Along The Way – Barbara A. Thomason

Along The Way Barbara A. Thomason       www.bathomason.com

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Barbara Thomason shares her thoughts and gives advice about pursuing a career in the arts. Written for our  Along The Way series.

Barbara Thomason is an artist, educator, painter, printmaker, sculptor and public artist, Barbara’s teaching includes: UC Santa Cruz, University of Redlands, Otis College of Art and Design, Calif. Polytechnic University Pomona and Ryman Arts.

Barbara has a new book coming out in Sept. 2014 “100 Not So Famous Views of LA”  which is inspired by nineteenth-century Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige’s One Hundred Famous Views of Edo and pre-orders can be made on Amazon.

Along The Way Barbara A Thomason

1. Trends & Fads – Don’t worry about trends and art fads.  These come and go.  Do the kind of artwork that feels right for you.  The most important thing is truth.  Be true to your instincts about what it is you do best.
2. Take Chances – Take positive action and don’t be afraid of challenges.  If you take chances you will grow as an artist and as a person.  Try new things! If they don’t work out, so what? Risk failure.
3. Your Job – Make you artwork your job.  Talent is nothing without discipline.  Remember no one is going to hand you anything unless you work for it. Give yourself deadlines and assignments and keep at it.
4. Live Your Art – Don’t let other people tell you how you should live your life.  If you want to be an artist, be an artist.  If you love what you do it will take care of you as long as you take care of it.
5. Keep Learning – Everyone thinks art is easy. It’s not. It takes training, perseverance, passion and hard work.  An artist keeps learning.  It never stops. Every new piece of art is a chance to learn more. Embrace the new.