Dec 11, 20245 min read

Studio News - December 2024

abstract shapes patterns in pink blue and green

What do you give an artist for Christmas?

There's something that's top of my list this year......

No, it's not paint, or new pencils or brushes or even workshop experiences or a special gallery visit (though I'd love to be gifted a quick trip to Sydney to see the Magritte exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.....)

But in reality, it's none of those things.

It's something of unimaginable value that non-creatives perhaps wouldn't even think was a gift that could be given to an artist.

And this gift, is the permission to fail.

To give this 'gift' some context, as I've been working away on new paintings, I've been thinking about what success and failure might appear to look like for an artist.

So let's start with success.

Is it a huge Instagram or Facebook following?

Is it selling an A4 pencil sketch for thousands of dollars?

Or selling a single painting for millions of dollars (I often wonder how many collectors there are out there with that kind of cash!)

Is it having a sell out solo show in a big city gallery?

These all seem like 'big ticket' items which aren't going to come the way of every artist, no matter how devoted they are to their work.

What if success looks more like, just setting aside time to paint or draw or create something. Or putting the vacuuming on the back burner because I have a greater desire to paint rather than clean up after the dog.

And failure?

What if after doing these things, I actually manage to paint something.....but it just feels like a 'failure'.

The composition is off, the colours aren't quite right, the canvas isn't speaking to me, thoughts about what I'm doing aren't focused enough to make any kind of visual sense. And worst of all I feel like I've wasted precious time and materials on something I'd sooner put on the bonfire than put out into the world.

And this is where 'the gift' is of unimaginable value, whether it's given freely from those around me, or it's something I give myself.

Because every 'failed' painting is a true gift.

It's found knowledge to be treasured.

'It's as important to know what you don't want to do as it is to know what you do want to do.'

Said someone, somewhere, once upon a time.

And I think it's so true.

Failures generally help steer us in the right direction - eventually.

The creative maze is difficult to navigate sometimes and it's inevitable we come upon dead ends, the point at which our thoughts either meet with too much resistance to go forward, or the energy for them just fizzles out.

But back we go, to find another way to realise our ideas.

The most important thing to remember is that one failed painting isn't an end point.

It's just a diversion that nudges me in the right direction, instead of the wrong one. But I like to take time to appreciate 'the failure', to contemplate upon it, leave it in full view for a time and look at it often, acknowledge it and ultimately allow myself to be comfortable with it and learn from it.

This is the artists way - and failure is part of the journey. So amongst the socks or ties that might come your way this festive season, how about wrapping up a little box of failure to put under your tree this year and gift it to yourself - a special something of true value that you can treasure for years to come.

New Top 10 Tips for Studio News subscribers!

In response to lots of great questions about different acrylic mediums and gels and how to best use them either with paint or in collage work, I've put together a new 'Top 10 Tips' looking at some of the ones I use regularly (and a few that I have sitting on the bench that don't get much of a workout but may be of interest to you!)

Top 10 Tips mediums and gels on a painted background

It's not a definitive list by any means and studio conditions affect drying times in particular so apply the 'test is best' philosophy and have some fun on non-precious work or in your sketch book to begin with if you're trying out new ones!

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Noosa Contemporary art exhibition details

Studio One Noosa presents a diverse survey of what's happening in the local arts scene with 2D work by established and emerging local artists in their latest exhibition 'Noosa Contemporary'.

All artworks are for sale and available to take home on the day, with new works circulating through the exhibition for the duration.

@studioonenoosa is Noosa’s newest original fine art and print gallery, call in and chat to Richard and Juanita about acquiring a stunning original from one of the gallery artists or a custom print from your home or workplace.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4pm or by appointment anytime at 10/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville.

Visit Studio One Noosa

The annual Friends and Pottery Members exhibition and art awards show is on now until 12th January 2025!

Gallery Opening Hours:

Mon: CLOSED

Tues: 10am - 4pm

Wed: 10am - 4pm

Thur: 10am - 4pm

Fri: 10am - 4pm

Sat: 9am - 1pm

Sun: 9am - 1pm

So until next year, I wish you all a festive season of peace and joy with family and friends; thank you for following my creative journey and being with me on this crazy creative ride, it means to the world to me!

I'd love to hear you from you if you have any questions about what's happening in the studio, feel free to get in touch anytime!

Let's Connect!

shop art next to a pinitng on a white wall with vases and books in the foreground

You're welcome to call into the studio anytime to view work or chat about a commission or custom reproduction print for your home or workplace, Monday to Saturday by appointment - just let me know when you'd like to drop in, either by email or phone.

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hello@charlottewensley.com.au

0431 837 697

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