Sunday, November 20, 2011

Mull it Over Monday: My Top 5 Blogging Tips for Daily Painters

Turquoise and Lime Oil on wood 8" x 8" 
1) Post true to life pictures. Daily painters frequently photograph work when it's still wet. This presents a challenge. Dark passages will appear streaked with gray or white--where the light reflects off the wet paint ridges. A photo tent, the "macro" setting on your camera and a tripod go a long way towards good photographs.

2) Don't trash talk your own work. When I first started posting my daily paintings, I always had the urge to explain what I knew I could have painted better. The thought of someone else calling me out on my various perceived errors was agonizing. The truth is: It's a total buzzkill to like somebody's painting and then read about how much they would like to change it. Do the best you can and let the chips fall where they may.

3) Keep your text brief and sweet. Now folks, there are some exceptionally good writers out there who also blog paintings... But it's my list, so here goes. Share your lovely painting, write a few meaningful lines about it and then call it a day. Have a martini and enjoy the sunset. Part of the joy of blogging is receiving comments, if you obligate people to read three paragraphs of marginally related text before they can comment on your work--you risk losing them to the "next" button.

4) Keep projects that haven't happened yet under your hat.  Sooner or later, someone will make promises they can't keep and you may pin hopes on a project or an idea that never actually materializes. Most artists experience this...  A daily painting blog is great place for announcements about your art and your visitors will rejoice upon hearing your news-- Your blog also makes it easy to over-share!  If your next "big thing" isn't an absolute sure thing, it's a good idea to wait and make sure things pan out first.

5) Post clear contact infomation: There are opinions you need, questions un-answered and opportunities begging to be explored-- but if people can't shoot you a quick email to tell you about 'em, what's the point?
I hope these are helpful. If you care to add to 'em or comment, I'd love to hear from you!

14 comments:

  1. Oops! Guilty as charged, Diane :) I'll do better next time.

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  2. Thank you for this post :) I've started my own picture-blog (haven't made it public yet, too slim), so these snippets of advice could not have come at a better time.

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  3. You are so smart... and *zing* I hear you! I'll be shorter, and wait till my 'surprises' are all painted before I announce them!
    :D
    Happy Turkey Day!

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  4. these are great tips for any artist!

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  5. Great tips Diane. Of course I disagree with you about the writing part, but that's only because I'm a writer as well as a painter. :)

    And I love this still life set up.

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  6. Good stuff Diane. I am guilty of the sometimes bad photos and I probably go on and on sometimes, lol.

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  7. Great tips Diane. I've had a tendency to announce things prematurely. I've learned not to do that. I hope.

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  8. I've made all these mistakes! Becky, the worst is making an announcement and having to take it back, ugh!! Oh well, live and learn. Big THANKS for all the comments, guys!!

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  9. Thanks, Diane. Great advice. I've finally learned not to point out the things I don't like in a painting... but it was hard!

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  10. I'm just about a week behind in reading blog posts, but what you say on Mondays never grows old. Thanks again for your words of wisdom, Diane!

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  11. I love how you stated #2 Diane. Have overheard so many Artists at openings do that very thing. Then they wonder why they have no credibility.

    I've been enjoying your MIOM much - thanks!

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  12. Hi Diane, Thank you for the helpful advice. As individuals we all have our hangups, and these often get aired on the blog; for me the whole point of my blog is for sharing my thoughts and process in the studio. As you say, let the chips fall where they may!
    ha ha. But these tips are good things to consider.

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  13. Thanks! When I struggle with writing a witty and interesting commentary, I will remember that it's ok if I can't. Short and sweet works for me!

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Diane Hoeptner Art Blog: Oh yay! A comment from YOU!!