Some Insights into Artistic Growth

You're the best teacher I've ever seen. Thank heaven for discovering you. you are there and so generously share your knowledge and experience. Thank you Ian!

83 y/o artist, illustrator, designer here. Absolutely agree with you. I’m still working because of this process, even though I now have Parkinson’s. Designing was “studying” for me. Illustrating was “honing”. But the creative process and search for that …something…was the compulsion.

"People who have no understanding of painting at all and enjoy objects that look like real objects (a hound dog that looks as though it could bark, eat, etc.). Yes! So true. And that is the struggle in the struggle. Artists are never satisfied, constantly searching and trying to achieve as an artist - less props, more of that illusive feeling of the expressed moment, but then also trying to appeal to the buyer in order to sell. People want a painted photo, but the artist is never satisfied with just a copy of obvious reality.

Ian - this is so interesting! Before painting I did a lot of photography and studied a form of contemplative photography called Miksang. Not to delve too deeply into it, but the heart of it was to be mindful of what we saw, what caught our eye, beyond the concepts of traditional beauty. This meant that we were likely to take photos of oil slicks on puddles or intersections of hydro lines than sunsets or fields in the morning dew. We trained ourselves to find beauty irrespective of our trained bias towards the conventional. Wyeth's paintings could be quite narrative and I can sympathize with his longing to go beyond that. I love how you find subject matter in what could be considered prosaic suburban landscapes. When you train your eye to see beauty in junkyards (a favourite Miksang field trip) the world opens in the most thrilling way.

this interview and quotes from the Wyeth's are revealing but also encouraging that Andrew stayed at the top of his abilities because Andrew stayed curious, continued to explore his inner artist heart, and never let conceit take over, the "I have arrived" attitude. I don't want to say humble, because I don't know that, but the phrase, "Stay hungry, my friend" comes to mind. Thank you, Ian, for bringing this today. Stay hungry, my friend 🎨

One of your students here, Ian, great to wake up to your video today. This message was perfect for me and I imagine for so many others.

Your attention to "what" we are doing with brush in hand and "why" we are doing it lifts your videos well beyond the "how to" stuff that so dominates You Tube. They are the best reason to turn on my studio computer on Tuesday mornings despite the total absence of canvas and oils on the table I work at.

I love this. I've heard it described as 'divine dissatisfaction', the artistic feeling and drive that can sometimes feel frustrating, but that keeps you continually searching for and creating new things.

On your Wyeth comment: "the 'sense' of Christina" ... I really get that. TYSM!

Ian you have taught us so much in your classes, this is one that really resonated with me. Life keeps telling us to enjoy the moment, not what is ahead or reflect on behind. This is another reminder.

You're one of the best teachers to ever exist ever ❤

One of the masters, Van Gogh perhaps, was quoted as saying, “A painting is never finished. It is abandoned.” I think that may say much the same thing. Thanks for another interesting message

Thank you for your gentle but impactful insight, experience, and thought invoking perspective that you share with us so well.

'For you to believe in the light I am painting, I have to believe in that light' That is my goal in painting. Wyath Senior's comment about fundementals is crucial I think... Thanks again Ian

Thanks, Ian. Once again, a very engaging video.

I adore Wyeth, I’m so pleased you put all of this together so succinctly, you’ve encapsulated the search perfectly. I feel a great sense of fellowship. Thank you ❤

I was awe-struck by Wyeth's self-critique and implied doubt about his own artistic merit. I'm having difficulty finding my own path but will continue to push on. Thanks so much!

I was taught that older people should be respected as a default, undisputed thing. (because if they are older than me, they are expected to be wiser, more reasonable and experienced). But as I’ve lived, I met hundreds of older people, who destroyed that «template» of a wiser person. Well, you reminded me of that story of mine, because you truly are an older person, whom I want to respect, just as my parents taught me to do a long time ago. Thanks for the insightful video (sorry if there are any mistakes, English is not my native language)

I’m needing to turn away from art as performance and focus on expressing myself. I’m needing to know who I am. I literally have invited my traumatized inner child to paint with me. The memories exposed and processed have been healing and very gratifying. And still there is a longing to return to landscape, my first and enduring love. And all you have taught me is so profound and appreciated. Grateful for the tools you’ve given. ❤

Ian, your approach is always insightful and philosophical at times. You make me - and surely lots of other artists- THINK. You deliver your wisdom about the importance of fundamental principles in such an intelligent way. Thank you for sharing your talent for not only seeing, drawing and painting but for teaching. I can see differently because of you. Again, thank you. ☺️