The Worst Artist Advice I Have Ever Heard

[@carolmikolj5134]

Andy Warhol said it best: 'Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.'

[@Napalm_Candy]

I'm sorry to say I'd never heard this quote until now! Thank you so much for sharing - it's powerful!

[@spikeyspoems]

The person dispensing this advice was a gallery owner, which means that they are by definition a "gatekeeper". Such people have a vested interest in trying to make sure that artists don't go "rogue" and find ways to succeed that don't involve them, so anything they might say should indeed be taken with a grain of salt. Oh, say hi to Klee!🙂

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Absolutely Agree with you 100%!! A Gatekeeper is Exactly what this person was!! As you said, they've a vested interest in keeping an Artist from going "Rogue"!! God forbid that we can cut out the Middleman! (Who take a massive lump out of the sale price of our work!) Ha!! The arrival of the internet and KZbin must have them quaking in their Wallets!!😁👍

[@lightwavz]

Yep. She is telling artists what she wants as a gallery owner. Which is crap.

[@ralphcrosby9622]

Gatekeeper with a 30% commission

[@SlapthePissouttayew]

@@lightwavz Absolute truth.

[@paulmcdougall9653]

Absolutely! Back in my band/music days I referred to people like that as “bridge trolls”. “You’re not crossing this bridge unless I let you”. Total BS. I discovered you can just walk right past them and there’s nothing they can do. They’ll just sit there and wait for the next artist and tell them the same thing.

[@cindydiel4324]

Listening to you reminds me of how impressionist painters had their own shows when the galleries wouldn't let them show their work. Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@wannabehuman]

Some artists were always rogues :)

[@CJShopland_Art]

Forgot about that, but yea they had artist let showing in cafes or similar before it was a thing

[@picklespicodegallo3020]

☝️👏👏👏👏👏🖌🎨👍👍👍

[@ladygwarth]

I was once told that my realism, still life paintings in oils weren’t real paintings because you couldn’t see the brush strokes 🤷‍♀️tell that to the old masters 🙄. Paint want you want, how you want, in any medium you want, I believe we should create very much from the heart. Glad you are on the mend 😁

[@debralee8439]

As a pastel painter, I have had to argue that my pastel paintings are not drawings the majority of my life. Paintings don't need to be wet nor cover the entire ground on which you painted to be paintings.

[@wendellmyers2003]

If you go to the Marmottan museum in Paris, you will see a LOT of Monet paintings, MONET, for cryin out loud, where he did NOT cover the entire canvas! If HE can do that, the REST of us can sure as hell DO THAT! I read a review from some fancy art reviewer who said the Marmottan museum has a lot of "stinkers," in other words, really BAD Monet paintings, but I think he totally missed the point. In many of Monet's paintings, especially the water lily paintings, there is a LOT of interplay between the surface of the water, the reflections on the water, the lilies floating on the surface, and things you can see BELOW the surface THROUGH the reflections, and Monet, of course, was aware of all of that and playing with all of it. It struck me strongly, that in the LATER paintings at the Marmottan, where he did NOT cover the entire canvas, that he had consciously added yet another layer of "surface" into the painting, that being the surface of the canvas itself. I found this fascinating, but the damn reviewer missed the entire thing, because he was so bothered that Monet had not covered the entire canvas!

[@MisterNiles]

I paint with sound. It took me decades to stop feeling silly about saying that, but I came to realize that it's true. I started doing visual art a year ago, and I see very little difference between what I do with sound and what I do with ink.

[@danecory1236]

Thank you!

[@ariannefowler455]

Clearly this advice is crap. What makes me sad is that someone is going to believe this and possibly stop doing art because they can't meet this person's standards and they are shamed into quitting. That would be a tragedy.Thank you for this video!

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Precisely - it’s been damaging to me and many others advice like that

[@truseeker1]

Yes, I second this. She sounds horrible.

[@Neelloc83]

THANK YOU so much. I just started my career at 60 (after starting college as art major, and switching majors) and trying to figure out how to put myself out there, your rant today was exactly what I needed.

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Best Wishes and Kindest Regards!! I'm certain that you have the drive, skills and experience to make this happen!! I'm still learning to use my left hand, after I lost the right hand ✋ ~ due to a TBI, from an EX partner,,, I've still got the ideas, but I am working on how to get them onto paper!! I'm about the same age as yourself, and wish you all the very best!! As well as the exact amount of success as you'd want to have!!💞 Andrea, Jasper and George the Pigeon. ..XxX..🧕🐕‍🦺🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@Neelloc83]

@@AndreaDingbatt Thank you for the very positive comment. It's very much appreciated. I decided if Grandma Moses can start in her 80s, I can in my 60s.

[@goldfinder4498]

I started my full time artist career when I was 83! Have gallery representation and sell paintings. Art is that high window through which we glimpse Heaven.

[@normapadro420]

Hello. This is the reason why I went ahead, and self published all of my art, music, photography, and my books. I didn't want to listen to anyone wanting to discourage me about anything. I listened to myself, and my success has been able to share my work with the world.

[@CourageousPainting]

I agree with you 100%. I used to hate painting because I thought I had to do it a certain way. By discovering new ways to approach a canvas I was able to discover myself. Had I only created commissions or what my audience wanted I would have never truly discovered my style, approach, or creative techniques. Keep spreading the love Rafi.

[@Francois_L_7933]

To me, a gallery owner who has obviously so little art history knowledge can actually be detrimental to the artist that consult with her. She's probably the kind of person who would have refused Warhol, Lichtenstein, Pollock, and a bunch of others because they didn't use the "right" products or fit the "right" set of criteria.

[@karenlucci2154]

So true!!

[@j0nnyism]

Yep I wouldn’t want my art in her stupid shop. ( for that’s all it is). No matter how much she paid me

[@renataedin6660]

I think that she sels the products and that is why she says all that crap!

[@liddybird3608]

One thing that always struck me about Picasso was that he did what he wanted to do. He had enormous self-confidence (to the point of extreme arrogance). He experimented. He was not a good person, but he helped create a new way to look at art. How the hell does this person think new art happens? It's not by playing by the rules.

[@JennyFloravitaArt]

And you are correct, it's shocking (how people who buy art) often don't know one media from the other. They don't care. If they connect to the art, that's what matters. I've often assumed some of my clients "know" what they are looking at...only to realize that they don't know...and it doesn't matter. You just tell them how the art was made. They aren't judging it from watercolor to oil to mixed-media...of of which I do. In fact, one of my good clients who owns a lot of work, recently let on that she didn't realize that my work that was framed behind plexi was watercolor...that she hadn't given it thought!! She wasn't judging the art's value based on the media. In the 80s and 90s and before that...these *rules* that this gal preaches probably applied more. I do believe this. Yes, I think back then the parents of the baby boomers wanted oils and more art was purchased in galleries versus other venues (than today). The world was different. The art was different. There were fewer avenues and routes that artists could take to sell their work, without galleries. This was before my years...but festivals in those years were supposedly amazing for artists who adapted well to that venue. I'd never want to go back in time (not even to do the good festivals)...no thank you...galleries and chicks like this had too much clout.

[@magnoliapondsmaxtaylor1488]

Thank you. I love your comments. I'm a landscape painter, I started at age 69 and have been painting for only 18 months. I see so many instructional videos that keep telling me to paint loose. I don't like to paint loose. I like to paint detail. I understand that details drop out as you go deeper into the painting. But up close in the foreground, I like detail. So I reject the advice of those experts and whenever I put my art in a display at the art league shows, I never fail to sell One out of 4 paintings that I display. So, like you, I reject the experts and do what I like to do.

[@mrartistbill]

A lot of galleries look at art as a just a product. They want artists who just repeat something with slight variations. If you do a work that sells in a gallery, expect the gallery to want more of the same. Also, there is too much emphasis on competitions like the OPA, etc. It's very subjective about what is good art and one juror saying some work of art is best of show is ultimately just one opinion. Also calling anyone a master who is still alive is just a marketing tactic. It's up to time and history to determine who a master is. This video by Rafi is speaking truth to power.

[@2kungfukittens]

narcissistic? self-expression is toxic? Holy crap! You were very kind to her, very kind, I applaud your restraint. She would do well to look outside her bubble. I would advise her (and she needs some advice) to watch some Rafi and Klee videos.

[@danecory1236]

Rafi! This rant was awesome. I feel honored you’re so passionate about this subject and have really supported me through an almost existential crisis! I was very discouraged over all this and you’ve helped me through it. I wanted to share with you that I followed through with the consult today as an experiment and just needed to hear this shit directly from her mouth. I was too tempted! Guess what? I was not disappointed. I need to share with you the things she said directly to my face: 1) What I do is in fact design, not art! She told me what I do is called optical art, or at least she told me to tell that’s what I do to my customers. She told me that I should say I’m trying to keep the tradition of optical art alive, despite the fact that none of that is true. 2) I need to give up watercolors. It’s not what is going to make me money. 3) I need to give up Drawing on paper. I need to switch to canvas or wood. People also don’t like glass and paper requires glass. 4) I need to stop using aqua and pink in my art because it’s “girly” and “you’re not girly are you? These are not artistic colors “. You need to be using primary colors like red and blue with yellow accents because this is what people buy. 5) Don”t do black and white. Most people don’t buy art that lacks color. 6) You don’t need to talk about your mental health on your website. It has nothing to do with your art. I wouldn’t talk to people about that. 7) Doing art solely for self expression is like masturbation. It’s fun but doesn’t really get you anywhere. Art is about making love. You need to consider what your audience wants and communicate that to them in your art. You have to think about your audience every time you create. It’s not just about you. Without your support I would have drowned in all of this advice. I actually felt very depressed again after the zoom call thinking I had to do everything she suggested and I no longer had a Choice. Thanks again for everything that you do. This video brought me back to reality. Take care Rafi.

[@nannuartworks5812]

Dane keep doing you art your way this is just someone who is bitter they gave up. Thier opinions don't matter and you are awesome keep going

[@kellysterrgallery]

Doing what motivates us makes us who we are regardless of the medium we choose to work in. This person who failed as an artist because they gave up should not be giving advice on how to be an artist . Dane ,you do you and people of like mind will find you. Keep creating.

[@danecory1236]

@@nannuartworks5812 Thank you 🙏

[@danecory1236]

@@kellysterrgallery I will!! 😊

[@angelcoleman4447]

It’s really hard when you are a new artist not to feel like you have to incorporate everyone’s advice - surely they know more than me, right. However, if you were to heed that person’s advice, your art would no longer be YOUR art. I have been in a major slump recently and I’m trying to art my way out. I think slumps are natural and to be expected, but don’t let advice send you into one. Just take the advice that makes sense to you and let the other stuff go. Art is ALL about opinions. That is only one person’s opinion.

[@jennibstudios8245]

Well said! I have students that have been discouraged before they came to me I am so proud of each of them for not only overcoming this type of negative but also for becoming the artists that they now are. FYI oil painting came a long time after Pastel. Thanks Rafi as always inspirational.

[@quiettornado1970]

Dat is fighting words. My work is half illustration and half actual painting materials. I had my rich cousin who bought my sister’s work and snob my work telling me that it’s not art.

[@carolebusby326]

You are so right, listening to you is so refreshing. I hate snobbery in art especially from no talent non artist gallery owners.

[@terrilikens4975]

Some of these art dealers sound like the stuff of middle school cliques. I feel sorry for anyone who ever dropped money with this woman.

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Amen to That!! When I was younger there was a huge amount of them about!! My opinion is that they didn't have the balls nor backbone to be successful in the art world.. So they'd be putting others down wherever possible!!🤬🙄 🤬🙄 Cliques for sure!!

[@stampinturtles]

My art teacher in college made me feel like painting realistic was a waste of time and wasn’t really art. So I perused abstract. But lately I’ve gotten into watercolor portraits. That’s getting me more commissions and sales than my abstracts ever did. So thank you for this video.

[@leone6104]

Thanks once again Rafi for another beauty. Yours are the most uplifting rants about art and the process I've ever seen or heard anywhere. I was going to take an art class and sent a pic of an abstract to the teacher whose only comment was "Is that a mono pic?" when she could see the reds and other colours quite clearly. Since then and since someone I met laughed at a painting I did of my cat and said " Ha ha, legs too short" I don't show anything to people who have been to art school! I'm in my second year of doing my own thing and I had a strong feeling from the start to teach myself and paint what I love. When I finish something and love it, when I can't stop looking at it, that's good enough for me. ❤️🙏

[@katherinescheld]

Wow, it makes me sad that people would be influenced by this type of person. Yikes, the levels of gatekeeping. It's hard enough out there. Thank you for breaking all this down!

[@Francois_L_7933]

The saddest thing about all this is that the artist who hire such consultation services are often in a vulnerable position. They doubt their own art and are looking for guidance. But when the said guidance is a demoralizing demolition derby, it's easy to just throw the towel and drop everything. And the worst thing is that it's the artist that pays to be stepped-on.

[@lisaowen6103]

In my experience in the art groups that I have be with.. Most people these days value (hiper)realistic prints of photography, drawing and watercolor. in my area. mostly wild live and landscapes. I like to use many mediums. I make me happy first with my art. When others like what I do it's a welcome surprise.🖼️🎨 and or shock. ha ha ha 😁

[@stacycreates24]

Thanks!

[@cheerfulstrength940]

You are so right!! That kind of BS about what media is collectible and the need for gallery rep etc. is so detrimental to creative artists on so many levels. Thanks for your totally on point rant!💙🙏🏽😎

[@ShinoSarna]

4:00 Beginnings of art were cave paintings, which are older than money. So they certainly weren't commissions.

[@overleaf9069]

Hurray.! A Rafi rant. Great you’re back ! Take care

[@j0nnyism]

I use oils and I have nothing but admiration for people who use mediums like watercolour etc. They’re far harder mediums to master

[@adreahvonkat5705]

Your words inspire. They truly have helped me keep going over the years. When my art world seems bleak, I come back to center and just do it. Thank you for all you do.

[@kevinknight287]

Tell that drawing bit about not being good or sought after to DaVinci or Durer.

[@foxdenham]

Ola Rafi... Good observations as always. I have found the best antidote to bad advice is to realise there is NO Artworld!! There are only art tribes, caves villages, towns, enclaves, cities etc. It is all a variation of 'mark making' by humans and is available to all. There's nothing to aspire to, other than our simple, creative impulse to embrace, enjoy and share... So bollox to hierarchical advice, just pick up a brush and smile! 😁 Anyway, thats my mini add-on rant! Love to you both from Scotlandville. 😉

[@KateColors]

Good topic. Before I moved here, I enjoyed painting and put myself out there at a few craft shows. By the time I joined a few guilds, I realized, and had investigated my feelings after a show that may have been disappointing. I had formed a truth around art--if you loved painting it, someone else will love it, too. The artists I am around are in galleries and, there are a lot of these discussions about the respective galleries and works on display. IMHO, some belong in a gallery and, the others, I'm like, really? Which brings it all down to: art is subjective. So are galleries. Building a community for your work helps it more. You weigh all the things, investigate several galleries and make the best decision for you. The world is different now. These hierarchies are no longer valid and are proving to be outdated. I have gravitated toward the galleries and artists with whom I share a philosophy. In the end, if everyone chose to do art, there's enough room in this world for us all. ---KateColors

[@Blick_Art]

This is such an important message. Every artist seems to have received at least one piece of criticism or bad advice that was a major event. One artist we know whose work is Impressionist-inspired said a gallery owner criticized them for using black, because "no true Impressionist uses black". (???)

[@artbycatfitz]

Excellent response! There are too many gate keepers in the art world, we don’t need more. Thank you for a much needed rant 🙏❣️

[@sheilam1732]

spot on, glad you re feeling better too, cheers 🌻

[@lisagreene8104]

Thank you! So happy to see you again. The new videos are right on time for me. Especially the burnout ones. Please say hello to Klee.

[@sheeba4165]

Thanks Rafi for the "rant". Much appreciated. A lot of people talking about art are actually more about the money than the art itself. Imagine all these gatekeepers and sellers trying to safeguard their profits and deciding who is "good" and who is not based on criteria that they fix to protect their profits and "reputation". If they had any decency they would all have a disclaimer and full disclosure before they give any advice to anyone. If they knew so much and were not so scared to fail, they would be artists themselves.

[@bearsshouting3130]

I agree with your point at the start. I also think about something called 'Survivor Bias' where a person will convince themselves that if it worked for them, then it can work for anyone.

[@lynnquast72]

You are wonderful!!! Your info is always real & extremely helpful!! Thank you for being you!!👏❤️

[@noreenlatimer8193]

Love you guys. You keep it real and so supportive to us. Your wonderful. I took an art class in college and I had always drawn before that. But this teacher came up and grabbed my hand and was making my strokes for me and telling me how everything I was doing was wrong and if I didn’t make her changes how I held the pencil and how I put my strokes down I would not be any good. This was back in the 90’s. Wish teachers had been like you.

[@LadiSway]

Hello Klee and Rafi, I’m new to your channel as I am reintroducing myself back into the art community. I miss it so much and I’ve forgotten how much healing He does in a creative space. I want to thank you both, so much for the raw inspiration you guys have inspired me with. Your community in the comments section are just as supportive as you are and it feels comfortable here. So thank you. I still have more to binge while I paint, ✌️

[@Rafiandklee]

You Rock @LadiSway!

[@MsDee-ok8ej]

I’m so glad I discovered your channel. When I discovered my artistic gift a few years ago I looked into some classes. Upon watching a few teaching videos I realized a lot of it was bs and felt like my creativity was being drained. I’m teachable but I couldn’t continue with the super strict guidelines. I followed my instincts and I’m so glad I did. Thank a thousand times for this video. 🙏🏾

[@tammyfehse7274]

I Am SO grateful to you and Dane to share this with us!! No telling how many other people she talked to like that. How dare her belittle anyone! I am outraged too Rafi! Do what you do Dan!! Makes your heart 😊 Then Do It!!

[@danecory1236]

Thank you! It’s actually Dane 😉. I will keep going!

[@tammyfehse7274]

My apologies, I corrected it. I’m outraged at people. Always bring each other UP! I wish I could draw anything…I’m going stick with jewelry and nail art. But I love art of any kind

[@danecory1236]

@@tammyfehse7274 Agreed! 😎

[@scmacsart]

I had a friend who owned an art store who was a wonderful painter but could not sell because he was "taught" a style. Unfortunately a lot of other people where "taught" the same style. He told me to never go to art school because I had my thing and they would ruin me.

[@BeckyTregear]

What a crazy list, especially the “ranking” of different kinds of mediums. Drawings at the bottom? Tell that to the priceless sketch collections of the Masters! And painting on paper? How very dare! 🤣

[@iMakeThat]

I see a Rafi video and I hit thumbs up before the video starts playing cuz I know imma love it ❤️

[@iMakeThat]

I was right :)

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Awesome Advice about the "Mentor"!! What a load of Bull-Crap from the Gallery Owner/Marketing consultant!! And I am Sooooooo Glad that you can ARTiculate this so well!! (😁see what I did there, Tee-hee!!) Opinion's and Encouragement for each individual Artist, I absolutely love...Cookie-Cutter marketing,Not So Much!! Once upon a time, when I was financially successful as an Artist, I had an American Gallery Owner looking my art over... As she was humming and hawing, looking at the works I had on my wall... Exclaimed ~"Why have you drawn a Butt crack on her belly?!" Those were the words that had me show her the Door!! I'd painted my very Pregnant, somewhat Nude Best Friend, and she had the dark line from her bellybutton downwards,,, (My friend who was in my flat at the time! & Who nearly ran crying from my place!!) At this point I decided that my friends feelings were far more important than the Gallery Owner.... And I had done without her before and after.... I've still got my friend 😁. Great to see you chilled and the burn out, burnt off!! You and Klee are Both Awesome and Rock!! Ps, please if anyone knows the name of the dark pigment that some ladies get, whilst Expecting, remind me?!!TIA. Back then I knew the word for this, but I have forgotten just now.... "Rooting" for you Rafi and "Klee's Trees!" It's my Birthday in August so I have asked for the Rogue Artists Guide!! Hubby Shall be Buying it for me 🙂. Namaste 🙏💞 Andrea, Jasper and George the Pigeon. ..XxX..

[@wendellmyers2003]

tee-hee, I LIKE it!

[@traceyjohns3490]

Its called linea nigra 🤗

[@atienne3]

Cave paintings, perhaps the first artistic expressions, were not commissions or gallery represented.

[@ivanouedraogo]

OH MY GOODNESS! Your rant just made my day! THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUUUUUCH RAFI! And agreed about the information available on blazing your own trail, personally your book was the best piece of information on how to make it as an artist for me (think every artist wether in music, visual or other should read it... IT IS EFFICIENT AND MOTIVATING AS F***K)

[@radicalaboutjesusministrie9507]

Just discovered your channel today and love it already. This was a great message. And much needed. How sad that people like this gallery owner have access to influencing genuine artists. I had to laugh about her saying that in order to be successful, artists need the support of gallery owners. The real truth is that gallery owners need the artists. If we artists were not willing to make art and take risks by putting it out there, gallery owners would be completely out of business. :)

[@Rafiandklee]

That is so true!

[@dplj4428]

Every drawing I make is art, the outpouring of thoughts, feelings, ideas, visual stories, etc. The main difference between each one are the tools i choose to use, solo or together. My toolbox has chisels, digital brushes, carpenter pencil, 4-page comics or an ongoing journal illustrated by myself, watercolor, inks, plant dye, screen printer ink, acid etched plates, photo prints, scanned finger paints, collages assembled of cut up plastic, clothing remade into other clothing decorated over with aMontana medium or embroidered, and anything I grab that fits the message or joy i'm trying to journal. And when i cannot afford canvas or i run out of printer's ink i willfully use house paint, magic markers, heated crayola and crushed plants. Art is art and needs only an audience of one. even if the creation was not intended to be artistic, it is by default art.

[@CJShopland_Art]

This was brilliant, fighting our corner. Look after yourself with all those commissions and work etc 🥰

[@LotusBlossom808]

Thanks for keeping the positivity in the community! Congratulations on all the wonderful things happening in your life and career 😊

[@newinglands]

So cave paintings were commissioned? Wow, that person is REALLY off base and going to discourage a lot of artists!

[@lesleybthedapperkiwi]

Reasoned and thoughtful commentary as always - however resist attacking this individual - move on and the through this - righteousness can be on both sides.

[@retrogirlnc]

Thank you for your rant! I agree 100% with you, especially about researching people before giving them money for their courses or advice. That has bit me in the butt numerous times, one very recently. I think they are all in it for the money and not to help you with your creative journey, whatever it may be.

[@thomasherbst6773]

You made a lot of good points. Personally having a large enough body of work before showing anyone has always been one that stuck in my craw. So much activation energy is needed for some to put themselves out there in the first place, don't need anymore hindrances, especially if that's something important to you the artist.

[@KCRReads]

Wow. I agree w you and not one word this person said made sense to me. If an art maker is not creating work they love they should do something else that makes them happy and lets them grow creatively. It is a process and you grow. If you are just in it to sell there are much easier ways to make money. So great to have you back!

[@bevfitzsimmonds3382]

So Good to see you looking refreshed, and that you are re-organising things, so they work better for you . Great video...l have had much the same thoughts when listening to some of the "career advice" out there for creatives....so much of it is formulative, and has something to buy into, at great expense...and oh! the nagging if you don't reply to their repetitive hard-sell emails!!! 🙄 And the fear tactics!! Yep, it makes me fume...😠 My friend has just started watercolour, self-taught, and now colored pencil. She put a few works into two local exhibitions, and came away with the major prize for both!! She can hardly keep up with commissions, has had good sales in her local gallery (and both shows!), and is enjoying herself immensly. And she mainly paints on white paper, and leaves it so, with the subject in the middle. Beautiful work. 🖼 So, gallery managers....how about you step back and allow the artists to rent space for THEIR ART. Just sweep the floor, make sure things are hanging straight,and take the money for the artists. You may take your modest cut, for your curative time. Thankyou. 🙂 Have a lovely time with your family,Rafi, and may your plans turn out really well for you. God bless, and thankyou. From Bev, in Australia. 🦘😊❤ ...

[@stephaniebelenets2666]

Good rant and glad you're feeling better Rafi! People, like this so-called consultant, who have to invalidate others to validate themselves are failing at being decent humans and should not be giving advice to anyone. Taking money for it just makes it a scam. Infuriating that anyone would take your insecurity/inexperience and use it to beat you up. Totally not acceptable. It's called "Constructive criticism" because it helps build you up. This was not that. Thanks Rafi for all you do to empower others. We freaking adore you and Klee too!

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Good one, glad you are feeling better and things are looking up

[@SingYourselfWell]

Great rant. Thank you Rafi. 💖

[@adelamoon]

I just discovered your channel a few days ago. I've been really enjoying and learning a lot from your advice. I HAD to stop the video to comment on something you said. I work on paper. I've ALWAYS worked on paper. Ink on paper, all different mediums. I've also worked rather small. I've never had a studio, when I was young I worked on my kitchen table, and in recent years at my desk. So this woman is saying that because this is my chosen medium, (and I considered it my passion, my calling) I would never be successful!!! When I was younger this would have really set me back. Now I'm older and I don't care. I only do my work for myself, and if other people love it that makes me happy, but its not necessary. I don't do this for the money. I have sold my work. I feel sorry for people who pay her for advice. She's toxic. But thanks a lot for your channel and for what your doing. Artists have to stick together, be supportive of one another. I never went to art school, I'm self taught, I work abstract. Lately I've been doing junk journals and simple bookbinding. I do what I like, not whats in.

[@Rafiandklee]

Thank you for this!

[@cmralph...]

Great video, Rafi! But Poor ME!! I work in pen and ink and pencil - - I'm on the BOTTOM RUNG of the Art World ladder! 🤣😂😅🤣

[@Rafiandklee]

LOL! You are a champion!

[@wendellmyers2003]

Really excellent rant, Rafi. It is amazing, in a negative way, that there are people out there CHARGING for that kind of unmitigated bullshit. I know it is kind of fashionable for artists to trash their art school experience, but I have to say art school was one of the best experiences of my life. But, when it comes to marketing and selling art, most of my art school professors were clueless, making fun of and snickering at the artists at the Lakefront Festival of the Arts, snickering about one of the only artists in Southeastern Wisconsin who was making his living 100% from his artwork. I think you have to cut the art professors a little slack when it comes to this whole area, because they have never existed outside of the academic/gallery world, and there is a lot of bullshit in that world. But when someone who supposedly is out there helping artists establish and run an art business is purveying this tired old bullshit, and CHARGING for it on top of that (and I know some of these people are incredibly expensive), it's unconscionable. There are lots of "artist coaches" out there, and I am sure that some of them are absolutely incredible, and could catapult one's career farther and faster than they could ever do on their own, but I don't know how you tell the really good ones from the charlatans. Maybe look for the ones who have clients who are not represented by ANY galleries, but are still doing well? That would certainly be ONE helpful criterion. Sheesh! Unbelievable!!

[@rebeccathompson1938]

Hi, thank you so much for these kinds of videos. I've always loved making art but was discouraged by family and surprisingly an art professor because I lacked "proper subjects". But now I'm older and miss it so much so I've been returning. I'd love to sell my art as extra income so I'm diving in. Thanks again for your inspiration and no-nonsense advise.

[@MindfulnessArtCoaching]

Thank you so much for being open an honest. I am just starting to get recognition for my art. I am hopefully going to start selling some of my work. I was holding back because of not being good enough yet.

[@Rafiandklee]

You Rock Debz_Wright_Artist!

[@wannabehuman]

On art as expression - I think she is looking at too narrow a range of history. People drew things on cave walls before there was paper. Was that a commission? Maybe it was for strategy planning or teaching, or maybe it was because people have a drive to create beauty and express.

[@wendellmyers2003]

People indeed have a drive to create. People who are starving write poetry, sing songs, tell stories, etc. Art is a basic human need.

[@trudiatherton1633]

Great rant Raffi , stay well xxx

[@SuperNovaSirius]

I do make a distinction between a drawing and an illustration, but that's probably because I graduated as an Illustrator and see the concept phase as a lot of drawings and once I decided on a design, thén I start working on the illustration, which will always result in a finished product, rather than a test/experimental drawing.

[@TealMonster]

What really hit me here is how they ranked which medium mattered more. As an artist who works a lot with pastels, I felt at one time that I would never be able to do fine art because I wasn’t painting in oils or acrylics. Luckily I was able to dismantle that when I saw so many artists that use all sorts of mediums! All the “advice” they were giving would definitely be detrimental to any artist just trying to grow their art

[@Rafiandklee]

Right?!?!

[@rawbeadlab810]

This is why I love you two just tell it like it is no sugar coating the truth so we can grow an be the best we can be in are art journey

[@omalleysmith9100]

My favourite mediums are: watercolour & coloured pencil. Sometimes I even use them TOGETHER, horror of horrors!!! That woman would absolutely despise me. LOLZ

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Wow! Pastel didn’t even make the ladder🤣🤣

[@aisuchama]

thank you for sharing your thoughts rafi, i completely agree! art is a form of self expression first and foremost.

[@lesleywolf2497]

💯Agree Rafi! That was hard to listen to. It would seem that 'virtue signalling ' trend is thriving in many parts of the Art World as well as just about every other 'institution'🙄 You showed more restrain in response to those oppinions than I would have! Lol Absolutely Freakin' Adore you! 💜🔥🎨🔥💜

[@Carl_Frank]

Funny thing about acrylics vs oils: You said that oils are forgiving, and acrylics not so much. I have usually worked in acrylics, and rarely touched oils, to the point I know almost nothing but the basics of oils. To me, acrylics seem pretty forgiving in the sense that, generally, I can just paint over a dry section if I need to change it (and of course they dry so fast, that it's almost immediately possible to do that.) Sure, too many repaints might start to cause too much build-up, and get a little too textured, but that rarely happens, at least in my experience. On the other hand, because I have done so little with oils, I always felt a bit intimidated by them, thinking that they would NOT be forgiving -- that I would get one part just right and then accidentally smear it at some point before it is dry, or that I would end up with a thick muddy mess that I didn't know what to do with until it dried. I'm sure it's just my typical irrational fear of the unknown, (that I had to get over even when I first started painting versus just drawing) and it won't be as hard as I think it will to get a handle on them. Now I want to go learn to get more comfortable with oils. But anyway, that was a tangent. I totally agree with your stance on this person's "advice". It is such a narrow, biased, limiting and archaic attitude they have.

[@jazzy6600]

Yes to all of what you just said💕 I hope no one stops doing art as an expression.. the world needs therapy rn.. and art is good for mental health!

[@scottslinger1003]

Great message,Rafi. Thanks

[@gingeredawn6764]

wow, that person has zero clue. artists can be windows, if we allow it, the muse will direct us...but not necessarily 'our' agenda...windows to the universe? great unknown? that which needs a voice. let those of us who hear the muse tell you what she said.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Competitions also are biased toward certain things and can force artists into a mold in order to please judges and competition colleagues

[@carogalandart9624]

Thank you so much! This rant felt very good to see a successful artist views on this! Being a real creative that produces, nice not to limit ourselves with limiting beliefs!!!

[@rinapiccolo3745]

You are right on! Thanks for putting this out there!

[@charitymoore9897]

Thanks you are awesome! Your advice is on point for me and one of these days I will get out there.

[@Zoe-Eves]

Yes Rafi, they are so outdated in their thinking, it's all about them not the artist. Galleries are an outdated past time in my opinion, that is just my point of view. I've missed your rants 😁 much respect to you and Klee ☺

[@adrivoulgarellis]

Awesome video and rant thanks Rafi!!

[@Rafiandklee]

@adrivoulgarellis YOU ARE AWESOME!

[@JennyFloravitaArt]

Yes, everything you said...it's out of date concepts for art and who becomes successful and how and with what, etc...

[@TheKatieLea]

nothing says artistic self expression like "do it how I say you must do it" lol great vid ♥

[@paulafaber8589]

Strong people lift others up💪🏻❤️

[@StephenHeigh]

Good stuff! That person knows very little about art is what this comes down to and are in a bullshit position to put nonsense out there about how artists work. I could tear them up when it comes to art and they exposed weakness of thought. You are right that people who love art don't care about how it was done. It's more about how it makes them feel and people who buy art for only one reason of just because it's by a well-known artist is bullcrap too. I get that they see it as an investment, but really, they want to live with that reasoning alone? We have become such a materialistic society which goes against the creation of art. The thing about rungs? is so weird and I have heard this mostly by gallery owners or gallery staff workers. This is where I think social media and the internet has hurt art, but then again it's good that people like you call them out on it in a video. Please if anyone reads this you can find great art in unlikely places and for fair prices. It can be found around the corner from where you live or travel to and don't ever feel uncomfortable looking in a gallery because I'm certain that the artists on the walls feel the same as you do. It's offish to them as well. Artists are from every corner of society They know struggle and failure and that the moments of success are often fleeting. They are in a constant evolution of learning. It's the one certain thing in art is that you are never done learning and someone who sets down some kind of rules like law is a fool and probably should not be in the gallery business.

[@scrappysinger]

Snooty, opinionated, self-concerned, art aficionados. (BaBye). I CHOOSE to work on art paper. I could just as easily paint in oils. And it does not make me a lesser artist. Nobody who buys my art, and I have been selling quite a bit lately, has ever said, “oh I just love that piece, but it’s not an oil.” If they did… I would welcome watching them move on to the next artist. There is plenty to go around and I am not supposed to be everybody’s cup of tea. Thank you Rafi for your wisdom and your thoughtfulness.💝🙏🏻🙌🏻🎨 (P.S. I suck at acrylics. Acrylics are hard. Oils on the other hand… )

[@karenlucci2154]

Totally agree with everything you said Rafi. Thank you for another great video!!

[@ralphcrosby9622]

She forgot charcoal unless it’s umbrella under pencil. She sounds like a Art snob. My rant, now back to my drawing.

[@barkoartstudio3096]

Did you know that the 64,000 year old red hand stencil in Maltravieso cave was commissioned by Ugh the Mud Warrior as a decoration for his office?

[@Rafiandklee]

LOL!

[@CrookedLittleFlower]

wow, what BS. omgoodness. I am so sorry this person had this experience with whoever this "expert" was. I always say, follow your path, follow your truth, it will not steer you wrong. Blaze your own way is so very true. take care, paint much love, always, C

[@jacsfalconer1929]

Hurrehhhhhhhh for your RANT.😁😅😜 Onwards and Upwards good people. 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@beckywebb1916]

What rock did you find that gallery owner?

[@fy380]

Another great talk that is informative and inspirational. Thank you for the rant and keep them coming. 🙂

[@Rafiandklee]

Thank you! Will do!

[@aprildamski8365]

I think that woman is nuts! 😆 love how you and Klee are so down to earth.