Recently, someone bought two paintings at a show and asked if I would come and help hang them and other paintings in a newly purchased home. Certainly an interesting prospect since he said that he was interested in buying something else for his new space. I went and helped him decide where to hang some pieces that certainly weren't of my taste. Your article reminded me of my next dilemma. To paint something for him of a subject matter that I wan't familiar with....the arches at Cabo San Lucas. They are an iconic landmark, but not one that I have seen personally or taken pictures of. I downloaded several from the internet....against my better judgement since it is not one of my principal theories. I usually have to take the photos myself to successfully paint a scene. However, I was willing to bend my routine slightly even though we hadn't decided on a price. I did some quick acrylic sketches on paper and sent them off for his review. I hadn't seemed to satisfy his request and he said that he would take some photos on his trip to the location in the next week's visit. Well, was I not surprised that he found something there to bring home to hang over his fireplace? Not especially, since I had a sneaking suspicion that was going to happen. But, thankfully, I was off the hook painting something that I knew probably wouldn't satisfy him or me!
Blog
A Gift
A gift. When I buy a gift, I think about what that person would like. Sometimes that person’s taste is so different from mine, that I am challenged because I will not purchase anything that I don’t like. But, I adjust and often go for simple or utilitarian and hopefully please the recipient.
When creating a painting, I really don’t know who to please. I am not sure who the potential recipient is. And, even if my collectors’ demographic were clearly defined, would I be willing to compromise my art? Would I want to create something that I don’t like?
I have been tossing these issues around for some time. I gained some insight upon reading an article suggesting that a clear mission and understanding of one’s aesthetics would draw the buying public. I am not sure that is true. However, without a target population, I realized that, by default, I must tend to my personal and artistic requirements. At least, by articulating my artistic mission and aesthetics, I would remain on the path of authenticity.
So…as fast as I could type, I created these two lists:
my mission
to do what I am good at
to play with color
to play with paint
to simplify the world
to trust the process
to also have control
to offer something that is unique
to fill a niche
to leave a legacy
to do something worthwhile
to create art that I would buy
to realize my aesthetics
my aesthetics
expressive
realistic
colorful
good technique
interesting
unusual point of view
no kitch, no gimmicks
painterly
people
The list amazed me. I hardly had to think. In reviewing the list, I had to give a special nod to: to create art that I would buy and interesting. Although clarity of purpose may not bring the public, it will be personally rewarding. A gift to myself.
