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The Way To Happiness The philosophy of these lessons: Look, Learn, Practice

Chapter 17 of "The Way To Happiness" deals with Competence. I've found that too many limit their own progress as an artist with the concept that they "haven't got the talent." 90% of being a good professional artist is about looking for yourself, learning (including good study habits), and practicing what you have learned to become Competent. If you are interested in a free copy of "The Way to Happiness", please email me for one.

Interested in other lessons?

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Lesson 30

1. Thought

"Myth two is: you should get paid for your time. Even if the Small Business Administration says that art is a commodity, it is still essentially different from other commodities. Other commodities that have pricing guidelines established on the basis of cost in accordance with time carry the implicit guarantee that if more time is spent in production the product is better. Fine art ... must be free of this guarantee." from "Pricing", article by Barbara Dougherty in ArtCalendar, Feb 1992.

Think about this. How does it seem true to you? How untrue? What difficulties might you encounter with it as an artist? What about as a customer? How does one put a price on "quality?" or "greatness"? (This is a debate topic, not expecting a hard and fast solution.)


2. Words:
Fine Art "Art primarily produced for the artist's satisfaction rather than for direct commercial purposes; does not necessarily denote quality." North Light Dictionary of Art Terms

(Not sure I agree with this definition. How do you feel?

Fine Art " Art which is concerned with the creation of objects of imagination and taste for their own sake and without relation to the utility of the object produced." Webster's Collegiate, 1949 edition.

(Still not adequate as a definition. Want to contribute to the search?)

3. Practice: "Learning bears fruit when it is applied."

Continue working on drawing and painting exercises, but as a special exercise this week, try coming up with a "pricing concept" for your work. Discuss with me if you wish.



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Last updated: December 13, 2004