Leslie Saeta Fine Art
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the everyday life of a working artist

Dare to Be Different

2/29/2016

4 Comments

 
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"Neopolitan"
​Abstract sample, available for commission.
It's pretty obvious that I made a big change in my art in 2015 when I started painting abstracts. There are a lot of artists that think I am crazy. That I sold out. And that I am not really painting "real" art. So why did I choose to go down the "abstract path"?

I did it for me.  

I wasn't necessarily bored with painting traditional palette knife oil paintings. I just wanted more. And it seemed as if everyone was painting landscapes and seascapes. And seascapes and landscapes. Plus, I was intrigued with the popularity of abstracts in all of my decorating magazines and my ideas to paint abstracts with a palette knife.

So here I am a year later and I am happier than I ever imagined. I wil admit I am still trying to juggle both painting abstracts and painting traditional palette knife oil paintings. I certainly favor the abstracts but I am trying really hard to also paint with my oil paints. And this past year has been hard. My marketing efforts have doubled. Both types of paintings appeal to different types of buyers (with some overlap). So I am working harder at marketing than ever to build a huge new client base of abstract collectors and artists )who want to learn how to paint abstracts). And it hit my pocketbook a bit last year.

But it's so worth it! Why? Because it's magical in my studio every day.

I know it sounds corny. But I am not kidding. I practically run in to my studio every morning. Painting abstracts is fun, challenging, exciting and absolutely unpredictable. In my abstract workshops I use the words "play" and "fun" all of the time. And even though I have worked really hard at finetuning my approach to painting abstracts, I am still often blown away with the outcome. In a really good way.

It's a big change but I have never regretted it for one second. Can you tell? 
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4 Comments
Val van der Poel link
2/29/2016 08:00:27 am

I applaud your decision to change what you do. So many artists do the same thing all the time and I find that their art gets stale. Mixing things up and experimenting keep art fresh and exciting I think. I have enjoyed many pieces of your new work as well as some of your older pieces.

Reply
Leslie Saeta
3/1/2016 06:16:44 am

Thanks Val. I really appreciate it!

Reply
Chrissie
2/29/2016 08:17:31 am

I don't even remember how I came across your blog, and though I'd like to say I read all of them, I don't. I'm super busy but do enjoy reading when I have a chance. Today happened to be one of those days. Selling out? Why are you considered a sell out for doing abstract? I must admit, I do way more abstracts than anything else and pretty much always have because I was seeing the same landscapes/seascapes over and over-not the exact same, mind you... But many of them were very boring to me. Maybe those artists chose the wrong landscape... I don't know. What I do know is any time I have an opportunity to hear what potential buyers have to say, I'm always amazed how they approach my abstracts. They seem to study and ponder them more. That excites me. I did an abstract years ago of an eclipse... And brought it to some festivals. The kids seemed most drawn to it and it was children who asked and/or guessed what it was. Though they aren't my buyers lol I do especially love seeing my work through the eyes of a child. I've not been marketing my work near as long as you but I enjoy talking to other artists and I think your work is amazing. Ultimately what I've learned since having joined the circle of artists is #1 paint what you love, always. #2 if you want to make money you also have to paint what people want whether it's "trendy" or not because that's what people are looking for and buying and if you do want to sell, what is so wrong with that? Anyway keep up the great work!

Reply
Leslie Saeta
3/1/2016 06:19:06 am

I don;t think I am selling out at all by painting abstracts. It's other artists that have thought so. I am having more fun than ever and I am really enjoying this new direction. My belief is that if you go down a new path there may be some hurdles but if you are happy then keep doing it!

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    Leslie
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