• Home
  • About Renee
  • Writing Services for Artists
  • Articles
  • Interviews
  • Resources for Artists

RENEE PHILLIPS - MENTOR FOR ARTISTS

Helping Artists Achieve Their Fullest Potential

Ask Renee to Write About Your Art

You are here: Home / Articles / How to Write Your Short Artist’s Statement

How to Write Your Short Artist’s Statement

By Renee Phillips Leave a Comment

Your average length Artist’s Statement usually runs around 100-200 words. (Read “How to Write Your Artist’s Statement“). After you’ve written that, it’s a good exercise to pare it down for those times when you’ll need to be very concise. If you’ve entered any of the online art exhibitions I’ve curated on the Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS websites you know I have a special requirement not usually seen on applications: I ask you to write your artist’s statement in around 80 words. Depending on the exhibition I either ask for your general artist’s statement or one specifically related to the theme of the exhibition or a specific work of art.

Why Having An Artist’s Statement is Important

efficiency improves art career success. Photo credit Unseen Studio from Unsplash
Photo credit Unseen Studio from Unsplash

The artist’s statement is an essential art marketing tool. There are many benefits to having a well-written, concise Artist’s Statement which I go into detail in this article: How to Write Your Artist’s Statement: 28 Guidelines. Briefly, the Artist’s Statement offers you the opportunity to explain your creative process and inspiration, People who are attracted to your work will want to know more about the artist behind it. When you share your story succinctly it eliminates misinterpretation and confusion.

Why I Ask For Brief and Concise Artist’s Statements

When I provide career guidance as an artist consultant and coach I always begin the advice process by evaluating the art, artist’s statement, and  artist’s biography.

There are several excellent reasons why I ask for an artist’s statement when promoting artists:

1. The exhibitions I curate attract the best and most talented artists from around the world and also the most experienced art enthusiasts. My goal is to select those artists who have the best artistic skills, unique creative vision, and an awareness about what they create, how and why.
2. Viewers of the online art exhibitions I curate told me they love to read the artist’s statements so they can connect with the artists more deeply. The accompanying statement helps artists attract collectors, dealers, grant givers, magazine writers, and many opportunities arise from having it.
3. It’s a fact that time spent reading the artist’s statement increases the bond between the viewer and artist and increases the chances for the artist to sell more artwork.
4. As a mentor for artists, my purpose is to help artists exercise their communication and marketing muscles that will help them achieve their fullest potential.

Learn From Artists Who Do it Right

Writing your artist’s statement takes practice. Many artists who write clearly about why they create the art they do have developed their verbal acumen through years of trial and error. They also learned to avoid the most common mistakes when writing artist’s statements such as grammatical errors, etc.

Writing your artist’s statement requires observation. Visit any of the online art exhibitions I’ve curated and read the statements that accompany the artwork. The artists are there because they submitted excellent artwork and also provided an articulate artist’s statement.

Here are links to our exhibitions where you can find the top award-winners:
Manhattan Arts International exhibitions
The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS exhibitions

Samples of Artist’s Statements by A Few Award-Winning Artists

Painting by Kari Bienert

Kari Bienert karibienert.com is a member of Manhattan Arts International and was also selected for an Award of Excellence in “The Healing Power of Art” exhibition. She submitted this statement: “My paintings are fields of color intertwined with geometric shapes, music and gentle brush strokes. Each color is a combination of many oil paints mixed rhythmically and placed intuitively. Painting connects me to unconscious worlds where new languages are discovered, new patterns emerge and a connection to nature heals and permeates my searching soul.”

Sandra Duran Wilson sandraduranwilson.com was selected for The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS “Inspirational Art in Mixed Media” online exhibition. When asked for a statement that expressed what she loves best about using mixed media she wrote, “My love of mixed media was born when as I child I learned both traditional landscape oil painting and crafts. The textures of wood, stone and clay enticed me, and I found adding them to my paintings enhanced the textural appeal. When I switched to acrylic painting, I discovered that I could easily add found objects, plant materials, drawing and photography to my paintings.”

"Everyday Hero" painting by Agnes JorgensenAgnes Jorgensen jorgensenart.com won a Special Recognition Art Award in the Manhattan Arts International 2023 “HerStory” exhibition. She was also selected for “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience 2022” exhibition. About the topic she wrote “Resilience in its most basic form is strength during difficult times. Each day we are faced with decisions that we don’t always know the outcome. Art can inspire people to think about disaster risk and resilience in ways that science and numbers cannot. My inspiration for creating ‘Everyday Heroes’ (shown above) is to build awareness for communities who are facing increased risk from hazards and climate change.”

Statements from Famous Artists

“I borrow some subject or other from life or from nature, and using it as a pretext, I arrange lines and colors so as to obtain symphonies, harmonies that do not represent a thing that is real.”
~ Paul Gauguin

“I first block in the chosen scene or object with broad brushstrokes. Then I begin using brushes of diminishing sizes that are gradually reduced to the smallest sable point… that’s what takes forever – closing in on the minutest detail and still have it be part of the whole.” ~ Catherine Murphy

“I first make a maquette for any idea that I have for sculpture. The maquette is only three or four inches in size, and I can hold it my hand, turning it over to look at it from above, underneath, and in fact from every angle. Thus, from the very beginning I am working and thinking in three dimensions.” ~ Henry Moore

“My ideas come from reflecting on my life and the lives of people I have known and have been in some way inspired by. The story quilts grew out of my need to tell stories, not with pictures or symbols alone, but with words.” ~ Faith Ringgold

How to Test An Artist’s Statement

When you read an artist’s statement observe what, if any, visual images, thoughts or feelings arise. Do they complement and support the art images that accompany it? Obviously, words cannot replace images of the artwork, but they should produce insight about some of the artists’ intentions and artistic choices.

When you write your artist’s statement do it without self-judgment. Try to create mental pictures through your words. Read it aloud and share it with others. Ask them to test it. Have patience. It takes desire, practice and continuous self-reflection to do it well.

Why Artists Don’t Have Artist’s Statements

I know that thousands of artists want to learn how to write their artist’s statement. Some of the reasons why they don’t have one:
1. They don’t know how to write it.
2. They tried to write one, it was too difficult, so they gave up.
3. They don’t realize how important writing one is and the opportunities they’re passing up because they don’t have one.
4. They don’t know what their creative vision is, haven’t formulated one yet, or have more than one conflicting visions.
5. If they do have one that is poorly written they realize it’s better to not have one at all.

More Articles to Help You Write Your Artist’s Statement

How to Write Your Artist’s Statement
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Artist’s Statement
Fun Techniques to Help You Write Your Artist’s Statement
Art and Artist’s Statements – Quotes by Famous Artists


Would You Like An Art Review?

Many artists tell me when I write an Art Review for them they appreciate gaining insight about their artwork from an objective and professional perspective. This knowledge helps them to expand or improve their own Artist’s Statement.

Check out my writing services for Artists.


Filed Under: Articles, Featured Articles Tagged With: Agnes Jorgensen, art career advice, art career success, art marketing advice, artist's statement, artist's vision, Kari Bienert, Manhattan Arts International "HERStory", Sandra Duran Wilson

Find out about Renee’s Writing Services for Artists

About Renee Phillips

Renée Phillips is a mentor and advocate for artists helping them achieve their fullest potential. She provides career advice, writing services, and promotion for artists from beginners to advanced. She organizes online exhibitions as Director/Curator of Manhattan Arts International www.ManhattanArts.com and Founder of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS www.healing-power-of-art.org. As an arts' advocate she has served on the advisory boards of several non-profit arts organizations. She lives in New York, NY.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

My purpose is to help artists achieve their fullest potential. On this website I share decades of knowledge and experience as an art writer and artist career coach.

I am also the Director of Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS where I maintain online galleries and curate exhibitions.

You'll find those links below.

MANHATTAN ARTS INTERNATIONAL

Manhattan Arts International website

As the Founder, Director and Curator of Manhattan Arts International I maintain online galleries and curate exhibitions.

Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS Gallery

The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website resources

I am the Founder, Director and Curator of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS.

The website features an online gallery, exhibitions, and hundreds of articles and art reviews.

The mission is based on the belief that artists have the power to bring positive change to individuals, society and the environment.

Follow Me on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Ask Me to Write an Art Review

Praise for Art Reviews by Renee Phillips

Find out about how to apply to have me write an Art Review for you that you can use for your promotion and marketing purposes.

The art review will be published on The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website. It will be promoted widely in social media.

Simply tap or click on the photo above to learn all about it.

More Suggested Reading

Scams Aimed at Artists

Artists Beware of Scammers on The Rise! If you are promoting yourself as an artist, have an email address … [Read More...]

Beware of Vanity Galleries

It is A Pay to Play Game In Which Artists Have Much to Lose This article offers advice that is useful when … [Read More...]

The Truth About Fine Art Agents

Let's Dispel Some Myths and Make Way for New Options Every week at least one artist will ask me how and … [Read More...]

Are Your Art Materials Making You Sick?

As an artist it's wonderful to imagine the treasure trove of art materials to choose from to create your … [Read More...]

Where to Find Art Buyers and Meet Collectors

Where and how to find art buyers requires a combination of knowledge, strategy and persistence. However, there … [Read More...]

A Positive Future for Maturing Artists

Steps to Take to Restore Optimism and Bring Peace of Mind The artists I have coached over the years come from … [Read More...]

How to Avoid Getting Rejected in Art Competitions & Mistakes Artists Make

Has your art ever been rejected in a juried art competition? Were you confused because after seeing the … [Read More...]

What Really Is Self-Taught Art and What Does It Mean to Be A Self-Taught Artist?

Definitions, Historical Facts and Artists in This Genre As I'm sure you know by now I write a lot of art … [Read More...]

22 Questions for Artists to Ask Galleries

Exhibiting in a gallery requires an investment of your time and energy on your part. So, before you ask any … [Read More...]

Do You Think Titles of Art Matter?

This Question Has Attracted Many Different Replies Shakespeare quipped "A rose by any other name would smell … [Read More...]

Organizations That Advance The Status of Women Artists

Organizations that serve and advance the status of women artists are essential and cherished resources. They … [Read More...]

How to Approach New York Art Galleries and Any Desired Gallery

Most artists from around the world want to be exhibited in New York Art Galleries. However, many of you are … [Read More...]

Sell Your Art To Interior Designers and Corporate Art Consultants

Professional Organizations and More Resources with Thousands of Leads You can expand your art sales by … [Read More...]

10 Best Selling Tips For Artists

If you visit the hundreds of articles I've written for you on this website you'll probably find thousands of … [Read More...]

Art and Artist’s Statements – Quotes by Famous Artists

If you're like most artists I know, the task of writing your Artist's Statement feels like torture. You may … [Read More...]

The Basics of Public Relations For Artists

An artist recently asked me "Why is it that some artists' careers rise to stardom while other artists, who are … [Read More...]

What to Do When You Receive Publicity As An Artist – 15 Steps to Take

15 Important Steps to Take Immediately After Learning You Are in an Article, Received an Award, Were Selected … [Read More...]

Selling Your Art to Corporations

Imagine your art on permanent display in a lobby or conference room of a corporation. Getting your art into … [Read More...]

Topic Ideas For Your Art Blog Posts

Whenever an artist client asks me how they can drive more traffic to their website (after they have created a … [Read More...]

My Love-Hate Relationship As A Juror / Curator

This is a true confession to you about my love-hate relationship as a juror / curator. During my art career I … [Read More...]

Our Privacy Policy

Click here to read our Privacy Policy.

Writing Services for Artists

My specialty is writing "Praise Quotes" -- Art Statements for artists to use for promotion and longer Art Reviews which I publish and provide promotional services. I alsowrite Artist's Biographies. Many artists struggle when they have to write about their career and their art. Artists use my writing on their websites, social media profiles, … More...

Copyright © 2014 -2025
Renee Phillips
Manhattan Arts International
200 East 72 Street, New York, NY 10021
renee@manhattanarts.com

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in