What makes him/her a true artist?

[Laurel Alanna McBrine]

Mischa,

Cecilia Beaux’s work is exquisite.

I had the privilege of viewing the painting posted above in the “stacks” (where paintings are stored behind glass) at The Metropolitan Museum of Art this past February. The title of the painting is “Ernesta”, completed in 1914.

I found it interesting that the same girl, all grown up, was also immortalized as a small child in “Ernesta with Nurse”, painted by Cecilia Beaux in 1894. This is another amazing work of art with gorgeous brushwork and a unique composition.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Laurel, thank you! How fortunate to have seen this painting in person.

When ever I have the pleasure to stand next to a well executed painting I seem to be mesmerized and cannot take my self away from it. On a number of occasions I have had the security people come and ask that I step back. I do comply but then there is always something that draws me near that I must have a closer look. Naturally the security must come again and I must explain my self again. After a while they just laugh and let me be.

[Steven Sweeney]

A passage from Alain de Botton

[Mischa Milosevic]

Thank you Steven. These statements by Alain de Botton express the knack for diplomacy while at the same time relating some fact.
A great artist once said something like simplicity of design is what we should strive for. Also, if it is impossible to make a small sketch without infinite labor, then we can be pretty sure we are starting off on the wrong foot. So, it is safe to say that any subject that will look effective in an exhibition gallery or on the wall of an average size living room is also definable in a 5 by 7 inch sketch at a distance of 6 feet or more.

I think that painting is very much like writing. There can be so many detailed passages in a book that the reader who wants the story to move along becomes irritated. A conversationalist can get lost in detail and trivia too and so can the artist.

Then again we can ask the question, what type of reader are we? Do we prefer Shakespeare, Tom Sawyer, children's books, etc.

As we think on the subject of art, let us not lose our self in the philosophy of thought and dare to forget that all we need is evident in nature.

Do you carry your sketch book with you everywhere you go? If not, why not?

[Henry Wienhold]

I think that it is human nature to try and define or label every aspect of life that we engage in while living on this planet. In a sense when you can make a definition to describe a subject, place, person or thing then we can possess and capture it by defining and then cause closure of the mystery. A pseudo way of conquering is the implication I'm making here. It seems until we can finally understand our minds will not rest.

Art has many definitions endless diversity, but yet there is no final definition, no exact explanation.

That is the beauty of art you can't make absolute definition, to me that is why it is called art, that sense of mystery is the fascination behind creation. And what is more pleasing or beautiful than a mystery? That search for meaning to the elusive mystery causes us to go on searching, and creating art.

If mankind ever comes up with an exact definition it will no longer be art. I predict that will never happen, art is as endless as the universe.

[SB Wang]

"Do you carry your sketch book with you everywhere you go? If not, why not?"

During the Korea war, Ridgway gained the nickname, "Old Iron Tits," for his habit of wearing hand grenades attached to his load-bearing equipment at chest level. {Photographs however show he only wore one grenade on one side of his chest; the so-called "grenade" on the other side was in fact a first-aid packet}.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Ridgway

[Mischa Milosevic]

Henry, thank you. Your words express sincere thought.

I like this question "And what is more pleasing or beautiful than a mystery?" and a thought came to mind as I understand it. Answer: beautiful and true to life art. Please do not get me wrong, I believe one is but a student his or her entire life but when one learns from the master artist then and only then one has a chance to understand the mystery of true art.

"That search for meaning to the elusive mystery causes us to go on searching, and creating art." Here, I believe "the elusive mystery" will always be if one does not recognize the simple signs of masterful work. Many times we have heard that if we learn from nature, still life setups, live models, put into practice proven methods one will understand and learn much faster. Here too, it has been my experience, one must have true to life guidance.

If we pick-out ten of our all time favorite artists, what is it that they all had or have in common? It will be plain to see that they all had a clear knowledge, a solid foundation in the basics. Some examples of the basics: true to life line and tonal drawing, value relationships, composition, and at least a basic understanding of color/value.


Celeste, you raise a excellent point of observation! I believe that before one even thinks to assume the title artist, let alone master artist, one must consider your statement.

Thank you!


Wang, thank you. That is a nice painting of Ridgway by Clarence Lamont MacNelly.

[Henry Wienhold]

Originally Posted by Mischa Milosevic

Henry, thank you. Your words express sincere thought.

I like this question "And what is more pleasing or beautiful than a mystery?" and a thought came to mind as I understand it. Answer: beautiful and true to life art. Please do not get me wrong, I believe one is but a student his or her entire life but when one learns from the master artist then and only then one has a chance to understand the mystery of true art.

"That search for meaning to the elusive mystery causes us to go on searching, and creating art." Here, I believe "the elusive mystery" will always be if one does not recognize the simple signs of masterful work.

Yes I understand what your saying, but yet I can't agree completely. You see many people have different ideas about what they recognize and consider a masterful work. What is recognized and appreciated as great art by some may not be true for others, this is how it should be, freedom of thought and opinion. The mystery I'm speaking of isn't entirely based upon the simple signs of a masterful work as you have stated. I don't think masterful work's of art were simply or easily achieved. The mystery I am speaking of is the force that drives an artist to continue developing his art, the artists evolution of progress. The compulsion that stimulates one to create and grow until mastery is achieved. You might say the spirit behind great works of art, The word spirit itself implies a sense of mystery. What is mysterious is why certain works of art stand out individually as great or masterful. It cant be just technique alone. This is where a work of art touches the human soul in a profound way like spirit, and invisible elusive force. A combination of both technique and human emotion.

And for the viewer, the individual who has an appreciation of certain works of art that they consider outstanding. For them this awareness, conviction and recognition of certain works of art and the artists who create them is extremely diverse in taste and opinion. Just as the multitudes of people themselves with no two personalities alike. Basically what is great for some may not be for others.