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Insights on My Art, Other Art or Anything
(changes monthly)
What I Believe About Painting
I love paint. I mean it.
I like the way it feels going on a canvas and the pliability of turning colored liquid into something meaningful, or striking, or playful, or when some greater mark comes in to play, when paint can be emotion.
I wish this fever on no one, actually, even if you find yourself on a serious, steadfast plane. Even when you save for years to take the leap and seem to have a knack for making images that appeal to the masses.
Unless you are called to it, or if all the things most people want, you don’t have to have, then maybe, just maybe you should try it for an occupation. If you are not consumed with the idea of acceptance or the desire to be seen and admired and respected, then go ahead, give it a shot.
But do it, then, if you decide to…no turning back, no giving in to self doubt or reasons for not getting into the studio. Forget discussions about sales and costs and the right materials. You will need to just do it and work very hard and most of all, watch the world. Observe life and be aware of the things that matter. Have something to say with the paint and never make the mistake of thinking you know how to do it and have achieved it. It is a constant learning process and that is its real beauty.
Greet painting each day for its inability to be boxed or manipulated or owned. Painting, as art, has its own set of terms and agreements and you are just along for the ride, for the discovery, not the conquest.
It is difficult work. No one will believe this who lives on the outside of it. Many will role their eyes at you, or smile a sort of parental smile at you or think you are a loafer or a child or someone who knows nothing about real work.
I have never done anything more challenging, than to strive to paint well.
Shall I define “well?”
Well is quality. Well is technically sound. Well is poetic and layered intellectually. Well is underplayed and smart, not overworked and out of focus. Well is composition and use of color that is both knowledgeable and intuitive.
The good news: To do it, day in and day out is to learn something new every day. Painting is vast, infinite, intriguing and even kind and loving on rare days after much labor and development.