we learn that Twombly collected children’s art and even used some of the children work as collage in a few of his own works.

[@laverite1050]

You have the most adorable precious assistants!!!

[@jameswelsh7789]

Merry Christmas PaPa!

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you! Happy holidays to you too!

[@leonormissrie9116]

Congratulations on the arrival of the new assistant!

[@raphealcrump4796]

Thank you for everything you do and congrats on the new member of the family!

[@dnlgrmn7169]

So sweet the baby, Perrier got good company.

[@contemporaryartissue]

She’s thrilled to have a little sister! Best wishes from all of us 🥂

[@dansmith4984]

Congrats buddy - that’s awesome 🙌

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much 🙏 happy holidays!

[@glaight6362]

Great advice thank you. Congratulations on your beautiful new assistant.

[@karin-d1i]

gefeliciteerd from Canada on having a daughter, and hartelijk dank for all the advice and insight you share on this channel. I only know some Dutch, but the good wishes cross all geographies!

[@contemporaryartissue]

Hartelijk bedankt voor de felicitaties! Thank you so much, wishing you all the best!

[@yopestevens1505]

So if you break it down, what you are saying is that when she is five years old, your brand new addition CAN make beatiful abstracts as long as her Daddy buys the most expensive materials for her to play with. Because the quality of her materials dictates the worth of her attempts?! Come on, no amount of "quality materials" can make or break your success as an artist. In 2023 I think we all know that.

[@stever2583]

I think the lesson here is that no amount of cheap crap or predictable materials will get you any guaranteed success - go your own way is the lesson. For every 1 talented and saleable artist there are 2 million amateurs who do not study and evolve. Like any skill the proof is in the evolution - with a touch of added luck.

[@albertofigueroa5885]

Congratulations! She's the boss now🤩 Thank You

[@missymason9192]

All art supplies are mass produced regardless of the cost.

[@AndrejaAndric]

So if an amateur painter used the correct (expensive) materials, they would be equally good as established painters? Is that what you are saying? Would the situation be the same with, say, pianists? One is a professional pianist because they play on a professional piano, and not because of their ability?

[@elenagaevskaya9412]

Congratulations on your new assistant! God bless all of your family 💖

[@MrIrons-og3rg]

Thank you. Can you give some advice about running and owning an art gallery?

[@silkymeadows126]

Congratulations on becoming a dad! What a great Christmas gift! Perrier must be so happy to get a sister =))

[@Majesticon]

who was the gallery owner that they tried to test with kids' drawings? i couldn't make out the name. Can you link the article?

[@NicholeDarden]

Do you know who the artist of the painting at 2:14 is?

[@deannfrey3469]

Adorable new assistant 💕

[@101victorga]

thank you very much for this advice, it is very useful as yours usually are. today Im learning how to express myself in the abstract art universe, but years ago I worked as a sound engineer in commercials and movies, that's why Im always paying attention to the production of any video I see.. and for me it is getting harder and harder to witness how your content and audience are getting better and bigger, but the technical quality of your videos is not growing at the same rate: the lighting and the sound quality of your videos need a big push to keep up with the concept you are working on. This is not a destructive critique, just a reminder that here in youtube the technical level of proffessional videos is very high, investing in a good lavalier microphone and pro-lighting would make a great improvement in your already great content. thank you again and congratulations for becoming a father!!

[@preparedsurvivalist2245]

I think the problem with using generic canvases and paints is not necessarily in those materials, but that it also goes hand in hand with lower quality mass produced work.

[@paultompkins1059]

I would have to agree in general with what you are saying. And to be clear, you never said materials were the only reason abstract are fails. I think there are many reasons, other than materials, that my art fails most of the time.

[@stevenp.6062]

I have said this for the last 50 years I have been a painter. Use the finest materials. The highest Grade paint. Stretch and prime your own canvas unless it is belgian linen triple lead primed. Creating the surface is the base of your painting. and God Bless you and your NEW ASSISTANT!! wowowowo... Congratulations Julien!

[@al-karimabdulaziz8961]

Heartfelt congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby. Thank you for the great advise.

[@creativemindloveworks]

could you please explain how to use materials which look expensive but are more affordable at the beginning?

[@tomc7376]

longtime viewer, first-time commenter -- just dropping in to say congrats and happy holidays!

[@contemporaryartissue]

Happy to see you saying hi 👋 Thank you for your long-time support and wishing you all the best! Cheers, Julien

[@Charlesbentleyart]

Congrats man! Merry Christmas and thank you for all the valuable advice 🎄

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you, the pleasure is all mine. Merry Christmas and happy 2024!

[@amygibson5365]

Congratulations on your brand new greatest work of art!

[@ewacroning3084]

Congratulations! Best wishes for New Year! 🎉

[@gurr0036]

The core reason of many artists find their own color, medium, etc is that they want to express their own vision. The struggle looking for their own language is a part of artistic journey. So just saying don’t use the pre-made product doesn’t give the real insight. Moreover, one should find the joy on the journey not the judgement of who’s professional and who’s “hobby-painter”. We are all artists and the possibilities are endless.

[@LisaKellner]

What I’ve noticed is that the artists whose work I really admire became successful once they discovered a particular point of view in their work and followed that trajectory. You can hear it when they speak; there is always one or two messages they want to convey about their work. Stanley Whitney is a great example. It took him years for the art world to “discover his work “. He is honest about the fact that it also took him years to find that nugget in his work that was his clear vision for the paintings. For me being a professional artist is about working every day, being present with my work and building on my practice one painting at a time. Through the work you find your vision. Thinking your way through can only get you so far. Being original with your canvas and materials is less important than understanding why you make your work in the first place! While I mostly disagree with this person, the comments here are far more interesting!

[@aliiscott1346]

To the point words as always. Congratulations very special New Years babe!

[@liliannaa3627]

Great advice! I tend to agree with you. And congrats for your two beautiful assistants! 💖❤️

[@timdanyo898]

For me it’s bringing intentionality to the painting. This plays out through the entire process.

[@lucyblack0777]

Ohhhh congratulations ❤ happy Christmas with your family 💛 💝

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much! ❤ Merry Christmas to you too!

[@lucyblack0777]

@@contemporaryartissue ❤️

[@myrablackwell3271]

Congratulations! So happy for you!

[@Mr_direction]

I tried painting with acrylics using witch hazel as the dilution. It was rather fun.

[@vecchioaccount-tx6fs]

Thanks for sharing all these valuable tips.

[@ltwig476]

I really like his solid advice for creating professional vs amateur art. However for the artist still transitioning I feel it not wise to use the most expensive paint until you have achieved a level of basic principles of line, shape, values, composition.....Having said that, there is still a point of quality paint and supplies needed to properly learn things like value and contrast. The craft store is not the quality you should be looking for. You can purchase name brand high quality paint in lower series pigment content. Also watch for the word "Hue" Cadmium red Hue is not the same as cadmium red. Often theses "Hues" will go on sale in larger tubes. They contain higher amounts of fillers than the higher series high pigmented paints. I tend to purchase these "hues" in large tubes on sale for my grayed out washes and other muddier tones for contrast to my more brilliant color mixes done with high series expensive paint. I think I seen where CAI does a good video on series of paint pigments. I feel it is important to learn about how paint is manufactured, materials that go into quality of pigments and quantity of pigment. One might assume that while mixing hues' the quality series could be less than while painting raw color straight from tube. It is just opposite. In some instances you may achieve the correct contrast your looking for with lower series while painting straight from the tube and run into much more trouble mixing the perfect hue or value you are looking for while attempting to use lower series. I think it is best to always have both on hand to strongly learn about paint and values. High pigment paintings are wonderful. Yet sometimes can completely turn me off, depending on subject. Many times the least attractive "Mud" is exactly what I'm looking for in a well contrasted painting. Except again, once you dive deep into color mixing, "mud" is not just any ol mud. It can be high pigment or low pigment mud, depending on the contrast you're trying to achieve.

[@emilynelson5880]

Congrats on your sweet baby!! ❤

[@fatherburning358]

Congratulations and merry Christmas. Very informative video once again. Much appreciated. 👍

[@contemporaryartissue]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you too and a happy 2024!

[@shantipadme8781]

What a shame people disregard your observations, naively jumping to the conclusion you're being haughty or snobbish. Everything had energy, and only unique materials, colours, combinations will have an energy different to thousands of other pieces of art. Thank you for giving people the chance to understand how true your words are... even if they struggle to be able to accept reality.

[@cheekypigg]

thank you this is super helpful.