How do you make a living as an artist?
Gordon Haas attempts to answer that question with his new book -- "No, I'm Not Starving" -- a 220-page work available for $14.99.
The book, he says, is not just for the aspiring artist, but rather for anyone interested in the arts and the life of a painter.
"This is my journey into doing just that," says Haas. "It is filled with details encompassing nearly 40 years in the art world. It includes preparing for a six-week painting trip in Italy (and) setting up my solo exhibition in France and stories while traveling through Provence, Tuscany, Venice and Positano -- the pearl of the Amalfi Coast."
It also includes a chapter on what he calls "The Poor Starving Artist's Syndrome," as well as "going to the best art school in the country (Rhode Island School of Design), the steps toward creating one's unique style of painting, the three reasons why people actually pull out their money and buy art, opening one's own gallery while cutting out the middle man (and) the incredible productivity possible when one is a full-time professional artist."
"The story," Haas says, "also includes many personal encounters with the local people while traveling through Europe."
Haas also is conducting a plein air painting workshop from Aug. 18 through 24 throughout Bucks and Hunterdon counties. Those who get involved can paint in the picturesque Delaware River valley where the plein air painting tradition of the Pennsylvania Impressionists continues.
Cost: $100 per day; participants can choose from among weekend only, weekday only or any combination, even by the day.
Haas operates the Haas Gallery at 71 Bridge St. in Lambertville.
