Foreword

The artist Robert Henri said: "Art is a terrible way to make a living, but a wonderful way to live..." In this book, Paul Dorrell helps us see that the artist's life is not only a wonderful way to live, but can also be a wonderful way to make a living.

For many artists, their profession is a mysterious calling, a way to create something unique while rebelling and living outside of society, yet never losing sight of the need to move society. Most artists must persevere against enormous odds in pushing their talent forward. For many, there are no rules or guidelines in the silence of the studio-and, more terrifying, no audience in the loneliness of the studio.

Dorrell gives practical and personal direction to this complex journey. Through his experiences as a gallery owner and novelist, he has been able to put into context the reality of an artist's life, and how to meet its demands. The issues he addresses, chapter by chapter, range from the emotional to the concrete in well-written and provocative prose. In other words the book is thorough, moving, and inspiring.

Dorrell has broken new ground here, and in doing so has been able to share the fruits of his successes and failures with us. I feel we are all enriched by the result.

Murray Dessner
Painter, Professor
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Philadelphia, PA

A Guide to Growing, Persevering, and Succeeding in the Art World