So say I. Recently I engaged in a brief conversation that contained a pearl of wisdom…mine! Probably it was a cultured pearl, because Mark Wood inserted a particularly key remark: ”I wish I could paint like that.”
I was at a drawing session at Mark’s studio and, is often the case, he showed me postcards, clippings, and books of paintings that he likes. We engage in these chats because, it seems, that our tastes in art are closely aligned. For example, on that day he mentioned a favorite Laguna Gallery, which is one that I have followed. He showed me a book, which contained the portraits by an artist that I have long admired. But, it was his remark that turned my thoughts, and my abrupt reply, in another direction.
“Just because you like an artist’s work, doesn’t mean you have to paint like her,” I replied. (The above two examples were both, interestingly, “her.” No precious gender gestures here.) I think having broad artistic tastes is a good sign. But, I do not think that should translate into emulation.
First, to experiment with all the styles and subjects of interest would be disastrous. An accomplished artist would be regressing into becoming an amateur artist. Mark is accomplished. I believe he should focus on what he does well and not spread himself thin. If fact, he should buff up his body of work.
Second, I think that a concerted effort to emulate one particular artist is an exercise in losing one’s artistic soul. Although learning techniques and tips from a master artist is extremely valuable, I believe that artists can be over workshopped by their mentor. Attempting to follow the master’s path is to go astray. So I say.
by Mark Wood
