Top 6 Reasons Artists Fail - Oil Painting Instruction

In this video I discuss the top six reasons artists fail.
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[@blissyogi8699]

I paint until that point of not being able to see it anymore and that feeling of despondency sets in… then I know it’s time to put the painting away and start something new. I get completely involved in the new to the point of forgetting the previous painting. When I start feeling that “artist curse” setting in again, that’s when I go and look at the other half-done paintings waiting to be completed and start on them again with completely fresh eyes. I used to think there was something wrong with me for painting like this, but it gets the work done and now I just know it’s my process and don’t fight it anymore!

[@jtpaar1732]

After looking at the art I've been working on for several hours, I sometimes get frustrated because I can't really see the results I want to see, nor can I grasp what I need to do to obtain said result. Then....voila....I take a picture with my cell phone and think, holy crap, this looks waaay better than I thought AND I can clearly see where I need to tweak things. My cell phone has been a saving grace for my artwork and helps my eyes/brain really see what I've accomplished....I highly recommend taking those pics!

[@littleheath1666]

Very very true !!!

[@behzadutube]

I believe looking at your work in the mirror has a similar effect...by simply flipping the image, your brain starts to see it as a new object/composition and see it more objectively!

[@viviananunez7680]

I usually do that and it's very useful!!

[@ShannasCountryCreek]

I naturally picked up on doing this...my phone is always on the edge of "out of space" 🤦‍♀️ llol but it is so helpful to see where I need to tweak the painting

[@ArtPaul483]

Yes. And I will often post works in progress on my FB Art Page. My followers enjoy that, but for whatever reason seeing the painting on screen shows me A LOT of what needs to be done that I often can't see in person. Seeing the same photos in black and white to gauge the value helps tremendously as well.

[@jamiewall5081]

Mark I’m in the 11th grade and I did my English project on you and your influence on me as a beginning artist, thanks so much for the advice and helping people like me who have no other source to learn from. Knowledge is worth more than money can fathom.

[@laug6237]

Well I work and yes life gets in the way, but I love painting so much that I use 30 min every other day to paint and in the weekends I get up and paint. I want to learn I can show you some of my paintings, there are simple, but I love this!

[@GettinLa8d]

Artists Curse is so real. I struggled with it about 2 months ago, and it almost beat me. I hated everything i would produce. I beat it by simple self reflection. I asked myself "why did i like painting?" . Because its fun and i love the magic of painting. Then, gradually i began to "let go" of the pressure and paint freely, yet also confidently, and overall just make it fun again.

[@martinbohring2384]

Still fighting with it. Just had a conversation about it today. Didn’t know there is a name for it.

[@S___________D]

@@UncleJunior52 Hell, you just described my current situation. I've invested every month for the past 8 months and have about 40 canvases in progress. Good thing that I stretch them myself afterwards and for now are easy to store.

[@GettinLa8d]

Martin Bohring i think it kind of goes by different concepts or names. A case in point could be that the curse is related to the concept of an artist being their own worst critic. Perhaps that is really the root of the curse.

[@GettinLa8d]

Nickhead87 I don't fear a blank canvas, just a blank white canvas. Hence as soon as i buy, they all get primed with any color of oil paint i have laying around.

[@xxxorg]

Watch this, might help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGTTZ3eLnZeBp80

[@susanmitchell5317]

Spot on Mark! I love painting, have drawn and painted since I was three am now seventy two. After art college I got a job in London in a studio as a fashion illustrator, then I got married and I had to work to earn money eventually I went freelance then I had my son but was still working. After having to get a teaching job to pay the bills, I now find myself looking after a blind ninety-five year old mother with dementia. I still have a little corner in the conservatory but painting is crammed in between everything else. My husband thinks I should just knock out paintings but he doesn't understand that apart from being knackered its not that easy!!! I love your videos, so inspirational and excellent to watch....they inspire me not to give up!

[@Modwerks]

'Talent' lies in our individual ability to successfully identify, navigate and persevere in overcoming these internal and external hurdles. Amazing work Mark.

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

Just learn to let go and enjoy art

[@WhistlebirdInfinity]

Thanks for your frank accessment. I had the beginnings of a solid art career and the last year I painted all the time and a well to do mother and her son commissioned 15 paintings from me. Then "life got in the way" and I also lost ALL my slides, I was playing in a band a lot also...I got cocky and thought I didn't need galleries anymore and that I would just magically do commissioned paintings from them on...then I moved halfway across the country where no one had ever heard of me, and without slides, it was overwhelming to think of doing that many paintings to build up a body of work. Anyway, recently an old friend sent me 10 photos he took of my old paintings, and it was super emotional to see these pieces I thought I'd never see again, and it was maybe what I needed to want to paint again...the art world, like the music world is super competitive but I think I am going to start painting again and see where it takes me - money might not be spectacular, but it is good for my mental health I think.

[@poliwilliams6138]

I Have been doing some watercolor but now I am learning oil painting watching your videos. Unbelievable how much I have learned with you, even now I can see my own mistakes, I was ready to quit painting. You are the best!!! Thank you, Mark,

[@loumurray5237]

Thanks Mark. The artist’s curse Is such an important subject and you have explained it so well. I had friends ask me to do a 16x20 painting of a photo for a fee. This was my first time being asked to do a commission. I was flattered and accepted. After a few months I started to feel pressure and fear that they wouldn’t like it. I kept asking myself, ‘why did you ever think you are good enough to do a commissioned piece’. The shame of backing out of the commitment was greater than the fear of them not liking it, so I kept working on the painting along with taking classes and bringing the piece to work on, when allowed. 15 months later 😐 when I realized I could overwork it and ruin it, not to mention the embarrassment of how long it was taking, I varnished it and gave it to them. They loved it. Of course, I believed they were being kind. When I see it, I can only start to look for faults but am very proud of it at the same time. I learned quite a bit about myself because of the struggles during this period but it needed to happen and I’m very grateful. Knowing that I’m capable of losing my objectivity really helps me to know when to start thinking it’s time to call it done. It’s a wonderful journey.

[@johncoulter8023]

Thank you so much! I'm a newby - haven't even done one complete work yet. But I am at a crossroads, thinking that perhaps I'm just not "good enough" - talent-wise. Everything turns to mud. This video means SO MUCH to me right now. I cannot afford instruction, just KZbin. I'm retired and a vet with some PTSD issues that I really think painting will help me on a therapeutic level. But I need more small successes to provide the fuel to keep going. Thanks again.

[@NightTimeDay]

Whether you're still painting or not, I hope you're doing well!

[@massivebrunetteboy]

I mean “muddy” paintings typically just come from dirty brushes

[@loumurray5237]

John, I’m also a veteran. Keep at it. It’s definitely therapeutic. Been at it about 8 years now, maybe a few hours a week, sometimes I’ll pause for a couple months but there’s always an interest. I’ve also taken classes, which I believe are necessary. Best lo luck. Welcome home brother.

[@ridingonabudget]

Spot on! I attended Mark's class and have been working hard to keep painting. But he is right, life and all that other stuff seems to slow you down and eventually stop you. You just have to remember that, "Quitting is not an option."

[@cheesecrumpets]

Yes, I get the artist's curse too. I'll paint a landscape and spend about 15-20 hours on it, and I'll go through stages of liking it, hating it, loving it, back to liking it, then I'll eventually despise it. But it usually helps to get away from the painting for a few hours and do other things, to take my mind off of it, and then when I come back to it, I can see it with renewed eyes and 9 times out of 10, I love my work. I think we have our eyes in our work for such a long time that we can't see it anymore. Sometimes we just need to take a short break.

[@robertchilders8698]

Sometimes a long break is better?! I've put aside many paintings for months before taking them out ! Then suddenly the answer is there! Then you can really make improvements ! Just keep on painting! The mind keeps on working even when you don't!

[@NeccoWecco]

Reversely, I find that the more success I get as an artist, the less time I have to paint! I'm constantly preparing for shows and traveling and keeping stock of items that I haven't had time to paint for weeks now. It's a blessing but I can't wait to paint again!

[@sassafrassity]

Been there, done that,all 6 points. Increasingly we are letting “screen time” replace easel time, making our power to concentrate evaporate. As visual learners, we are screwed if we can’t get a handle on that and focus on what’s on the easel.

[@steveharrigan7811]

Wow, Ellie you sure said a mouthfull there! And you are right on the money. I really have to "commit" more. I find myself researching subject material much more than I should be, and getting off track.

[@TheErikrust]

This guy is my favorite. Straight up advice. The kind of mentor you want.

[@moo1959]

This fellow knows what he is talking about. Very wise observations and advice, and very encouraging comment about "no talent required", gives me hope.

[@devinmichaelroberts9954]

I used your knowledge base in the beginning almost 10 years ago or so. It helped me a lot in that first year of painting. Now I'm a working professional represented by galleries across the nation with press in national magazines like southwest art, american art collector etc. Listen to what he says, but also remember it's not as bleak as it may sound in this.

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

its all meaninglessness.

[@bensartakamcas1n126]

Nice mate can you please do a painting video or show some artwork of yours, like your first and your most recent, because I am still a beginner and am trying to learn painting for me Im going for wet on wet cause it is quick and I am somewhat ok with the results.

[@devinmichaelroberts9954]

@@lobsterwhisperer7932 I assure you being able to do what you love and actually pay the bills doing it is hardly meaningless. If you would have asked me back when I was a homeless drug addict if I would have turned my life around andHad the privilege to do art as a living. I probably would have thought that will never happen. I assure you it's anything but meaningless. It saved my life

[@johnwagenman5140]

Finding Mark transformed my work at a time I desperately wanted to get better. I went to Austin and took a week of class with him. I got a lot out of it. That's been a couple years ago. Last Friday I think I created my best work yet and at a speed faster than I thought possible. Largely thanks to showing up to paint every week and not listening to that voice that is constantly whispering in your ear "you aren't good enough".

[@littleheath1666]

Most of Van Goghs paintings were completed in under an hour.

[@tony.kmullinsstudio818]

You're a class act, Mr. Carder. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us.

[@gnarlestongnu637]

Applies to all art. This is the most inspirational thing I've seen recently, and I really needed to hear it. Thanks!

[@chrisgriffith1573]

I love your insights and knowledge for the craft. Very interesting. 1) excuses 2) distracted 3) not focused on their work, looking for a direction from outside 4) bad sources of mentorship 5) more excuses, "can't be successful before x,y,z..." 6) you are never good enough to show, your own worst critic

[@tegian732]

I think talent in painting doesnt exist , when people see me paint they say omg your so talented i could never paint like you because im not talented enough but in reality passion and hard work is the key . There is a great quote by Michelangelo Buonarroti "If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.

[@amysbees6686]

I prefer "aptitude" over "talent". You still have to work at mastery, as Michelangelo said.

[@user-dd2ys9dd8c]

I started painting again after a 16 year hiatus. Since I last painted, I've raised 3 kids, established myself as a furniture designer, and made tons of good and bad decisions. As a result, I've learned to give myself a lot of grace. I now apply that grace to my paintings. When I feel like quitting, I walk away for 20 minutes and try again. So far, so good.

[@mylesjordan9970]

These are superb documents, Mark; thank you so much for doing them. I’m a musician; there’s definitely a connection between artist’s curse and creative dissatisfaction generally, which seems to have nothing to do with the quality of work. Hearing recordings of myself years after giving live performances-and in some instances not even recognizing them-brings home that the general public comes away with a completely different experience than the artist. I’ve been happy with one or two concerts over my performing life; it’s very possible they weren’t the best ones.

[@sandrajohnson2489]

I've watched several of your videos and have learned a lot already even though I've been painting for years. The few things I've learned so far are the things I intend to do like for instance, I'm no longer going to blend my colors until the end. When I first started painting long ago I didn't blend much. I would make my strokes and only blend at the end when I felt it was needed. My older paintings are better than the ones I have done in the last few years. I don't know why I changed my painting method but I intend to return to it. Before I started watching you videos I watched a lot of other painting videos but never followed their instructions. It was only when I began painting with watercolors and painting with my airbrush (separate painting methods) that I started watching instructional videos. As most painters know, painting with watercolors and painting with oils is completely different. I love both. Several months ago I took out my airbrush and began painting celestial type paintings. I became very involved with it after watching someone painting like this. I then watched videos on how to create acrylic pours. I decided to mix the two. Many of my celestial paintings start out as acrylic pours and after they have dried thoroughly I airbrushed planets and stars on them. Someone saw them when I had them for sale on Ebay and the buyer purchased eleven paintings at once. I was blown away. He put them in his store. I did so many of these paintings that I ran out of room to store them so I stopped creating them. I might go back if I sell enough to make room. My attention turned to an oil painting I started about three years ago of Vincent Van Gogh. I painted six pictures of him the way I think he may have looked and they're hanging in my Vincent room. The curtains on the windows in there some of Vincent's paintings which I love. The unfinished painting sat turned away and last week I decided to go back to it. While watching your videos I looked at my painting and began to see what it needs. I saw it with new eyes. I'm still having issues however with Vincent's shirt. The folds and crease colors are driving me mad. I simply cannot decide what color (colors) I should use. ~sigh~

[@bootszarawalken9987]

Thanks Mark. I've been painting for years now but am coming up hard against the "artist's curse" at the moment so this video couldn't have come at a better time for me. It is exactly what I needed to hear.

[@asimnajam2964]

I'm a newbie, I just started painting, and completely agree with every single word you have said. And I try not to get Artist Curse. Thanks a lot for making such a great video. You motivated me in a way. thanks again Sir.

[@danielq.4371]

All valid points! I think having a proper space to work is a huge thing for me. Being in my room just invites a feeling of relaxation so I throw myself on my bed and rest. To remedy this I take a sketchbook to the park or I go to the library to put in work on my ideas. Once I have sketches and stuff I want to do on bigger paper or canvas I'll limit myself to paint in my room and kick butt.

[@TheHeirachyExploitYou]

I definately relate to the first three points. Thankyou for bringing this up it’s nice to know that others suffer the same difficulties. I m sure I experience the artists curse too which has made me throw my previous works away

[@susanwong6471]

Mark, your listing is to the point, I am so glad that I am still painting and I am extremely glad that I encountered your utube channel and learn all your method and stick to your method which is simply and effective! Thank you for generously sharing your know how ❤️💕

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

are you in oil?

[@susanwong6471]

@@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816 yes, I always wanted to learn how to paint like “ master. With no oil painting experience, I followed Mark’s tutorial and yield a reasonable result.

[@Anthony-q7h6t]

very very helpful. Many times I've gone to bed exited about the painting I've been working on for hours, only to feel disappointed in the cold hard light of the next day. It seams that there is some psychology involved here.

[@MichelleLynnFineArt]

I’ve had the artists curse for the past couple months. I just haven’t been happy with anything I’ve created lately. I’ve just finally started a painting that I’m actually happy with. Life gets in the way is another big one for me! I definitely have the type of personality to sit in my studio by myself all day, but there are certain things going on in my life right now that are keeping me from painting. Thanks for this video! You’re such an inspiration!

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

you doing oil?

[@MichelleLynnFineArt]

@@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816 yes

[@tinamckeage6665]

For like 7 years I've Ben trying to teach myself to paint ,that I hope I can take your course but no money yet.I have watched videos for years trying people painting. I just have a hard time mixing colors.Also I love the painting that look so real.I love painting and spend hours trying. I can't give up.thats what I'm feeling now.

[@TheRamsberg]

Gotta force yourself to love yourself. The Artist's Curse can be so heavy. Twenty years ago in my late teens to early twenties I was doing a lot of painting. Took a 20 year sabbatical, getting back into it now, and find myself reflecting as such, "What I made then was so awesome! Why are I only making junk now!" But then I remember(with notable exceptions) I hated what I painted back then, too.

[@DrachenPrime]

Wow, you hit the nail with every single one. I think I suffer from all of them :D It is a privilege to hear tips and hints from this professional, he is very humble, so people here may not know, but he is the BEST painter of our current century, he painted several portraits for Former US Presidents like George Bush and a few Ladies. He also sells painting products, yet gives us videos on how to do our own mediums and paints, damaging his own business, very humble man! Thank you!!!!

[@sionedsart337]

I’ve just started oil painting . It’s not an easy medium,…. I’m still learning. Thanks for your advice.. your work is amazing 🤩

[@FurandFloraArts]

It's forgiving medium ..Better than acrylics 🙂

[@CaroleRodrigue]

I've always hated every single piece I create and even wrote a blog about this last year. I didn't know it was actually an artist's curse. I start off excited like you said, then hate it. I just keep pushing through and by the time it's done, I like it again, most of the time.

[@eatthebottle3297]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PART ABOUT THE MIRROR 😭😭😭 FINALLY GOING TO GET BACK TO MY PAINTING AFTER A LONG RECESS

[@pollycisneros4659]

I’m guilty of all of these at one time or another. But I consider it my learning curve. I’ve figured out how to incorporate my grandchildren into my painting by having them paint along. I’ve learned to take the best of what someone teaches and make it part of what makes me even if it means throwing their idea in the trash. I’ve learned to take the down time and use it to reflect and I’m better when I go back to painting. I love your method and it has been my foundation. Life is a journey.

[@dcassolis2157]

I really liked this video, and it was an eye opener for me. I have a couple of the things that stop me two things and the first one you said was "Life Gets in the Way" and boy does it ever! So that stops me a lot and I hate that feeling, I wish I could just close the door and not let people know I'm even alive.. haha! but the 2nd reason that is stopping me I didn't even know had a name, it's your #6 - The Artists Curse, I have been so upset with a 36" round canvas painting that I just no matter what, I look at it, I put it on my easel and I just can't pursue it anymore. I don't understand myself and my art has been in very prestigious places so I should be very confident in what I paint. I had posted on FB and IG that I wanted to say goodbye to this 36" round canvas but my 'fans' and people I know all wrote me back asking me to finish it.. I thought what the heck do they know? !! So, I put it on my easel and nope!! put it back on the studio wall and tried your method of black & white, turn it upside down, and i'm quite familiar with the mirror effect, yet nothing. I would like to finish it just to get it over with - but just can't seem to get past it. Do you think I'll get over this? Some galleries are asking me for new stuff and I'm like a deer in front of an 18 wheeler wondering what to do? If you have any advise more than what you said, I'd love to hear it.

[@belindahugheslifestyle]

Thanks for sharing this. Number 5 is the hardest for me. Butt in seat. And yes, social media distractions. So easy to let that happen. And life has been life, with covid being covid, cancer losses, and now the supply shortages and USPS slowing down for political reasons. There will always be challenges. There is never going to be a perfect time. I've discovered that I do work best alone, and am happy working indoors or out with a backpack studio, so that's a plus, knowing myself as an artist. That leaves me back at: do it now, create something each day, show up and do the work, and remember that it's something I do because I enjoy it. Great video. Namaste'.

[@peterparkinson7952]

Mark Carder is an amazing human being for popularising his method, and so accessibly. I'd painted fifty bumbing and inept pictures before I decided to follow his instructions... and the results are phenomenally good; much better than I ever dreamt. Paint ugly, get the values right. That's what he says. That's basically all. They should give so give him a medal.

[@timridley1]

I can honestly say that these points are so true, I haven't been painting long and I am just starting an MA in Painting, and I see plenty of fellow artists around me who can paint, but just get sidetracked by styles, distracted by life or give up.

[@mtsacchi]

Dear Mark. Hope you're well. I'm a big fan of your work an method. And by seeing this video, I just can say "guilty as charged". Being clearly aware of all this points is a helping hand for moving on and keep painting no matter what. Thanks for this new life lesson. Marcio

[@bhargavartworks]

I can feel each and every word. "This is the part of the Game" which keeps me inspired.

[@amysbees6686]

"The Game" puts artmaking into a whole different light!

[@lvlstudios8476]

Great information. Thankful for you using KZbin as a platform for this free wisdom!

[@rosburns9546]

You are so right on your 6 points. I spend so much time walking students thu the same problems. Everyone has creativity within but talent comes from hard work and endurance especially in the application of good skills.

[@amysbees6686]

Bravo! So glad to see someone defining talent as requiring dedication, not a magical power!

[@MisterstereoOso]

Thanks for the post Mark, I think your channel is one of the best on You Tube & really appreciate all of the knowledge you share, all of those points you mention are applicable to my own situation ( except for #1) I have just retired & am floundering because I’m trying to self educate overnight. !! Time to pare down the information & focus on my dream : i.e. Zorn palette/ portraits in the style of Zorn,Sargent, & thanks to you, Karen Offut ! All best from Merry England !!

[@redangrybird7564]

It is the best channel. He is the greatest art instructor online. ✌😁👍

[@chrisproctor3779]

Thank you so much for this video. The artist's curse is something I can relate to. My wife says it's because I'm a perfectionist, but it is just because, so many times, I just don't like the outcome, even though others seem to love it. Good to know it's not just me!

[@AudiobookLibrary24-7]

Pretty much spot on. I saw similar hangups in teaching private music lessons.

[@whoisharo4689]

This is so perfect. Everything he c said is true including the "not sticking to ONE METHOD" SO D A MN TRUE ALL OF IT.

[@fuhen9719]

Thank you. I'm just getting started with oil painting, but hearing that you HAVE TO spend hours for improving made me feel so much better, because I never knew if I was doing enough or no (now I know that no, so I can go, spend hours just trying to get the right color. Which is hard, but your video about that helped me a lot!)

[@barbaraclements4076]

I just learn well always know but never had a name for it, fear failure. I’m starting to feel like an oil paint collector, and all the other supplies, but I can’t seem to want to waste all money.

[@paolabueso]

Excellent observations! It’s so useful to be aware of these points as an artist. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@kevinhawley403]

Hilarious... glad to learn youre an artist AND drummer as well. I was just mentioning to my other half that after a painting session or during, I listen to music and the painting opens that part of the brain and Im able to go sit behind the kit and its almost as if my arms and legs move themselves. The delicacy of the brush strokes really translates into a relaxed, effortless drum session. Interesting....

[@bondsons]

This was a very real and helpful explanation !

[@_angelofwar]

Laziness kills. I would know

[@irynash.685]

😂 agree

[@whoisharo4689]

I was gonna reply to this a year ago but got lazy. Sorry bout that.

[@elizabethbirdallgreer2773]

Who got a funeral you or the paintings? Awww, you still alive! So the paintings left a will. Great!

[@simonford5399]

You are a great human being Mark

[@lindaburton1633]

Thank you for this video. I can relate to just about all of it. I had to laugh, however, when you described your angst at spending so much money on paints and supplies, etc. I have spent so much money that I feel I have to force myself to paint to justify the expense! The good thing is that so far I’m enjoying it and haven’t experienced the artist’s curse. But my ‘studio’ is in the furnace room of the basement, and when the a/c comes on, I can’t even hear the phone in the next room. 😝 Definitely not ideal.

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

linda Burton caution, the Arts trade cleverly marketing , you doing oil?

[@DanielL143]

Mark, you are awesome; thanks for the advise.

[@sylviecarterartist]

Thank you, for these are fabulous and such succinctly put tips for any artist to consider.

[@TheNortheastAl]

This is a very important and honest video. You hit the major points, Mark.

[@SuperShiki666]

First As a struggling artist I was nervous watching this, i really get the artists curse but having a community or even just a reddit account helps :)

[@xxxorg]

Watch this, might help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGTTZ3eLnZeBp80

[@asimnajam2964]

Damn that's really what i was thinking before watching this video.

[@icandothis1238]

I'm on my 5th oil painting and was afraid I would have all 6 reasons, was scared to watch also!

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

you still strugling?

[@SuperShiki666]

@@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816 thankfully i had several breakthroughs

[@vexguine]

Mr. Carder, I totally agree when you say that "real world" colors are much less saturated and "good" realism is achieved with much less "exposure". But in a modern world with 4k high definition LCD screens, overexposed pictures and color treated images everywhere, the public eyes are trained for seeking color. When I end a painting following the "natural colors" approach, my friends and family always says the same: that my painting are lifeless and dark. I try to argue but people are just color addicted. Could you treat this subject in the future? Thanks. Great vids as always.

[@littleheath1666]

You might be partially colour blind . Not many people have perfect or above normal colour vision. There have been many famous artists who were colour blind. Realism is colourful. Look out the window . Its very colourful unless its a dull overcast day. Look at a bowl of fruit which is very colourful.

[@vexguine]

@@littleheath1666 ??? Excuse me? Do you know me? Do you even know Carder's method? You don't get what i'm talking about. I'm talking about color saturation based on Carder's assumptions on good realism. Nothing wrong with my eyes (your comment its very invasive by the way).

[@tracik1277]

vexguine I do think Little Heath was trying to be constructive there, as it goes... You do have a good point in your first post, but I would be asking how helpful you find your friends and family’s opinions on art in general. Do they appreciate other artists’ work, and if so, do you like the same things as them? If not, it could simply be differences in taste, or perhaps they have bad taste and don’t realise, or perhaps they simply have no idea what they are talking about. I will also stick my neck out and suggest that it is possible that they are actually jealous of you having a talent or creative ability, many people are like this and subtly seek to put you down. Most of my friends take no interest at all in my art, and I don’t go to them for advice or opinions, that is their call and I don’t feel any way about it. At the end of the day, you have to do what pleases you, there’s no other way because what one person loves, another will hate, no matter how technically ‘good’ a given piece of work is or isn’t. If you are really concerned and feel you want an objective opinion, go to people who don’t know you but are interested in art. Try putting some of your work on Instagram or something, or enter a competition or an open call at a local gallery. At least make sure the people whose opinions you seek know what they are talking about.

[@royalecrafts6252]

@@vexguine try and paint an iridescent buterfly or beetle or blue macaws, you won't reach the tones with natural pigments methods neither digitally

[@royalecrafts6252]

@@vexguine he forgets vivid natural colors, there are a lot of gemstones and weird vivid hues in the natural world as well

[@darrenumbsaar8326]

I agree, holding your artwork up to a mirror is a really effective way of objectively evaluating your own work. Definitely used it before to “trick” my brain into forgetting who made the painting.

[@snoopy70119]

Thank you Mark. As always you produce some of the best instructional videos on painting. I learned a great deal and have improved my oil painting techniques by watching your videos and following your method. Hope to take one of your courses in person one day.

[@priscillaallen5276]

Started painting as a kid for the fun of it. Dabbled on and off through life, for fun. Some people said: your stuff is good. So, found time, set up place, got good subject matter. Ho! Now I must force myself to the canvas and, yes, I finish every stint dissatisfied. Taking painting seriously seems to sap the joy of it, certainly it challenges notions you had of your abilities! Thank you for your wise advice and encouragement. We need it.

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

good i was like you to :-) are you in oil?

[@amysbees6686]

Who was it who said, "Painting is easy until you know how"?

[@stevenlawrence4392]

Thanks boss. As ever your experience and plain speaking cut through to the truth of the matter. Wise words. Gratefully heard.

[@linabajandooh]

My favorite channel. Thank you very much!!

[@stephentaylor5799]

Summed it up perfectly.

[@ClariceAust]

So true, Mark. Hearing them out aloud really assists in combating them, though. Starting art at a mature age, fear of failure was a biggie for me. It's hard to start at the bottom. I guess everyone wants to paint their masterpiece first off, but not everyone is prepared to practice for years first, especially late in life.

[@ClodsCreations]

Thank you sir, finding your methods is refreshing. I have a few of those and never knew there was the artist curse,but now ... guilty! Two more for me, help for any advice...1.) Pain, disabled vet picking up art after 20+ yrs of "the artists curse",I find pain experienced at the chair is a big barrier(working on that through ergonomics) 2. Piles of paint; as a former acrylic painter, I would mix as I go due to fast drying time, now...its just difficult to be confident that I am mixing the right color(s) so far ahead. Pls advise.

[@JeffLopes18]

This is great feedback Mark! Loved the way you articulated all six of these. I would say another one would be caring too much about what people say about your work. If people are not willing to tell you a few things they like about the painting, before they critique, then I would try to turn that critic into a coach and not take it too personal. Here in France, the culture is very different, and people will tell you what they dont like right away, the standards are so high. Be thankful for USA/Canada culture that is more positive.

[@veaudor]

This is a must-see video. Thank you!

[@kristinaoravcova372]

I agree. I remember how i felt when i bought my first art supplies. Like.. what a waste, it wont look good anyway, who am i kidding. I never visited any art school and i felt like total outsider when it comes to art. Your videos removed that internal block in me and im soo glad. :) thanks a lot.

[@littleheath1666]

I buy all my art supplies from people who felt like you. Thousands of dollars worth of stuff for $20. As they walk away from their dream.

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

Kristina Oravcova hii you working in oil?

[@amysbees6686]

@Little Heath I can't tell you how many times I just want to GIVE all of mine away!

[@johnminarcikfineart7673]

Great video. I have a question that has been bothering me for awhile. Most of the time, I paint a picture that is ok. It looks pretty good, but nothing special. Once in awhile, I hit it out of the park, for me anyway. My question is, why can’t I I get my work to look the way I want all of the time? Four failures for every success. Is that common? Have a great day

[@BythepeopleForthepeople203]

I find myself not having time at the end of the day, but you have to force yourself to make at least two hours a day if you're a busy person. And I actually enjoy being by myself engaging in painting. I play mostly classical music mostly the louder pieces. 😁😁. Favorite ones? Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" and Thchaikovsky's "Marche Slave". 😁

[@cnmrosko]

I’d also add that like many things that people do to connect with a positive and creative life force there is always present a force of regression, destruction or decay that is present in the background to some degree and in some cases an association with a negative or stagnating downward spiral can weigh heavily on making forward progress. I think these forces are especially influential in more creative types of people who generally are attuned to being more open and perceptive / sensitive.

[@ryanembry9875]

Amen. I think one must be a borderline masochist to really get to that super high level of oil painting realism. It takes an awful lot of discipline and dogged persistence. Half the battle is developing the proper mindset.

[@sethscheller584]

Always good sound advice

[@jennymarieavignone]

Yes thank you, that was very helpful to hear.

[@hardstyle3196]

Thanks! Six good caveats 👍

[@cathyhunnnicutt2349]

Thank you for the observations . This is so useful for a new comer to art.

[@Fasaiemaryam]

Thanks for the valuable information

[@suereed3474]

You're great. Big heart.

[@debramoss2267]

Thank you so much, yep, no 6! Perfect timing for me to see this.. back to the easel!

[@CarlosFerreira-kaiko]

Artist Course, a real thing that didn't know was well known. I beat my Artist Curse by just allowing me to think that any of the art I can produce is No Sacred. It can be imperfect and ugly as it is, still a wonderful achievement for me to allow me to see them as a finished one Thank you for your video

[@dpuganda]

Thank you so Much👏🏾👏🏾🇺🇬

[@ShannasCountryCreek]

Great advice❣ Thank you. Texas here🙋‍♀️

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

When you discover that some of the old masters painted upwards of over 500 paintings some of them gigantic you appreciate the positive effort and dedication these guys had, and I believe that they enjoyed painting and the challenge, but I could definitely equally believe that staying alive could have been harder but also their life was an extremely simpler one.

[@hakimartsmarineartsscene3816]

climat also

[@lnoir493]

Thank you very much I really value your videos. I've been drawing and painting since I can remember and nothing has gave me an acceleration in progress as much as your advice and techniques. I would kill to be at your workshops 😂 but until then I'm going to take your online courses 😂

[@gtoonstra]

Your reasons are valid. I subscribed to your channel and it helps me a lot. My teacher IS good and it's a blessing. Hoping we can meet some time for a workshop. Thank you for your thoughts and insights on this channel, they are really helpful; from Rotterdam/NL.

[@ATFstein]

Great video. Great content. Can't wait to see the how to paint water video!

[@ramses3520]

Great teacher ! 💪

[@markclark7178]

It is depressing when you start a painting and it goes south on you . I am afraid too fail also got plenty of Time with this flu BS just hard to get started . Love your videos mark

[@leonardonuevatierra1347]

Thank you for share to us all your wisdom maestro. I hope soon achieve to acquire your amazing easel and high quality materials. Regards from México.

[@andreawierzbicki9187]

GREAT insights!

[@rolandlemus203]

I have the artists curse on 2 of my paintings, and while people tell me, oh its nice, blah blah, I trudge through it and complete it, and think what was I thinking??? However, when I get paid, I think, well, how can I approach this better in a composition so I do not think this way? Most of my frustration is that my technique is LACKING and I am not getting the results I want for that specific painting, maybe I am being too ambitious and over stepped my supposed talent? Maybe I have the tone value and edges all wrong? So, I have vowed to really scrutinize my composition and tones BEFORE I start to paint. I find that if my planning is better, I feel less Artists curse, but it happens and it is very real. I really liked this video, thank you!!