Sharon, I admire and respect your work and your decision to work only from models.
As you pointed out yourself - you havent done commissions since realizing the client wont sit for you. Most here on this site are looking to paint commissions - it is primarily a site made up of portrait artists, not figurative artists.
You point out above that people are saying models are hard to find and expensive. But - the folks here who do commissions arent painting models - they are painting clients who hire them. This is classic apples and oranges.
How many Governors, Senators, 5-year-olds or even housewives are going to sit for an artist? Not to mention dead people. Sure, it's a great thing to want to change the business. If we all go on strike perhaps in 30 years there might be a switch and folks will make the time to sit for artists again. I could also give all my money and food away to help end world hunger. It is noble and admirable, but unrealistic.
Bill did start this thread - and his call to work more from life is one we should all heed. When the wording gets so strong as to say we should all give up photography completely, then who can listen? Bill knows that it is necessary at times - Ive seen his portraits done from photography as well. And his point that working from life makes all the difference - sure shows in his skill when he has to use a photograph.
So, while most agree that life practice will make a world of difference in their art - most can not do what you did - and many wouldnt want to anyway because they like painting commissioned portraits. For you to work only from life you now paint figuratives and sell them after they are completed. That is primarily what Bill does also I believe.
Incidentally, it is also what I do. And perhaps that explains why I am taking you on about this issue. As a figurative artist, theoretically I could use models live since I am not painting for a client. If I had a spouse that helped pay for the expense or if I sold more of my paintings at higher prices. And someday I expect to. In the meantime, Im not about to be embarrassed of my work because it wasnt created in the way classical tradition commands. No matter how much you rant.
I dont think there is much we disagree on - except how far you take it in your wording. Your wording, to me at least - seems to be saying we should be ashamed of ourselves. (Have I mentioned you remind me of my mother?) Ive seen so much wonderful work on this site using photographs and those artists have no reason to feel ashamed. Not striving to try to do out best, to get the best training we can (which includes training from life) or not learning to take decent photographs would be reasons to feel ashamed.
And lest we forget - there are many types of painting styles out there. This is certainly a site for artists who work in a classical realistic style, but it isnt the only style out there. I cant speak for anyone else - but I love a lot of work that isnt done in the traditional ways.
I think the only thing any of us should ever feel ashamed about is if we stop trying to improve - or give up all together.
ps. Im wondering if you would take my children for a week or two? I know you dont have children, but your 'guilting-skills' are really
good. Im thinking you could have my kids shaped up in no time flat. I cant afford models, but I could scrape up the money for that.
