Farley Lewis

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and comments we receive as artists, and replies I have found useful.

“My aunt is an amazing artist – she paints horses really well. Can you paint horses?”

“I’ve tried, but the paint doesn’t stick to their hair very well, and I’ve noticed the farmers don’t appreciate it.”

 “I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler.”

“That’s pathetic – just hold the ruler still, and run your pencil along the side of it. How hard can that be?” 

This response, however, lacks the compassion I have developed over the years, after having discovered the large number of people I’ve met while painting who can’t draw a straight line with a ruler. It’s shocking. Here’s a more compassionate approach: “Try holding the ruler with a firmer grip, and be sure your pencil is properly sharpened.”

“Do you know of that guy Bob Ross?”

 “Never heard of him.” (This helps avoid lengthy conversations about happy trees and afros.)