What distinguishes the Great from the very technically accomplished?

[Marina Dieul]

Originally Posted by Richard Monro

What distinguishes the great artists from the many very technically accomplished artists?
What constitutes a unique identifiable style?

I think that's 2 different questions : for exemple, Picasso had some very differents styles during his life, and if you don't know his life you can easily think that some of his pieces are made by different artists...

[Richard Monro]

I think we should change the question slightly to, What makes the great painter Great?

Jeff, you hit on something very important to the discussion. Great painter's works appeal to a wide audience over many generations. So now we have two characteristics of great:

1 - Distinctive style
2 - Wide appeal over time

I'm wondering if we shouldn't add retina burn factor to the list as I can think of many artists who meet the above two criteria, but would not be considered great.

Marina, indeed the great artists can change styles and still be brilliant. The new style however still meets the distinctive style criteria.

So again the challenge thrown out to all is to define the qualities or characteristics that define what makes an artist great. We know great when we see it, but what is it?

[Michele Rushworth]

We know great when we see it, but what is it?

I think opinions vary so widely as to what is "great" that it would be impossible to pin down. Many people think Picasso was great, and many more would strongly disagree.

[Richard Monro]

Michele,
Point 2 allows for those who disagree. History shows that the greats stand the test of time for the many.

Our quest in this threat is for us to find what makes the Great great. Pick your own greats and contribute any thoughts you may have on this elusive characteristic.

[Bianca Berends]

What makes an artist great?

1. One of the things great artists of the past have in common, is that they where ahead of their time with their art. They where avant-garde: in front of the masses. These days the question if you can still speak of avant-garde, is open to discussion because

[Tom Edgerton]

Soul.

[Bianca Berends]

Heart and soul... a lot of artists have that, but they are not all great...even if they are technically skilled.