Comments on: Podcast: Turn the conversation around

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson B. Stanfield — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:12:42 +0000

Machi: Glad we could be of help!

Karen: Yep, that’s what I said in the podcast. It’s just a conversation-starter for most people.

Walter: That IS a dilemma. I think a lot of artists deal with this. They get asked a lot of questions about how things are made with the sense that the person is going to go home and copy it. Very frustrating for artists. I wonder if you could, as I suggest in the podcast, respond with a question: “Tell me about it. What would be your favorite subjects to photograph? And why?”

Marcia: As I said, that’s not my favorite response. It could work depending on your tone, but it usually (as intended by the artist–maybe not you) closes out a conversation. Most artists use that line because they don’t want to talk further about how long it took. This, of course, is beside the point. The point is that more dialog is better. Keep ‘em talking!

By: Marcia Baldwin

Marcia Baldwin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:51:40 +0000

I love this conversation ! I like to respond with “… about 38 years !” And then I will explain that working as a full time professional fine artist began with a formal education in the 70’s and just about everything I have learned since then went into that painting ! Cheers ! Here’s to another day of experimenting, problem solving, research and successful painting !
Have a Great Day and thanks for a Great blog.
~ Marcia Baldwin

By: Walter Hawn

Walter Hawn — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:55:41 +0000

This question has been a thorn in my side for a long time — but now I know it’s been because I’m defensive about it! Sad, sad realization. I coulda done so much better asking Jo-Ann’s question. H’ever, the comment I get most often, as a photographer is, “If I had a good camera…” Urk-kk! The correct answer is, “Your bad pictures would be more technically perfect.” but that would be impolitic, I’m certain.

By: Karen Winters

Karen Winters — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:35:52 +0000

I really think that people ask this as a conversation opener because they don’t know what else to say – and they don’t know how to discuss brushwork or composition or other factors.

I often tell them, for the small ones, that it took a few hours and then go into an explanation of plein air painting and how much practice and experience it takes to be able to capture a scene while light and weather conditions are changing. Rather than being unimpressed with the short period of time it took to paint (approx 2-3 hrs) they end up being fascinated with a plein air painter’s ability to create under often challenging conditions. I will then explain that when I’m doing studio painting based upon a plein air field study that it may take weeks to paint.

I love to talk with people about my art, so I consider every question a good one, and a conversation opener that may lead to a mutually-beneficial relationship

By: machi

machi — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:12:06 +0000

Hm, thanks, that’s very interesting. I get asked that question a lot and it does stump me sometimes. Now I have a better way to answer!