Instagram is an Incredible Tool for Artists

'Mountain-Tracks,' ink, acrylic and oil on canvas, 55 x 45 cm

I began using Facebook in 2009 and I have found it a very useful tool for connecting with artists around the world and discussing artwork and also exchanging tips and information. Then I joined Instagram a few months ago after an artist friend persuaded me to open an account, and now I am finding that I am spending more time on there than on Facebook! This may be to do with it being so 'instant,' because I can visit it on my iPad anytime and a few touches take me into other artist's work and any 'likes' of my posts pop up both on my iPad home screen and while I am browsing Instagram. I soon reached 1,200 followers and I feel I can access other artists faster than I can on Facebook. 

Another useful feature is that it also makes suggestions of artists and galleries based on my previous search history and this is very helpful because I don't need to spend so much time searching for information, and I have connected with galleries and curators very easily. Some then chose to follow my work.

'Ink Journey,' ink and acrylic on rice paper, 98 x 78 cm

The aspect I like about Social Media is that it allows me to see art from around the world and this really challenges my own work. I can also get feedback and connect with like-minded people. On Instagram the continual popping-up of imagery helps me to constantly evaluate my own artistic focus. This is not in order to 'copy' other artists' work but just to tighten up my technique, appraise my approach or to extend my directions. I believe that artists are always evaluating their work but this visual plethora of imagery really keeps you critically aware! Facebook is very good for long discussions about issues, or asking for tips on materials, but Instagram is better for seeing imagery fast and making those connections quickly. In a few minutes you can browse a great variety of painting techniques, subject matter, approaches and visual and written ideas.

On a different subject, I mentioned in an earlier post that I had been interviewed for a magazine. This interview has just been published in Art Reveal magazine, issue 39. It can be read online or bought as a printed copy.

Below this post is a link to the magazine cover and my interview can be found on pages 78 to 83.

New Work, Extended Ideas, New Adventures

'Over the Hills and Far Away,' (China series) acrylic and ink on canvas, 70 x 50 cm

For this post I am just going to add a few new paintings made in the last two weeks. January tends to be quite a busy month because of applying for new opportunities and getting new work ready. It is exciting and also requires much work to follow leads in the work and follow leads to new opportunities.

'Paint-Poem,' acrylic and ink on MDF, 80 x 63 cm

I am also re-posting a few paintings I posted last time which were not of good resolution. 

'When Will We Walk in the Land Again?' acrylic and ink on canvas, 30 x 22 cm

'Don't Worry, Spring Will Soon Be Here,' acrylic and ink on canvas, 30 x 22 cm

I am trying out some ideas about colour and space along with my interest in calligraphy and how places can be suggested with these elements layered and combined. 

'Walking Through Broken Structures,' ink and acrylic on canvas, 65 x 55 cm

I joined Instagram just over a week ago and I have found the instant viewing of artwork really quite helpful to my own practice and in particular the way that paintings can be saved in a private album. This has enabled me to collate work by some of my favourite artists and to have those works in one place. I always look at the work of other artists as a source of inspiration and a reminder that there are no rules, only your own!

'Going Home,' acrylic and ink on MDF, 80 x 65 cm