Blog

  "My Neighbor's Roses" 

When I go to art shows I often become enamored with the work of my fellow artists.  It's interesting though...  The artwork which attracts me the most doesn't have any consistent feel or genre or whatever.   I like all different kinds of art -- ....   mostly.

I admire artists who are nearly photographic in their skills, but I would never want to paint like them... and actually wouldn't really like to own one of their paintings.  I admire artwork which has strong elements of abstraction, but I don't really like abstract art.   I like art which looks like something...   And I prefer art which isn't photorealistic.

To be fair, I don't have the patience to try to make photorealistic art and I totally don't understand abstract expressionism.  

To get back to the main point, I keep trying to improve my skills and artistic abilities.  I REALLY like to see work with beautiful paint.... not messy paint but beautifully applied paint.  And I really like work that is framed with abstract elements.  I like the surprises and interest that comes with varied textures and/or mosaics of color.   I like paintings with a strong graphic element but which are not simply graphically designed.  Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about:

Floral by David Gallup. ......  Lots of beautiful playful paint

Scenic Viewpoint by Len Chmiel.....    Serious abstract elements yet totally realistic

Sadly I seem to end up continuing to try to paint a scene rather than to reframe it to create a sense of wonder as Len Chmiel does.  I also seem to be unable to "lose control" enough to blur, marble, reapply and simply play with lots of beautiful paint like David Gallup does.  (Dave doesn't lose control....   he just is skillful enough to not "paint within the lines' and he adds emotional interest through a variety of ways of applying and manipulating paint.)

I think the only solution for my conundrum is to keep painting. .. especially getting outdoors to enjoy THAT challenge....  Eventually I'll break out of my current slump.   I need to get outside more often because when I'm outside I can shake off the worries and soak in the wonders of mother nature.   I should let go enough to stop caring whether anyone else is going to like whatever painting I'm working on.    This last is seriously much harder for me than it should be.

I have a few paintings where I DID use lots of paint such as these:

.       

          Matilija Shadows (Sold)                                            Two Jays.  (Sold)                                           

The painting above is another example of when I allowed myself to use more paint.      "My Neighbor's Roses" is still available.

I CAN do it.... I just don't do it often enough...  

So...  I need to keep telling myself over and over:     "Use More Paint .... Just do it..."

Keep a eye out...  Let's see if you can spot future paintings where I've taken my own advice.