Expert: Frank Leeding - 8/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi what I wanted to ask you was can me and my friend Samantha become artist at 11 years old people say I can draw really good by not as good as Leonardo Davici but I am good me and Samantha can we be totally famous artist this young?

ANSWER: Yes and no. Often times if you are really good as an artist (and most of the
time we're talking *representational* rather then *abstract*), and you are
known locally, then you can make a good living.

The main thing is to get into shows as much as you can. There are probably
local art groups in your area that sponsor juried shows. Also, you might
try doing a series of paintings on a particular theme - or several
themes. This will help strengthen not only your portfolio, but what
you have to say as an artist.

There is also *always* a market for decorative art that people buy
simply because it looks good and they want to put it up on their
walls.

As to drawing like da Vinci, think more in terms of Michaelangelo - that
is more "drafting" like and realism. Also, the more that you study art
history, this too will help your art - if you can reference artists
in your own work (either in style or content) then this adds a new
dimension to your work. I often re-work artists and then give them
titles to indicate the reference; eg, a painting in the style of
Piet Mondrian (but done as a cafe scene) i enttiled "Piet's left
over carrot cake".

As to fame, i think Mark Twain put it best:  "Frame is a vapour, the only
earthly certainty is oblivion." -- that is, if you get fame, it's more
a matter of chanse. Just look at the Scottish lady singer on "Britaina's
got Talent".

All the best, and remember; PRACTICE, PRACTICE, Practice!

Or as Betty Edwards puts it: Everything is easy once you get past the
first 5000 mistakes.

If you have any other questions, please feel rsvp.

-- frank.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Frank thank you for that but I gotta ask you another question. Should I take in a after skool art club to get better?

Answer
It depends on how serious you are to becoming really
good at art. If you are so-so on it, you can take it
part time, after school, etc. If you are pretty
serious about it, then you should prob think about
taking it as one of your classes during the day.

Also, in general, since art can be pretty exciting
you might want to take it in the after noon, this
way you can take something like math or science
in the morning when you're a bit more rested.
Hopefully, the art class will be stimulating
and interesting enough to help you get through
the afternoon.

And if your school has an art club, try to get involved.
That way you will be around art shows, sales, and other
art-related events. Again, the committment to art (just
like majoring in science, literature, history, or
anything else) will probably a bit of dedication and
mainly TIME (both in and outside of class) as well as
buying materials, etc.

good luck,

frank.