Those who understand will understand.

Good afternoon.

Today I would like to talk about the cost of art materials, something I have not talked about much until now. I would like to talk about the cost of art materials, something I haven't talked about much until now.

You're using cheap paints, aren't you?"

These were the words of someone who saw one of Tanaka's paintings around 2008. As an amateur, I was very surprised when I heard that. I had a vague idea that the paints used by the artist must be expensive, but I immediately felt that I had "underestimated..." the world where one can tell the quality of the paints just by looking at a painting.

After receiving these words, Tanaka changed his mind about buying paints, but the cost of art materials was mounting, and having too much in stock was also dangerous. Not only paints, but also frames and brushes can affect the quality of a work and the impression it makes when displayed, so "painting is really expensive," he says. You can't afford to make mistakes, and even if you paint a lot, if you don't sell it, you won't be able to make another one. It is very difficult to find a suitable frame, so I try to sell frames as a set, which makes my customers very happy, but good frames are expensive, so I have to sell them at a higher price.

Being on the side of the art world that looks at paintings, I had a sense of respect for him, but I also had a nasty thought that he must be making a lot of money if he could sell such expensive paintings, or that there must be people who paint to make money. Hearing his words, I felt ashamed of my previous thoughts. As a matter of course, he uses good materials, carefully selects a frame that fits the painting as a matter of course, takes the time and effort to install that frame, and then pours more feeling, time, and effort into it to finally create a single work of art. Considering this process, the painting that I had thought was too expensive to buy was probably too inexpensive. It made me realize how important it is to "paint a picture.

To "paint a picture" means not only to tell a story, but also to tell the story of the artist's thoughts and feelings. It is not only about the thoughts and story behind the painting, but there is something more that must not be forgotten. Before and during the act of painting, there are countless detailed "preparations" and trial and error. Just as one begins to build a healthy body by knowing what ingredients are contained in the food one eats, we can enjoy a painting more if we know what materials are used and what processes are involved in creating a painting that we like. It will increase the excitement of the painting when you receive it and hang it on your wall.

I became a captive of the world of art.

My respect for the artist has also increased.

When you buy a painting, please ask about the painting materials.