Art Chowder September | October 2017, Issue 11 | Page 11

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“Find your individual
look.” For example, Joe’s paintings are
influenced by the 19th century French
academic style and the Luminism and
Tonalism techniques of the Hudson
River School of painting. He begins
with a layer or two of thin paint, and
then uses a palette knife for texture.
Though it takes years of experimentation
and practice to perfect artistic method,
it is important to maintain focus in the
chosen style. Skills evolve, but in the
selected medium.
The IRS describes specific parameters
for a hobby versus a business. Artists
who spend more than they make can
only claim losses three nonconsecutive
years out of five before the IRS consid-
ers the activity a hobby and disallows
write-offs that exceed the income.
"Solemn Path" 30 x 60” Oil
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“Retail has to factor in.”
Joe says it is important the artist know
their target audience—find those poten-
tial customers and network with them.
Too many artists isolate themselves from
the community. “I have always enjoyed
looking at and studying a well-executed
painting. I have also come to realize
that most people are of the same mind.”
Build an online platform. Don’t get
attached to your artwork; it was created
to be sold.
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“Know your weaknesses
and continue to grow
as an artist.”
You must strive to overcome your
flaws and produce the best art possible.
Research art and style, not techniques.
Continue to educate yourself and
experiment.
Intention plays a key role in their deci-
sion. Does the artist intend to make a
profit? Do they depend on income from
the activity? Are losses beyond the art-
ist’s control, or part of start-up first 3-5
years? Does the artist possess knowledge
to be successful? Has the individual
previously made a profit in a similar en-
deavor? Does appreciation factor in? Is
a profit expected in the future? Answer-
ing yes to any above question, means the
artist runs a business.
Professional artists are those who
exhibit and/or sell art for a living. The
difference is not in skill level. “Drawing
can be learned. Passion trumps natural
ability.” Several articles have suggested
that studying is the act of an amateur, but
Joe disagrees. “Hundreds of hours have
been spent and many hundreds more will
be spent studying the old and living mas-
ters, color theory, anatomy, composition,
classical drawing methods, perspective,
physics of light and much more. I’ve
read many books, perused countless
websites and read many articles regard-
ing the subjects I paint.”
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