Wow, Nicholas' work is awesome. A lot of what you guys said here about getting into the detail hit home for me, and reflecting I think I definitely got into creating highly detailed work because of the reactions from others growing up rather than just for the enjoyment. But I guess when making art for a living you have to strike the balance. Thanks for the thoughts!
I really like the talk about the process to realism and the work that goes before just rendering it to high realism. I tend to stall out at that point after figuring the hard stuff out. I wait till I have a fresh eye and go back to it so I do not over finish to realism.
Balancing life priorities is important to me. It s a selfish endeavor to paint long hours and then the other end of your life is a kilter. I like feeling good about choices I make according to the life I have chosen.
Another great interview and informative discussion Jeff! One thing I would like to comment on is your statement to the effect that "nature is totally random". Maybe you were speaking in hyperbole. For example, different species of oak trees have predictable growth shapes. Likewise, one would expect to find cottonwood trees in low-lying areas near water and never on drier slopes.
Of course I agree. What I mean is that every mountain side, cluster of leaves or field of grass will have random shape and patterns. Thanks for listening.
'trading your tears for likes'....deep:)...re. photorealism (great talk btw) - i feel that it isn't 'generous' to do this, as you aren't giving the viewer a chance to engage their synapses into perhaps 'interpreting' an image, or even just by (through a lack of realism) allowing them to create a story or a dream, and with their imagination, make their own relationship with the painting. you're almost just saying, 'look at me, look how good i can paint'. maybe a bit harsh...perhaps, its more, 'look at me, i have to control everything in my life, down to the last blade of grass' :)
I think this is a bit unfair, although you are certainly not the only person to have voiced a similar opinion, but (from what I've seen) most photorealists are young and still learning to draw - isn't the whole point when we are students of realism/representational art to be meticulous in our efforts to understand form, light etc etc? Either way I think if someone wants to produce photorealistic works for their entire life it's valid and I find it strange that for some reason photorealists are consistently denigrated in a way no other group of artists are. Perhaps it could be looked at as "look at what humans can achieve" rather than the individual trying to flaunt what *they* in particular can do in some kind of egomaniacal fashion. Just my two cents
@@anima6035 yes, good points. I was a bit harsh - I didn't mean to be - photorealism is indeed an amazing skill - and talent. I'm still trying to understand what visual art really means to me - that comment was one of my coffee waffles:) I'm learning all the time - I've had a block for about 6 months myself with my work, so am in no position to judge others! Thanks for putting me straight:)
I had the pleasure of hanging out and painting with Nick in Boston. He is a true artist. The real thing.
Fantastic interview. His work is amazing and diverse.
Wow, Nicholas' work is awesome. A lot of what you guys said here about getting into the detail hit home for me, and reflecting I think I definitely got into creating highly detailed work because of the reactions from others growing up rather than just for the enjoyment. But I guess when making art for a living you have to strike the balance. Thanks for the thoughts!
His stuff has such a fresh look to it. I love it!
One of the best talks yet! Thanks so much to both of you!
I really like the talk about the process to realism and the work that goes before just rendering it to high realism. I tend to stall out at that point after figuring the hard stuff out. I wait till I have a fresh eye and go back to it so I do not over finish to realism.
May be bias as a kiwi but this was such an interesting interview and hilarious, awesome artist too. Thanks Jeff
Balancing life priorities is important to me. It s a selfish endeavor to paint long hours and then the other end of your life is a kilter. I like feeling good about choices I make according to the life I have chosen.
Jeff, Please post the title of the book you referenced concerning doodles. Thanks!
I will if I find it. It’s been so long since I’ve read it and I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Was her name Tracey Trussell?
Another great interview and informative discussion Jeff! One thing I would like to comment on is your statement to the effect that "nature is totally random". Maybe you were speaking in hyperbole. For example, different species of oak trees have predictable growth shapes. Likewise, one would expect to find cottonwood trees in low-lying areas near water and never on drier slopes.
Of course I agree. What I mean is that every mountain side, cluster of leaves or field of grass will have random shape and patterns. Thanks for listening.
'trading your tears for likes'....deep:)...re. photorealism (great talk btw) - i feel that it isn't 'generous' to do this, as you aren't giving the viewer a chance to engage their synapses into perhaps 'interpreting' an image, or even just by (through a lack of realism) allowing them to create a story or a dream, and with their imagination, make their own relationship with the painting. you're almost just saying, 'look at me, look how good i can paint'. maybe a bit harsh...perhaps, its more, 'look at me, i have to control everything in my life, down to the last blade of grass' :)
I think this is a bit unfair, although you are certainly not the only person to have voiced a similar opinion, but (from what I've seen) most photorealists are young and still learning to draw - isn't the whole point when we are students of realism/representational art to be meticulous in our efforts to understand form, light etc etc?
Either way I think if someone wants to produce photorealistic works for their entire life it's valid and I find it strange that for some reason photorealists are consistently denigrated in a way no other group of artists are. Perhaps it could be looked at as "look at what humans can achieve" rather than the individual trying to flaunt what *they* in particular can do in some kind of egomaniacal fashion.
Just my two cents
@@anima6035 yes, good points. I was a bit harsh - I didn't mean to be - photorealism is indeed an amazing skill - and talent. I'm still trying to understand what visual art really means to me - that comment was one of my coffee waffles:) I'm learning all the time - I've had a block for about 6 months myself with my work, so am in no position to judge others! Thanks for putting me straight:)