Have you ever wondered what to say to an artist friend when you are viewing their work? You don’t want to embarrass them or yourself by saying something awkward. Recently, a family member paid me one of the highest compliments, without even knowing it. I decided to give you, my readers, the inside skinny on some swoon-worthy words to lay on your Artist buddies.
try these compliments:
- I’ve never seen anything like it.
- Your work reminds me a little bit of _________________ (name a famous artist – but NOT Thomas Kincaid.)
- You are really hitting your stride.
- My friend/co-worker should really see this.
- I recognized it as your work immediately.
- I have the perfect place to display this! (Gets out Checkbook)
- I saved the best for last: It makes me feel ____________ (fill in the blank.)
Asking specific questions about the work can be another way to let your friend know you’re interested in the work. Here are some examples:
* What inspired this work?
* Do you have a favorite area?
* How does this work compare to the last one?
My family member casually brought up an unexpected experience with my art. She was at a large group show, and came upon one of my paintings. She said, she thought to herself, “That looks like Ruth’s work.” And lo and behold, it was!
Why is this such a wonderful compliment for an artist? Well, we artists are always trying to create something new and original. We want our work to communicate a unique message and to stand out, and stand alone. However, we also want our work to be recognized as ours.
When someone says that they recognize a work as uniquely yours, it tells you as the artist that you have a recognizable vocabulary. Even though the painting does not look like your other paintings, the viewer can see your marks or color or design as yours alone.
This kind of compliment also tells you that the viewer is really paying attention to your work as a whole, and responding to it. The viewer has internalized your work to a point that they recognize other work that you’ve made.
“Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while discouragement often nips it in the bud. Any of us will put out more and better ideas if our efforts are appreciated.” -Alexander Osborn
Even if you’re not familiar with the artist’s other work, telling them how the work makes you feel or what it brings to mind is another way to let them know you’re really enjoying it. After all, each artist puts so much of themselves into their work, they deserve a little bit of time and attention.
what not to say…
Here are a few things that artists often hear that are NOT complimentary or helpful:
- My Grandmother (daughter, aunt, etc.) is a painter too.
- That curved area near the bottom looks like a whale (or horse or dog…etc.) to me. (regarding an abstract work)
- Oh, are you still painting (drawing, sculpting, etc.)? Yes! Are you still practicing medicine?
- How long did that take you?
For a few more, read this article on Huffington Post. I hope this insider’s guide has helped you to understand how to communicate more positively with your favorite artist! Leave me a comment and let me know: What’s the best/worst thing you’ve heard or said about someone’s art?
View some of my artwork: Click the image below to check out my galleries!
“My Father’s Eyes” Abstract Acrylic 6×10″
Thanks for this. It’s good information, I love your story about your family member, and I am laughing my ass of right now remembering the things I have heard.
A spell has been cast over me by your wonderful piece “My Father’s Eyes”. Stunning!
Beautiful oh such wise and beautiful words thank you si much I’m copying this in my notes and going to show ppl who don’t understand art but who love my art. Like my mom – she tends to forget it’s therapy and gets on to me about my hobby bc it’s not what she would do and bc it caisses me to be late and then there’s the time and money. So this article really breathed life into me thank you ?
Ruth-
I found your blog via Randall David Tipton. Thank you so much for the post-it’s timely. I was just talking with another artist friend last night and guess what the conversation was about? “How long did it take you to paint that?” LOL! We both dislike that particular comment but recognize it as an opportunity to talk about our work!:)
It’s hard to know what to say sometimes but the list of ideas helps. Thanks!
Libby
Great post, Ruth. These comments are all too familiar to me! The most common question I’ve had to deal with (from an Intel Corp VP at a party, no less) is “do you make any MONEY at this art thing?” Because that’s how most people define success in this world. I haven’t thought up a good answer to his question (yet), but I usually say something like “I’m doing this because I enjoy it”. But I’d like to come up with a better reply that would effectively (and gently) let him know his question is rather thoughtless. Any suggestions?
I get this too, Liz. I’ve actually made a profit with my art for every year that I’ve filed taxes. I always like to compare my art with most people’s hobbies… fishing or golf. It is a much more profitable venture!
I think knowing what not to say is more important than what to compliment. But thanks for the both
One reply would be: It’s not what I earn that makes me who I am.
This is a great post Ruth! Love the humor and the Truth!
Honestly I think that the worst thing that I hear over and over is, ” I Love that painting, but I don’t think it will go well with my couch!” /sigh On the flip side one of the highest compliments that I have received was when a couple purchased a large painting from me and said, ” I think we are going to have to recover our stickley couch to go with this painting!”
One comment I’ve heard often is: “I could do that.” To which I say, “Be my guest!”
Oh man what a fool. Jealous one at that! That says to me they don’t understand art. At all. No one w/ any class or taste or art creative talent would ever say that ! It’s so much deeper art depth and developing my skills talent (in my paintings that’s not as natural to me as other mixed media modes ) is something that took me years of studying it’s not innate in all of us. I am betting you have the innate gift. Just a intuitive hunch ????
Thanks! It was really helpful <3
Ruth, thank you for your article on the best compliments to give an artist who’s paintings just speak to your heart. I’ve take the time just now to visit your website to view your incredible paintings. They are all simply so beautiful to me, and it say in the very least have me searching for a better word to compliment you with. I do find them breathtaking and desiring to know your thoughts that you’ve had as you are painting them.
After visiting your painting studio online left full of emotions. I can say speechless isn’t a word I should use, after writing all of this, and inspired by you seems not Thanks enough.
But please know how very grateful I am and ever shall be, because for the very 1st time In my love of being an artist and my stopping painting 5 years ago, I now feel as I can put that remark, “How long did that take you to paint?” I can let it go. The same painting & same person paying the comment then offers to pay a mere $50 for it knowing that I needed the money. A joke, right? Very painful afterward to visit her house as she pointed out that I was the artist and that she paid so little. What a naughty gal.
So Ruth, Thank you very much for helping me to stop feeling this way. I need to get up and back to what I love most. Painting with my heart and soul!
By the way, I love your wonderful painting titled
“You’re Too Sensitive”.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you do get back to doing what you love. Being sensitive is a great advantage in being an artist, but it can also derail us! I’m curious how you came across my website? I’m glad you did and happy you enjoyed my writing. Cheers to art!
Ruth, I stumbled on this while researching “how to give feedback” ideas for my students. It gave me and my husband a huge laugh. Especially the parenthetical in compliment number 2. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world.
Thanks, Jack! I spend a lot of time on my blog – so nice to know it is appreciated 🙂