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I've always been quite fascinated, from a distance, with New England. I'm not unaware of your climate, but what's the art world like up there in the northeast? Should I be planning a studio in the land of little north light, or in Taos?
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Well, Steve, I must say that I have never been to Taiwan - closest I've been is Hawaii. So I kind of envy you. I was born in Connecticut, visited most of the United States, as well as lived in Alaska, Virginia, California, New Orleans, Philadelphia and now back to New England in Massachusetts.
As for art in New England, it runs the gamut from modern to country landscapes and seaside light houses for the tourists. There are more than a few major portrait artists that call New England their home, including Richard Schmid and Howard Sanden, as well as many others.
New England can be a great place to live as an artist. There are more than enough wealthy clients (doesn't always seem that way but they are here) as well as galleries and museums. Would I recommend the area over the other many equally nice areas? Not really. For one thing, housing is expensive and gets worse the closer to the major cities you get. And it can get downright impossible for all but the most successful artist to afford in some areas. Taxes are becoming a problem in CT and MA. And although I don't personally find this a problem, others have told me that that the market elsewhere in the US is better for portraits than here. I can say this: if you like hot summers and cold winters and don't want to move about to get both, New England will give you a healthy dose of both.
To me, New England is a very conservative area, although politically, it is fairly evenly divided Democrats vs. Republicans, compared to some states swaying more one way or the other. Seems to be a holdover from those early puritan settlers.
I have always liked the rural areas of New England as well as its proximity to New York and Boston. But if you are not from rural New England originally, no matter how long you live here, the locals will never really accept you as a local. But that is not much of a problem, since for the most part, New Englanders like to keep their privacy, and will let you have your own; so as long as you don't bother them they pretty much will let you live your own life however you want. In the end it is personal preference. You may love it here, or you may not, but could you make a go as an artist here? Of course you could. Are there benefits? Sure. Downsides? Of course; even paradise has its downside. Well, maybe not since it would not be paradise, would it? So I will say even the closest to paradise I have seen, Hawaii, had drawbacks.
In closing, sure Steve, you're welcome here. I will even extend an invitation to lunch on me if you are ever in my area. And you can join our life drawing group anytime you like.
