An artist’s manifesto

an artist’s manifesto

by

Malcolm Dewey

Face your fear

The first true act of creation

After many years I could not avoid the confrontation. This time I was confronting my own true self. I knew what gave me energy each day. Where the passion came from, but again the fear of change. This time it was stronger. There was more to lose. Even more than losing money I did not want to appear a fool. This was about pride and therefore unworthy. This too was defeated.

to follow the true course an artist must be

faithful and fearless

Village Pathway, oil on panel

the artist

The creative spirit cannot be destroyed. It is not material. It is a universe on its own and always regenerating.

What has this to do with artists?

Artists must createBe a channel for the universe’s energy.

Farm Road, oil on panel

the process

The happy people are those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing. (William Ralph Inge)

An artist needs to create. When the artist listens to the creative voice and answers he will start the process. There are no conditions.

I have resolved to listen and answer every day

Timeless Karoo, oil on canvas

resistance

The time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along. (Napoleon Hill)

Procrastination is a sign of a perfectionist. (P.J. Kennedy)

The artist will do his work

There is no place for excuses, blame or ego.

Ocean Sunrise, oil on canvas

passion

It's easy to get bogged down in the circumstantial and mundane, but if we connect to our passion, that in itself will be regenerative; we won't have to wait for the energy, it will be there. (Nina Simons)Passion is that which we feel and must show in our work.

Passion regenerates without effort It is not from the material worldPassion will conquer your fear

Create with passion

Ocean Dreams, oil on canvas panel

humility

Regardless of how much information I have processed or how much knowledge of art materials or theories I possess, I always feel humble. I feel like a novice picking up the brush for the first time in front of a new canvas. (Jeanean Songco Martin)

We do not create except by the universal energy that works through us.

Be humble

Autumn Dream. Oil on panel

gratefulness & generosity

Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting.(Brian Tracy)

An artist must give freelyAnd be grateful for the givingFor that which we give with joyful heartIs how we express our gratitude for the giftsGiven to us by the Creator

I will create and give with a joyful heart

Karoo Rains, oil on panel

persevereIn spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing. (Vincent van Gogh)

The pain passes, but the beauty remains.(Pierre-Auguste Renoir)

Do not expect rewardDo not expect thanksAll this is prideJust create

In the end it is“the beauty that remains”

Peaceful Village, oil on panel

sincerity

You can look at art 'til you are overwhelmed, but when you go to the easel you are only yourself, and that is all that you can honestly paint. (CT Cummins)

An artist must not seek fame or fortuneThey are illusionsAn artist must be true to his or her artBold and courageousWhat will be will be

Be true, Be brave

Waiting for the Tide. Oil on canvas

love

Love always creates, it never destroys. In this lies man's only promise. (Leo Buscaglia)

In the end it comes down to this

An artist must love

Without love there is no art

Love is no accident

Create with a loving heart

Boys Exploring. Oil on panel

about the artist

Malcolm Dewey lives in South Africa. He enjoys plein air painting, mostly in oils. Malcolm often writes about art, has a regular art blog and runs an online art workshop.

For more about the artist and his paintings please visit

www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com