Art

10 Things That Should Be Taught in Art School – Entrepreneur

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2022

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

For artists and creatives with formal training, it may feel like you have everything you need to “go forth and create.” But at the end of the day, there are a few real-world skills artists need — and they don’t teach them in art school or university.

Becoming an artist requires a dedication to developing these somewhat obscure skills, just as much as developing your creative ones. To help out my fellow artists — so we can enjoy more art in the world — here are 10 skills they don’t teach in art school (but should).

1. How to build a business as an artist

We may be taught how to create our best work in a specific medium in school or through formal art training. But when it comes to building a business from your art? That’s not something many of us learn or even think is possible.

However, building a successful business with your art is attainable. We, as artists and creators, need to know how to sell our art and ourselves. People buy the artist just as much as the art, so creating a story, a presence and a cohesive image can help build a strong foundation for your art business.

2. How to navigate hesitation and doubt

Who are we to create art? Who are we to try and make a living from our work, when so many other artists struggled to get by? The long-held societal myth of “the starving artist” keeps many an amazing creative from ever pursuing their skills, let alone creating a business or income source from it. Our work is overcoming it.

3. How to shift your mindset

As mentioned above, part of the work of being an artist is addressing mindset challenges and taking a deep look at where they come from. We have to address our social influences, our upbringings, our stories and our relationships with money.

We also have to learn to personify the resistance and give a name to our fears. Elizabeth Gilbert frequently talks about how fear never goes away, but there’s something we can do to manage it: Ask it to take a backseat.

4. The power of visualization

As artists, we have the ability to bring out what we see and make it tangible. We can essentially visualize what we want to see in the world — and that’s a superpower. Visualization is a tool you can use to create art, grow a business and even create the life you really want.

This is not just an artist’s superstition, either. This is rooted in scientific fact. What does this mean for artists? There is proof that visualization works. It’s not some intangible artistic concept — we can leverage this skill to help us create our art and succeed in both business and in life.

5. How to create multiple revenue streams

As a painter myself, I’ve created multiple streams of revenue by selling my paintings:

In art galleries (selling the physical canvas, selling art in stores, etc.)
Via digital prints (selling paper copies of my original paintings)
Through licensing deals (allowing companies to source my original artwork for printing, design, etc.)
Creating, teaching to create and selling NFTs (non-fungible tokens)

I’ve also created courses and programs to help artists like you hone your craft and establish a thriving art business. Other artists have:

Taught their specific medium to other artists through courses, workshops, etc.
Sold merchandise
Commissioned artwork to bidders and clients

6. How to manage finances

As artists, we have to look at our finances. We have to get a little left-brained sometimes. We also have to know the basics — i.e., what a P&L is (Profit & Loss Statement), where our income is coming from, what expenses we have, what our cash flow looks like, our projections for future income and so forth. It’s important to know what you’re spending vs. bringing in and how your art is selling.

7. How to create honest art

To be a successful artist, you need to embrace what’s called “honest art.” This is art that’s true to you, your skills and what you want to bring to life. The most powerful and impactful art is the art only you can create. For those of you struggling to create “honest art,” try going on a cleanse of sorts. Don’t look at other people’s photography or paintings if you’re a photographer or a painter. Don’t compare your art to someone else’s. Remove those inputs and create what comes to mind. You’ll surprise yourself.

8. The value of community

Community helps inspire us and keeps us connected, and it also gives us the unprecedented ability to carve out our own space with our art. Not only can you showcase your art in more places, but you can build real connections with the people who could potentially buy your art (or share it with others).

If you want to sustain yourself through your art — financially, artistically, spiritually, interpersonally, socially — put community-building at the top of your list.

Do you want to make a living selling your art? Do you want to share your work with more people? Then you’ll need to understand the basics of marketing. As artists, we can take inspiration from other artists and some of the biggest brands out there to see how they market their creations. The basics are out there for us to learn by proxy.

10. When to ask for help

If we spend all of our time on tasks that take us away from creating our best art, we’re not doing what’s most important to us (and the world, if I’m being honest about it). And if we don’t have time to make art, we can’t create honestly, market well, or build community. These are all cornerstones of a successful art business.

So, let me ask you this: Is your time best spent loading images to your site, or is it best spent creating art to sell on your site? Should you be stressing over what caption to post on Instagram, or should you be building connections in your community? Do you need to focus your energy on learning everything you can about marketing, or is your energy best spent in your studio?

You can’t do everything, and you certainly can’t do everything alone. Like making honest art, don’t overthink it.

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Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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