How to Grow as an Artist

Artists looking to show and sell their work will find no-fail ideas for marketing, exhibiting, and entering the world of galleries. Filled with entertaining success stories, this is one volume for the bookshelf of every artist hoping to attain satisfaction and pleasure though his or her art. Plus, dozens of well-known artists-as well as those successful on their own terms-share their own success stories and sources for artistic inspiration.

In this definitive guide to resources, aspiring artists and serious amateurs devoted to their art will find scores of time-tested strategies to help them set up and work safely from a home studio; learn where and how to acquire appropriate art materials; develop their abilities with others as well as create art alone; explore opportunities for education in a wide variety of forms; overcome mental blocks; mat, frame, pack, and ship works of art; and much more. Artists looking to show and sell their work will find no-fail ideas for marketing, exhibiting, and entering the world of galleries. Filled with entertaining success stories, this is one volume for the bookshelf of every artist hoping to attain satisfaction and pleasure though his or her art. Plus, dozens of well-known artists–as well as those successful on their own terms–share their own success stories and sources for artistic inspiration.

Library Journal

Grant's latest addition to his many artist "self-help" books, all published by Allworth (including An Artist's Guide: Making It in New York City), is useful and easy to read. Writing for amateur artists wishing to develop their skills further and partake in a larger art community, Grant disperses a wealth of step-by-step information, practical advice, and resources, including addresses, web sites, and phone numbers. He also discusses current real-life situations that any practicing artist might encounter. The book is divided into four main parts covering education, work space, exhibitions, and sources of inspiration. Unlike most of its competitors, this thought-provoking and inspiring resource offers a wealth of information from a personal perspective. It brings to light many issues most artists might never research independently, such as what types of people you might encounter at a workshop or the adverse effects of the various chemicals in art supplies. Recommended for all public libraries.-Jennifer Moldwin Gustafson, Detroit Inst. of Arts Lib. Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Daniel Grant is a contributing editor of American Artist magazine. A former art critic for Newsday (Long Island, New York) and The Commercial-Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), he was editor of Art & Artists from 1978 to 1984. His articles and essays have appeared in such publications as ARTnews, Art in America, New York Times, Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, Newsday, The Nation, New York, Art & Auction, and Art & Antiques.