Author Illustrates Lives of Artists Through Life Experiences

The following article appeared in The Daily Mississippian
on January 25, 2005

Gallery Owner/Novelist Speaks, Signs Book at Off Square Books Reception Today at 5 p.m.


by Melissa Sindelar

The master behind the ever-popular "The Starry Night" painting, Vincent Van Gogh, produced all of his work within a period of 10 years.

Now considered one of the best Dutch painters, during his lifetime, he faced a continuous struggle.

He sold only one painting while he lived, and that one went to his landlord to help pay his rent.

Nearly everyone has heard of the struggling life artists tend to lead like Van Gogh, but now gallery owner and author Paul Dorrell is trying to give modern day artists a leg up through his "Living the Artist's Life."

He will be discussing and signing his guide at Off Square Books at 5 p.m. today.

"Living the artist's life has never been easy, but Dorrell's book makes it seem possible," said Wesley Pulkka, a reviewer for the Albuquerque Journal.

Dorrell's stop in Oxford is one in 60 as he promotes his book. He has spoken at other venues like California State University, the Chicago Artists' Coalition and the Art Students League of New York.

His guidebook answers the questions such as "Why on Earth Did You Choose This Profession," "How Will You Know When You're Ready to Show Publicly" and "Your Relationship With Your Dealers." When trying to figure out how to price art pieces, Dorrell gives a few pieces of advice.

"Get a dart board, tape a range of prices to it, toss six darts at the sucker, and see where they land. The middle figure wins. You don't like that? Then try this..." He then goes on to give realistic, practical advice on this subject.

His book also illustrates the stories of his failures and successes, myths of the art world and his dealings with publishers and agents in New York.

Dorrell also discusses whether there is a need for graduate school, where artists should live and the Bohemian life as well as depression and alcohol.

"He does it in a conversational, easygoing tone," said reviewer Chuck Groth of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Inspiration, execution, marketing and selling, dealing with successes and failures - numerous aspects of the professional fine art world are addressed."

Before he founded his Leopold Gallery in 1991, Dorrell had spent time as a director's assistant at the Hill-Stead Museum in Connecticut, according to his Web site, http://www.livingtheartistslife.com.

He has also spent time as an art consultant for various clients, including for the National D-Day Memorial and the Mayo Clinic.

He has also worked with a presidential dedication and an installation in the national Capitol Building.

For more information about the book or the author, check out Dorrell's Web site or call Square Books at 662-236-2262.

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