Has anyone read Birge Harrison's Landscape Painting? Mr Harrison taught at the Art Student's League in the early 1900s. In the chapter- The importance of fearlessness in painting, he says,"The public loves to be dictated to in matters of art.- to feel that the painter is"onto his job." It will pass by the man who says I think and stand rapt every time before the picture of the man who says"I know."Aim to tell the truth:but if you have to lie, lie courageously."
Today I returned to some of my studies from Uncle Harold's farm in the Cumberland area.
To be removed from the scene opens up a whole new world. When you are no longer a slave to the view, you can feel and aim more easily for your concept. In this scene I wrote (in my sketchbook) about how the sky was overcast thus creating an intensity to the color. Sun washes out color. The glow of the mountains was intense. Even the grass was greener. Aim to tell the truth, but if.......
Now you can ask yourself what works?
11 comments:
Loriann,
I liked both paintings and the second seemed to hold my interest longer. I like the big shapes of subdued color along with some well placed color juxtapositions on a right vertical access line and left vertical access line. Has a simplified abstract feel and nice balance.
This is a really insightful post Loriann, and touches on something that fascinates me. I do very much prefer the top version as it's full of mood. You've clearly come away from the site with a sense of your essential visual experience of the place and translated this essence into a work of art very successfully. I believe we remember the feeling a place gave us, a mood, an emotion or such like, not what it exactly and photographically looked like. Capturing that mood is the key to good art and you're definately there with this one.
I really enjoyed this post, thank you. Right, back to telling the truth, and perhaps lying courageously a little also ;)
A very courageous *lie*, indeed.
I offer another quote.
"When artists make art, they shouldn't question whether it is permissible to do one thing or another,"
Sol LeWitt.
Well, you know which one is my favorite and what I think of this *ahem* brilliant post.
All my favorite artists are inveterate liars.
This is a very insightful post for me as well, Loriann. I like both versions but the newest one does feel moodier to me. I struggle so much with telling the truth with my plein air work. I'm afraid that some viewers will say "that doesn't look real" if I get creative with colors. Hopefully there are others out there who appreciate a painting that does not look like a photograph. I sure do.
Hi Steve, I liked the second one when i did it..then I had that incomplete feel. In person the restructured one feels stronger to me. Of course jpegs are never true. The plein air piece is much more delicate. I appreciate your opinion.
Hi CAroline!
I agree 100%..to me capturing mood is the only key...yet the very hardest door to open! Richard McKinley has always told me that all painting really is just a lie and it's true. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Casey...we do love lies, don't we? I agree with Sol too.
Hey Sam..I thought of YOU when I posted it!
Hi Donna! Don't worry what THEY think... you are a very sensitive artist, keep allowing it to show. If they want photographs, that is what they will buy;-)
Hi Loriann, the second one has a very quiet and peaceful feel to it. I think I do prefer it. It does have a mood to it and the drawing is really nice too. The first one is electric in colour and has a different atmosphere to it.
great blog with wonderful art. Love your color and abstact qualities.
Hi Carolyn and thank you for your comment. I hope you week in the seaside studio is going splendidly!
Hi Gary and thanks for stopping by.
Both appeal to me, Loriann - the first for its dynamic energy and more intense color and the plein air version for it's delicacy and subtleness.
Interesting observations Brian. Thank you.
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