I had someone ask me “Why are you painting that?” Ever since that encounter, I don’t paint for paints sake, or for art’s sake. That continues to weigh on my mind- what are we doing?
@@cynthiamarston2208 Color, form, contrast, and line? Hmm. For me, I want that to represent something meaningful. All artists are different. I appreciate that. However, some 50 years ago when I was told by the dean of the school of art at ECU that with a degree in painting abstract expressionism I could work in the produce dept of a grocery store, I changed my direction in life and went to another college, an academy, a technical school with working professionals, one that taught painting realism and representational art, commercial art and illustration as well. I wanted a career in art. I wanted to learn how to use value, to see color, improve my drawing and painting skills. Anyway, I worked 45 years in the art business. Now retired, my “hobbie”is plein air painting. Geez it’s hot outside!!! Lately, I’m searching for the place where it all happens. Where I can release my mind, find the energy to abstract that color, form, contrast and line into a worthy effort. What makes it so? It could be something ordinary. But the question of why we put paint on a brush and apply it in a certain manner to a substrate is something personal to me and you. Usually, not until time has passed, can I step back and ask why I chose to paint something. Does that explain my comment?
I know how that feels. But I think it helps to know that it's okay not to know why you like to paint what it is that you like to paint. There is a reason for it, but if you haven't figured it out yet, don't let that stop you. ❤
I had someone ask me “Why are you painting that?” Ever since that encounter, I don’t paint for paints sake, or for art’s sake. That continues to weigh on my mind- what are we doing?
Why not? What is your hobby? Why do you do it? Do I have to have a reason beyond liking color form contrast line?
@@cynthiamarston2208 Color, form, contrast, and line? Hmm. For me, I want that to represent something meaningful. All artists are different. I appreciate that. However, some 50 years ago when I was told by the dean of the school of art at ECU that with a degree in painting abstract expressionism I could work in the produce dept of a grocery store, I changed my direction in life and went to another college, an academy, a technical school with working professionals, one that taught painting realism and representational art, commercial art and illustration as well. I wanted a career in art. I wanted to learn how to use value, to see color, improve my drawing and painting skills. Anyway, I worked 45 years in the art business. Now retired, my “hobbie”is plein air painting. Geez it’s hot outside!!! Lately, I’m searching for the place where it all happens. Where I can release my mind, find the energy to abstract that color, form, contrast and line into a worthy effort. What makes it so? It could be something ordinary. But the question of why we put paint on a brush and apply it in a certain manner to a substrate is something personal to me and you. Usually, not until time has passed, can I step back and ask why I chose to paint something. Does that explain my comment?
@@cynthiamarston2208 I hope you received my reply. I don’t see it posted here.
I know how that feels. But I think it helps to know that it's okay not to know why you like to paint what it is that you like to paint. There is a reason for it, but if you haven't figured it out yet, don't let that stop you. ❤
How hot is too hot to be outside painting en plein air? Now in my late late 60s, is it safe in high 80° and 90° temps to paint outside for hours?
There's a conflict for many who are creating art. We want to travel a single vision, but yet find group acceptance.